First day Grade A

[tgriff00]

I give us an A for our grade on the first day. I really like Kubes and Smith's draft days. Looks like Kubiak and Bush are looking to bring back the HOUSE OF PAIN title to Houston. Stoked to see what 3-7 look like.

[dattexboy]

My initial reaction wasn't has hihg as yours but after doing some homework I think Barwin will be what the Texans thought Jason Babin would be except this guy is ultra atheletic...I do worry how he will hold up against the run. I also think he could be a possibility at weakside linebacker. If he flops on defense the TE position is there too.

[bugman7star]

Barwin's ability to assist on offense as well as defense is great. I think about the way the Patriots used Mike Vrabel on offense during their undefeated season.

[chjoak]

I like the Barwin pick. Personally I think we end up using him in several roles but just won't be a starter until he finds one of those roles that he excels at.

Speed End - Kubiak says this is the plan for him, which means he will backup Mario and possibly come in at LDE on passing downs or when he doesn't have to go against both the RT & TE.
Blitzing LB - Due to his athleticizm, I could see us also using him as a strong side blitzing LB. Personally I think he could do a lot of damage in this role.
Goal Line TE - I could definitely see him being used as a TE when we go to a goalline set. His size & experience at TE would be very beneficial in that role.

[Wolf123]

I'd give us a solid B to B+. One instant starter and our first speed rusher.

[tgriff00]

My initial reaction wasn't has hihg as yours but after doing some homework I think Barwin will be what the Texans thought Jason Babin would be except this guy is ultra atheletic...I do worry how he will hold up against the run. I also think he could be a possibility at weakside linebacker. If he flops on defense the TE position is there too.

I don't see Barwin starting, but he will be there on passing downs so A. Smith can move inside to rush.

[zanth91]

I agree with the A. Cushing is a great choice (as we were all expecting either him or Matthews), and Barwin is very athletic and will help in the pass rush. As already stated, Barwin could see some action in some other areas, such as a goal line TE.

[bs58]

INJURIES, long and short of it. I know he is a rookie, but he has a lot of mileage on him. Like his attitude etc., but that doesn't mean anything if he can't perform physically. I know an injury can happen at any time, but Cushing has a history of injuries already.

[thunderkyss]

My initial reaction wasn't has hihg as yours but after doing some homework I think Barwin will be what the Texans thought Jason Babin would be except this guy is ultra atheletic...I do worry how he will hold up against the run. I also think he could be a possibility at weakside linebacker. If he flops on defense the TE position is there too.

Honestly, all this talk & comparison with Barwin & Babin has me confused. If we end up turning Barwin into a SAM, then we screwed up IMHO. That is what we took Cushing for.

I'm thinking this guy will be our Freeney, and Babin was never supposed to be that.

[GoldenHolden]

Honestly, all this talk & comparison with Barwin & Babin has me confused. If we end up turning Barwin into a SAM, then we screwed up IMHO. That is what we took Cushing for.

I'm thinking this guy will be our Freeney, and Babin was never supposed to be that.

Kubes already said Barwin will be playing with his hand on the ground, i.e. as a DE. He will rotate in with Mario when Mario needs a rest and Barwin will be in on passing downs. I wouldn't expect Barwin to play TE early on. Barwin has his plate full in learning how to play the DE spot since he has only played on defense let alone DE one year in his career. Barwin has crazy upside. He set the NCAA record for most sacks by a first year starter. Imagine what he will do when he has some experience.