What do we need, look at the depth.

[Wolf123]

As were talking about who the texans will pick in the first round I wanted to see if their were any players on our roster would convince the texans not to draft that position.
LT- Charles Spencer showed that he could be a excellent prospect but the injury now clouds that future and he may move to guard.
CB- Dunta comes back mid season and bennett played great in the #2 spot. If the texans draft a CB here that means we'd have our first round pick playing nickle or pushing dunta or bennett in the nickle.
OLB- The texans have Diles that they like as well as Anderson. Both show promise and I could see this need being passed up on til the later rounds.
FS- Texans have no one of promise at this position and zero people with any coverage ability. I lean towards this being our first round pick b/c at every other position we have potential.
RB- There will be quality runningbacks available when we pick but we know that walker showed some promise and Taylor is a kubiak favorite.
DE- With weaver likely staying and cochran playing well I see the texans looking for a pass rusher that they can groom in the later rounds to take over for anthony.

So out of the positions I see FS and LT as the ones where we have very little potential. With Gibbs believe in takeing OL later in the draft I see FS as the absolute biggiest need. If we don't draft a starter theirs no one that I can see filling in. Smith knows the importance of the safety position and I could see him as a big fan of phillips.

[HuttoKarl]

I guess I'm a pessimist. Robinson's leg got tore up in a bad way. He may not come back next season at all. He may come back without all the speed. To count on him coming back would be as nutty as counting on Taylor or Spencer to come back. CB is still a HUGE need for this team until Robinson comes back and proves that he's ready to play pro-bowl caliber ball again.

[headsplint]

I guess I'm a pessimist. Robinson's leg got tore up in a bad way. He may not come back next season at all. He may come back without all the speed. To count on him coming back would be as nutty as counting on Taylor or Spencer to come back. CB is still a HUGE need for this team until Robinson comes back and proves that he's ready to play pro-bowl caliber ball again.

Agreed - I usually tend to be more of an optimist when it comes to the Texans, but his injury as we all already know was pretty bad. And to expect him back this season in pre injury form is probably next to impossible. He may come back but like HK said above, he will more than likely be limited and/or have his role change. But hey i'm no doctor and he could very well prove me wrong which I hope he does, but that's just my opinion. If anyone can come back from that and be a threat Dunta can. Did we just turn this into a Dunta thread Karl? So to try and stick with the original theme of the thread, I think CB is a very important need and will be addressed.

[texans83]

I think you are wrong, I honestly think we will resign Deemps and he will do fine for us. As far as SS goes I dont know bc Earl and brown are both capable of bring the hits but I think we need someone that can bring us the big hits but can also cover sideline to sideline. just MO.

[Wolf123]

I think you are wrong, I honestly think we will resign Deemps and he will do fine for us. As far as SS goes I dont know bc Earl and brown are both capable of bring the hits but I think we need someone that can bring us the big hits but can also cover sideline to sideline. just MO.

Will demps isn't the type of FS we need. He would fit in well at SS but at FS he's going to get exposed to much.

[Wolf123]

I guess I'm a pessimist. Robinson's leg got tore up in a bad way. He may not come back next season at all. He may come back without all the speed. To count on him coming back would be as nutty as counting on Taylor or Spencer to come back. CB is still a HUGE need for this team until Robinson comes back and proves that he's ready to play pro-bowl caliber ball again.

I think its a big mistake to count out Robinson and even if he loses some speed he will still have more then enough to be a great player.

[HuttoKarl]

I think its a big mistake to count out Robinson and even if he loses some speed he will still have more then enough to be a great player.

I'm not counting him out. I'm covering our butts. If we have another studly CB to go with Bennett and Robinson, so be it. Depth is a great deal to have. If Robinson doesn't come back how he needs to, then we have our bases covered.

[Wolf123]

I'm not counting him out. I'm covering our butts. If we have another studly CB to go with Bennett and Robinson, so be it. Depth is a great deal to have. If Robinson doesn't come back how he needs to, then we have our bases covered.

My concern is if everything turns out okay and we draft a CB in round 1 then you have either him or bennett not being on the field until 3rd down. The texans aren't good enough to have their first round pick be a situational player. We need a impact player. We should address the Cb position in free agency and this will allow us to not rely on a rookie.

[HuttoKarl]

My concern is if everything turns out okay and we draft a CB in round 1 then you have either him or bennett not being on the field until 3rd down. The texans aren't good enough to have their first round pick be a situational player. We need a impact player. We should address the Cb position in free agency and this will allow us to not rely on a rookie.

If we spend the money via Free Agency or the draft, we're staring at the same potential situation. Say we sign Randall Gay or Drayton Florence and Robinson comes back. How is that different than drafting Leodis McKelvin or Aqib Talib and having Robinson come back?

[Wolf123]

If we spend the money via Free Agency or the draft, we're staring at the same potential situation. Say we sign Randall Gay or Drayton Florence and Robinson comes back. How is that different than drafting Leodis McKelvin or Aqib Talib and having Robinson come back?

Free agents are used to fill a need. The draft is for building blocks. If we sign a CB and dunta comes back fine then we just spent money on a good nickle. If we draft a CB like Mckelvin and dunta comes back fine then we waste a key building block. If we spend our draft pick on a need, what happens to that player when the need is no longer gone? (like dunta coming back) Then you've just wasted a 1st round pick because the player will only see the field on passing downs instead of a every down player.

[Wolf123]

4 scenarios
Draft CB and Dunta is done for.
CB1-Mclevis
CB2-Fred Bennett
FS- Will demps
SS- CC brown
Texans have one good coverage guy and a rookie in their secondary.

Draft CB and Dunta returns healthy
CB1-Dunta
CB2-Fred Bennett
nickle CB-Mclevis
FS-Will demps
SS- CC brown
Have two good coverage guys and a first round pick sitting seeing limited time.

Draft FS and Dunta is done for.
CB1-Fred Bennett
Cb2-Who ever the texans sighn or Von hutchinson
FS-Kenny Phillips
SS-Will demps
Three good coverage players because will demps coverage ability will be good for SS.

Draft FS and Dunta returns healthy
CB1-Dunta
CB2-Fred Bennett
FS-Kenny Phillips
SS-will Demps
This gives us 4 good coverage guys in our secondary. With demps moving to a more natural position this would be the best secondary the texans have ever had.

[Texanf@n]

One thing is certain everyone, it is going to be interesting to see what Ray Rhodes does with our D backfield. I hope Dunta is back but I don't have a good feeling about his recovery, if he recovers at all. Has "any" positive news been released about him by the Texans? I haven't heard any.
It would make since for some of our D back needs to be addressed in the draft, though who knows at what spot? The majority of our current D backs are only middle of the road so why would we get "more" middle of the road free agents for the team? Maybe in spite of what Kubiak said we will go after a high profile D back in free agency.........who knows??


What ever we do with our D backfield, I hope we do it with aggressive hard nosed players. I really want to see the Texans Defense develop a rep as a unit that dishes-out-the-pain.

[Texian]

I hope Dunta is back but I don't have a good feeling about his recovery, if he recovers at all. Has "any" positive news been released about him by the Texans? I haven't heard any.

The last comments from Kubiak that I have heard is Dunta will not be back from injury until mid season. Bennett is the top guy back there right now and finding another CB is a high priority. (I took the priority to mean FA vs the draft).

I expect Samuel and Trufant to being looking for Nate Clements money and that would put them out of the Texans considerations. I am expecting more in the likes of guys like Jason Webster, CB, Buffalo and Gary Baxter FS, Cleveland. Both these guys are injured and would have to pass their medical exams. If not these two then players of similar caliber.

[Texanf@n]

I am expecting more in the likes of guys like Jason Webster, CB, Buffalo and Gary Baxter FS, Cleveland. Both these guys are injured and would have to pass their medical exams. If not these two then players of similar caliber.

What about Micheal Boulware, maybe we will see something out of him this coming season.....other than special teams play.
I also thought Von Hutchins did a fairly decent job for us.

Petey Faggins and CC Brown did not really impress me.

Do you consider any of these players you listed an improvement over who we have on the roster now?

[Texian]

Do you consider any of these players you listed an improvement over who we have on the roster now?

Webster was a full time starter when he was with San Fran and Atlanta. I am not sure he is the long term answer but could plug the hole left open by Dunta's injury. Webster signed a one yr deal with Buffalo before he broke his arm in the first game last year. Webster could also fill in while a drafted CB got ready to play. Webster is from Houston and A&M.

Baxter was a very good CB when he was with the Ravens. A full time starter. The injury bug hit after he signed a big contract ($10 Million GTD) with Cleveland. He tore both patella tendons on the same play, Oct 06. Baxter attempted a heck of a comeback last yr but was eventually put on IR last Oct. Baxter has said he would be a FS on his return and he is UFA. Baxter went to Baylor.

Another possibility is Florence. Some people say no way because he cheap shot Schaub last year. I have seen stranger things happen. Forgiveness may not be far away if a player can help you win. People said no way T. O. would be Cowboy after he desecrated the star in Texas Stadium but now we know different.

[pecanpie]

Petey Faggins and CC Brown did not really impress me.



how did CC Brown not impress you?
the man had 84 tackles from the SS spot. thats not too bad for a 3rd year player.....and remember he was the only one to start and play every game in the Texans secondary last season.

[Texanf@n]

Petey Faggins and CC Brown did not really impress me.



how did CC Brown not impress you?
the man had 84 tackles from the SS spot. thats not too bad for a 3rd year player.....and remember he was the only one to start and play every game in the Texans secondary last season.

84 tackles is good....they were a quiet 84 tackles thought. I guess why I wasn't impressed is because nothing he did really stood out or stuck in my mind about the way he played his game. I hope you can see my point. I am sure he had some solid hits, but his play is not memorable. Faggins play is memorable......I remember him getting burned too often.

[Joey]

We just traded two 2nd rounders that are going to waste because the line got Schaub killed, despite his quick release and ability to quickly read things. If we can't pass protect we are simply throwing away picks because our QB who we traded picks for isn't even playing. It's boring to go o-line but after a half decade of ignoring this need it is time to take the plunge. We can't even talk about depth on the o-line since the first unit is so mediocre. If Chris Williams is there, take him.

[Tejas]

We can't even talk about depth on the o-line since the first unit is so mediocre. If Chris Williams is there, take him.

On 1 mock draft i have seen Wiliams go as high the Bears pick. From what i am hearing this guy has charged up the boards and has passed Otah and Baker.

[texans83]

We just traded two 2nd rounders that are going to waste because the line got Schaub killed, despite his quick release and ability to quickly read things. If we can't pass protect we are simply throwing away picks because our QB who we traded picks for isn't even playing. It's boring to go o-line but after a half decade of ignoring this need it is time to take the plunge. We can't even talk about depth on the o-line since the first unit is so mediocre. If Chris Williams is there, take him.

Thats why we brought in Gibbs. Think what you want to think but our Oline is getting better. With schaub back there and like you said quick reeds and quick release I think we will see improvements from here on out from our Oline.

[Wolf123]

On 1 mock draft i have seen Wiliams go as high the Bears pick. From what i am hearing this guy has charged up the boards and has passed Otah and Baker.

Baker could be one of those guys that falls into the 2nd or 3rd round.

[steelbtexan]

We just traded two 2nd rounders that are going to waste because the line got Schaub killed, despite his quick release and ability to quickly read things. If we can't pass protect we are simply throwing away picks because our QB who we traded picks for isn't even playing. It's boring to go o-line but after a half decade of ignoring this need it is time to take the plunge. We can't even talk about depth on the o-line since the first unit is so mediocre. If Chris Williams is there, take him.

I'm in total agreement. Gibbs needs talent to work with, if Gibbs judges any LT worthy of the 18th pick we should take him. The LT position has been neglected for to long. Look @ what Joe Thomas did for the Browns. They went from the 3rd pick in the draft to almost making the playoffs.

[Wolf123]

I'm in total agreement. Gibbs needs talent to work with, if Gibbs judges any LT worthy of the 18th pick we should take him. The LT position has been neglected for to long. Look @ what Joe Thomas did for the Browns. They went from the 3rd pick in the draft to almost making the playoffs.

Thats the thing Gibbs won't judge any LT worth the 18th pick. His philosphy is why draft OL in the first 3 rounds when you can get a similar player in the later rounds. Anyone who doubts this just needs to look at what he's done with the talent he's had.

[steelbtexan]

It would be great if we could solidify the O-LINE with late round picks. Lets see if it happens I have faith in RS & KUBES. All of the playoff teams LT's were picked in the 1st or 2nd rds.

[Wolf123]

It would be great if we could solidify the O-LINE with late round picks. Lets see if it happens I have faith in RS & KUBES. All of the playoff teams LT's were picked in the 1st or 2nd rds.

Ye but they didn't have GIBBS!

[steelbtexan]

You're right about that. that is what is going to make this draft so intereting.

[Joey]

The Falcons have given up 133 sacks the last three years. Hardly the pass protecting guru Gibbs is mainly a run blocking o-line specialist. We have had decent run blocking but pass protecting has been the problem. You can't say it was because Vick tried to scramble more because this past year they gave up 47 to match 06's 47. I guess you can blame on it Joey then but the fact is he is known for run block coaching. That is fine he has proven to be a quality coach but even in Denver they had a superior line that could protect for Elway. He's never turned a sub-par pass protection line into one. To think he can take unathletic lower round picks and turn them into stud pass protectors is simply hard to believe. I'll believe it when I see it and we'll leave it at that. I would be all for a stud rusher as well as defense clearly can stop even the Patriots but even the g-men have an underrated o-line that kept Eli off his back for the most part.

[Neo]

On 1 mock draft i have seen Wiliams go as high the Bears pick. From what i am hearing this guy has charged up the boards and has passed Otah and Baker.I posted before the senior bowl that Chris Williams was worth the 18th pick and Wolf ripped me for it. Make not have the "sexy" athleticism but when he takes the field he brings it. Only giving up 1 sack each of the last 2 years in the SEC has got to say something for the guy.

[Texian]

The Falcons have given up 133 sacks the last three years.

Gibbs was not with Atlanta last year and in 05 & 06 he was a consultant only. As a consultant he worked Tuesday - Friday only game planning the run game. Yes many of Atlanta's sacks where attributed Vick. Last year Petrino changed systems and installed a power run game. They did not have the OL personel for the system. You're right again, it appears that Joey is David Carr's twin brother.

[Wolf123]

I posted before the senior bowl that Chris Williams was worth the 18th pick and Wolf ripped me for it. Make not have the "sexy" athleticism but when he takes the field he brings it. Only giving up 1 sack each of the last 2 years in the SEC has got to say something for the guy.

ah no you said 7 tackles would have first round grades and then you acted like a child when I would ask you a question.

[steelbtexan]

ah no you said 7 tackles would have first round grades and then you acted like a child when I would ask you a question.

Funny & true

[Joey]

Gibbs was not with Atlanta last year and in 05 & 06 he was a consultant only. As a consultant he worked Tuesday - Friday only game planning the run game. Yes many of Atlanta's sacks where attributed Vick. Last year Petrino changed systems and installed a power run game. They did not have the OL personel for the system. You're right again, it appears that Joey is David Carr's twin brother.

My bad I read where he left in 11/07. I didn't feel like doing tons of research but my point still stands that he is yet to prove he can really strengthen a pass blocking front since he didn't do it in ATL and he had Schlereth and co. in Denver. How folks think he can work magic with low picks seems like a reach when in reality he hasn't done anything that extraordinary. I'm not necessarily calling him way overrated but maybe a bit with something to prove, to me at least.

[steelbtexan]

Gibbs is not a miracle worker. Thats why I'm a proponet of drafting a LT in the 1st rd if he's the BPA. This draft is deep @ cb & rb.

[Neo]

ah no you said 7 tackles would have first round grades and then you acted like a child when I would ask you a question.Never said seven had 1st round grades at all. Then you went on to say only you can spot NFL talent. ;)

[u4ikrob]

It would be great if we could solidify the O-LINE with late round picks. Lets see if it happens I have faith in RS & KUBES. All of the playoff teams LT's were picked in the 1st or 2nd rds.

Buzzz - Incorrect

The Super Bowl winning Giants Starting LT was David Diehl - an 2003 - 5th Rounder.

I agree with your first point though - some nice late rounders to help give us more depth on the line would be great. Good talent can be coached up given time. The FO has said more than once they want to build thru the draft. More picks would certainly help us find some more starters and depth for this team. If i'm RS - i'm shopping my 18 pick to anybody willing to listen and give us more picks.