Gaither in the Supplemental Draft?

[foozball]

Word on the street is he isnt making the grades and will declare for the supplemental draft.

[steelbtexan]

Lets give up a 2nd rd. pick
Oh that's right we don't have one.

[painekiller]

Draft Daddy does it again? (http://www.draftdaddy.com/blog/blog.cfm)
A source has told us that University of Maryland offensive tackle Jared Gaither is leaning towards entering the supplemental draft.
DD.com Comment: This news story has not been reported by the media, but we trust our source. It is no secret to anyone that follows college football closely that Gaither has struggled academically at Maryland. So, at the very least, we have to believe the talented Gaither is seriously thinking about jumping to N.F.L. We thank our source for the potential scope.

[outofhnd]

do you really want someone who is struggling academically to try and learn the zone blocking scheme. That might work in the 60's when you could tell him see that guy your job is to block him. But seriously there are assignments that he is going to have to remember. I think poor grades and the fact he is giving up is not a good sign of things to come. Besides do we have a pick in the supplemental?

[TheRealJoker]

Gaither would've arguably been our 1st round pick this year if he would've gone through the draft process. I'd be ecstatic if we were able to snag him in a supplemental draft (especially if we could commit highway robbery by getting him for a 3rd...that wont happen)

[outofhnd]

Considering the league conduct policy and the fact we cut a QB and a RB who did not "get" our system I don't see us picking up a player who struggles in the classroom because despite what some people think about the NFL and players playing a QB that likes to run and won more games on his legs and instincts more than his arm and brain. Im sorry playing left tackle in the NFL takes more smarts then people realize you have to identify blitzers be able to pick up slide protections, decide who should be your pimary block and then who you should pick up. The O line is arguably the smartest group of players on a team. I don't agree that you pick up a player who projected to be our 1st round pick next year without next year being "in the books" what if spencer makes it back and becomes the anchor? why would Gaither be our pick? We wont know who our pick arguably will be until we end this season and examine our holes versus where we can upgrade.

[outofhnd]

Maybe I am just old fashioned that way. I feel you should make the most of your collegiate experience because if he doesn't make it in the NFL he is literally hosed. I feel athletes no matter how gifted should really work hard on the academics as well as the athletics even if the classes are classes for athletes to take. To me it just shows a fundamental lack in character that when you opt not to continue school because you are failing classes. What happens if he cannot cut it in training camp is he just going to no show to that? I mean you can call it asanine, you can call it nit picky but I feel character is important. More now than ever before.. Natural ability can only take you so far in the NFL. I mean the point is mute, you have your valid points and I have mine. My opinion is not to risk it for this player. But then its not like Gary Kubiak is calling me asking for my input so it is whatever. When is the supplemental draft?

[Texan (in Germany)]

We'll let the scouts do their work. If he is truly a franchise LT, then I think we should bid our 1st. Our OL would be quite solid then and getting him a year earlier would be a blessing. If his academic problems and final positiongrade are not worthy of a high pick, then we don't bid.
Yeah the draft would be tough w/o a 1st or 2nd next year, but if he's FLT, I say we do it.

[Texan (in Germany)]

BTW, Gaither is #2 rated OL in 2009 Draft Class by our good friend Mel Kiper.

[Keyfro]

well i figured since his name is no longer on the maryland's football roster this is probably going to happen so here is jared gaither's bio via the archive roster...and by the way...with the way this team is with o-lineman it would not be a bad idea to invest a mid-round pick into this kid...granted he is bigger than we would like to see for lineman in the ZBS scheme...but also remember than sherman is wanting bigger guys...so maybe this is the right guy for us
http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/number_button-78.gif Jared Gaitherhttp://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/md/sports/m-footbl/auto_headshot/265964.jpeghttp://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/profile.gif http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gifClass:
Junior
http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gifHometown:
White Plains, Md.
http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gifHigh School:
Eleanor Roosevelt
http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gifHeight / Weight:
6-9 / 350
http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gifPosition:
Offensive Lineman
http://graphics.fansonly.com/graphics/mtt/arrow.gifExperience:
2V



A talented offensive tackle who possesses an ideal combination of size and athleticism ... has started 17 of the last 21 games at either left or right tackle ... had a tremendous campaign in his first season at the college level, not allowing a single sack from his left tackle position ... player who is naturally very strong and has yet to reach his physical potential ... an honors candidate, despite his youth ... in the spring of 2006, set the school record for an offensive lineman with a 36-inch vertical jump ... scheduled to sit out the spring of 2007 to concentrate on academics.
as a Sophomore (2006): Played in 12 games at right tackle, starting nine ... opened holes for running backs Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore, who eached rushed for over 700 yards on the season ... part of an offensive line which allowed just 19 sacks, the second-lowest total in the ACC ... (vs. PU in the Champs Sports Bowl) ... saw action in 38 plays, helping the Terps post a season-high 429 yards of total offense ... (vs. WF) ... played on 38 plays with one big block ... (vs. BC) ... saw action on 10 plays ... (vs. Miami) ... started and recorded one big block in 32 plays ... (vs. Clemson) ... played and notched three big blocks on 56 plays ... (vs. FSU) ... started and notched a team-high three big blocks ... (vs. NC St.) ... started and posted two big blocks on 50 plays ... (vs. UVA) ... was in on 58 plays with two big blocks ... (vs. GT) ... started and was in on 55 plays with one big block ... (vs. FIU) ... started at right tackle and posted two big blocks in 64 plays ... did not allow a sack ... (vs. WVU) ... appeared on 74 plays at right tackle with two big blocks ... (vs. WM) ... did not play in the season opener ... member of the 2006 preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy ... a consensus preseason All-ACC choice ... ranked No. 7 nationally among offensive tackles by The Sporting News.
as a Freshman (2005): Saw action in all 11 games, starting the last eight ... named a third team Freshman All-American by College Football News and honorable mention by The Sporting News ... finished the season with a 1.122 grade, second-highest on the team ... did not allow a sack in 583 offensive plays (all at left tackle) ... was whistled for just two penalties all year ... (at NC St.) ... on a day the team struggled in pass protection (six sacks), gave up no sacks and managed two pancake blocks and no penalties in 70 offensive plays ... (vs. BC) ... was in on 83 plays ... did not allow a sack and recorded two pancake blocks ... (at UNC) ... was team's highest-rated blocker on 77 plays ... yielded no sacks and has just one missed assignment ... cleared a hole on the right side for Lance Ball for a 13-yard gain in the first quarter ... opened up a similar seam later in the quarter, setting up a 10-yard Ball pickup... (at FSU) ... was in for all 65 plays ... did not allow any sacks and credited with a pair of big blocks ... (vs. VT) ... was team's second-highest rated lineman ... in on a team-high 64 plays ... credited with a team-high tying three big blocks ... made a big block on LB Xavier Adibi to open up a hole for Lance Ball on a 12-yard pickup where he knocked the star linebacker two yards out of bounds ... (vs. UVA) ... started and was in on a team-high 80 plays ... credited with three big blocks ... was second on the team with three pancake blocks ... allowed no sacks and was whistled for no penalties ... (at WFU) ... made first career start at left tackle ... did not allow a sack and was credited with one big block.
at Hargrave Military Academy: Started every game at right tackle ... a four-star recruit by Rivals.com ... rated as the No. 3 prep school prospect in the nation by Rivals.com ... recruited out of prep school by Penn State and Virginia Tech ... coach at Hargrave was Robert Prunty.
at Eleanor Roosevelt High School: Played just one season of football and started along the defensive line ... played basketball for three years before going out for football for the first time as a senior ... played defensive tackle and tight end for one of the top teams in the state ... recorded 89 tackles, including nine sacks, and one forced fumble while batting down four passes at the line of scrimmage ... was primarily a blocking tight end, but finished the season with three receptions for 93 yards and a pair of touchdowns ... earned significant postseason honors despite playing only one year ... ranked as the 36th-best defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com ... an honorable mention All-Met selection by the Washington Post ... a SuperPrep All-American and Mid-Atlantic all-region pick ... a PrepStar honorable mention selection ... selected to play for Maryland in the Super 44 all-star game ... first team all-league and all-county ... team posted a 12-1 record in 2003, losing its only game of the season in the 4A state semifinals ... lettered four years in basketball ... was a major D-I recruit in basketball ... had verbally committed to South Carolina in hoops before deciding to play football ... also recruited in football by Florida, Georgia, Pittsburgh and Clemson ... coached by Rick Houchens. Personal: Born March 18, 1986 ... parents are Joyce Gaither and David Suggs ... enrolled in the College of Letters and Sciences.

[painekiller]

BTW, Gaither is #2 rated OL in 2009 Draft Class by our good friend Mel Kiper.
Predraft 2007 rating of the underclassmen OL by Kiper
2008 seniors
Jake Long 6-6 320 Michigan - 5
Sam Baker 6-4.5 310 USC - 5
Barry Richardson 6-6 335 Clemson - 5
Gosder Cherilus 6-4.5 320 Boston College - 5
John Greco 6-4.5 318 Toledo - 5
Will Arnold 6-3.5 321 LSU - 5
Pedro Sosa 6-4.5 303 Rutgers - 5
Chris Williams 6-5.5 322 Vanderbilt -5
Kirk Barton 6-6 325 Ohio St. - 5
2009 seniors
Ryan Clady 6-5 320 Boise St - 5
Jared Gaither 6-8 335 Maryland - 5

What does this list show? All the OTs that Kiper has going high in the draft (5). Gaither is either the #2 or maybe even the # 11 best OT projected in the next draft. 11 guys are getting scored a 5 by Kiper. A few will end up being guards, but based on this list, there is a large chance Gaither does not go in the 1st round if he comes out next year.

Also http://www.houstonprofootball.com/forums/showpost.php?p=101379&postcount=10

Warren from the HPF staff has this to add to the discussion on there board
Gaither is a physical freak (6'9", 350 lbs., 36" vj) but you have to wonder if his head is on straight. Ralph Friedgen suspended him for the first two weeks of preseason camp last season for violating team rules (That's a punishment? Sounds like a vacation). A few weeks later he was suspended for the Terps' season opener for "disciplinary reasons unrelated to the first suspension." I saw a quote from Friedgen from January where the coach said that he didn't know if Gaither was declaring for the 2007 draft or not because Gaither was supposed to come by his office but didn't show. He was held out of spring practice due to academic issues. I'd be very leery about making a big investment (in terms of both money and a draft pick) in a guy who doesn't seem to take his commitment very seriously.

FWIW, Gaither is not listed on the Maryland roster (http://umterps.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/md-m-footbl-mtt.html).

His attitude is going to hurt him getting to the next level, not keep him from it, but lower his up front money. Our coaches need to be careful here, the next draft seems to be full of very good OTs, and only 3 top flight DBs.

[Texan (in Germany)]

BTW, Gaither is #2 rated OL in 2009 Draft Class by our good friend Mel Kiper.
What does this list show? All the OTs that Kiper has going high in the draft (5). Gaither is either the #2 or maybe even the # 11 best OT projected in the next draft. 11 guys are getting scored a 5 by Kiper. A few will end up being guards, but based on this list, there is a large chance Gaither does not go in the 1st round if he comes out next year.

Paine - It shows that Kiper has him as #2 OL for '09...that's all. Comparing him with '08 candidates is another exercise and the "5" ratings just mean he's a potential high draft choice "at this time." Gaither's size and athletism make him an intriguing prospect, but again our scouts and staff must exercise due diligence in evaluating his skills, potential, football intellect and attitude.
Given LT is a key area of concerning going into '07 w/ Spencer's situation, Gaither's decision to enter supplemental draft offers us a unique opportunity to assess his skills and just maybe bid on him to help address an area of concern.

[painekiller]

Paine - It shows that Kiper has him as #2 OL for '09...that's all. Comparing him with '08 candidates is another exercise and the "5" ratings just mean he's a potential high draft choice "at this time." Gaither's size and athletism make him an intriguing prospect, but again our scouts and staff must exercise due diligence in evaluating his skills, potential, football intellect and attitude.
No I disagree, it shows that Kiper considers him one of the 11 best OT in college football at this time, where in the 11 does he rank, that is where the speculation starts off this list. My point that, not well made, this upcoming draft has 9 seniors and 2 juniors rated as high prospects at the OT position, which is much higher than this years draft picks where rated at this time last year.
Thomas, and Brown where the only seniors given this ranking at this time last year, and Baker the only junior. If you want an OT wait, there will be some good one coming out, with less questions about their maturity and dedication.

[outofhnd]

Maybe I am just old fashioned that way. I feel you should make the most of your collegiate experience because if he doesn't make it in the NFL he is literally hosed. I feel athletes no matter how gifted should really work hard on the academics as well as the athletics even if the classes are classes for athletes to take. To me it just shows a fundamental lack in character that when you opt not to continue school because you are failing classes. What happens if he cannot cut it in training camp is he just going to no show to that? I mean you can call it asanine, you can call it nit picky but I feel character is important. More now than ever before.. Natural ability can only take you so far in the NFL. I mean the point is mute, you have your valid points and I have mine. My opinion is not to risk it for this player. But then its not like Gary Kubiak is calling me asking for my input so it is whatever. When is the supplemental draft?
The NFL is only worried about one thing, and that is his performance as a football player. They could care less about his future after the NFL.
Plus, why would he not make it in the NFL? He's the best ____ OT in college football!!

You are specualting he is the best OT in college football they are not even playing yet.
Uhh NFL is also worried about character otherwise we would see pacman on the field this year.
NO ONE STILL HAS Answered me as to when the supplemental draft is held. I would like to keep an ear to the ground.
Lots of reasons people don't make it in the NFL.

[Keyfro]

one they haven't annouced when the supplemental draft will be...so hold on they'll probably annouce it after OTA's are done
two with gaither's character flaws only one thing is certain...mcnair will void any idea of getting him
three coaches have away of getting the last word in any dissagreement with a player...coaches trust one another when assessing players...so don't expect this kid to go any higher than a 6th rounder

[outofhnd]

So would we look at any players in the supplemental draft?
Thanks for the info Key

[rex king]

I would seriously doubt the Texans take a flier on this kid. He hasn't committed any crimes, but he has a lot of question marks regarding his off-field demeanor, dedication, and mentality. He just doesn't seem to fit their profile.

Sorry, Keyfro, you already said this - got called away while posting. Basically, I agree.

[threetoedpete]

Considering the league conduct policy and the fact we cut a QB and aRB who did not "get" our system I don't see us picking up a player whostruggles in the classroom because despite what some people think aboutthe NFL and players playing a QB that likes to run and won more gameson his legs and instincts more than his arm and brain. Im sorry playingleft tackle in the NFL takes more smarts then people realize you haveto identify blitzers be able to pick up slide protections, decide whoshould be your pimary block and then who you should pick up. The O lineis arguably the smartest group of players on a team. I don't agree thatyou pick up a player who projected to be our 1st round pick next yearwithout next year being "in the books" what if spencer makes it backand becomes the anchor? why would Gaither be our pick? We wont know whoour pick arguably will be until we end this season and examine ourholes versus where we can upgrade.

I'm not making an argument that we should draft Gaither, I'm justsaying that your argument as to why we SHOULDN'T draft Gaither isflawed.
How was his performance as a LT in college? Dominant! The point I'm trying to make is that when you've got a guy whodominates DE's in college like Gaither does, who really cares whatgrade he makes in some economics class?



Well if you count the five plays...(two series) he had when Hayer wentdown...ok. The fact that he immediatly went back to the right sideafter Hayer had a blow ...and stayed there the rest of the year, oughtto give anyone with any common sense at all a clue. . Going by what thefilm said this season, he was a day two tallent in this draft.Anyone who puts more than that on him is guessing and projecting. If itwalks like a duck and quacks like a duck...it's probably a duck. Whatwas the guys major ? It isn't smoke that the einstien thingy might ofkept him on the right side. I watched him five games and he didn'tdominate anyone. He's big and he's a prospect....putting more than thaton him is a big reach. They're already going to have to cut two. Howmany OT's do you all need ?

[Keyfro]

So would we look at any players in the supplemental draft?
Thanks for the info Key

well i haven't seen a list of prospects yet but when they come out i'll let ya know if there is anyone worth looking at...most of the time though the guys who come out in the supplemental draft are guys who have failed out of school or have been kicked off their team for one reason or another...that's probably why there is a large number of failures in the supplemental draft....every once in awhile there is a solid player but not usually

[YoungTexanFan]

Considering the league conduct policy and the fact we cut a QB and a RB who did not "get" our system I don't see us picking up a player who struggles in the classroom because despite what some people think about the NFL and players playing a QB that likes to run and won more games on his legs and instincts more than his arm and brain. Im sorry playing left tackle in the NFL takes more smarts then people realize you have to identify blitzers be able to pick up slide protections, decide who should be your pimary block and then who you should pick up. The O line is arguably the smartest group of players on a team. I don't agree that you pick up a player who projected to be our 1st round pick next year without next year being "in the books" what if spencer makes it back and becomes the anchor? why would Gaither be our pick? We wont know who our pick arguably will be until we end this season and examine our holes versus where we can upgrade.

I'm not making an argument that we should draft Gaither, I'm just saying that your argument as to why we SHOULDN'T draft Gaither is flawed.
How was his performance as a LT in college? Dominant! The point I'm trying to make is that when you've got a guy who dominates DE's in college like Gaither does, who really cares what grade he makes in some economics class?



Well if you count the five plays...(two series) he had when Hayer went down...ok. The fact that he immediatly went back to the right side after Hayer had a blow ...and stayed there the rest of the year, ought to give anyone with any common sense at all a clue. . Going by what the film said this season, he was a day two tallent in this draft. Anyone who puts more than that on him is guessing and projecting. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck...it's probably a duck. What was the guys major ? It isn't smoke that the einstien thingy might of kept him on the right side. I watched him five games and he didn't dominate anyone. He's big and he's a prospect....putting more than that on him is a big reach. They're already going to have to cut two. How many OT's do you all need ?

Your assessment on Gaither is rather poor. He played his first year at LT and dominated, as evident by not allowing a single sack to the likes of Wimbly, Mario, and Lawson and those are just the first rounders that year. He moved to RT because he can play RT and dominate, while Hayer is not a RT, nor a NFL LT prospect. Gaither moved for the benefit of the team, not because he was beat out by Hayer. When you break down Gaither’s game footage, you can see that he keeps his weigh low and doesn’t over-bend. He extends his hands quickly and shows tremendous hand punch, at least equal to that of Levi Brown when compared side-by-side. He slides very well laterally, and does not allow his hands to over-extend when mirroring opponents. You obviously didn’t closely watch the film of him this year or last, because I’ve seen him look bad 1 time in 2 seasons of footage, and yes, I’ve studied that much on him. He opened huge holes, and the running game at Maryland ran predominantly to his side. There are numerous plays that I can recall him clearing the end as Ball ran by, while Gaither engaged a LB and Ball moved up another level. He ran a 4.7 before arriving at Maryland, which has an outstanding reputation for their weight room program. He has great size, quickness, big and strong hands, long arms, square chest. His potential also elevates his said stock to another level. He would have gone first round this year, and would have gone before Levi Brown, because everything Levi did well, Gaither did better and did more things better as well. He has the potential to be better than D’brick and Thomas, but he isn’t far behind them now. His “rawness” is wearing off after two seasons, and if Sherman can’t coach his technique to utilize his natural, freakish ability, it can’t happen. Gaither is better than any of the OT we have on our team period. Spencer is not better and does not project better later, and is still hurt.

[outofhnd]

Wow that is some indepth analysis. Impressive statistical and informational breakdown. Maybe you should put your resumé in for a job as a scout... I still am not a fan of him but I did enjoy reading your breakdown.

[Keyfro]

doing some research on gaither and found some articles for everyone to read...enjoy
first one is an article over gaither coming back from suspension
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/21/AR2006082101452.html
this one is a video clip that has a small part on gaither...need to wait after teh vernon davis section to see gaither
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqZsg8EJQb4
prospect bio from nflfans.com
http://www.nflfans.com/x/2007/showplayer.php?key=Jared+Gaither*

[threetoedpete]

Considering the league conduct policy and the fact we cut a QB and aRB who did not "get" our system I don't see us picking up a player whostruggles in the classroom because despite what some people think aboutthe NFL and players playing a QB that likes to run and won more gameson his legs and instincts more than his arm and brain. Im sorry playingleft tackle in the NFL takes more smarts then people realize you haveto identify blitzers be able to pick up slide protections, decide whoshould be your pimary block and then who you should pick up. The O lineis arguably the smartest group of players on a team. I don't agree thatyou pick up a player who projected to be our 1st round pick next yearwithout next year being "in the books" what if spencer makes it backand becomes the anchor? why would Gaither be our pick? We wont know whoour pick arguably will be until we end this season and examine ourholes versus where we can upgrade.

I'm not making an argument that we should draft Gaither, I'm justsaying that your argument as to why we SHOULDN'T draft Gaither isflawed.
How was his performance as a LT in college? Dominant! The point I'm trying to make is that when you've got a guy whodominates DE's in college like Gaither does, who really cares whatgrade he makes in some economics class?



Well if you count the five plays...(two series)he had when Hayer went down...ok. The fact that he immediatly went backto the right side after Hayer had a blow ...and stayed there the restof the year, ought to give anyone with any common sense at all a clue.. Going by what the film said this season, he was a day twotallent in this draft. Anyone who puts more than that on him isguessing and projecting. If it walks like a duck and quacks like aduck...it's probably a duck. What was the guys major ? It isn't smokethat the einstien thingy might of kept him on the right side. I watchedhim five games and he didn't dominate anyone. He's big and he's aprospect....putting more than that on him is a big reach. They'realready going to have to cut two. How many OT's do you all need ?

Your assessment on Gaither is rather poor. He played his first yearat LT and dominated, as evident by not allowing a single sack to thelikes of Wimbly, Mario, and Lawson and those are just the firstrounders that year. He moved to RT because he can play RT and dominate,while Hayer is not a RT, nor a NFL LT prospect. Gaither moved for thebenefit of the team, not because he was beat out by Hayer. When youbreak down Gaither’s game footage, you can see that he keeps his weighlow and doesn’t over-bend. He extends his hands quickly and showstremendous hand punch, at least equal to that of Levi Brown whencompared side-by-side. He slides very well laterally, and does notallow his hands to over-extend when mirroring opponents. You obviouslydidn’t closely watch the film of him this year or last, because I’veseen him look bad 1 time in 2 seasons of footage, and yes, I’ve studiedthat much on him. He opened huge holes, and the running game atMaryland ran predominantly to his side. There are numerous plays that Ican recall him clearing the end as Ball ran by, while Gaither engaged aLB and Ball moved up another level. He ran a 4.7 before arriving atMaryland, which has an outstanding reputation for their weight roomprogram. He has great size, quickness, big and strong hands, long arms,square chest. His potential also elevates his said stock to anotherlevel. He would have gone first round this year, and would have gonebefore Levi Brown, because everything Levi did well, Gaither did betterand did more things better as well. He has the potential to be betterthan D’brick and Thomas, but he isn’t far behind them now. His“rawness” is wearing off after two seasons, and if Sherman can’t coachhis technique to utilize his natural, freakish ability, it can’thappen. Gaither is better than any of the OT we have on our teamperiod. Spencer is not better and does not project better later, and isstill hurt.


How many ways does this guy have to fail befor you relent YTF ? Youwant to draft another T.J. high and leave the cupboard bare for the '08draft be my guest. I just re watched the clemson game....he was notdominate. And, he was no where near the Levi Brown range. You wannaguess on him fine. You guys are asumming things you do not know. Fax in a five and see what happens, fine. Don't throw away your '08draft ammo on an unpolished, undisplined project....no matter how highthe potential. The press clippins say one thing. Theplay/actions says something else. Brandon Frye is this clubs OLT forthe future. We ain't drafting another one for a while. And yes theywill not carry ten o-lineman quantity guy. Drafting anothertackle is very redundant and impracticle. They have to cut two now.Drafting another one to hide on the roster after you've alreadytaken one means you didn't believe in the fifth rounder or the freeagent in the first place and was a mistake. They ain't going to admitthat. What positions are you boys planning to chop at with the Gaitherpick is my only qustion. Yeah , prety ignorant from some quarters.Spencer is a higher end prospect than Gaither. One has disipline theother doesn't. Our OLT was set for '07 as soon as the Cards took Brownoff the board. And you can book that YTF.

[Keyfro]

i gotta say watching you two agrue over whether or not to draft jared gaither is amuzing...neither one of ya'll actually control what's going to happen but ya'll argue like you do...just shows how competitive texan fans truely are...for my two cents...i believe drafting gaither would give us another young talented underdeveloped lineman to work with...he would give us a talent we have not seen here in houston for quite a long time...a guy with jonathan ogden size and ability but with questionable work ethic, desire, and intelligence...with coach sherman tutoring this young man might be a steal in the supplemental draft if and yes that is a big if he takes to coaching right...he hasn't shown the mental ability to take to coaching so it would have to be something he changes in himself...he has to make the decision to want to be better and to learn from everyone around him...if he makes that decision i think he'll be another jonathan ogden...a guy with freakish size and ability and a future pro bowler...if not he's a waste of talent

[outofhnd]

i gotta say watching you two agrue over whether or not to draft jared gaither is amuzing...neither one of ya'll actually control what's going to happen but ya'll argue like you do...just shows how competitive texan fans truely are...for my two cents...i believe drafting gaither would give us another young talented underdeveloped lineman to work with...he would give us a talent we have not seen here in houston for quite a long time...a guy with jonathan ogden size and ability but with questionable work ethic, desire, and intelligence...with coach sherman tutoring this young man might be a steal in the supplemental draft if and yes that is a big if he takes to coaching right...he hasn't shown the mental ability to take to coaching so it would have to be something he changes in himself...he has to make the decision to want to be better and to learn from everyone around him...if he makes that decision i think he'll be another jonathan ogden...a guy with freakish size and ability and a future pro bowler...if not he's a waste of talent
Maybe with his athletic gifts he can be Toro for the 2008 season...

[Texan (in Germany)]

Paine - It shows that Kiper has him as #2 OL for '09...that's all. Comparing him with '08 candidates is another exercise and the "5" ratings just mean he's a potential high draft choice "at this time." Gaither's size and athletism make him an intriguing prospect, but again our scouts and staff must exercise due diligence in evaluating his skills, potential, football intellect and attitude.
No I disagree, it shows that Kiper considers him one of the 11 best OT in college football at this time, where in the 11 does he rank, that is where the speculation starts off this list. My point that, not well made, this upcoming draft has 9 seniors and 2 juniors rated as high prospects at the OT position, which is much higher than this years draft picks where rated at this time last year.
Thomas, and Brown where the only seniors given this ranking at this time last year, and Baker the only junior. If you want an OT wait, there will be some good one coming out, with less questions about their maturity and dedication.

Not sure it's worth either of our time, but Kiper has OL ranked, not OT. For example, Will Arnold LSU is OG on most sites. In addition, he has them ranked by class, not as 2008 prospects combined. So disagree, it's OK...I'm not saying draft Gaither, just that we should do our due diligence. If he's special then we should consider going for him, because I don't think we'll draft this high again for a few years.

[painekiller]

[Not sure it's worth either of our time, but Kiper has OL ranked, not OT. For example, Will Arnold LSU is OG on most sites. In addition, he has them ranked by class, not as 2008 prospects combined. So disagree, it's OK...I'm not saying draft Gaither, just that we should do our due diligence. If he's special then we should consider going for him, because I don't think we'll draft this high again for a few years.
You are correct it is OL ratings not OTs, my mistake. And I acknowledged the ranking was by class. Which is why we do not know if Gaither is the 2nd best OL prospect or where Kiper would rank him against this coming years seniors. At best he is the 2nd best OL prospect at worse he is the 11th best OL prospect. Adding the guards to the mix would add up to somewhere in the 2nd or early 3rd round in next years draft, if all stays the same, we know it will not.
I am inclined to pass on an immature non-studious self absorbed (IMO) young man. If we want to draft a player look at some of the DBs who look to be coming out in the supplemental draft.

[threetoedpete]

[Not sureit's worth either of our time, but Kiper has OL ranked, not OT. For example, Will Arnold LSU is OG on most sites. In addition, hehas them ranked by class, not as 2008 prospects combined. Sodisagree, it's OK...I'm not saying draft Gaither, just that we shoulddo our due diligence. If he's special then we should considergoing for him, because I don't think we'll draft this high again for afew years.
You are correct it is OL ratings not OTs, my mistake. And Iacknowledged the ranking was by class. Which is why we do not know ifGaither is the 2nd best OL prospect or where Kiper would rank himagainst this coming years seniors. At best he is the 2nd best OLprospect at worse he is the 11th best OL prospect. Adding the guards tothe mix would add up to somewhere in the 2nd or early 3rd round in nextyears draft, if all stays the same, we know it will not.
I am inclined to pass on an immature non-studious self absorbed(IMO) young man. If we want to draft a player look at some of the DBswho look to be coming out in the supplemental draft.



Don't know about "pass"....but agreed if the fax has more than a daytwo pick on it, I will be dissapointed. Lindsay's like the rest of usat this point guessing...but he has him in the first round....behindseveral other prospects....

If we do this, spend a high 2008 pick on Gaither, means the news onLevi Brown is not good. And the guys they brought in JIC, just in case,are injured. Gotta figgure from the info I can find that Frye is atbest a prospect at this point. If he is in the game(s) this fall meanswe've got at least two injuries at very thin spots.

http://www.gbnreport.com/2008projection.html

[philyphreak2127]

there should be a few good players in the suplemental draft this july including a corner by the name of Paul Oliver that the Texans should jump all over

[Keyfro]

while i totally agree that players like paul oliver and jared gaither could help this team out you gotta think about what the team might be having to give up for them...draft picks in next year's draft, when we will start out short one 1st day pick, already is hard pill to swallow...most people i think would agree that if there wasn't so many question marks on gaither he would be a no-brainer for this team to take a chance on...personally i wouldn't be against trying to pick up paul oliver...we need a solid #2 corner...between him and bennett we would have deep depth at one of the hardest positions to find quality guys at in football...i think we just have to put our trust into rick smith...he'll do what's right...if we pick up a player great...if not no big deal...just my two cents

[badboy]

I agree about the draft pick, but if Oliver is good, he will have an entire season of training and development as well as coaching behind him when 2008 arrives. And who knows if you can get a comparable CB in 08? His speed was 4.32 going into college and that ain't too shabby. His 2006 stats were pretty good at 57 tackles & I think 2 interceptions.

[misterpc]

I dont think we should use a day one pick in the supplemental draft either. But if theres one thing thinner than the Texans o-line, its the Texans secondary. If Gathier is as good as he sounds, it might be worth it to bid our 4th round pick on him. We urgently need another OT, and if he is good enough that he could start this year, then he is worth a 4th round pick for sure. The same goes for Oliver; i dont know much about him, but a 4.32 time might make him the fastest player on our team. The coaches should evaluate his other qualities and determine if he could come in and compete for the #2 or #3 CB spot, and if he can, we should get him. Picking up starters with day 2 picks is good no matter which draft it is. I am all in favor of improving this team some more before the season starts, especially in the secondary and o-line.

[outofhnd]

Well we will not know for sure until July 12th, The Team will do what they think is right.

[painekiller]

It was made official yesterday, Gaither is academically ineligible to play this fall. He had been leaning on playing at Maryland again this fall after learning his draft grade was a 3rd or 4th rounder, now he cannot play at Maryland and may have to enter the supplemental draft. Gaither had thought he could get his draft stock up to a 1st rounder had he played another year.
It is a case of a very good player not getting that the NFL game is more than just the play on the field. It is the commitment off the field as well.
So final word is not out but he really has no other choice but to go pro.

[misterpc]

Ok i've thought about this and have ammended my position a little bit. I think Kubiak needs to evaluate Spencer before the supplemental draft, and if Spence isn't 100% ready we should bid our 3rd round pick on Gathier. Gathier is likely to be a starting OT with the Texans, and it is worth trading a 3rd round pick to finally put to bed our worries at offensive tackle. I know it wil leave us w/o a 2nd and 3rd pick next year, but its probably necessary. We can always trade down next year or we could even satisfy our needs without doing so. The biggest needs are LT, WR, CB, S. Gathier would satisfy OT, so next year we could get the rest with something like this:WR- 1st round pickCB- free agencyS- free agencyOT is important enough to this team that if we can get Gathier with a 3rd round pick, we might as well do it. It doesn't seem likely that we would be able to land him with anything less than a 3rd round pick.

[YoungTexanFan]

For anyone who knows me, I truly believe Gaither is the most talented OT in college football. He still hasn’t peaked, and has yet to falter on the field. While there is more to the NFL than that, ability is a huge part of it. With that said, I would only bid a 4th round pick. He has some learning concerns, and is still considered “too raw” to be a highly ranked player at this point. Ahmed Brooks who I also really liked last year, was a legit top 20 player, and was only selected in the 3rd. Gaither is a top 5 talent, but other things obviously are keeping him back from that. Manuel Wright, DT from USC a few years back was a dominant player when he played in college, but had similar concerns to Gaither and went in the 5th round of the Supp. Draft. Gaither will be a successful LT in the league if he is in the right place. We aren’t talking Pac-Man type issues, but there is some level of concern.

[painekiller]

I would only bid a 4th round pick. He has some learning concerns, and is still considered “too raw” to be a highly ranked player at this point.
I'm with you. I say throw out a 4th and see. Worse case, we have 4 young tackles on our roster that can play. OK that is not truly a worse case. But Spencer, Winston, Frye and Gaither would be your tackles. I really could see 2 of those guys moved to guards and the team only needing someone to step up at center. (BTW, I am talking in a few years not this season, Frye will be a work in progress for a season or two).
Back to the worse case, Spencer not being able to get back his quick feet, then drafting Gaither serves it purpose, and you get him for 4th round money. (BTW I think Spencer comes back).
My big concern is depth this year and being able to hold a few young player on the roster that are not quite NFL ready. There is a reason the team resigned Salaam, and it is not his young legs.
Oh also YoungTexanFan, got to give you your props, you are the person who put Gaither on my radar.

[misterpc]

The only way we could get Gathier with a 4th round pick would be if no team bid a 3rd round pick. If Gaither is half as good as people say he his, then someone will probably bid a 3rd round pick. If heard some other teams fans talking about wanting to spend a 2nd round pick on him, and they dont even need a tackle as bad as the Texans do. Id like to get him w/ a 4th too, but what are the odds that he lasts that long?

[painekiller]

The only way we could get Gathier with a 4th round pick would be if no team bid a 3rd round pick. If Gaither is half as good as people say he his, then someone will probably bid a 3rd round pick. If heard some other teams fans talking about wanting to spend a 2nd round pick on him, and they dont even need a tackle as bad as the Texans do. Id like to get him w/ a 4th too, but what are the odds that he lasts that long?
Thing is as fans, we all really have no clue. Gaither has some maturity questions and a learning question. These are big questions for a team like the Texans that can not afford to miss on a player with a 1st day pick. The Eagles, the Cowboys, the Bears they all can miss on a player or two.
As YTF pointed out Wright, a high prospect went for a 5th pick and the draft committee graded Gaither a 3rd or 4th pick, then we should use caution in our approach. If someone else want to not be cautious oh well. Just remember the OT position should be deep in 2008s draft.

[YoungTexanFan]

While Gaither is better than both Long and Baker, they aren’t entering an alternate draft for various reasons dealing with school. Long will prove to be too slow and stiff in the back this year, and I can’t really gauge Baker fairly yet. However, Gaither is a top 5 talent already, it is the other aspects that raise the red flag. He could honestly come in and beat out any LT on our roster at this point IMO, and that’s with a healthy Spencer, but he has a huge chip on his shoulder. Ahmed Brooks was a very special talent as well. Physically, I liked him better than Hawk, but other issues dropped him down. With the hype the ‘08 class of OT’s is getting, I would be surprised if any GM threw down a first day pick on anyone.
Gaither is about 6’9 325 and runs a 4.7 and has allowed 1 sack over two seasons at Maryland. Like I said, I still wouldn’t spend more than a 4th on him, and I’m his biggest supporter and have been riding his jock for a few years now.

[CCBROWNDOESBIGTHINGS]

tackle and DB are our two main weaknesses, we have been struggling with tackle for the whole 5 years of exsistence, this is our guy, so is oliver, im very upset we are not showing particular intrest in one of these guys, so what if they dont seem to be charachter guys, that seems to be our main thing with drafting players AND IT HAS HARDLEY WORKED YET!!!! something needs to change, something soon, cause i dont want to be sitting around mid season wondering about how high our pick is going to be, im sick of it, i love amobi okoye but we had revis there, he was a playmaker the guy we wanted and again we fell flat on our faces. THE TEXANS NEED SOME ATTITUDE, we have been in the league for 5 years and we have nothing to show for it besides two number one draft picks and a almost average season, when is this going to turn around.

[painekiller]

tackle and DB are our two main weaknesses, we have been struggling with tackle for the whole 5 years of exsistence, this is our guy, so is oliver, im very upset we are not showing particular intrest in one of these guys, so what if they dont seem to be charachter guys, that seems to be our main thing with drafting players AND IT HAS HARDLEY WORKED YET!!!! something needs to change, something soon, cause i dont want to be sitting around mid season wondering about how high our pick is going to be, im sick of it, i love amobi okoye but we had revis there, he was a playmaker the guy we wanted and again we fell flat on our faces. THE TEXANS NEED SOME ATTITUDE, we have been in the league for 5 years and we have nothing to show for it besides two number one draft picks and a almost average season, when is this going to turn around.

So you know we are not interested in any of the players in the supplemental draft? How?
Okoye was never contacted by the team during the draft process, Jacoby Jones was only talked to once, very early. Teams do not tip there hands in any kind of draft, and we will not know until Thursday which teams have taken players. We may hear about a teams interest after the fact, but that is doubtful, most team do not want the current players knowing they are looking to upgrade them.
Lastly, attitude, yes we do need that, but we do not need another fat lazy kid that feels entitled to his roster spot. So I have no problem with the team passing on Gaither, his own coaches are glad to see him go, they are tired of his act, with all his talent they are glad to see him go. Think about that for awhile.

[CCBROWNDOESBIGTHINGS]

tushay, that message was more of a spurt of the moment thing, i trust kubiak and rick smith, besides that i have no faith in are front office what so ever,
all im saying is maybe we should take a chance on one of these kids, gaither is a really athletic kid, he used to play tight end and basketball in high schoolm, and hes huge. Paul Oliver is projected to go into the 3rd or 4th round, if hes there in the 4th i think we should take him, i know its a important pick but this kid has some sort of promise

[YoungTexanFan]

Gaither is an athletic freak that should make a lot of teams bypass his education issues.
Oliver has off the field issues and ran a 4.58. That isn't Clarrett territory, but I'm not drafting a kid with a pick I need next year. Oliver is way too much of a risk for me. I love Gaither, but I'd have to know a lot more about him and his issues to see if they legitimatly outweigh the risk. His upside is huge, while I can't see Oliver being worth more than a second day pick had he stayed on school with no problems.

[TexansCM]

Gaither went in the 5th to Baltimore and Oliver in the fourth to San Diego.