Will Demps is a keeper!

[ib4texans]

I like Demps, he brings the "hard hitting" factor. When this guy is a 100% he will be even more of an impact player than he is. After watching and then rewatching the Browns game, I just had to give this guy credit. I saw quite a few plays when he was the only one bringing Jamael Lewis down. That is no small task,because Lewis can be a beast.

I just get the vibe from him that it's all out, all the time. He wants to make an impression with his opportunity. That's all I have to say,with all of the negativity going around I thought some positive was in order.

[SMC-22]

I like Demps too,he gotten a recent wrap of not being able to stay healthy.I dont think hes ever fully gotten away from the elbow injury.It might be hard to keep him since he signed a one year deal,and we'll have to resign him.I do say offer him a little something for next year.If we can sign himm to a three or four year deal,he could be our starter for the next three or four years.

[ib4texans]

We can give him Petey Faggins money, he's proven himself to be the cause of most of the blown coverages and getting burned deep. I haven't seen anybody wide open since Petey's been off the field. As far as the injury that Demps received in preseason, I think that he just shows how bad that he wants to play by being in there with his big old "mummy wrapped arm".

[Texanf@n]

Demps is a keeper.....I agree.
I hope he keeps bringing the wood!

[SMC-22]

i agree with the faggins money/4 yrs./8-9 mil.I think Faggins got a 4 year 6 million dollar contract.

[andrew6]

Will "the ladies man" Demps is awesome.

[BIG ERN]

He can lay the licks

[Wolverine]

What do you mean when he's 100% ?
I know he has that elbow problem but thats just an ongoing thing, hence the brace.
Is there some other injury he's battling through?

[willieg52]

I agree as well with you guys but I would diffently move him to SS because of his ability to tackle and knock the **** out of you.

[GT]

Heres the inside scoop from Demps.Insight from the man himself.

Will Demps.com:)

Good read.

[johndoe]

he has my vote to be the starting ss next year but i still think we need a legit fs

[willieg52]

he has my vote to be the starting ss next year but i still think we need a legit fs

There's a number of Fs out there in this coming up draft. Phillips, Demps, Moore and Lynch.

[El Tejano]

Hey you don't have to get him Petey's deal. Remember he said he came here for the BBQ and Iced Tea? This is Texas man, someone get him a plate and a cup!!!!

[misterpc]

everyone keeps saying move Demps to SS. He has been a FS for all of his NFL career, with the Ravens and the Giants and now with the Texans. I think he is doing fine in that role and not sure why we would move him.

[HydrOshocK]

Hey you don't have to get him Petey's deal. Remember he said he came here for the BBQ and Iced Tea? This is Texas man, someone get him a plate and a cup!!!!

LMAO!

[HydrOshocK]

everyone keeps saying move Demps to SS. He has been a FS for all of his NFL career, with the Ravens and the Giants and now with the Texans. I think he is doing fine in that role and not sure why we would move him.

Agreed. Demps isn't one of those tweener types in my opinion. He's a natural FS and should stay at that position. I know there's some other prospects out there but I wouldn't be disappointed at all if we keep him.

[outofhnd]

I say we keep him but draft some on e that can hit hard and make INTs and let them beat him out pf the job. I dont think he can make any picks with his 1960s robot arm.:p

[HydrOshocK]

I say we keep him but draft some on e that can hit hard and make INTs and let them beat him out pf the job. I dont think he can make any picks with his 1960s robot arm.:p

I'm down with that as long as it's in the later rounds

[outofhnd]

I want a top tier safety, Look at these names and tell me later rounds when you can get someone like:

Ed Reed
Roy WIlliams
The Late Sean Taylor
Laron Landry
Micheal Huff
Michael Griffin
Troy Polamalu

Kenny Phillips C'mon

[HydrOshocK]

I want a top tier safety, Look at these names and tell me later rounds when you can get someone like:

Ed Reed
Roy WIlliams
The Late Sean Taylor
Laron Landry
Micheal Huff
Michael Griffin
Troy Polamalu

Kenny Phillips C'mon

I don't like getting too involved in draft talk during the regular season but I can't really argue with that. Still, I'm leaning toward offense as a top priority this year. I just don't think we can go another year with Salaam (or any of our other questionable linemen) blocking Schaub's blindside. I also think this could be the year we get a franchise RB. The draft will likely be loaded with them ( McFadden, Hart, Mendenhall, Rice, Stewart, etc). If a premier back is sitting in our lap on draft day then I don't know that I could pass that up.

On the other hand, Kenny Phillips would be impossible to pass up because we desperately need a playmaker of his caliber at S. The dude will probably walk away with the Thorpe award. He's big, he hits hard, he plays the run very well, he's excellent man 2 man....he's exactly what we need in the secondary so again I can't really argue. This draft we will likely pick the BPA and if it's him then I'll be stoked either way.

But since this thread is about Demps, I don't agree with the thought of moving Demps to SS. His elbow is suspect and you have to be able to consistently tackle bigger guys at that position. Someone mentioned that he did a good job bringing down Lewis, but I also saw a couple of plays of Lewis dragging Demps for an extra 5-10 yards before he went down. So if we draft Phillips and he takes the FS spot, that still leaves CC, Boulware, and hopefully Earl. Personally I always thought Earl was going to be very good but unfortunately we never got to find out, and can't trust that he'll be the answer. Now Phillips at SS is a different story. I could definitely see that since he's good against both run and pass.

btw.....you know the draft will be a no win situation for Smith don't you? If he drafts defense first again people are going to want his head for passing on a LT or RB.....and if he goes offense people will flame him for not addressing the secondary problem. My gut tells me the man is going to hit the jackpot in the draft and suprise everyone with a couple of big FA signings...just a hunch.

[misterpc]

I want a top tier safety, Look at these names and tell me later rounds when you can get someone like:

Ed Reed
Roy WIlliams
The Late Sean Taylor
Laron Landry
Micheal Huff
Michael Griffin
Troy Polamalu

Kenny Phillips C'mon

I agree with your sentiments about a top tier safety like one of these guys. They arent easy to find but Michael Griffin's twin brother Marcus plays safety and is projected to be drafted somewhere in the middle rounds. Could be a good idea for us.

[HuttoKarl]

I agree with your sentiments about a top tier safety like one of these guys. They arent easy to find but Michael Griffin's twin brother Marcus plays safety and is projected to be drafted somewhere in the middle rounds. Could be a good idea for us.

Marcus is not quite Michael, unfortuanately. He probably gets drafted by Tennessee too early.

[outofhnd]

I don't like getting too involved in draft talk during the regular season but I can't really argue with that. Still, I'm leaning toward offense as a top priority this year. I just don't think we can go another year with Salaam (or any of our other questionable linemen) blocking Schaub's blindside. I also think this could be the year we get a franchise RB. The draft will likely be loaded with them ( McFadden, Hart, Mendenhall, Rice, Stewart, etc). If a premier back is sitting in our lap on draft day then I don't know that I could pass that up.

On the other hand, Kenny Phillips would be impossible to pass up because we desperately need a playmaker of his caliber at S. The dude will probably walk away with the Thorpe award. He's big, he hits hard, he plays the run very well, he's excellent man 2 man....he's exactly what we need in the secondary so again I can't really argue. This draft we will likely pick the BPA and if it's him then I'll be stoked either way.

But since this thread is about Demps, I don't agree with the thought of moving Demps to SS. His elbow is suspect and you have to be able to consistently tackle bigger guys at that position. Someone mentioned that he did a good job bringing down Lewis, but I also saw a couple of plays of Lewis dragging Demps for an extra 5-10 yards before he went down. So if we draft Phillips and he takes the FS spot, that still leaves CC, Boulware, and hopefully Earl. Personally I always thought Earl was going to be very good but unfortunately we never got to find out, and can't trust that he'll be the answer. Now Phillips at SS is a different story. I could definitely see that since he's good against both run and pass.

btw.....you know the draft will be a no win situation for Smith don't you? If he drafts defense first again people are going to want his head for passing on a LT or RB.....and if he goes offense people will flame him for not addressing the secondary problem. My gut tells me the man is going to hit the jackpot in the draft and suprise everyone with a couple of big FA signings...just a hunch.

However on the other hand allow me to play devil's advocate, What if Spencer comes back 100% as the coaches seem to indicate? What if Spencer moves into the LT role and solidifies that position? But we draft a franchise LT that rides the bench meanwhile the secondary gets beat constantly. I know everyones focus is on solidifying the offense. But the colts didn't win a superbowl till they got their Pro Bowl Safety back. I know the importance of a LT, But we have 5 possibilities on our roster this year.

Black was outplayed
Salaam Starter
Frye Raw
Spencer Hurt
Butler Hurt

So we still have 3 potential LTs on this team not even taking into account we could move winston after this year since he doesnt get hurt and has shown very reliable. I know we all want to solidify that LT spot but even if we draft one hes not a guaranteed upgrade over what Salaam is giving us now. He could still be injured or beaten like Winston Justice was when Osi Umeniyora blew him up for 6 sacks in one game. Or he could be beaten out by Salaam. Its all a crap shoot I say bring in Max Starks via FA in my eyes the guy could be a force he moves very well for a guy his size.

[Rosstafarian]

I want a top tier safety, Look at these names and tell me later rounds when you can get someone like:

Roy WIlliams

Kenny Phillips C'mon

Roy Williams is one of the most overrated safeties ever. The guy can't cover, and lately his run-stopping abilities that are so touted have been faltering. If he gets into the Pro Bowl this year it'll be nothing short of a travesty.

With that said, I think our need for a QUALITY left tackle will outweigh the need to draft a DB in the first round.

3rd round maybe, but I don't know what you consider late round.

However on the other hand allow me to play devil's advocate, What if Spencer comes back 100% as the coaches seem to indicate? What if Spencer moves into the LT role and solidifies that position? But we draft a franchise LT that rides the bench meanwhile the secondary gets beat constantly. I know everyones focus is on solidifying the offense. But the colts didn't win a superbowl till they got their Pro Bowl Safety back. I know the importance of a LT, But we have 5 possibilities on our roster this year.

We won't know about Spencer coming back until after the draft. Second, he did look good for 1 1/2 games last year, and thats it. He could easily be a bust and we won't know it until later. We can play the question game all night long, but there are enough holes on our offensive line (Left Tackle, Center, Left Guard, in that order really) that if we draft a franchise LT (Baker, Clady, Long, Oher, there's a lot of good ones this year in my opinion) that we can slide Spencer back to his original position of, I believe LG, and let Weary move to Center. I don't think having a lot of really good offensive linemen is going to bite us in the *** if we plan on improving our running game anyway.

I'm really opposed to relying on FA for bringing in an O-Lineman (And this is just my opinion) because I like getting an offensive linemen when he's fresh out of college. We've already gotten Winston out of the 3rd round, so I know identifying talent is not going to be a problem for this regime. Who I don't want is Alan Fancea because of his age, but I suppose a free agency offensive linemen thread (Or just a free agency thread in general) wouldn't be a bad idea so we could discuss this further.

On to Will Demps though, the guy is waaaaaay better of a FS than I thought he would be. He's definitely an upgrade, and I think his play right now is pushing the secondary down on the list of needs, past the need for a solid running game. I can almost guarantee that whatever our needs are perceived to be at the end of the season, will be addressed before the first preseason game next year.

Have faith.

[outofhnd]

I ll give you Roy Williams on that, However look at the other 8 names up there.

Kenny Phillips is the next in line of Do it all playmaker safeties. We have no over thee top safety that can cover and tackle all of our safeties can only tackle.

Like I said just because he is a first round pick does not mean he is a franchise LT. After all he could be schooled by the plethora of great pass rushers our division has and give up more sacks next year than we can prevent.

At this point if Spencer is not 100% I would say move Winston over to left and put spencer at RT. Winston has been pretty durable, plus he has a couple of years now under his belt.

[Rosstafarian]

I ll give you Roy Williams on that, However look at the other 8 names up there.

Kenny Phillips is the next in line of Do it all playmaker safeties. We have no over thee top safety that can cover and tackle all of our safeties can only tackle.

Like I said just because he is a first round pick does not mean he is a franchise LT. After all he could be schooled by the plethora of great pass rushers our division has and give up more sacks next year than we can prevent.

At this point if Spencer is not 100% I would say move Winston over to left and put spencer at RT. Winston has been pretty durable, plus he has a couple of years now under his belt.

I think that with the talent coming out of the draft this year at OL we'd be kind of silly to not pick one in the first round when we have been severely lacking throughout the entire unit. I personally don't think Winston will be a LT for our team because of his short arms. This was the knock on him coming out of college, and I think he's perfectly fine where he is.

You are right that just because a player comes out of the first round does not mean he won't bust, but I believe that the talent pool this year in OL is deep enough for us to have choices. If we go DB in the first round it's really Kenny Phillips and thats it at the S position. And if we have to trade up to get Kenny Phillips in the 1st, and he turns out to be a bust it will hurt us a heck of a lot more than grabbing an OL in the first without trading.

Will Demps is decent in coverage, and to be honest, I think that he will do fine there with Dunta and Bennett backing him up. If Dunta looks like he won't be healed before next season (And this will probably be answered better than the Spencer question to be honest) I would rather us get a CB in the first than a DB. With CB there's at least a few options with Jenkins, Tali, and Tribble. Safety is pretty barren outside of Phillips really, and I think he'll go before we pick, especially if we finish 8 - 8.

[ib4texans]

I don't like getting too involved in draft talk during the regular season but I can't really argue with that. Still, I'm leaning toward offense as a top priority this year. I just don't think we can go another year with Salaam (or any of our other questionable linemen) blocking Schaub's blindside. I also think this could be the year we get a franchise RB. The draft will likely be loaded with them ( McFadden, Hart, Mendenhall, Rice, Stewart, etc). If a premier back is sitting in our lap on draft day then I don't know that I could pass that up.

On the other hand, Kenny Phillips would be impossible to pass up because we desperately need a playmaker of his caliber at S. The dude will probably walk away with the Thorpe award. He's big, he hits hard, he plays the run very well, he's excellent man 2 man....he's exactly what we need in the secondary so again I can't really argue. This draft we will likely pick the BPA and if it's him then I'll be stoked either way.

But since this thread is about Demps, I don't agree with the thought of moving Demps to SS. His elbow is suspect and you have to be able to consistently tackle bigger guys at that position. Someone mentioned that he did a good job bringing down Lewis, but I also saw a couple of plays of Lewis dragging Demps for an extra 5-10 yards before he went down. So if we draft Phillips and he takes the FS spot, that still leaves CC, Boulware, and hopefully Earl. Personally I always thought Earl was going to be very good but unfortunately we never got to find out, and can't trust that he'll be the answer. Now Phillips at SS is a different story. I could definitely see that since he's good against both run and pass.

btw.....you know the draft will be a no win situation for Smith don't you? If he drafts defense first again people are going to want his head for passing on a LT or RB.....and if he goes offense people will flame him for not addressing the secondary problem. My gut tells me the man is going to hit the jackpot in the draft and suprise everyone with a couple of big FA signings...just a hunch.


Yeah it was me that mentioned Demps bringing down Lewis, I know he got dragged for a couple of yards but he was doing it alone. The other guys in the secondary were not even over there helping him finish the tackle.

I'll agree that he's not going to get alot of interceptions,but that's not what he brings. He's a good run stopper and a quality veteran who played with a great defensive team. I don't think that I would have to cry myself to sleep if we had Dunta,Demps,Boulware,Bennette,Earl,Simmons,and CC Brown. Throw in a young stud from the draft and we're looking pretty good. My 2 cents.

[outofhnd]

I think we can get Tony Hills who in my mind is a great Tackle and later than he would go if he was able to participate in the senior bowl and combine.

Also Sidenote when are we going to have our staff coach them in that game? I think its a valuable idea to really get a good overview of some later round talent like TB found in Tanard Jackson.

[Rosstafarian]

I think we can get Tony Hills who in my mind is a great Tackle and later than he would go if he was able to participate in the senior bowl and combine.

Also Sidenote when are we going to have our staff coach them in that game? I think its a valuable idea to really get a good overview of some later round talent like TB found in Tanard Jackson.

I am just really not impressed by Hills play this season, and he suffered from the same injury that has sidelined Spencer for 2 seasons. I don't think he'll have impact as a rookie like a Baker/Clady/Long.

And I'm willing to bet that the Texans staff does not coach in that game for a long while. It just seems like Houston gets shafted very often on deals like that.

[jppaul]

Marcus is not quite Michael, unfortuanately. He probably gets drafted by Tennessee too early.


That is kind of funny because they are identical twins aren't they? Which means they have almost the exact same physical makeup but the work ethic must just be a little off.

Or he is just as good but the Texas teams sucks so bad that he looks even worse.

[outofhnd]

Hmm you could say the same thing about tiki and Ronde, however growing up Tiki was always just a bit more athletic than his brother Ronde. They even wrote a kids book about it.

[El Tejano]

I think all this depends on what we can do to get more draft picks and get back in the 2nd round. If we can get back in the second I think we could draft our LT there.

If we can't get in the second round, we could possibly go RB in the 1st and Center in the 3rd.
However, on the first day, you can't get mad if we go OL in 1st or 3rd because let's face it we need the help there. Schaub needs the protection and I think Kubiak too knows what he has in Suddard ans some of the young guys.

[Battle-Red]

I don't like getting too involved in draft talk during the regular season but I can't really argue with that. Still, I'm leaning toward offense as a top priority this year. I just don't think we can go another year with Salaam (or any of our other questionable linemen) blocking Schaub's blindside. I also think this could be the year we get a franchise RB. The draft will likely be loaded with them ( McFadden, Hart, Mendenhall, Rice, Stewart, etc). If a premier back is sitting in our lap on draft day then I don't know that I could pass that up.

On the other hand, Kenny Phillips would be impossible to pass up because we desperately need a playmaker of his caliber at S. The dude will probably walk away with the Thorpe award. He's big, he hits hard, he plays the run very well, he's excellent man 2 man....he's exactly what we need in the secondary so again I can't really argue. This draft we will likely pick the BPA and if it's him then I'll be stoked either way.

But since this thread is about Demps, I don't agree with the thought of moving Demps to SS. His elbow is suspect and you have to be able to consistently tackle bigger guys at that position. Someone mentioned that he did a good job bringing down Lewis, but I also saw a couple of plays of Lewis dragging Demps for an extra 5-10 yards before he went down. So if we draft Phillips and he takes the FS spot, that still leaves CC, Boulware, and hopefully Earl. Personally I always thought Earl was going to be very good but unfortunately we never got to find out, and can't trust that he'll be the answer. Now Phillips at SS is a different story. I could definitely see that since he's good against both run and pass.

btw.....you know the draft will be a no win situation for Smith don't you? If he drafts defense first again people are going to want his head for passing on a LT or RB.....and if he goes offense people will flame him for not addressing the secondary problem. My gut tells me the man is going to hit the jackpot in the draft and suprise everyone with a couple of big FA signings...just a hunch.

Kerry Rhodes 4th round 123rd pick overall is the only good 2nd day safety I can think of off the top of my head. As far as Earl he was projected as the #2 safety(went 4th 122nd pick overall) behind Sean Taylor in the 2004 draft by many experts, he was touted as a big hitting play making safety. But due to a knee injury his senior year fell in the draft and the playmaker has yet to materialize in the pros. Here's a decent article.

http://media.www.ndsmcobserver.com/media/storage/paper660/news/2003/11/14/IrishInsider/Glenn.Earl.More.Than.Just.A.Play-557797.shtml

[misterpc]

Earl will be gone before next season. His contract is up and he wasnt that good even before sustaining the season ending injury. Bye-bye Earl. I would love to replace him with a really good all around SS, that is by far one of the most critcal positions for this team to upgrade.

[outofhnd]

I dunno Earl was really coming along in 06' and played barely at all before the crazy foot injury. I say resign him atleast as our number 2 is nt CC's contract up as well? I'd dump CC before I dump Earl.

[misterpc]

I dunno Earl was really coming along in 06' and played barely at all before the crazy foot injury. I say resign him atleast as our number 2 is nt CC's contract up as well? I'd dump CC before I dump Earl.

Earl hasnt ever impressed me. I agree he is better than CC but neither player is good enough. Earl's contract that is up after this year, and you dont reward mediocre players with fat new contracts, not if you are trying to improve the team. Its a waste of money and roster space. I think Brandon Mitchell is a good option as our #2 strong safety, all we need is to find a good starter. Id resign Simmons before Earl. Simmons looked decent when he was called upon, and we could sign him to a one year contract for about the vet minimum. Earl would want more $ and a multi year deal.

As for CC, he is a restricted free agent next year. I would be very happy to let him go also.

[outofhnd]

I doubt Earl would be in any position to demand any of those things. I am pretty sure you could resign him for peanuts. I watched this guy for 2 years at Notre Dame, He has the stuff to be the run stuffing SS that can also cover better than CC.

[Towlie]

We should also draft kenny if he is there... bennett kenny(AT SS) demps(AT FS) and dunta... the hardest hitting DB's in the League!!!

[misterpc]

I doubt Earl would be in any position to demand any of those things. I am pretty sure you could resign him for peanuts. I watched this guy for 2 years at Notre Dame, He has the stuff to be the run stuffing SS that can also cover better than CC.

Im ready to make a clean break from CC and Earl, I dont think either should be on the field for the Texans. But if we were to resign one of them I hope it would be Earl. However I do think he will want a raise from his previous salary and a multi-year contract. Like I said before Simmons looked pretty good to me before he got injured and he would sign a single year deal. No matter what happens I think its pretty clear that we need to bring a new starter at SS.

[HydrOshocK]

However on the other hand allow me to play devil's advocate, What if Spencer comes back 100% as the coaches seem to indicate? What if Spencer moves into the LT role and solidifies that position? But we draft a franchise LT that rides the bench meanwhile the secondary gets beat constantly. I know everyones focus is on solidifying the offense. But the colts didn't win a superbowl till they got their Pro Bowl Safety back. I know the importance of a LT, But we have 5 possibilities on our roster this year.

Black was outplayed
Salaam Starter
Frye Raw
Spencer Hurt
Butler Hurt

So we still have 3 potential LTs on this team not even taking into account we could move winston after this year since he doesnt get hurt and has shown very reliable. I know we all want to solidify that LT spot but even if we draft one hes not a guaranteed upgrade over what Salaam is giving us now. He could still be injured or beaten like Winston Justice was when Osi Umeniyora blew him up for 6 sacks in one game. Or he could be beaten out by Salaam. Its all a crap shoot I say bring in Max Starks via FA in my eyes the guy could be a force he moves very well for a guy his size.


That's a very good point. I hope Spencer can come back and be good, but I can't be sold on one good preaseason and a game and half in the regular season. He's been out a very long time with a very serious injury. Hopefully he's been making the most out of the time to rehab and get back to 100%. ....we'll find out how good our training staff is this offseason.

So let's say he can't win the LT spot. Salaam's not the answer, so at the very least we have competition with Spencer, Frye, Winston, Butler, and Black (if he doesn't get released). We have Mckinney, Weary (who I think is consistently good at G) White, and Studdard (Pitts needs to be downgraded along with Salaam). That's not a bad list of lineman so I can see how we could pass on a LT in the first round and go for a S or a RB, whichever is the BPA. I'm good either way.

I haven't studied up on the linemen that will be available so I'll leave the speculation up to you draft junkies, but I know we can still upgrade without wasting our first round pick on one if there are legitimate options elsewhere.

Ok so you're swaying me toward either S or RB now. I still say it's a toss up depending on where we wind up picking.

[HydrOshocK]

Roy Williams is one of the most overrated safeties ever. The guy can't cover, and lately his run-stopping abilities that are so touted have been faltering. If he gets into the Pro Bowl this year it'll be nothing short of a travesty.

With that said, I think our need for a QUALITY left tackle will outweigh the need to draft a DB in the first round.

3rd round maybe, but I don't know what you consider late round.



We won't know about Spencer coming back until after the draft. Second, he did look good for 1 1/2 games last year, and thats it. He could easily be a bust and we won't know it until later. We can play the question game all night long, but there are enough holes on our offensive line (Left Tackle, Center, Left Guard, in that order really) that if we draft a franchise LT (Baker, Clady, Long, Oher, there's a lot of good ones this year in my opinion) that we can slide Spencer back to his original position of, I believe LG, and let Weary move to Center. I don't think having a lot of really good offensive linemen is going to bite us in the *** if we plan on improving our running game anyway.

I'm really opposed to relying on FA for bringing in an O-Lineman (And this is just my opinion) because I like getting an offensive linemen when he's fresh out of college. We've already gotten Winston out of the 3rd round, so I know identifying talent is not going to be a problem for this regime. Who I don't want is Alan Fancea because of his age, but I suppose a free agency offensive linemen thread (Or just a free agency thread in general) wouldn't be a bad idea so we could discuss this further.

On to Will Demps though, the guy is waaaaaay better of a FS than I thought he would be. He's definitely an upgrade, and I think his play right now is pushing the secondary down on the list of needs, past the need for a solid running game. I can almost guarantee that whatever our needs are perceived to be at the end of the season, will be addressed before the first preseason game next year.

Have faith.

I agree about Demps, and since this is his thread I'll say this. He's better than anything we've had at FS in a while and he's got a ton of upside because he's still young. The only question about him is his durability because of the chronic elbow dislocations. I've heard that once you've dislocated a joint one or two times it can become susceptible to it. We still need an insurance policy. Phillips would be a great addition, no doubt, because he can play either spot. I could definitely see Demps at FS and Phillips at SS. Throw in a healthy Dunta and Bennett at CB and you've got one hell of a secondary when you consider the depth behind them....Hutchins, Brown, Earl, Simmons, Mitchell, Harrison.

Bottom line is we can go 1 of 3 ways in the draft. LT, S, or RB. That's why I think it'll be whoever is available when it comes time for us to pick or trade. One thing is for sure, any way you look at it looks pretty good because of the personnel that Smith and Kubs have already brought in so far.

[HydrOshocK]

I think that with the talent coming out of the draft this year at OL we'd be kind of silly to not pick one in the first round when we have been severely lacking throughout the entire unit. I personally don't think Winston will be a LT for our team because of his short arms. This was the knock on him coming out of college, and I think he's perfectly fine where he is.

You are right that just because a player comes out of the first round does not mean he won't bust, but I believe that the talent pool this year in OL is deep enough for us to have choices. If we go DB in the first round it's really Kenny Phillips and thats it at the S position. And if we have to trade up to get Kenny Phillips in the 1st, and he turns out to be a bust it will hurt us a heck of a lot more than grabbing an OL in the first without trading.

Will Demps is decent in coverage, and to be honest, I think that he will do fine there with Dunta and Bennett backing him up. If Dunta looks like he won't be healed before next season (And this will probably be answered better than the Spencer question to be honest) I would rather us get a CB in the first than a DB. With CB there's at least a few options with Jenkins, Tali, and Tribble. Safety is pretty barren outside of Phillips really, and I think he'll go before we pick, especially if we finish 8 - 8.

Kenny Phillips will not turn out to be a bust. The guy is the best S in college football. He'll be good.

[HydrOshocK]

Earl hasnt ever impressed me. I agree he is better than CC but neither player is good enough. Earl's contract that is up after this year, and you dont reward mediocre players with fat new contracts, not if you are trying to improve the team. Its a waste of money and roster space. I think Brandon Mitchell is a good option as our #2 strong safety, all we need is to find a good starter. Id resign Simmons before Earl. Simmons looked decent when he was called upon, and we could sign him to a one year contract for about the vet minimum. Earl would want more $ and a multi year deal.

As for CC, he is a restricted free agent next year. I would be very happy to let him go also.

I disagree. Earl has only been mediocre because he's been prone to injury, which is a legitimate concern. However, we won't have to resign him at a very big price because he has only been mediocre. We can sign on the cheap as a decent #2. Earl's upside far outways his down. He was a big hitter coming out of Notre Dame. He was showing signs of progression this offseason before he got hurt. He's worth keeping IMO.

[ib4texans]

Demps is a keeper, I wasn't trying for a draft thread guys. Every year I try to find the upgrades (other than draft)for the team. Last year Vonta Leeche, comes to mind. This year I say Demps needs to be kept!

[Texas Boy]

I def. want to keep Demps. He has been playing good the last few weeks.

[HydrOshocK]

Demps is a keeper, I wasn't trying for a draft thread guys. Every year I try to find the upgrades (other than draft)for the team. Last year Vonta Leeche, comes to mind. This year I say Demps needs to be kept!

It's hard not to discuss the draft when we're considering Demps's future with the team because the other positions in the secondary will be effected. It's a very good idea to consider drafting Phillips if he's available because of how he could fit in to the mix, especially if Demps solidifies his starting role at FS. He makes the secondary better and think of how talented our back end can be with a stud SS.

[misterpc]

I disagree. Earl has only been mediocre because he's been prone to injury, which is a legitimate concern. However, we won't have to resign him at a very big price because he has only been mediocre. We can sign on the cheap as a decent #2. Earl's upside far outways his down. He was a big hitter coming out of Notre Dame. He was showing signs of progression this offseason before he got hurt. He's worth keeping IMO.

Earl would be worth keeping only as a no 2 option in my opinion. Demps is serviceable enough to start, but he needs to be paired with a good SS (like back in Baltimore). Earl/CC + Demps is not good enough for our safeties. I think Demps has been pretty good, I wasnt too thrilled with his play against the Browns but he has been good in other games. The way I see it:
Demps + a good SS = success
Demps + not good SS = mediocre secondary

[HydrOshocK]

Earl would be worth keeping only as a no 2 option in my opinion. Demps is serviceable enough to start, but he needs to be paired with a good SS (like back in Baltimore). Earl/CC + Demps is not good enough for our safeties. I think Demps has been pretty good, I wasnt too thrilled with his play against the Browns but he has been good in other games. The way I see it:
Demps + a good SS = success
Demps + not good SS = mediocre secondary

Agreed. That's why Phillips would make perfect since for the immediate pay off.

[DeclanJr]

I like Demps, he brings the "hard hitting" factor. When this guy is a 100% he will be even more of an impact player than he is. After watching and then rewatching the Browns game, I just had to give this guy credit. I saw quite a few plays when he was the only one bringing Jamael Lewis down. That is no small task,because Lewis can be a beast.

I just get the vibe from him that it's all out, all the time. He wants to make an impression with his opportunity. That's all I have to say,with all of the negativity going around I thought some positive was in order.

I haven't read what others have written, but I have to agree. After he played in the Oakland game, I was sold. The guy will lay a solid lick, and that is what I think this defense was lacking.

[Texanf@n]

Agreed. That's why Phillips would make perfect since for the immediate pay off.

If Kenny is around for the Texans he would be a great pick. Who knows? The more Mock Drafts I look at the less likely it looks he will be available for us.
....I know this is the time of year everyone starts hating on The Ohio State Buckeyes, hey they're back so get over it........but they have a CB named
Malcolm Jenkins that IMO would benefit the Texans D greatly. Everyone will probably get a chance to check him out in the national championship game this year. :cool:

[ib4texans]

After watching the game against the Titans, Demps again brings validity to this thread. He was constantly in on tackles, either as lead tackle or just finishing with good hits. I watched him come up when Demeco had somebody wrapped and he laid a hit on him. Th announcer was constantly calling his name. He is the one player in our current secondary that I have pride in.

[Wolf123]

If phillips is available Rick smith will run the card down to the commish himself!

[ib4texans]

If phillips is available Rick smith will run the card down to the commish himself!


I got that vision in my head and couldn't stop laughing. Thanks!

[outofhnd]

Kenny Phillips to me is a Tweener safety. Able to play both strong and free safety positions. Great asset to have especially if Earl can come back and be our enforcer. that leaves phillips as the deep middle enforcer.

[ib4texans]

Props to Demps for another great game against the Bucs, he got the forced fumble and recovery that created points. He took a key WR out of the game and took a lick from Ernest Graham and pop right back up. I think that this guy is a peice of the puzzle that will make us agreat defense. He energizes the other guys in our secondary. Demps,Mario,Demeco are elevating this defense right now.

[outofhnd]

If we don't get Phillips Id like to get Talib over Jenkins. I will have to watch another game of Jenkins but Talib would be a great cover corner as well.

[SuperstarII]

Props to Demps for another great game against the Bucs, he got the forced fumble and recovery that created points. He took a key WR out of the game and took a lick from Ernest Graham and pop right back up. I think that this guy is a peice of the puzzle that will make us agreat defense. He energizes the other guys in our secondary. Demps,Mario,Demeco are elevating this defense right now.

He is definitely a keeper! I pray they re-sign the man!

[TEXANottoMAN]

Did you see the hit he took on the fumble recovery?

LOL

We need to keep him

[ib4texans]

Did you see the hit he took on the fumble recovery?

LOL

We need to keep him

Yeah, he jumped right up after taking that shot. He was to amped up about making that play. That's what I love he makes plays,he's like Demeco(he's always around the ball)but in the secondary.

[ib4texans]

I'm glad that other people are thinking like me. There is a whole new thread with this topic. Now we know he wasn't just a one game wonder. LOL