running backs!!!!!!!!!!!!

[big r]

i would like to see a good 3rd or 4th round back taken in the draft. we have plenty of back-ups to fit the rest of our needs. granted, green and dayne only have a few good years left but, they can help in the developement of the younger backs.

whats your take on this???????

[joedinkle]

Let Walker and Taylor carry the load. Draft a LT in the 1st, a Center in the 3rd and fix the secondary through free agency.

[El Tejano]

Let Walker and Taylor carry the load. Draft a LT in the 1st, a Center in the 3rd and fix the secondary through free agency.

That being said, you can still get a RB in the 4th and there could still be a good one. Although, IMO, we need to get him in the 3rd and do what we can to get a 2nd back.

[Sprtsfanatic]

Let Walker and Taylor carry the load. Draft a LT in the 1st, a Center in the 3rd and fix the secondary through free agency.

I agree with your assessment of a LT in the first, but we dont really need to reach for a center in the 3rd because we have Eslinger now and Im sure he'll take over that position. That being said if one of the top 4 rb's are there at 18 (I'd prefer stewart) I dont think we can pass on one of them...especially since I dont see the only great LT (jake long) falling to us at 18. Our secondary is going to be in some desperate need of some VERY GOOD FA acquisitions...preferably at CB and possibly at S.

[Texan Naija]

I'd say getting another running back should come AFTER we fix the secondary which is where we often do get killed. It is necessary get a younger RB, but if Green comes back at full health, I still would prefer Dayne (for his power and hard work) and Walker (speed, vision and overall potential).

If we can get someone cheap and ready to work that will be fine, but I wouldn't consider a new RB as a true need for the team right now. Not unless it is another Maurice Jones-Drew.

[WesmanTexanfan]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

we need no back and they wont pick one, chris taylor and darius walker are ballers, O line and secondary......... heck id take another D end before a rb

[GT]

I'd say getting another running back should come AFTER we fix the secondary which is where we often do get killed. It is necessary get a younger RB, but if Green comes back at full health, I still would prefer Dayne (for his power and hard work) and Walker (speed, vision and overall potential).

If we can get someone cheap and ready to work that will be fine, but I wouldn't consider a new RB as a true need for the team right now. Not unless it is another Maurice Jones-Drew.Tend to agree with you on the fact that we have to shore up the secondary, we cannot allow teams to continue passing on us.We were really bad for the most part of the year in part to injuries, our one true weakness on the defensive side of the ball stuck out like a sore thumb.This is a top priority for this team.

The second thing we have to address is the offensive line, we can no longer avoid this.Our o-line seemed improved but this was mostly due to better QB play.We cannot hope that Spencer will come back we need to find a LT, then if Spencer makes it back next year that just adds depth to the line.Personally I can't wait to see what Greg Eslinger brings to the table.

As for running back I see us taking a back somewhere in the draft but of all the positions we need to improve on this one can wait.A good offensive line can make any running back servicable. ;)

[LORK 88]

My take is Ahman Green can't be depended on. If he comes back and can play that's great, but we shouldn't depend on him to be the #1 like we did last season. Dayne is too inconsistent and is better served as a backup/part time starter. Walker has had 1 decent game against the worst run defense in the NFL and 1 good game against backups, I'm not ready to mention him as anything more than a change-of-pace/3rd down RB, he has a long way to go to be the starter. Taylor also is an unknown, he had 1 good game his rookie season and has to recover from an ACL tear. If you look at the roster, we lack 1 guy who can do everything we want out of an RB, a guy who can consistently give us production at the position and help teams respect the run.

Looking at FA, there isn't much out there. Julius Jones, Michael Turner, and Jamal Lewis are the only big names out there and nobody really jumps out. Seeing as how we could address a lot of our other needs in FA, I really want us to draft a guy like Mendenhall or Stewart who would excel in the 1 cut system we have. The draft is incredibly top-heavy with talent, so we need to grab someone Day 1/Round 3.

[GT]

My take is Ahman Green can't be depended on. If he comes back and can play that's great, but we shouldn't depend on him to be the #1 like we did last season. Dayne is too inconsistent and is better served as a backup/part time starter. Walker has had 1 decent game against the worst run defense in the NFL and 1 good game against backups, I'm not ready to mention him as anything more than a change-of-pace/3rd down RB, he has a long way to go to be the starter. Taylor also is an unknown, he had 1 good game his rookie season and has to recover from an ACL tear. If you look at the roster, we lack 1 guy who can do everything we want out of an RB, a guy who can consistently give us production at the position and help teams respect the run.

Looking at FA, there isn't much out there. Julius Jones, Michael Turner, and Jamal Lewis are the only big names out there and nobody really jumps out. Seeing as how we could address a lot of our other needs in FA, I really want us to draft a guy like Mendenhall or Stewart who would excel in the 1 cut system we have. The draft is incredibly top-heavy with talent, so we need to grab someone Day 1/Round 3.Would you take a back over an LT, just curious I have been pondering this for several days?

[WesmanTexanfan]

Would you take a back over an LT, just curious I have been pondering this for several days?

never, we need a lt, we dont need a back, christ you people drive me nuts........

[Texan Naija]

Personally, it would be a huge surprise if the Texans did actually use their top draft pick or a large amount of money getting a RB. Green still might be a viable option if fully healed so if the Texans really did go overboard trying to get a RB, it could be a similar situation to this season where they pay a lot for a player only for an injury to ruin the investment.

[doodyps]

CB and Oline are way more needs than RB. Theres a case for S, DE, and OLB being more needs in my opinion. also, isnt the 3rd round now a day two pick? i thought they made it so 1st round picks are only 10min and only 1st and 2nd are first day.

[WesmanTexanfan]

CB and Oline are way more needs than RB. Theres a case for S, DE, and OLB being more needs in my opinion. also, isnt the 3rd round now a day two pick? i thought they made it so 1st round picks are only 10min and only 1st and 2nd are first day.

i agree, id rather see antoher DE taken than an RB,

just my opinion but the draft on tv has become a joke... its all hype

[GT]

never, we need a lt, we dont need a back, christ you people drive me nuts........Dang you sound just like my wife, same comments.:D

[LORK 88]

Would you take a back over an LT, just curious I have been pondering this for several days?
TO be honest, it would really depend on who was available. If Ryan Clady is there (which I doubt he lasts outside of the top 10), I would prefer him. He would be a perfect fit for our team and our system. If he isn't I most likely want Mendenhall or Stewart. When I look at FA and who's in the draft, RB is extremely top-heavy. There's a bunch of amazingly talented players who will go round 1/2, but after that there's a huge drop off. Nobody in FA really interests me as well, a lot of the guys in FA aren't worth the money or will stay put (Mewelde Moore and Michael Turner are the only 2 I would want). I see more talent at OL in FA and in the draft. There are guys like Jordan Gross, Travelle Wharton, Ryan Lilja, Jake Scott, and so forth who I would welcome on the team. I also feel you could get a better OL prospect in R3 or R4 than you could a RB prospect in R3 or R4. I'm in no way saying OL isn't a need, I just think that there are more options when you look at solving the position.

[SuperstarII]

My take is Ahman Green can't be depended on. If he comes back and can play that's great, but we shouldn't depend on him to be the #1 like we did last season. Dayne is too inconsistent and is better served as a backup/part time starter. Walker has had 1 decent game against the worst run defense in the NFL and 1 good game against backups, I'm not ready to mention him as anything more than a change-of-pace/3rd down RB, he has a long way to go to be the starter. Taylor also is an unknown, he had 1 good game his rookie season and has to recover from an ACL tear. If you look at the roster, we lack 1 guy who can do everything we want out of an RB, a guy who can consistently give us production at the position and help teams respect the run.

Looking at FA, there isn't much out there. Julius Jones, Michael Turner, and Jamal Lewis are the only big names out there and nobody really jumps out. Seeing as how we could address a lot of our other needs in FA, I really want us to draft a guy like Mendenhall or Stewart who would excel in the 1 cut system we have. The draft is incredibly top-heavy with talent, so we need to grab someone Day 1/Round 3.

The only way to give Walker a chance is to give him more carries.

[LORK 88]

The only way to give Walker a chance is to give him more carries.
I really don't feel like having to wait a few seasons to see if he could eventually, maybe be a starter in this league. It's too big of an 'if' for a team that's trying to move forward and make a playoff push next season. Even if he does show the ability years down the road (and in my eyes thats a very big if), I don't see the problem in having too much talent at 1 position if there is such a thing. The truth is that our running game has been ranked 21st or worse ever since Domanick Davis/Williams left because we lack that true #1 RB. Our offense can be a force for years to come if we find a #1 RB to compliment our passing attack.

[BIGTEX1]

The only way we draft a RB early is if he can also play corner.I like the CB. #3 from Kansas.

[HuttoKarl]

never, we need a lt, we dont need a back, christ you people drive me nuts........

Honestly, we need both. I would rather get a LT in the first this year as there are a ton of studly LT prospects in this draft, but I also think RB needs to be addressed. Too many people want to rely on two undrafted free agents who've had one good game against crap run defenses (Chris Taylor ....coming off a knee injury...and Darius Walker). Running back depth in this league is important since it's a position that takes a beating. Whether it's thru the draft or free agency, we still need to address the RB position in addition to the O-Line and Secondary. I'd say RB is our third biggest need behind LT and CB/FS.

[WesmanTexanfan]

Honestly, we need both. I would rather get a LT in the first this year as there are a ton of studly LT prospects in this draft, but I also think RB needs to be addressed. Too many people want to rely on two undrafted free agents who've had one good game against crap run defenses (Chris Taylor ....coming off a knee injury...and Darius Walker). Running back depth in this league is important since it's a position that takes a beating. Whether it's thru the draft or free agency, we still need to address the RB position in addition to the O-Line and Secondary. I'd say RB is our third biggest need behind LT and CB/FS.


thats my point, we need those 3 things alot more than rb, there are plenty of guys to get in the later rounds, heck im fine re signin ron dane, and havn those 3 guys play, and pick one up next year..... i just believe that if your O line is solid, then anyone can run it..... you know



edit: and darius was a bad***** this year, made great cuts, and i never once saw him go backwards, he doesnt hesitate when he gets the ball he goes forward, and there are alot worse guys out there, i think he'll be our stud... plus demeco said he can tackle anyone no problem, but the little guys are the hardest and thats darius, his character is one that reflects the Houston attitude as well..

[HuttoKarl]

thats my point, we need those 3 things alot more than rb, there are plenty of guys to get in the later rounds, heck im fine re signin ron dane, and havn those 3 guys play, and pick one up next year..... i just believe that if your O line is solid, then anyone can run it..... you know



edit: and darius was a bad***** this year, made great cuts, and i never once saw him go backwards, he doesnt hesitate when he gets the ball he goes forward, and there are alot worse guys out there, i think he'll be our stud... plus demeco said he can tackle anyone no problem, but the little guys are the hardest and thats darius, his character is one that reflects the Houston attitude as well..

I think Will Demps has proven that he can handle our FS position. We also have Harrison and about 30 other Safeties on the IR (slight exaggeration) that we should let try before worrying a whole lot about that. LT, CB/RB is what we need to address, and we need to keep Andre Davis around too.

O-Line is our biggest need...while sacks went down, we still have too many false starts and whiffs on the O-line. It also never hurts to have more studly LB's either.

We're still at a position in which BPA applies most of the time in the draft. We can have a plan, but if someone's there that shouldn't be there (outside of QB's, normally) we can't afford to NOT take them. We still NEED everything.

Again...Left Tackle...I'd snag one over a RB unless one special RB fell to 18. I'd hope for a nice, solid RB in the third or fourth though.

[WesmanTexanfan]

I think Will Demps has proven that he can handle our FS position. We also have Harrison and about 30 other Safeties on the IR (slight exaggeration) that we should let try before worrying a whole lot about that. LT, CB/RB is what we need to address, and we need to keep Andre Davis around too.

O-Line is our biggest need...while sacks went down, we still have too many false starts and whiffs on the O-line. It also never hurts to have more studly LB's either.

We're still at a position in which BPA applies most of the time in the draft. We can have a plan, but if someone's there that shouldn't be there (outside of QB's, normally) we can't afford to NOT take them. We still NEED everything.

Again...Left Tackle...I'd snag one over a RB unless one special RB fell to 18. I'd hope for a nice, solid RB in the third or fourth though.


fair enough

[Tejas]

i guess everyones idea of special is different... some people's special is McFadden, somes is Stewart and others its Mendenhall.

[South Texan]

I could see justifying drafting Mendenhall if he is still there at #18, he's talented and I think he fits our system, but that's not likely. Green's knee injury just reminds me too much of the fiasco with Dominick, I think Green is on the bubble if Taylor is healthy or we do get a stud in the first round.
If memory serves there were way too many times the corners gave up conversions on 3'rd and long, so I have to say CB first. Simmons, Alexander, and others will be back so hopefully we find another saftey in who we already have.
One the things that has puzzled me is why Spencer was not moved to IR from PUP. Does that mean they thought he was close to being able to play? If not, then I really think we have to get a LT by round 3, and of course, that means no RB before round 4 at the earliest.
Not as bad as it seems. Kubiack's scheme does not need an Adrian Peterson or Larwence Taylor, it only needs to be respectable to open up the passing game. While an explosive RB would be nice, it's not the end of the world if we don't get one this year.

[SuperstarII]

I really don't feel like having to wait a few seasons to see if he could eventually, maybe be a starter in this league. It's too big of an 'if' for a team that's trying to move forward and make a playoff push next season. Even if he does show the ability years down the road (and in my eyes thats a very big if), I don't see the problem in having too much talent at 1 position if there is such a thing. The truth is that our running game has been ranked 21st or worse ever since Domanick Davis/Williams left because we lack that true #1 RB. Our offense can be a force for years to come if we find a #1 RB to compliment our passing attack.

Wait a few seasons? He was pretty even with Dayne for a young rookie. I think you are wrong in this and he will be a strong impact next season. A college running back being drafted at the top of the draft doesn't make him the best at his position. I mean just look at reggie bust.

[Towlie]

WE will probably find another UDFA this year like taylor and walker

[GT]

Well it seems to me we have all pretty much agreed on the pecking order.LT,CB then a RB of course all of this can & will change depending on FA finds along with players taken in the first round.Personally a RB is least of our worries at this time & I believe this will be the mindset of Kubes & Smith.Yes they would like to get a quality back but they know there are other positions in dire straits.Personally I will not question there choices they have done a good job so far, as a matter of fact I would give these two an A plus.When you consider all the things they went through this season.

By the way good conversation guys, all post were well thought out!;)

[shawn76ers]

Remember this name...CHris Taylor !!!
he will be a factor on this team in 2008

[HydrOshocK]

Yeah, because they put that video of him on the website....that means it's true. :rolleyes: Don't mean to rain on your parade...don't get me wrong...it would be nice...but don't hold your breath.

Actually there is validity to considering Taylor in the mix. His rehab appears to be going very well and he's anxious to get back...so much that he's apparently not taking an extended vacation and will spend all of his time in Houston working on his conditioning. That's a big plus.

I agree with Go Texans that RB is not as big a priority as some may think at this point. Kubiak already said Ahman will be back for camp and given a shot to prove his worth, Walker will be back, Dayne will likely be back, and Taylor will also probably be in the mix. An improved O-line has opened up bigger lanes for our serviceable RBs so I wouldn't expect to see much change in our roster at that position. I'm not saying we won't pick someone else up if a good deal is on the table, but we're more likely to go with who we already have.