View Full Version : "Center" of controversy....
jvaldez1984
01-30-2008, 02:26 PM
first off i wanna say i win the award for dumbest thread title ever...
anyway, we currently have 5 centers on the roster. G.Eslinger, M.Flanagan, S.McKinney, C.Okobi, and C.White...
i doubt Flanagan makes it out of TC..i dont know much about Eslinger and i know nothing about Okobi...
what are your thoughts?
moses77550
01-30-2008, 02:35 PM
first off i wanna say i win the award for dumbest thread title ever...
anyway, we currently have 5 centers on the roster. G.Eslinger, M.Flanagan, S.McKinney, C.Okobi, and C.White...
i doubt Flanagan makes it out of TC..i dont know much about Eslinger and i know nothing about Okobi...
what are your thoughts?
I hope Flanagan doesn't make it out of TC. I think McKinney if healthy should start and C.White Backup. I don't know anything about the others, but if they can beat out the other two then I am all for them starting.
SMC-22
01-30-2008, 02:44 PM
I bet we cut a few,and Draft a young Center.I don't believe Mckinney will be ready at the begining of the season,and Chris White played pretty well at the end of the year.So I wouldn't be surprised if he'd be our Starting Center.Flanagan will be cut,his cap hit compared to his skill level will not allow him to remain on this team.
WaldovonPutz
01-30-2008, 03:02 PM
McKinney stays. He was injured while performing well. I don't know who is coming on but if he gets beat out at center or guard what a hell of a back up for OL depth.
This may very well be our starting center he has a lots of potential and young.He will fit well into Gibbs scheme. ;)
Greg Eslinger (born April 23 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_23), 1983 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983) in Bismarck, North Dakota (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismarck%2C_North_Dakota)) is an American football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football) center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_%28American_football%29) who is a practice squad (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Practice_squad) player for the Houston Texans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Texans) of the National Football League (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League). He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Broncos) in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NFL_Draft). He played college football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football) at Minnesota (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Golden_Gophers_football)
At Minnesota, he was a four-year starter (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starting_lineup). As a senior, he was awarded the Outland Trophy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outland_Trophy), which is given to college football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football)'s best interior lineman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lineman_%28football%29), as well as the Dave Rimington Trophy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Rimington_Trophy), awarded to college football (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football)'s top center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_%28American_football%29). A Bismarck, North Dakota (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismarck%2C_North_Dakota) native, Eslinger was also two-time Associated Press (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Associated_Press) All-American (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-American) (2003 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2003_in_sports), 2005 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_in_sports)) and a three-time First Team All-Big Ten (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ten_Conference) performer (2003, 2004, 2005).
Awards and honors
Sporting News (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sporting_News) Freshman All-American (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All-America) (2002)
Third-team All-American (2003)
3x First-team All-Big Ten (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ten_Conference) (2003-2005)
FWAA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_Writers_Association_of_America) All-American (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_College_Football_All-America_Team) (2004)
Rimington Trophy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Rimington_Trophy) finalist (2004)
Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2005)
Lombardi Award (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lombardi_Award) semifinalist (2005)
Consensus All-American (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_College_Football_All-America_Team) (2005)
Outland Trophy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outland_Trophy) (2005)
Rimington Trophy (2005)Positives:
Whenever someone is speaking about Greg Eslinger it is always good. A blue collar guy with no ego or off the field issues, Greg is just a guy that truly loves to play football. He is an extremely gifted athlete, pulls on run plays and screens better than any guard or center prospect in the draft.
headsplint
01-30-2008, 03:41 PM
This may very well be our starting center he has a lots of potential and young.He will fit well into Gibbs scheme.
First excellent post, and this is exactly what I was thinking. If i'm right, He was a steal and will be our guy with Mckinney backing up.
First excellent post, and this is exactly what I was thinking. If i'm right, He was a steal and will be our guy with Mckinney backing up.There is no doubt he was a steal, he just got caught up on two teams that already had excellent players in front of him.This will prove to be another good find and signing by Smith and Kubes. ;)
WaldovonPutz
01-30-2008, 03:47 PM
Wow! Outland trophy winner? Can't be untalented. Thanks for the info.
Wow! Outland trophy winner? Can't be untalented. Thanks for the info.No problem, we signed him in December for this upcoming season.As some have stated it is really nice to see the FO tackle the line situtation.;)
headsplint
01-30-2008, 03:53 PM
No problem, we signed him in December for this upcoming season.As some have stated it is really nice to see the FO tackle the line situtation.;)
Did he break a leg or something or have some kind of injury? That sounds familiar. :confused:
Greg EslingerHouston Texans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Texans) — No. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squad_number#American_football) 60
Center (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_%28American_football%29)
Date of birth: April 23 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_23), 1983 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983) (1983-04-23) (age 24)
Place of birth: Bismarck, North Dakota (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismarck%2C_North_Dakota)
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)Weight: 290 lb (132 kg)National Football League debu
tNo regular season (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Season_%28sport%29#regular_season) or postseason (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playoff) appearancesCareer history
College (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_college_athletic_conferences): Minnesota (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minnesota_Golden_Gophers_football)NFL Draft (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_Draft): 2006 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_NFL_Draft) / Round: 6 / Pick: 198 Teams:
Denver Broncos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Broncos) (2006-2007)
Cleveland Browns (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleveland_Browns) (2007)
Houston Texans (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston_Texans) (2007-present)**Offseason and/or practice squad member only Career highlights and awards
College awards and honors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greg_Eslinger#Awards_and_honors)
All-NFL Europa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_Europa) (2007)ESLINGER AT A GLANCE:
A second-year center who spent his rookie year on Denver’s injured reserve list with a right shoulder injury before gaining experience in the spring starting for NFL Europa’s Cologne Centurions.
Started all four seasons at center for the University of Minnesota, where he received the Outland Trophy (nation’s outstanding interior lineman) and Rimington Trophy (nation’s outstanding center) in 2005 as a consensus All-American (Walter Camp and Associated Press).
Named first-team All-Big Ten Conference for the third consecutive year in 2005 and became the first player in Minnesota history to be named the Big Ten’s Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Blocked for at least one 1,000-yard rusher during each of his four seasons at Minnesota, helping the school become the first in NCAA history to have two running backs exceed 1,000 rushing yards in consecutive seasons (2003-04).
Selected by the Broncos in the sixth round (198th overall) of the 2006 NFL DraftShoulder injury, of course we been thru that before but not the same. ;)
HydrOshocK
01-30-2008, 04:04 PM
I agree about Eslinger. I'm not sure how a guy that talented gets drafted so low and then bounces around the league like he did but that's not important. He's a very talented C and I think he can go along way in our system.
I agree about Eslinger. I'm not sure how a guy that talented gets drafted so low and then bounces around the league like he did but that's not important. He's a very talented C and I think he can go along way in our system.I agree, personally I just believe it was a numbers game with the Broncos and the Browns.At any rate I'm tickled pink to have the man on our team.
After a little digging around, I found that the Browns had just signed there starting center Hank Farley to a 4 yr deal at the start of '07 season which made him expendable.I highly doubt the Browns wanted to spend high dollars for a backup lineman.But this is just a theory. ;)
Texans_Chick
01-30-2008, 09:47 PM
first off i wanna say i win the award for dumbest thread title ever...
anyway, we currently have 5 centers on the roster. G.Eslinger, M.Flanagan, S.McKinney, C.Okobi, and C.White...
i doubt Flanagan makes it out of TC..i dont know much about Eslinger and i know nothing about Okobi...
what are your thoughts?
The Texans usually get a bunch of guys at one position when they don't have one clear guy to take that position.
Lots of old and/or injured and/or inexperienced on that list.
Bob McNair recently spoke about looking for Centers. It is on his video series with McClain and Anna-Megan.
Insideop
01-30-2008, 10:01 PM
I agree about Eslinger. I'm not sure how a guy that talented gets drafted so low and then bounces around the league like he did but that's not important. He's a very talented C and I think he can go along way in our system.
He was on Denver's Practice Squad for almost 2 years waiting for his chance to move up. I think Denver just left him there too long and Cleveland "snatched" him off their P.S. in November, probably for some depth for their playoff push. They cut him in mid December and the Texans grabbed him.
Eslinger is probably an ideal Center for the ZB system, and with the hiring of Gibbs, I'm thinking he could get his shot this year. He's just the kind of player Gibbs loves, "blue collar!" JMHO!
HydrOshocK
01-30-2008, 10:11 PM
He was on Denver's Practice Squad for almost 2 years waiting for his chance to move up. I think Denver just left him there too long and Cleveland "snatched" him off their P.S. in November, probably for some depth for their playoff push. They cut him in mid December and the Texans grabbed him.
Eslinger is probably an ideal Center for the ZB system, and with the hiring of Gibbs, I'm thinking he could get his shot this year. He's just the kind of player Gibbs loves, "blue collar!" JMHO!
I agree. What I don't get is how a guy with his potential, slotted to go in the 3rd round because of size concerns, could slip all the way to the 6th round. I'm not a draft junky like some of you guys so I don't remember what other centers were coming out (and don't care enough to look it up ;)) but there must not have been a big need for that position.
The dude's an Outland winner but he goes in the 6th to a team that didn't need him :confused:
Well it worked out pretty **** good for us. I think the guy is another Rick Smith masterpiece in the making. Eslinger could be very good in a Gibbs system. It's too soon for me to say he's the favorite going into camp but I can't help but think he was brought in to compete for that spot. I hope he shines.
HydrOshocK
01-30-2008, 10:33 PM
The Texans usually get a bunch of guys at one position when they don't have one clear guy to take that position.
Lots of old and/or injured and/or inexperienced on that list.
Bob McNair recently spoke about looking for Centers. It is on his video series with McClain and Anna-Megan.
Agreed. If I had to guess I'd say Flanagan and McKinney are likely done. Flanny for sure. Too old + limited agility = not a good fit with our new line coach.
Agreed. If I had to guess I'd say Flanagan and McKinney are likely done. Flanny for sure. Too old + limited agility = not a good fit with our new line coach.I agree about Flanagan 100% but let me ask you about McKinney.I lean to him being gone but at the same time I could see him being a comfortable backup for next season.If Eslinger or another takes over wouldn't you want a vet as a backup especially if the price isn't to high?
Personally I think McKinney would not mind pertaking this role, his play time would be minimal.This would be a good way to finish out your career and still draw a payday.Just my opinion but I'm curious how others see this playing out.;)
HydrOshocK
01-30-2008, 10:54 PM
Yeah I agree. That's why I'm not sure about McKinney. It's going to depend on money and roster spots. I can see him being brought back in a limited roll as a swing guy, but I can also see him being pushed into retirement if Eslinger and White turn out to be solid like we think, then Mckinney's spot becomes expendable if we need it for another position. Too soon to tell but both are old and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later anyway. They know it and we know it.
Yeah I agree. That's why I'm not sure about McKinney. It's going to depend on money and roster spots. I can see him being brought back in a limited roll as a swing guy, but I can also see him being pushed into retirement if Eslinger and White turn out to be solid like we think, then Mckinney's spot becomes expendable if we need it for another position. Too soon to tell but both are old and will need to be replaced sooner rather than later anyway. They know it and we know it.Very true and as you stated the roster spot would become more valuable at other positions.At this time I would have to assume McKinney would be out if the younger players perform.
Besides I really wanted someone else to say they were old.:D
HydrOshocK
01-30-2008, 11:12 PM
LOL...hell Salaam's old too. I hope like hell we find his replacement soon too! No offense Ephraim....since we all know players read the boards. :p
I want to see our entire O-line revamped honestly. I'd love to see a successful line constructed out of Spencer (yes I know his injury makes him questionable so please don't turn this into another one of those threads please :)), Studdard, Eslinger, Brisiel, and Winston, with Frye, White, and Butler in reserve. Think Gibbs could do something with that? I do.
C'mon dude don't trash the man he was just on last night readin about how good he was.:rolleyes:
Serious side I could see the lineup you mention work, especially since the addition of Gibbs.Man I wish training camp would hurry....If I have to imagine one more scenario I'm going to bang my head against the wall.
Wait a second while I go to wall.:eek:
painekiller
01-31-2008, 01:59 AM
There is no doubt he was a steal, he just got caught up on two teams that already had excellent players in front of him.This will prove to be another good find and signing by Smith and Kubes. ;)
He got hurt in Denver, shoulder. That has hurt him. When you are undersized and you need to use your technique and hands to your best advantage, a shoulder injury can be devastating.
We should know early how well he is doing with the shoulder, if he is well he goes to camp, if it is still a problem, he is cut after OTAs.
He got hurt in Denver, shoulder. That has hurt him. When you are undersized and you need to use your technique and hands to your best advantage, a shoulder injury can be devastating.
We should know early how well he is doing with the shoulder, if he is well he goes to camp, if it is still a problem, he is cut after OTAs.He was placed on injured reserve for all of 2006.At the end of the '06 season he was sent to NFL Europa to play for the Cologne Centurians for the 2007 season.While playing across the pond he started for the entire season without missing any play time due to injuries.At the end of the season he was named to the 2007 NFL Europa All-League team, which is there equivilant to the Pro Bowl.
When he came back this season he was placed on the practice squad because of Denvers depth at center, Tom Nalen and Chris Meyers two very good centers.The Browns picked him up on Nov. 14th and released him on Dec. 12th after signing former Steeler Marvin Phillip who was a better fit for there offensive scheme.The man is healthy and ready to play, as is always the case in the NFL...... talent gets lost because of youth and schemes teams operate.I stand by the fact that he has been a numbers game and will contend for the starting center job, not because he is still injured.
Here are a few more comments about Greg and why he will fit into Gibbs O-Line:
POSITIVES: Explosive lineman who stands out blocking in motion. Quick into blocks, fast to the second level and gets good fits on linebackers or devastates opponents in the secondary. Possesses outstanding vision, overall football wherewithal and intelligence. Nicely adjusts to defenders and seals opponents from the play. Patient, works well with teammates and has a nasty streak. Blocks with solid fundamentals.
ANALYSIS: A high-character prospect with great work ethic, Eslinger has a lot of skills which translate well to the next level. The ability to block on the move makes him a perfect fit in a system which employs a zone-blocking scheme or puts linemen in motion.
HydrOshocK
01-31-2008, 12:36 PM
He was placed on injured reserve for all of 2006.At the end of the '06 season he was sent to NFL Europa to play for the Cologne Centurians for the 2007 season.While playing across the pond he started for the entire season without missing any play time due to injuries.At the end of the season he was named to the 2007 NFL Europa All-League team, which is there equivilant to the Pro Bowl.
When he came back this season he was placed on the practice squad because of Denvers depth at center, Tom Nalen and Chris Meyers two very good centers.The Browns picked him up on Nov. 14th and released him on Dec. 12th after signing former Steeler Marvin Phillip who was a better fit for there offensive scheme.The man is healthy and ready to play, as is always the case in the NFL...... talent gets lost because of youth and schemes teams operate.I stand by the fact that he has been a numbers game and will contend for the starting center job, not because he is still injured.
Here are a few more comments about Greg and why he will fit into Gibbs O-Line:
POSITIVES: Explosive lineman who stands out blocking in motion. Quick into blocks, fast to the second level and gets good fits on linebackers or devastates opponents in the secondary. Possesses outstanding vision, overall football wherewithal and intelligence. Nicely adjusts to defenders and seals opponents from the play. Patient, works well with teammates and has a nasty streak. Blocks with solid fundamentals.
ANALYSIS: A high-character prospect with great work ethic, Eslinger has a lot of skills which translate well to the next level. The ability to block on the move makes him a perfect fit in a system which employs a zone-blocking scheme or puts linemen in motion.
excellent info....thx man
excellent info....thx manGracias, besides people need to understand Kubes and Smith don't do things without a reason.That is why I love this staff they have there **** together.;)
ghostlight
01-31-2008, 04:06 PM
Wow! I'm excited for this young man. After reading what he is about,I beleive he will take this opp. and show Houston fans something to be proud of. Can't wait to see him in TC.
BornOrange
01-31-2008, 11:22 PM
Here are a few more comments about Greg and why he will fit into Gibbs O-Line:
POSITIVES: Explosive lineman who stands out blocking in motion. Quick into blocks, fast to the second level and gets good fits on linebackers or devastates opponents in the secondary. Possesses outstanding vision, overall football wherewithal and intelligence. Nicely adjusts to defenders and seals opponents from the play. Patient, works well with teammates and has a nasty streak. Blocks with solid fundamentals.
ANALYSIS: A high-character prospect with great work ethic, Eslinger has a lot of skills which translate well to the next level. The ability to block on the move makes him a perfect fit in a system which employs a zone-blocking scheme or puts linemen in motion.
When copying and pasting info like this, could you please post a link to the source or at least mention the name of the source?
When copying and pasting info like this, could you please post a link to the source or at least mention the name of the source?Thats not a problem in most circumstances, but in this instance I went to quite a few sites to be sure the info I was putting out for eveyone to read was correct.While visiting these sites the majority had the same quotes/reports so to simplify matters I stayed neutral and used the ones that best summed up the whole.If this has caused you any inconvience then I apologize for that.
Please feel free to browse and learn...........this is what I do with every player we sign.
Cougar54
02-01-2008, 01:00 AM
Im going to say Okobi gets cut...Eslinger and Flanagan will fight for the starting center spot. White and McKinney can move to guard. We can rotate Weary, McKinney, White and Studdard at guard. Pitts never comes out...Salaam and Winston will start having Rashad Butler and Brandon Frye as the reserve tackles. Depending on Spencer, he can fight for a job at LT with Frye and Salaam.
Whiskeyrbl
02-01-2008, 05:50 AM
I'm going to say Eslinger becomes our starter at C mainly because he came from a ZBS at Minnesota. I think Flannagan gets his walking papers, and McKinney hangs on as long as his knee is good to go. The reason is because he can play both C/G. White will be in the mix because of the same reason. The Okobie kid I know nothing about.
infantrycak
02-01-2008, 08:49 AM
Thats not a problem in most circumstances, but in this instance I went to quite a few sites to be sure the info I was putting out for eveyone to read was correct.While visiting these sites the majority had the same quotes/reports so to simplify matters I stayed neutral and used the ones that best summed up the whole.If this has caused you any inconvience then I apologize for that.
Please feel free to browse and learn...........this is what I do with every player we sign.
We still need a link for any quotes from copyrighted material--otherwise the post will be deleted.
ghostlight
02-01-2008, 09:03 AM
"copyrighted material' I sure I've never had anything I said copyrighted. I did have something I said about a beautiful girl repeated to her without my consent. Ouch!
ghostlight
02-01-2008, 09:19 AM
[QUOTE=Neocon;90596]There ya go! I found the information that Phobophile or whatever and Infantrycak had requested. Again, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ IT FOR YOURSELF! (http://www.tfydraft.com/player_info.php?draftID=4149) ;)[/QU
ok
ghostlight
02-01-2008, 09:21 AM
Man you are fast. Thanks for the edit. It helps me relax.
ghostlight
02-01-2008, 09:31 AM
check my post one more time. Thanks for the good info. I enjoy your posts on a daily basis.
There ya go! I found the information that BornOrange or whatever and Infantrycak had requested. Again, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ IT FOR YOURSELF! (http://www.tfydraft.com/player_info.php?draftID=4149) ;)Thanks for the hook up.This was my point that unfortunatly I didn't make clear, the site you quoted from was one I hadn't even visited.To sum this up, it was pretty much the same statement in almost every site I visited so please forgive me and please don't send me back to wood shed! :eek:
HydrOshocK
02-01-2008, 01:04 PM
What were we talking about again? :rolleyes:
dallas_texan
02-01-2008, 02:42 PM
There is no doubt he was a steal, he just got caught up on two teams that already had excellent players in front of him.This will prove to be another good find and signing by Smith and Kubes. ;)
I've heard he's good, but why was Elsinger released from the Broncos if he was just drafted in 2006??
I've heard he's good, but why was Elsinger released from the Broncos if he was just drafted in 2006??Sheesh nothing personal but please read post #29,30 or 39.I really don't feel like getting trashed over a link again.:(
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