So we wait....

[Arky]

Not much posting lately. I'll admit I've had a bunch of other things to get caught up on. Did the season leave kind of a bad taste in your mouth like it did with me? It will pass.....

Interested to see who they go after on the FA market and what the draft will bring.....

[nunusguy]

But the Indy Combine is this weekend, so that's something to focus on for a few days. I'm especially looking forward to see the WR class and watch what kind of 40 times they record ? WR is one of those few positions where 40 times are really important. A good or especially outstanding (or disappointing) 40 time can have real consequences for the prospect in the Draft.

[HPF Bob]

Today I spent my day proofreading Bill Brown's new book on the history of the Astros before it goes to print. It has a lot of great photos, including some never seen in print before. Due out in April, just in time to get nostalgic about when Houston had a major league baseball team.

[barrett]

But the Indy Combine is this weekend, so that's something to focus on for a few days. I'm especially looking forward to see the WR class and watch what kind of 40 times they record ? WR is one of those few positions where 40 times are really important. A good or especially outstanding (or disappointing) 40 time can have real consequences for the prospect in the Draft.

40 time can be important for WRs if it confirms speed or lack of speed seen on film. But if a guy is very fast on film and slow by stop watch like Kendall wright last year, the 40 time might be completely ignored.

[HPF Bob]

Ask Jerry Rice about 40 times.

[nunusguy]

40 time can be important for WRs if it confirms speed or lack of speed seen on film. But if a guy is very fast on film and slow by stop watch like Kendall wright last year, the 40 time might be completely ignored.
I knew that Wright was the Titans' 1st round pick last year, but was unfamiliar with his Combine performance until I checked, and sure enough his record shows
a very unimpressive 4.61 forty and frankly I'm surprised ? And BTW, I realize that's about the same 40 time that the player usually rated the greatest receiver of all time ran when coming out of college, but that was > 25 years ago and with the improvements in training, equipment, running surface, etc., the great Jerry Rice runs much faster than 4.6 in a current-day Indy combine.
But as you point out, nothing is more important in evaluating potential than the tape on a player, and obviously the Titans liked what they saw in Wright's tape. But neither does a stop-watch lie, and I'd be reluctant to use the 20th overall on a WR with such pedestrian long or sprinting speed. He may be quick, even explosive, but pure sprinting speed is also very important for outside NFL WRs.
BTW, how did Wright do his rookie year in Nashville, I've no idea right off hand ?

[Nconroe]

Just remember, no matter how much one studies for the draft, only about a third of draft picks, no matter how high chosen or how well regarded or tested, end up making it in the league after a couple years.

I think I saw a stat something like 20-25% of guys voted to pro-bowl were undrafted, or maybe drafted after sixth round.

But lots of fun this time of year analyzing and then guessing who our team might draft. Always guys moving up or down in draft due to combine tests.

I want to see athleticism and endurance for guys who play front seven on defense. Of course production in college and tapes very important.

Some sort of second aptitude test being given this year, wonder what that is about, seems Wunderlich didn't predict much on success of a player.
ref http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000139911/article/wonderlic-to-be-supplemented-by-new-aptitude-test-at-combine

[Keith]

Did the season leave kind of a bad taste in your mouth like it did with me? It will pass.....

I feel much worse than I did at this time last season. A year ago, it was all about the "coulda beens", what with Schaub injured and missing the playoffs. Well, Schaub was healthy this time around, and bottom line, the results were very similar.

The Broncos could be better next year if Peyton Manning continues to show little sign of slowing with age.

Same goes with the Patriots since Tom Brady will still be there.

The Ravens caught fire late, and they'll miss Ray Lewis, but they're still going to be tough, too.

Oh, and the Colts could continue to improve as well.

As for the Texans... have to hope that the loss of Brian Cushing was really that critical to the defense, and that his healthy return will be the boost the team needs to get deeper into the playoffs next season. Hopefully Kubiak, Schaub (and Marciano) otherwise figure out where 2012 went wrong.

[WMH]

I feel much worse than I did at this time last season. A year ago, it was all about the "coulda beens", what with Schaub injured and missing the playoffs. Well, Schaub was healthy this time around, and bottom line, the results were very similar.

I would agree with this. I can't even seem to get into the draft mode this year. Used to be eager to read all the fluff about player X or Y, but I find myself in a "Meh" funk. Likely when FA rolls around, I'll start getting in gear for the season.

Really disappointed in the stretch run. We peaked vs. Bmore, and it was downhill since. Between Schaub's efficiency going in the toilet and the D sucking, we didn't have much of a chance.

I'm hoping the Oline is stablized some how, some way for next season. The rotation seemed to work out well for Brown, so I'm hoping it will for Newton. Seems to be alot of clammoring, again, for a WR2, but I don't think that is the brass' priority. I wouldn't be too surprised if we go OLB again, assuming they can't resign Barwin.

BTW, NE was a great place to watch the game. Very neat complex around the stadium. Bars, and restuarants, and stuff. Pretty nice folks up there too, although, they did kinda talk funny. ;) Boston was a cool city too. Got to drink a beer in Norm's chair @ Cheers! :D

[Warren]

The Texans will be talking to Barwin’s agent at the combine (http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/02/texans-will-meet-with-connor-barwins-representatives/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter). It will be interesting to see how whatever they offer him (assuming they make an offer, and assuming the details leak out) compares to what they offered before the season.

In other news, the team re-signed Jeff Zgonina (http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/02/texans-add-jeff-zgonina-to-coaching-staff/)… as assistant DL coach.

I’ve got the same overall “meh” feeling. I hope free agency and the draft snap me out of it.

[painekiller]

The Texans will be talking to Barwin’s agent at the combine (http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/02/texans-will-meet-with-connor-barwins-representatives/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter). It will be interesting to see how whatever they offer him (assuming they make an offer, and assuming the details leak out) compares to what they offered before the season.

In other news, the team re-signed Jeff Zgonina (http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2013/02/texans-add-jeff-zgonina-to-coaching-staff/)… as assistant DL coach.

I’ve got the same overall “meh” feeling. I hope free agency and the draft snap me out of it.

My nephew knows Barwin from a local bar, Barwin told him that he prefers a one year deal to a long term deal based on last season. If he is blown away by a deal from another team he will take it, other wise he is looking for a one year deal here.

[nunusguy]

My nephew knows Barwin from a local bar, Barwin told him that he prefers a one year deal to a long term deal based on last season. If he is blown away by a deal from another team he will take it, other wise he is looking for a one year deal here.
That surprises me about Barwin's willingness to accept a one-year deal in lieu of holding out for a multi-year contract given he has himself had a
season-ending injury in his NFL career ?

[Nconroe]

I hope Texans keep several FA, Glover Quin, Conner Barwin, Brice McCain, James Casey, and Tim Dobbins atleast.

If heard atleast three of those coming back, pretty soon, would start to get the juices flowing again.

Indy combine, seems medical and physical measurements mostly done, some scouts say that is most important part of combine.