Why is everyone calling for a LB?

[dalemurphy]

Okay, the problem I have with your assessment of priorities is that it ignores the reality of salary cap economics and value.

You have to look at how money has already been distributed on the team, what is make-do function and what is not.

Look at the NY Giants. Two years ago, with Strahan, Tuck, Osi Umenyiora all under contract the Giants spent their first round pick on Kiwanuka... By the way, they won the superbowl the following season.

The Giants this season, spent more money on Chris Canty and Rocky Benard, add them to the above mentioned group of DEs and to Brandon Toefield and Fred Robbins.

I would argue that if you have a lot of money invested in a bad player, it's irrelavent what position he plays. Simply put, he's dead money. That bad contract or wasted draftpick is going to adversely affect the team as a whole and can't/shouldn't be isolated to one segment of the team. So, we have about $8 million under this year's cap tied up into TJ and Weaver. That sucks but it doesn't change the fact that we still need to improve at DT. And, if the philosophy of the team is to build from the line of scrimmage and then out from there, as an organization I may make a calculated gamble that I can patch together adecent unit at LB or at CB and focus on finally solving our issues on the DL.

 

[BigBull17]

Okay, the problem I have with your assessment of priorities is that it ignores the reality of salary cap economics and value.

You have to look at how money has already been distributed on the team, what is make-do function and what is not.

Safety is not a position you typically draft in the first round moneywise--unless you have a guaranteed lock guy you can draft. Would I love to finally see solid safety play from the Texans? Yes. Do I think there is a safety in this draft who could be an impact player for the Texans? I dunno but it sure would be nice. I think think all the defensive play for the Texans has sucked--getting an impact player in linebacker is likely going to make a bigger difference than getting an impact player at safety.

Backup running back though a need is not something you want to pay a lot of salary cap money to so yes the Texans are going to get a free agent and a draft pick, but it would blow me away if it were higher than the third round.

C/G- I think you are a little harsh on Briesel based on where he came from. I've talked to a number of people who do analysis of line work who actually were pretty happy with his play. Would I like an upgrade at Center? Would I like to see more depth Sure. But the offense has already demonstrated that they can make-do with what they have. The defense is a catastrophe of gigantic proportions--we have no idea whether this staff can turn it around because they haven't been able to show much to demonstrate that they can.

DE-Do you really want to spend even more first round money at DE?

DT-This is a crap DT draft at the top.

CB-You can never get enough quality CBs in the AFC South but maybe there isn't good value where the Texans would be drafting.

I would like an upgrade at just about every position on the field but you have to pick and choose what you can do based on salary cap and triage of what is your most crucial issues and whether this draft is a one that can fix that issue.

Great points all around. I'm not a fan of the Dlinemen in this draft. A big run stuffer would be nice, but that comes in the later half of the draft.

 

[dalemurphy]

While its not totally fair to compare 3-4 LB's to 4-3 Lb's, the fact that we have 4 sacks as a whole unit is very pathetic. VERY. Its hard to be that inept at rushing the passer. When you watch them blitz, it makes you want to cry because you know they have no chance at doing anything. Its even worse when you think about our starting LB's returning 2 sacks in a 16 game season. 2!!!!

Count the number of blitzes. Lawrence Taylor is getting through a season in his prime with more than 2 sacks if he's never called on to blitz.

By the way, I agree that the defense was pathetic and that the LBs need to make more plays. HOwever, I happen to believe that the staff changes will allow that to happen. Everyone was so gungho about blaming Richard Smith for the putrid defense but now that he's gone, nobody wants to acknowledge that the defense had more talent than was displayed last year.

I think we have 5 LBs on the roster right now that are good enough to play in the NFL and not be exposed. I simply don't see that kind of quality depth on much of the rest of the roster. So, even if you think Diles is a below average starter, the existence of Bentley and Thompson and the tape of Diles last year making a fair amount of plays mitigates against spending the team's top resources on that position... not while Kasey Studdard, Ryan Moats, and Brandon Harrison are primary backups- which means we should plan on seeing them all on the field for an extensive period of time. Who wants that?

 

[Goldensilence]

I think it's not that simple. Until we get a real D-Line, everyone is gonna suffer.

TJ and Amobi play on skates. I consider them 2 more offensive linemen because the LB's have to figure out how to get around these 2 guys if they want to make a play. I'm sure that hasn't helped much with the LB injury situation either, considering they keep getting driven into the LB's knees by opposing offensive lines.

Count me in with Dale.

I think the problem with TJ and Amobi has been what they have been asked to do. It has gone against their strengths which is their quickness and ability to get in the backfield. Instead they were asked to play the role of standup tackles and to add to the cluster**** was bad Lber play outside of DeMeco Ryans.

A lot of people are going to point to better defensive play with Dunta's return which I don't agrue against. We had to be more comfortable with his presence in the secondary. I think once Bentley and Adibi were inserted into the lineup we immediately upgraded the team speed. I don't mind if we're a bit undersized long as the team makes up for it with speed and gang tackling. If they can fly I'm good. Being aggressive is a pretty nebulous statement, what I'm hoping for is something along the lines of fly to the ball, gang tackle, and try to force fumbles.

Dale I think what people are still trying to reinterate a thousand times over is looking at the 15 spot barring us getting lucky and someone top tier slipping to us what are our options at 15? It'd be great getting another trade back but there's no guarantee of it. LB is a position that could use an upgrade. Much as I like Adibi couldn't stay healthy this year but then again it was jsut his rookie campaign. I'm not against Diles but he lacks sideline to sideline speed while he might not be terrible I see his seeing being a better Morlon Greenwood. Best value for this team if we stay at 15 is linebacker whehter that is Cushing, taking Matthews or Laurenitis a little early. Of those 3 IMO Laurentitis has the least amount of questions and plays with great intensity which again IMO is something the defense could use.

 

[Specnatz]

Look at the NY Giants. Two years ago, with Strahan, Tuck, Osi Umenyiora all under contract the Giants spent their first round pick on Kiwanuka... By the way, they won the superbowl the following season.

The Giants this season, spent more money on Chris Canty and Rocky Benard, add them to the above mentioned group of DEs and to Brandon Toefield and Fred Robbins.

I would argue that if you have a lot of money invested in a bad player, it's irrelavent what position he plays. Simply put, he's dead money. That bad contract or wasted draftpick is going to adversely affect the team as a whole and can't/shouldn't be isolated to one segment of the team. So, we have about $8 million under this year's cap tied up into TJ and Weaver. That sucks but it doesn't change the fact that we still need to improve at DT. And, if the philosophy of the team is to build from the line of scrimmage and then out from there, as an organization I may make a calculated gamble that I can patch together adecent unit at LB or at CB and focus on finally solving our issues on the DL.

You do realize that they drafted Kiwanuka to play LB and that he was moved to DE lst year because of the retirement of Strahan and the injury to Osi. So that kinda blows your argument up with in regards to him.

By the way, I agree that the defense was pathetic and that the LBs need to make more plays. HOwever, I happen to believe that the staff changes will allow that to happen. Everyone was so gungho about blaming Richard Smith for the putrid defense but now that he's gone, nobody wants to acknowledge that the defense had more talent than was displayed last year.

I think we have 5 LBs on the roster right now that are good enough to play in the NFL and not be exposed. I simply don't see that kind of quality depth on much of the rest of the roster. So, even if you think Diles is a below average starter, the existence of Bentley and Thompson and the tape of Diles last year making a fair amount of plays mitigates against spending the team's top resources on that position... not while Kasey Studdard, Ryan Moats, and Brandon Harrison are primary backups- which means we should plan on seeing them all on the field for an extensive period of time. Who wants that?

Just because people want upgrades at a position you do not then we are not acknowledging talent, Hugh? People blamed Smith for his schemes and dropping a DE into coverage all the time and not trying to cover up some of the lack of talent and letting a player get repeatedly torched, ala Faggins one on one with no safety help over the top.


So you want good enough not anything better than that?

 

[beerlover]

English can't play for us either. You don't seem to comprehend that the OLB in a 3-4 has basically nothing to do with any LB position in a 4-3 defense. Also, it's silly to compare sacks as a measuring stick for their success. First, the goal of our 4-3 is for the Dl to make the plays. Second, I'll grant you that Richard Smith was a fool and our defense was hideous last year while Pittsburgh's was awesome. That being said, I don't think the primary reason for the disparity between the two defenses was the LB play. I tend to think it was Dick Labeau vs. Richard Smtih.

Most great 403 defenses only pick up a few sacks per season from their LBs. All four Steeler LBs will rush the QB much more than any Texan LB will... it's just a difference in schemes. Perhaps you're in love with 3-4 defenses but that won't change the fact that we won't have one.

"fail to comprehend the differences in defensive schemes" I doubt that. expect more production regardless of scheme, you betcha. Did we all suddenly forget our history lesson on the 3-4 defense with Dom Capers? doubt that too, so don't come in here with blanket statements indicting fans that they don't understand the scheme, or the personel your the one who asked the question I'm just one to respond back who totaly disagrees with both your assertion that LB is OK & that a pass rush is not to be expected just because Frank Bush runs a 4-3.

mess with bull get the horn thats my new motto

 

[dalemurphy]

"fail to comprehend the differences in defensive schemes" I doubt that. expect more production regardless of scheme, you betcha. Did we all suddenly forget our history lesson on the 3-4 defense with Dom Capers? doubt that too, so don't come in here with blanket statements indicting fans that they don't understand the scheme, or the personel your the one who asked the question I'm just one to respond back who totaly disagrees with both your assertion that LB is OK & that a pass rush is not to be expected just because Frank Bush runs a 4-3.

mess with bull get the horn thats my new motto

If you are using sacks as a measuring stick when comparing outside linebackers in a 3-4 to those in a 4-3, you either don't get it or you are intentionally trying to mislead those that don't get it in order to "win" an argument. Obviously, sacks aren't the way to measure production at the LB position in a 4-3- certainly not in a Richard Smith- bend and then break defense.

 

[dalemurphy]

You do realize that they drafted Kiwanuka to play LB and that he was moved to DE lst year because of the retirement of Strahan and the injury to Osi. So that kinda blows your argument up with in regards to him.




Just because people want upgrades at a position you do not then we are not acknowledging talent, Hugh? People blamed Smith for his schemes and dropping a DE into coverage all the time and not trying to cover up some of the lack of talent and letting a player get repeatedly torched, ala Faggins one on one with no safety help over the top.


So you want good enough not anything better than that?

you are totally misrepresenting me. I would love for the team to get better at LB. My point is that we better make sure safety, rb, and center/guard positions get addressed in the draft or our season will be ruined! If we miss on a LB in the draft or don't take one, I think we can still have an excellent season. That's all I'm saying- We can win with Diles, Adibi, Bentley, CThompson, Coley. We can not win if Kasey Studdard starts 8 games and we can't win if BHarrison ends up starting at safety. And, not only will we struggle to win but we will jeopardize Steve Slaton's career, if we don't upgrade over Ryan Moats at RB.

 

[HoustonFrog]

I haven't read the other pages..have been out of town and gone from here...but my main reason is I honestly think you can extend the career of DeMeco by adding a true thumper at MLB and moving him outside. Many people dispute this by saying that DeMeco isn't fast enough to then rush and get to the QB but I think that is a false assumption and his football skills are superior enough to be able to situationally get there. He can be freed up from the larger guys inside who are wearing on a smaller body. Not only this but it seems that LB is always one of the safer immediate impact positions for the first round. Guys like Willis and others have stepped up. Yes there are busts but for the most part they add a dimension to the defense. The Texans seem to have a small group and I always would like to add to it. I just think when you look at the 1st round D at 15 or lower, LB will be your impact position where you might reach at D-line or safety or DB. In fact I'd say you coukld go WR/KR or LB and still get a talent. Its the ability to not reach for a specific need and just add playmakers.

 

[Specnatz]

you are totally misrepresenting me. I would love for the team to get better at LB. My point is that we better make sure safety, rb, and center/guard positions get addressed in the draft or our season will be ruined! If we miss on a LB in the draft or don't take one, I think we can still have an excellent season. That's all I'm saying- We can win with Diles, Adibi, Bentley, CThompson, Coley. We can not win if Kasey Studdard starts 8 games and we can't win if BHarrison ends up starting at safety. And, not only will we struggle to win but we will jeopardize Steve Slaton's career, if we don't upgrade over Ryan Moats at RB.

We do have 8 draft picks, and with only having two RBs on the roster (I will not count Chris Brown), chances are we will have more than that by the time OTA start. We also only have 3 Safeties on the roster, 2 SS and 1 FS, so there is a safe bet that will change as well.

RB will be done just not in the first two rounds because only a team that is loaded would draft a back-up RB in the first. Meaning a team that is drafting in the bottom of the first, like the Steelers.

 

[BigBull17]

you are totally misrepresenting me. I would love for the team to get better at LB. My point is that we better make sure safety, rb, and center/guard positions get addressed in the draft or our season will be ruined! If we miss on a LB in the draft or don't take one, I think we can still have an excellent season. That's all I'm saying- We can win with Diles, Adibi, Bentley, CThompson, Coley. We can not win if Kasey Studdard starts 8 games and we can't win if BHarrison ends up starting at safety. And, not only will we struggle to win but we will jeopardize Steve Slaton's career, if we don't upgrade over Ryan Moats at RB.

Even on their worst days, our C/G position is better than out LB's. Our oline started 16 games, and was 3rd in total yards with two turn over machines at QB. Hmm. Slaton is a 1000+ rusher, who can block ok and is great out of the back field. WIlson and Fergison were ok, and Barber showed alot considering he was a 6th round pick. Dline has alot of money tied up in it, and 3 of our starters are a lock, due to money/talent. Everything is too unproven at Line Backer. One guy plays in 8 games and misses time with injuries, the other misses toward the end of the season with a broken leg. The other guys are jorneymen back-up's. We need a little more talent in out LB's, so Diles and Adibi can be WLB/back ups.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

you are totally misrepresenting me. I would love for the team to get better at LB. My point is that we better make sure safety, rb, and center/guard positions get addressed in the draft or our season will be ruined! If we miss on a LB in the draft or don't take one, I think we can still have an excellent season. That's all I'm saying- We can win with Diles, Adibi, Bentley, CThompson, Coley. We can not win if Kasey Studdard starts 8 games and we can't win if BHarrison ends up starting at safety. And, not only will we struggle to win but we will jeopardize Steve Slaton's career, if we don't upgrade over Ryan Moats at RB.

So basically, there's no reason for the discussion to continue.

I fully expect most of those positions to be addressed in the draft. Just not in the first round. I think most of the people in the discussion feel the same way.

With the first pick, they're going to go after whatever position has the greatest value depending on the picks available. And that's probably going to be LB unless they can trade down. But later on, I fully expect them to pick up an interior lineman, a complimentary running back, a rush de, and a safety.

 

[dalemurphy]

Even on their worst days, our C/G position is better than out LB's. Our oline started 16 games, and was 3rd in total yards with two turn over machines at QB. Hmm. Slaton is a 1000+ rusher, who can block ok and is great out of the back field. WIlson and Fergison were ok, and Barber showed alot considering he was a 6th round pick. Dline has alot of money tied up in it, and 3 of our starters are a lock, due to money/talent. Everything is too unproven at Line Backer. One guy plays in 8 games and misses time with injuries, the other misses toward the end of the season with a broken leg. The other guys are jorneymen back-up's. We need a little more talent in out LB's, so Diles and Adibi can be WLB/back ups.

When Pitts gets injured and is replaced by Studdard, remember that statement. Because, as the roster stands now, losing Pitts will quickly cost us Matt Schaub and Orlavsky as well. Studdard may be the worst Olineman being employed in the NFL since Jimmy Herndon. It's simply ignorant to say that we have more talent at C/G than we do at LB. There is just no way that's true. OF the 5 interior olinemen (Pitts, Myers, Briesel, Studdard, White), only Pitts was acquired for more than a 6th round pick. Meanwhile, Demeco Ryans, Xavier Adibi, Bentley, and C.Thompson were all drafted in the first four rounds and are clearly very good athletes.

 

[Specnatz]

When Pitts gets injured and is replaced by Studdard, remember that statement. Because, as the roster stands now, losing Pitts will quickly cost us Matt Schaub and Orlavsky as well. Studdard may be the worst Olineman being employed in the NFL since Jimmy Herndon. It's simply ignorant to say that we have more talent at C/G than we do at LB. There is just no way that's true. OF the 5 interior olinemen (Pitts, Myers, Briesel, Studdard, White), only Pitts was acquired for more than a 6th round pick. Meanwhile, Demeco Ryans, Xavier Adibi, Bentley, and C.Thompson were all drafted in the first four rounds and are clearly very good athletes.

Why does it matter what round they were drafted in? Just because a player was drafted in a certain round does not mean he is a starter or the other way around. Prime example ... TJ.

I think you are putting to much emphasis into that.

 

[wags]

Studdard may be the worst Olineman being employed in the NFL since Jimmy Herndon.

Man, that's a kick in the nutsack!!

 

[BigBull17]

When Pitts gets injured and is replaced by Studdard, remember that statement. Because, as the roster stands now, losing Pitts will quickly cost us Matt Schaub and Orlavsky as well. Studdard may be the worst Olineman being employed in the NFL since Jimmy Herndon. It's simply ignorant to say that we have more talent at C/G than we do at LB. There is just no way that's true. OF the 5 interior olinemen (Pitts, Myers, Briesel, Studdard, White), only Pitts was acquired for more than a 6th round pick. Meanwhile, Demeco Ryans, Xavier Adibi, Bentley, and C.Thompson were all drafted in the first four rounds and are clearly very good athletes.

I'm not oblivious to the fact that we need more depth at OG/C, but our linebacker's are neck in neck. Claiming Bently and Thompson were hign draft picks is irrelevent. They were busts who didnt pan out. They are special teamers who can give you a half here, a game there. Diles and Adibi are very unproven, considering they have less than one full season under their belts. Its ignorant to assume they can be healthy for a whole year when they havent.

 

[GP]

you are totally misrepresenting me. I would love for the team to get better at LB. My point is that we better make sure safety, rb, and center/guard positions get addressed in the draft or our season will be ruined! If we miss on a LB in the draft or don't take one, I think we can still have an excellent season. That's all I'm saying- We can win with Diles, Adibi, Bentley, CThompson, Coley. We can not win if Kasey Studdard starts 8 games and we can't win if BHarrison ends up starting at safety. And, not only will we struggle to win but we will jeopardize Steve Slaton's career, if we don't upgrade over Ryan Moats at RB.

You've done a good job of making sure everyone knows that, Dale.

You're getting hung up on ROUND ONE. The reasons why so many people are thinking LB in ROUND ONE is because of the nature of ROUND ONE. This has been made clear by lots of other people. Outside of Andre Johnson, I don't know of any other Texans ROUND ONE draft picks that have been easily spotted from a mile away (Excluding Carr and Mario who were locked up pre-draft). So a good deal of us, here, are going to be thrilled or neutral or puzzled or extremely angry with what we do in ROUND ONE.

I think I can see which one of those attitudes you're going to display if Smithiak doesn't adhere to what you think is the top priority. If you expect a Safety or DB our first pick...you might need a chair and a deflector shield between your remote and the TV.

There are EIGHT draft picks, and not all of them can be a first rounder, OK? Rounds 1-4 give us a great chance at finding talent AND necessary position help all at the same time.

You seem to be focusing on converting people to your ideas, and there are some parts of your ideas that are easily in-line with everyone else's ideas. But there is a sense of fatalism in the tone of your argument. "Our season will be ruined!" Come on, Dale...that's a job for Gary Kubiak and he usually takes care of that within the first 6 weeks of each season.

Relax a little. We hear what you're saying.

As long as the guy we get is a guy with obvious TALENT, and not some Jabroni we've over-reached for, I don't give a crap what we get. Odds, however, are pointing to a LB. And yet again: It only takes one or two teams ahead of us to completely blow up ANY scenario that even Smithiak has prepared to follow.

 

[dalemurphy]

Why does it matter what round they were drafted in? Just because a player was drafted in a certain round does not mean he is a starter or the other way around. Prime example ... TJ.

I think you are putting to much emphasis into that.

It's a good indicator of talent- not production but talent. I'm trying to figure out how to show someone that C. Thompson and Adibi are more talented than Kasey Studdard and Mike Briesel... It's so ridiculoous that I'm a bit befuddled how to do it.

For some reason, the fact that we had zero injuries on the oline last year has this fan base confident that trend will continue indefinitely.

 

[Specnatz]

It's a good indicator of talent- not production but talent. I'm trying to figure out how to show someone that C. Thompson and Adibi are more talented than Kasey Studdard and Mike Briesel... It's so ridiculoous that I'm a bit befuddled how to do it.

For some reason, the fact that we had zero injuries on the oline last year has this fan base confident that trend will continue indefinitely.

You are being very Moriarty with injuries though. You have brought it up about a few positions.

Petey Faggins talented?

 

[GP]

It's a good indicator of talent- not production but talent. I'm trying to figure out how to show someone that C. Thompson and Adibi are more talented than Kasey Studdard and Mike Briesel... It's so ridiculoous that I'm a bit befuddled how to do it.

For some reason, the fact that we had zero injuries on the oline last year has this fan base confident that trend will continue indefinitely.

All four of those guys, IMO, are on an equal playing field in terms of what they mean to this team. Easily replaceable, but are kept because they fit for now and have good, reasonable attitudes about their roles here.

With our shaky defensive backfield, and a d-line that's struggling to get adequate pressure on a QB (frequently), it's not grasping at straws to say that this team needs talent in the middle of the defense: To help the line, and to help the backfield.

We've gone down this road so many times, Dale, that it is quite frankly befuddling everyone else why you cannot see the opposite side of the coin here.

Truth be told: As Rick Smith has said..."We're a ways away, several years of draft classes, from being where we need to be."

It ain't all going to come together after one draft class. We need help in a lot of areas, and there's only one ROUND ONE pick every year for us. It would not be surprising if Smithiak took something other than what any of us are expecting them to take.

Can we stop this now?

 

[nunusguy]

John McClain finished a "chat-session" earlier this afternoon and everybody over there was gah gah eyed over USC backer Clay Matthews, including McClain himself. Fact is a lot of people have Matthews right up there with his
Trojan LB teammates Rey-Reey & Cushing ?
OK, here's my question: if Matthews is that good, how come he started for the Trojan D only in his senior year while the other 2 LBs started multi-years, actually both for 3 years if I'm not mistaken ?

 

[TexanAddict]

John McClain finished a "chat-session" earlier this afternoon and everybody over there was gah gah eyed over USC backer Clay Matthews, including McClain himself. Fact is a lot of people have Matthews right up there with his
Trojan LB teammates Rey-Reey & Cushing ?
OK, here's my question: if Matthews is that good, how come he started for the Trojan D only in his senior year while the other 2 LBs started multi-years, actually both for 3 years if I'm not mistaken ?

The reason McClain is drooling over this kid is because he has totally lost touch with the current landscape of the NFL and his only connections are old Oilers/Titans buddies. If we were to draft Clay Matthews this would give McClain the ability to write article after article...comparing Clay to his father and uncle (Bruce), and what's it like playing on the team that your uncle is now a coach of, and hey Bruce what's it like coaching your nephew, hey, let's relive some more of the Oiler's glory days...and so on.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

Well you do realize USC consistently produces very good talent, especially at the LB position. Matthews walked onto the football team in 2004. During his career at USC he had to battle with Lofa Tatupu, Oscar Lua, Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing.

Some players develop at different paces. Matthews, to me, seems like a guy that has had to work hard over the years and finally got his shot late in 2007 and during 2008. He made the most of it. Now he's entering the NFL and could potentially be developing more.

The number of starts a guy has had during college isn't usually that important to me. What is important is what kind of experience they have. That comes from starts, reserve roles, special teams and just actual playing time on the field.

Who cares if he couldn't start in place of Keith Rivers, Lofa Tatupu, Rey Rey or Cushing. If he's at the level they are now and "just getting there" by some peoples thoughts, maybe he has more upside heading into the pros.

 

[GP]

The reason McClain is drooling over this kid is because he has totally lost touch with the current landscape of the NFL and his only connections are old Oilers/Titans buddies. If we were to draft Clay Matthews this would give McClain the ability to write article after article...comparing Clay to his father and uncle (Bruce), and what's it like playing on the team that your uncle is now a coach of, and hey Bruce what's it like coaching your nephew, hey, let's relive some more of the Oiler's glory days...and so on.

LOL.

So true.

Good impersonation, even though was just text.

 

[leebigeztx]

I like Barwin because he was a ex te so he'll be good in coverage and if you want to blitz him as a joker or flex as a 3-4, he can come off the edge. His versitility is one of the main reasons why I think the texans should draft the guy late 1st if they move down. He's in the Chris Gocong/Julian Peterson/Mathuis Kiwi mold. A tall,rangy, athletic slm/de.

 

[mussop]

I was going to start a similar thread a few days ago. Never got to it. I really dont care what position we draft as long as the value is good. I dont give a flying patooty about how much we have invested in a certain position or if the player plays a position of need. As long as the player can come in and contribute relative to where we take him then we are going to be improving our team.

Trade downs arent as easy as some people think. If we cant trade down and there is a no value at a need position it would be stupid to reach. At this stage in this teams development we CANNOT afford to reach. Its funny how people here decide certain positions are a weakness and start this nonsense of drafting each round based on biggest need first. There are only so many core players on this team. Schaub, Johnson, Mario, Ryans, Slaton and OD are the only ones who we should not be looking to upgrade.

In the first and second round we need someone who will come in and either start or contribute at a high level. If we accomplish that I will be happy no matter what position he plays.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

Someone who pretty much gets the draft. thank you.

I was going to start a similar thread a few days ago. Never got to it. I really dont care what position we draft as long as the value is good. I dont give a flying patooty about how much we have invested in a certain position or if the player plays a position of need. As long as the player can come in and contribute relative to where we take him then we are going to be improving our team.

Trade downs arent as easy as some people think. If we cant trade down and there is a no value at a need position it would be stupid to reach. At this stage in this teams development we CANNOT afford to reach. Its funny how people here decide certain positions are a weakness and start this nonsense of drafting each round based on biggest need first. There are only so many core players on this team. Schaub, Johnson, Mario, Ryans, Slaton and OD are the only ones who we should not be looking to upgrade.

In the first and second round we need someone who will come in and either start or contribute at a high level. If we accomplish that I will be happy no matter what position he plays.

 

[ChampionTexan]

Well you do realize USC consistently produces very good talent, especially at the LB position. Matthews walked onto the football team in 2004. During his career at USC he had to battle with Lofa Tatupu, Oscar Lua, Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing.

Some players develop at different paces. Matthews, to me, seems like a guy that has had to work hard over the years and finally got his shot late in 2007 and during 2008. He made the most of it. Now he's entering the NFL and could potentially be developing more.

The number of starts a guy has had during college isn't usually that important to me. What is important is what kind of experience they have. That comes from starts, reserve roles, special teams and just actual playing time on the field.

Who cares if he couldn't start in place of Keith Rivers, Lofa Tatupu, Rey Rey or Cushing. If he's at the level they are now and "just getting there" by some peoples thoughts, maybe he has more upside heading into the pros.

He also weighed 166 pounds when he walked on, so you could say he literally had to grow into being a starter.

 

[HoustonFrog]

I was going to start a similar thread a few days ago. Never got to it. I really dont care what position we draft as long as the value is good. I dont give a flying patooty about how much we have invested in a certain position or if the player plays a position of need. As long as the player can come in and contribute relative to where we take him then we are going to be improving our team.

Trade downs arent as easy as some people think. If we cant trade down and there is a no value at a need position it would be stupid to reach. At this stage in this teams development we CANNOT afford to reach. Its funny how people here decide certain positions are a weakness and start this nonsense of drafting each round based on biggest need first. There are only so many core players on this team. Schaub, Johnson, Mario, Ryans, Slaton and OD are the only ones who we should not be looking to upgrade.

In the first and second round we need someone who will come in and either start or contribute at a high level. If we accomplish that I will be happy no matter what position he plays.

Well said. I expressed similar sentiments the page before. You take the best bet, no matter position. From where we pick, LB may well be it because of depth in this draft. LBs also tend to fair well in adjusting to the game and adding a presence. But if the best guy is a WR/KR or a DT, take the best guy and stop reaching. "Potential" is a dirty word.

 

[nunusguy]

Who cares if he couldn't start in place of Keith Rivers, Lofa Tatupu, Rey Rey or Cushing. If he's at the level they are now and "just getting there" by some peoples thoughts, maybe he has more upside heading into the pros.

I dunno but I think it's a fair and relevant question to ask why Matthews couldn't crack the starting lineup until his senior year while all of that time the other 2 USC LBs were good enough even as sophomores & juniors to play and start and star. In other words if not for the attrition of Trojan LBs by Matthews senior year would he still be watching from the sidelines ?

 

[TimeKiller]

I dunno but I think it's a fair and relevant question to ask why Matthews couldn't crack the starting lineup until his senior year while all of that time the other 2 USC LBs were good enough even as sophomores & juniors to play and start and star. In other words if not for the attrition of Trojan LBs by Matthews senior year would he still be watching from the sidelines ?

I don't see how well they played 2 or 3 years ago is relevant in a discussion of how good they are now. I want the best guy now, preferably the best guy later too but that's all speculation.

 

[nunusguy]

I don't see how well they played 2 or 3 years ago is relevant in a discussion of how good they are now. I want the best guy now, preferably the best guy later too but that's all speculation.

Let me put it another way, had the guys who'd been keeping Matthews off
of the field because they were better than him not graduated by his senior
year, perhaps Matthews would still be on the sidelines. In other words maybe
Matthews never really played his way into a starting job (never got better),
his competition at USC just graduated/completed their eligibility.

 

[TimeKiller]

Let me put it another way, had the guys who'd been keeping Matthews off
of the field because they were better than him not graduated by his senior
year, perhaps Matthews would still be on the sidelines. In other words maybe
Matthews never really played his way into a starting job (never got better),
his competition at USC just graduated/completed their eligibility.

Well, I'm not much for college football outside of few games here and there and the draft but hasn't USC had one of the elite defenses in college football for a couple years? I'd say the competition was pretty much similar if so.

If that were the case though, I'd say a lot more people would be okeeday about getting him in the 5th or 6th round like the other USC LBer who's name I can't remember but is still good enough as a backup to be drafted in the NFL.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I dunno but I think it's a fair and relevant question to ask why Matthews couldn't crack the starting lineup until his senior year while all of that time the other 2 USC LBs were good enough even as sophomores & juniors to play and start and star. In other words if not for the attrition of Trojan LBs by Matthews senior year would he still be watching from the sidelines ?

I'll agree to an extent. It is a question that should be asked (definitely not ignored) but I don't think it's that big of deal. Matthews pretty much played in every game for the last 4 years. Given, mostly on special teams but it's not like he was just handing out water on the sidelines. I also don't think he really fully developed into the athlete he is until recently. As ChampionTexan said about his weight. I knew he was light but not that small!

Mark Sanchez is being talked about as a top 10 pick. He only got a few starts his junior year because John David Booty got injured. Once Booty recoverd, Sanchez immediately became a back up again. He didn't become the full time starter until his senior season when Booty had graduated. How's this guy gonna be a top 10 pick if he couldn't even beat out John David Booty!?

 

[threetoedpete]

BPA! (other than QB): that would include someone like:

Michael Oher
Michael Jenkins
Vontae Davis
J. Maclin
Everette Brown
Unger
Chris Wells
Moreno

http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2009/03/what_texans_starter_would_you_1.html


Michael Oher: Would love to have him....Start him at guard work him out to a tackle as he got settled in...Not a bad pick. But then....what do you do with Pitts who had arguably his best season in terms of getting out ahead of plays and making blocks on the second level ? Or do you start him at the other guard RG....a position he hasn't played before ? Also it is very bad draft philosophy to redraft positions in back to back drafts. Duane Brown is our Left tackle. As long as he is healthy, he's your starter.

Malcome Jenkins. Safest pick on the board. If he bust out as a CB he has the numbers which suggest he'll be a top five safety after three years. I believe however, they have their safeties. They have their corners. And they will draft one.....you won't see him on the Field as a starter....baring a series of injuries....meaning multiple and they're dang desperate....untill the sixth game....Why....that has been their pattern the last three years. They don't like rushing young DBs into the war. They would do the same thing with Jenkins.


Davis At the fifteen ?....nope.

Macklin....sorry old miss....nope . We have our number 2 & 3...True he could come in and immediately up grade the ball security on punt returns.....But he has marginal hands. And he hasn't a clue how to run the Denver WCO Tree. And...it would take him a couple of years to learn it well enough to displace Walter. Not being mean...that's just the way it is.....the staff has this year. They don't have a couple of seasons to groom Macklin. I believe a better long shot....if he made it to fifteen would be Harvin. You don't have to be an Einstein to learn how to pick up a NFL blitz.

Everett Brown....If he fell this far....great pick from my point of view. McClain is saying no way Jose on the DE in the first. Brown falls this far, Kinda hard to believe they wouldn't bite. Now whether he knows something...I believe he does in terms of the back up Rb....(he is going way out of his way not to say anything on RBs past the third and bust his relationship with Kubes), there is no doubt he loves Mathews @ the fifteen.

Chris Wells: NFW. I'll let you look up McClain's blog today and see the term he used for geranium heads who keep posting this crap.

I like Unger....McClain seems to think they may take one. C/G Type. Unger covers more position than my favorite Erick wood... so I couldn't argue with the pick. You would expect a trade back to the bottom of the first round if they had Unger Targeted.
You would think though the priority would be to drag this putrid defense out of the cellar, before they would draft a back up guy for the o-line.


Moreno would work....but you move Steve Slaton back to the third down back. and Kubiak has cut guys....but he's never screwed a guy who out preformed for him even beyond his realistic expectations. I don't believe a RB pick in the first two rounds... McClain thinks it's possible for one in the third....

Lastly it'd be nice to post this once again

and mean it.


http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2009/03/what_texans_starter_would_you_1.html

 

[mussop]

Michael Oher: Would love to have him....Start him at guard work him out to a tackle as he got settled in...Not a bad pick. But then....what do you do with Pitts who had arguably his best season in terms of getting out ahead of plays and making blocks on the second level ? Or do you start him at the other guard RG....a position he hasn't played before ? Also it is very bad draft philosophy to redraft positions in back to back drafts. Duane Brown is our Left tackle. As long as he is healthy, he's your starter.

Malcome Jenkins. Safest pick on the board. If he bust out as a CB he has the numbers which suggest he'll be a top five safety after three years. I believe however, they have their safeties. They have their corners. And they will draft one.....you won't see him on the Field as a starter....baring a series of injuries....meaning multiple and they're dang desperate....untill the sixth game....Why....that has been their pattern the last three years. They don't like young rushing DBs into the war. They would do the same thing with Jenkins.


Davis At the fifteen ?....nope.

Macklin....sorry old miss....nope . We have our number 2 & 3...True he could come in and immediately up grade the ball security on punt returns.....But he has marginal hands. And he hasn't a clue how to run the Denver WCO Tree. And...it would take him a couple of years to learn it well enough to displace Walter. Not being mean...that's just the way it is.....the staff has this year. They don't have a couple of seasons to groom Macklin. I believe a better long shot....if he made it to fifteen would be Harvin. You don't have to be an Einstein to learn how to pick up a NFL blitz.

Everett Brown....If he fell this far....great pick from my point of view. McClain is saying no way Jose on the DE in the first. Brown falls this far, Kinda hard to believe they wouldn't bite. Now whether he knows something...I believe he does in terms of the back up Rb....(he is going way out of his way not to say anything on RBs past the third and bust his relationship with Kubes), there is no doubt he loves Mathews @ the fifteen.

Chris Wells: NFW. I'll let you look up McClain's blog today and see the term he used for geranium heads who keep posting this crap.

I like Unger....McClain seems to think they may take one. C/G Type. Unger covers more position than my favorite Erick wood... so I couldn't argue with the pick. You would expect a trade back to the bottom of the first round if they had Unger Targeted.
You would think though the priority would be to drag this putrid defense out of the cellar, before they would draft a back up guy for the o-line.

Moreno would work....but you move Steve Slaton back to the third down back. and Kubiak has cut guys....but he's never screwed a guy who out preformed for him even beyond his realistic expectations. I don't believe a RB pick in the first two rounds... McClain thinks it's possible for one in the third....

Lastly it'd be nice to post this once again

and mean it.


http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2009/03/what_texans_starter_would_you_1.html

You think Unger would be a backup? I dont!

 

[nunusguy]

Mark Sanchez is being talked about as a top 10 pick. He only got a few starts his junior year because John David Booty got injured. Once Booty recoverd, Sanchez immediately became a back up again. He didn't become the full time starter until his senior season when Booty had graduated. How's this guy gonna be a top 10 pick if he couldn't even beat out John David Booty!?

Ok, that true. And perhaps Matt Cassel is an even better example in making your point ?

 

[threetoedpete]

You think Unger would be a backup? I dont!

What has the pattern been the last three years at center...even when they were desperate at the center position...Remember the Atlanta game from a couple of years ago ? You know the one where Grady Jackson was throwing the starter around like a rag doll.....and who started the next game ? Same guy.

You've watched now for three seasons mussop ? They do things the way they do things. The only way Unger comes out of camp as the starter...no matter how good you're projecting he does....is if two vets are down and they have no alternative.

 

[dalemurphy]

What has the pattern been the last three years at center...even when they were desperate at the center position...Remember the Atlanta game from a couple of years ago ? You know the one where Grady Jackson was throwing the starter around like a rag doll.....and who started the next game ? Same guy.

You've watched now for three seasons mussop ? They do things the way they do things. The only way Unger comes out of camp as the starter...no matter how good you're projecting he does....is if two vets are down and they have no alternative.

Where do you guys come up with this stuff?

How about Duane Brown be handed the starting job before minicamp?
Demeco Ryans was the starting MLB before the preseason of his rookie year even though they drafted him to play WLB.
Slaton went from a complimentary 3rd down back to the defacto starter in week 2. Now, apparently, the team doesn't even think he needs a backup.
Okoye was a day one starter as a rookie. Mario was a day one starter as a rookie. Dominique Barber made about 5 tackles on special teams last year and he's already been deemed the starting SS.

I can't imagine a more unfounded statement than the one you made above! Maybe I'm just missing the sarcasm? I read it a couple times in context and it seems like you really were trying to assert that this organization is slow to allow rookies the opportunity to start.

 

[Specnatz]

Where do you guys come up with this stuff?

How about Duane Brown be handed the starting job before minicamp?
Demeco Ryans was the starting MLB before the preseason of his rookie year even though they drafted him to play WLB.
Slaton went from a complimentary 3rd down back to the defacto starter in week 2. Now, apparently, the team doesn't even think he needs a backup.
Okoye was a day one starter as a rookie. Mario was a day one starter as a rookie. Dominique Barber made about 5 tackles on special teams last year and he's already been deemed the starting SS.

I can't imagine a more unfounded statement than the one you made above! Maybe I'm just missing the sarcasm? I read it a couple times in context and it seems like you really were trying to assert that this organization is slow to allow rookies the opportunity to start.

Slaton was starting because of injuries and at the moment Moats is his backup. Oh and can we wait until after the draft to say this.

Where do you come up with some of this stuff?

 

[The1ApplePie]

Why about LBs?

Because if you say anything about taking offensive players is either the:

1. I love Kevin Walter, he's the best ever!

or

2. We need defense (despite the fact that all the DEs are one-dimensional and the secondary in this draft is terrible)

Seriously people need to get off the defense. The Texans aren't going to be an elite defensive team. Take your Steel Curtain dreams elsewhere please.

 

[dalemurphy]

Slaton was starting because of injuries and at the moment Moats is his backup. Oh and can we wait until after the draft to say this.

Where do you come up with some of this stuff?

I was responding to the guy that said if Unger was drafted he wouldn't see the field unless two or three other guys got injured, etc... He further suggested that since 2006, the organization consistently held back rookies and preferred to play lesser players that were veterans.

Slaton, when he became the starter, did so with other veterans available to carry the ball and he retained the job even when AGreen pretended to be healthy every 3rd week or so.

 

[DocBar]

Other than D-Ryans, which LB has proven anything on the field? Nobody really

Adibi - Was basically hurt or sick since camp. He looked good once he hit the field, but failed to stay on it. Is he durable enough to play in the NFL?

Diles - Another LB that was decent, but failed to finish healthy. IMO, he's too slow. I think he could be quality depth, but not a starter.

Bentley - He is quality depth. No problems with Bentley at all.

Thompson - Until he can stay on the field, STer at best.

Coley - He impressed me playing 3rd and 4th stringers in the last pre-season game.

IMO, how can we not address LB? To me, the LB position was and has been one of the most inconsistant positions on D.

Here's a snippet of an Alan Burge article about the LB corps. I think the Texans roster is explained nicely in this article.



http://www.examiner.com/x-778-Houston-Texans-Examiner~y2009m3d7-Time-for-a-Texans-roster-checkup

IMHO, Adibi and Diles looked pretty damned good. Diles has a knack for big plays and Adibi was very solid. I don't think you can hang the "injury bug" on either one of them, as of yet. I certainly don't want to see the team reach like they did with TJ. I would rather see the BPA at 15 if we don't have an available player rated there picked if noone wants to trade with us.

I didn't get to watch all the games last year but the ones I did I was tired of constantly watching our LB corp tackling people 4 or 5 yards downfield. I don't know if it was the scheme or talent but I want a LB that will shed a block and crush the RB AT the LOS. having said that, I wouldn't complain if they went after a safety. We helped ourselves in FA on the DL now it is time to get the rest of it in better shape.
The argument about a RB being found later in the draft cheap seems to be pretty acurate. We don't NEED a feature back, just a complimentary one and that shouldn't be too hard to find later on. I wouldn't consider one at this point in the first 2 rounds. Too many needs in the defense.

If our scheme was better, I think you would've seen that. The whole garbage of quick, light DL in a read and react scheme meant that the OL didn't have to double team much more than MW. That freed up OL to engage our LB's, who were usually not put in good position to make plays.

Why about LBs?

Because if you say anything about taking offensive players is either the:

1. I love Kevin Walter, he's the best ever!

or

2. We need defense (despite the fact that all the DEs are one-dimensional and the secondary in this draft is terrible)

Seriously people need to get off the defense. The Texans aren't going to be an elite defensive team. Take your Steel Curtain dreams elsewhere please.

Just what team have you been watching? I saw some GREAT flashes from our D once we loosened up and started playing like we wanted to win a game. We can DEFINITELY improve our talent on D, but we're closer to a shut down D than you think. Don't overlook the monkey wrench that RS threw into our works. He squandered a good bit of talent with lousy schemes and game-planning.

 

[Specnatz]

I was responding to the guy that said if Unger was drafted he wouldn't see the field unless two or three other guys got injured, etc... He further suggested that since 2006, the organization consistently held back rookies and preferred to play lesser players that were veterans.

Slaton, when he became the starter, did so with other veterans available to carry the ball and he retained the job even when AGreen pretended to be healthy every 3rd week or so.

I guess I did not understand your analogy.

 

[DocBar]

I guess I did not understand your analogy.

I'm with you on taht. Dale, please pass the bottle. You've had enough.

 

[mussop]

Where do you guys come up with this stuff?

How about Duane Brown be handed the starting job before minicamp?
Demeco Ryans was the starting MLB before the preseason of his rookie year even though they drafted him to play WLB.
Slaton went from a complimentary 3rd down back to the defacto starter in week 2. Now, apparently, the team doesn't even think he needs a backup.
Okoye was a day one starter as a rookie. Mario was a day one starter as a rookie. Dominique Barber made about 5 tackles on special teams last year and he's already been deemed the starting SS.

I can't imagine a more unfounded statement than the one you made above! Maybe I'm just missing the sarcasm? I read it a couple times in context and it seems like you really were trying to assert that this organization is slow to allow rookies the opportunity to start.

Thanks for saving me the time.

 

[painekiller]

I dunno but I think it's a fair and relevant question to ask why Matthews couldn't crack the starting lineup until his senior year while all of that time the other 2 USC LBs were good enough even as sophomores & juniors to play and start and star. In other words if not for the attrition of Trojan LBs by Matthews senior year would he still be watching from the sidelines ?

In college just like the NFL, there is first round bias, in college it's more of blue chip bias, but it is the same thing. Matthews was unrecruited coming out of HS due to his size. He worked his ass off and got lucky with a growth spurt. His own father, his HS defensive coordinator, did not think he was going to play college ball.

The kid played his way to a scholarship and into the team making room for him to play. Maiavi the player he displaced is a NFL quality player also. USC has depth, a lot of depth. The Pats just traded a QB that never started a game for USC yet he is now an NFL starter.

 

[dalemurphy]

I think as fans we've become so accustomed to drafting for the very near future. Even if the player is a project, the team has been in a position to need his service and the position to patiently wait for him to develop on the field-- after all, we have had very little quality depth and haven't threatened playoffs yet.

This year is quite different. Simply by filling out some roster spots with street FAs, the current roster is good enough to compete with the top teams in the league. We are, right now, a playoff contender. Other than potentially SS, every other current starter on the team could also start on some of last year's playoff teams... The point being, we don't have the kind of glaring needs going into the draft that we have in the past...

To clarify, I'm not saying the team doesn't need to improve. Clearly, the defense has to get a whole lot better. We've got to improve in the red zone and decrease turnovers, etc... I get all that. However, the answer isn't as simple as it was 2 years ago. I can't look at the roster and go, "yuck, that guy stinks, and so does this one, etc..." So, if we want to get better in the red zone and if that's a top priority, what can we do to achieve that? Well, if we want to do it through the draft and this season, I think the only realistic options are to add a powerful rookie RB or two and perhaps to take an elite center/guard in the 1st or 2nd round. That means that we're going to spend a quality pick at a position where we just found a probowl quality player last year (Slaton). And, it means we spend a first day pick in order to replace CMyers, who started for us at center all season and spear-headed the most successful offense the team has ever had. That's kind of weird. If we trade down in round one, we're going to end up with 8 picks in the first 5 rounds of a deep draft. That's a lot of players and many of them will be strictly backups for at least a year or two.

It's a great problem or change to finally be experiencing. Our 1st round pick is no longer, IMO, about finding a guy to plug into a spot right away and hope he turns into a 9 year starter. Instead, it's our premium opportunity to grab a talented player and we need to make sure we are getting the guy that is most likely to be great for us in years 3, 4, 5, etc... Because now, we aren't picking 1st and we aren't trying to become respectable. Now, we're trying to go from being pretty decent to great. So, back to the LB issue. Bentley, Adibi, Thompson, Diles all those guys can be part of a decent LB corp and probably a pretty good defense. Whomever we take in the 1st and 2nd rounds should be players that help us become great. Otherwise, it's just depth. I'll take the guy that will make us great in 2 years even if he adds nothing this year. Why? because these guys are already pretty good.

All that being said, if the Texans think Cushing or Matthews will be great and/or make our defense really good this year, next year, or in 2011 then take him!!- but for God's sakes, please get Kasey Studdard off the roster!! because when I look at our roster (the guys likely to make the 53 man), there is a very short list of players that if they were asked to make significant contributions, would ensure this team doesn't become a very good one:

Kasey Studdard
Brandon Harrison
Ryan Moats
Cecil Sapp



Thanks for your patience. I think I'm even tired of listenning to myself on this issue. And, you can ask anyone that knows me, that rarely happens.

 

[DocBar]

Where do you guys come up with this stuff?

How about Duane Brown be handed the starting job before minicamp?
Demeco Ryans was the starting MLB before the preseason of his rookie year even though they drafted him to play WLB.
Slaton went from a complimentary 3rd down back to the defacto starter in week 2. Now, apparently, the team doesn't even think he needs a backup.
Okoye was a day one starter as a rookie. Mario was a day one starter as a rookie. Dominique Barber made about 5 tackles on special teams last year and he's already been deemed the starting SS.

I can't imagine a more unfounded statement than the one you made above! Maybe I'm just missing the sarcasm? I read it a couple times in context and it seems like you really were trying to assert that this organization is slow to allow rookies the opportunity to start.

I come up with this by the fact that our coaching staff plays, WITH exceptions, the best player AT a particular position. You make this statement like none of these guys contributed a thing. DR is one of the better MLB's in the league, even though he was drafted as an OLB. Injury and ability won him a starting job AND a Pro Bowl berth. I don't see the arguement.
Slaton; PLEASE!!!!!! Why are you bitching about finding, possibly, a franchise back in a leter round? He has almost as many yds in his rookie season as " The Second Coming" has in 3 yrs.
I suspect that Kubes and Gibbs saw something in Brown that was better than anything they saw in our othe LT's. He had a BRUTAL schedule and did a LOT better than anyone not in his family thought he would.
Okoye had a STELLAR rookie year. Why would we think he wouldn't make the sophomore jump? Chalk that up to bad luck with an injury. It sure sounds like he's responding like a pro in his interviews. Time will tell if that's accurate.

 

[dalemurphy]

I come up with this by the fact that our coaching staff plays, WITH exceptions, the best player AT a particular position. You make this statement like none of these guys contributed a thing. DR is one of the better MLB's in the league, even though he was drafted as an OLB. Injury and ability won him a starting job AND a Pro Bowl berth. I don't see the arguement.
Slaton; PLEASE!!!!!! Why are you bitching about finding, possibly, a franchise back in a leter round? He has almost as many yds in his rookie season as " The Second Coming" has in 3 yrs.
I suspect that Kubes and Gibbs saw something in Brown that was better than anything they saw in our othe LT's. He had a BRUTAL schedule and did a LOT better than anyone not in his family thought he would.
Okoye had a STELLAR rookie year. Why would we think he wouldn't make the sophomore jump? Chalk that up to bad luck with an injury. It sure sounds like he's responding like a pro in his interviews. Time will tell if that's accurate.

I think we're misunderstanding each other. I was only trying to point out that Smithiak will play rookies if they think it will improve the team. I was citing examples to counter someone's argument that if Unger was drafted, then Smithiak wouldn't play him until a ton of guys got injured.