If you could change one thing about the draft.....

[Blitzwood]

what would you have done differently in the Texans' draft?
I don't think I'm smarter than any GM or professional scout, nor do I pretend to be, but I thought it would be interesting to see how we'd fare in this one decision now, versus commenting on here that I would have done xxx differently in the draft in week 6 or 7 into the regular season.

I'm pretty happy with the draft overall. I thought we did really well on the first day, and did pretty good on the second. The only thing I may have done differently was probably select Rashad Jennings, who, IMO, would have come at a major bargain in the seventh round. I thought that he could have really helped this team in goal line and short yardage situations being a larger RB at 6-1, 236, and would have played with some grit after being selected in the last round.

I know we got Troy Nolan, who is a fine prospect, and think he's gonna be a fine FS, but wonder just how many snaps he'll take this season as compared to what Jennings might have seen.
I guess we'll see how right(or wrong) I am twice a season the next few years since he went to the Jags.

So, go ahead and go out on that proverbial limb....:D

[HPF Bob]

I agree although I was actually pushing for Andre Brown with one of our fourth-rounders. I would have valued him more than a blocking TE. Of course, when you're bitching about who the team drafts that far down, you're really saying the team did okay by you.

The Smith/Kubiak war room has yet to make a truly horrific mistake so I think most of us simply trust them rather than being critical of them. I know that's how I feel. I also know we've done very well in the fourth round in this team's short history so I guess I expect our two picks to turn out better than advertised just as Domanick Davis, Jerome Mathis, Owen Daniels and Fred Bennett have been.

[Roy P]

I suppose my biggest wish looking back upon the draft would have been having the Texans select SS Chip Vaughn at #112. I realize that Glover Quinn was selected to be the Nickle and had pretty impressive statistics in terms of collecting INTs. However, with Bennett, Reeves, and Molden along with being able to draft Nolan in the 7th round, I'd been more than happy to pass on Quinn in favor of Vaughn. Also, McCain has some "nickle" ability. I wonder how much input David Gibbs had on this selection along with how much of it had to do with Dunta Robinson's situation with a contract.

So, put me down for Chip Vaughn over Quinn in the 4th as the ONE thing I could change about the draft.

[painekiller]

I did not put out a version of my cherry pick for a good reason, Rick Smith did a pretty dang good job with draft.

So instead of dissecting Smith's draft, I decided for me the best thing was to look forward to how these guys and the new defensive coordinator change the 2009 Texans. I'm am not going to cry about the ones that got away this time.

And for me that is a new leaf.

[Roy P]

I'm am not going to cry about the ones that got away this time.

And for me that is a new leaf.

I didn't want to, but HE asked.
:o

[Blitzwood]

I did not put out a version of my cherry pick for a good reason, Rick Smith did a pretty dang good job with draft.

So instead of dissecting Smith's draft, I decided for me the best thing was to look forward to how these guys and the new defensive coordinator change the 2009 Texans. I'm am not going to cry about the ones that got away this time.

And for me that is a new leaf.

pk, this is simply a voluntary exercise of ONE thing you would change, nothing else. I'm not dissecting anyone's draft, just clarifying NOW what one thing anyone would do different, if anything at all, on the record.

I did this because there might be some folks that will come on here mid season and say,"we should have taken Matthews in the first like I wanted" with all their hindsight on display. IMO, If there are any reservations, let's hear them now.

[Bigtinylittle]

All the picks were at positions of need. Moreover, we have a very specialized run offense that requires enough speed to run the stretch play.

Having a guy who can't do that and keeping him on the 45 man active roster every week just to run a couple of plays doesn't sound like a good use of a draft pick. Im not in the group who say we've got to have a big back to be sucessful.

So right now, I have no criticisms of the Texans draft. I'm sure that not all
the players will be a sucess, though. They never are.

[nunusguy]

I think Barwin is atleast as risky as Cushing if not more so, but I think people accept that and kinda realize its something we have to accept because its so important to improve our pass-rush even if we have to use a second round pick on a situational player.
The problem with Cushing for me is that he may not be as much of an upgrade over Diles at SAM as Caldwell ultimately will be at center (or RG). That's not a favorable return-on-investment for first-round cap vs 3rd-round picks in terms of cap resources. And its really gonna be a bummer if Cushing can't stay on the field on third-downs as some say ?
So if given the choice I would have taken the Texans top-rated DB on thier Board for the #1 pick and got the SAM in a later round.

[HPF Bob]

I suppose I was relieved that we didn't use our first-rounder on a "situational" player like some wanted with Everette Brown. To me, Barwin is an acceptable risk *because* we waited until the second round to take him. I'm not sure I understand the logic of starting him out on the depth chart behind Mario though. Seems to me as if, on passing downs, you'd want both of them on the field.

[NBT]

I did not put out a version of my cherry pick for a good reason, Rick Smith did a pretty dang good job with draft.

So instead of dissecting Smith's draft, I decided for me the best thing was to look forward to how these guys and the new defensive coordinator change the 2009 Texans. I'm am not going to cry about the ones that got away this time.

And for me that is a new leaf.

Well, good for you PK. And to tell the truth, I feel the same way. I know I initially questioned Glover Quinn, because to be honest, I had never heard of him.

[Joe Joe]

I'm not sure I understand the logic of starting him out on the depth chart behind Mario though. Seems to me as if, on passing downs, you'd want both of them on the field.

I think he is behind Mario because he isn't suited to be on the strongside on running downs. I think he'll see lots of action on passing downs, but I'm not sure if he'll line up strongside or weakside. Mario on the strongside on passing downs would help out if the opponent actually ran the ball on a passing, but putting Mario there would make it easier for him to be chipped.

I sometimes think Bush may start to move Mario around again on passing downs to make the Texans less predictable kind of like what the Texans originally tried with him his rookie season. I'm interested to see what the Texans plan to do on passing downs. I wouldn't be surprised to see Cushing put his hand down in the dirt every now and then as the DTs are off the field.

[painekiller]

pk, this is simply a voluntary exercise of ONE thing you would change, nothing else. I'm not dissecting anyone's draft, just clarifying NOW what one thing anyone would do different, if anything at all, on the record.

I did this because there might be some folks that will come on here mid season and say,"we should have taken Matthews in the first like I wanted" with all their hindsight on display. IMO, If there are any reservations, let's hear them now.


Blitz, I was not complaining about your question, I think it is a fair question. I was pointing out that I thought Rick Smith did a heck of job, and I did not think I was able to add anything to his draft.

BTW that is a major shift for me.

[painekiller]

I suppose I was relieved that we didn't use our first-rounder on a "situational" player like some wanted with Everette Brown. To me, Barwin is an acceptable risk *because* we waited until the second round to take him. I'm not sure I understand the logic of starting him out on the depth chart behind Mario though. Seems to me as if, on passing downs, you'd want both of them on the field.

If you look at depth charts they are for base defenses, they do not have the situational packages in them. I see Barwin as part of the nickle packages, Mario will move to the LDE, Smith becomes LDT, Okoye stays at RDT, and Barwin become the RDE.

The article that dadmg posted last week (http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showthread.php?t=578), they talks about the perfect situation for a player to come into the league. I see this as how Barwin will be brought along. We are finally a team that is maturing and we should be glad that 2nd rounder with talent are no longer must starts. It has only taken us how long?

[Roy P]

If you look at depth charts they are for base defenses, they do not have the situational packages in them. I see Barwin as part of the nickle packages, Mario will move to the LDE, Smith becomes LDT, Okoye stays at RDT, and Barwin become the RDE.


This is a very good read about how I forsee our defense becoming more aggressive and how we'll be using our new toys.


http://www.trojanfootballanalysis.com/43_under_blitz_schemes.html

The first blitz that I am going to show you is what we simply refer to as “Sam and Mike”. We are going to use the strong side linebacker and middle linebackers to rush the passer. We slant our strong side defensive end, nose guard, and 3 technique to the open side of their formation away from their normal rush gaps. The weak side defensive end is going to drop into pass coverage on this play. The alignment is the same as before. The Corners are line up in tight coverage but are going to bail out and play a three deep zone coverage with the Free Safety. The Corners will play outside leverage on this blitz and force everything inside. The Free Safety is playing a deep middle. The weak side Defense End and Strong Safety are the outside defenders to each side. They are playing seam coverage with the Will linebacker in the middle seam. The Strong Safety and weak side Defensive End play what we call the hot receivers to their side. Once the quarterback sees the blitz he’ll often throw to these short areas to his designated hot receiver. If the tight end comes down the middle seam the Strong Safety collapses on him. The Defensive End does the same thing with the back out of the backfield.

What's cool about having Barwin as the "situational" pass rusher is that on those occasions when we have the DE drop in coverage, it won't be a total waste of his talent. He is the DE that I want on the weak side of a formation when we are in passing situations.

[Roy P]

I suppose I was relieved that we didn't use our first-rounder on a "situational" player like some wanted with Everette Brown. To me, Barwin is an acceptable risk *because* we waited until the second round to take him. I'm not sure I understand the logic of starting him out on the depth chart behind Mario though. Seems to me as if, on passing downs, you'd want both of them on the field.

1st - I'll say that I was one of those who wanted Everette Brown. I think he'll be more than a "situational" player, but that's an agrument not worth having now.

2nd - Mario starts at the RDE but moves to LDE quite often. So, Barwin would be the guy coming in at RDE when that happens and both of them will be on the field.

[Roy P]

The problem with Cushing for me is that he may not be as much of an upgrade over Diles at SAM.

Really?

You need to watch Cushing play this season and come back with another assesment.

[painekiller]

I did not put out a version of my cherry pick for a good reason, Rick Smith did a pretty dang good job with draft.

So instead of dissecting Smith's draft, I decided for me the best thing was to look forward to how these guys and the new defensive coordinator change the 2009 Texans. I'm am not going to cry about the ones that got away this time.

And for me that is a new leaf.

OK I've changed my mind.

1st Maclin WR Missouri
2nd Barwin
3rd Caldwell
4th a Quinn
4th b Tolar CB St. Paul
5th Casey
6th Follett, Zack OLB Cal.
7th Jennings, Rashad RB Liberty

UDFA I would have added to our signings
PJ Hill RB Wisconsin (predraft arrest hurt his stock, charges have been dropped)
Ian Johnson RB Boise St.
Ryan Purvis TE Boston College


So overall I would say I liked the job Smith did, just a few changes to BPA, as Roy kept telling us, Maclin is a stud. Add him to our guys and lookout. JJ is gone. And Walters is let go after the season.

[Roy P]

Good thing we didn't draft Andre Brown, he just destroyed his Achilles tendon. :(

[NBT]

Aw shucks PK, and you looked so good in that new leaf!

[mussop]

Love our draft but if I were GM =
1st Michael Oher OT,
2nd Max Unger C,
3rd Tyrone McKenzie OLB,
4th Chip Vaughn S,
4th L Sidbury DE,
5th J Casey TE,
6th Follett, Zack OLB Cal.
7th Jennings, Rashad RB Liberty

[Roy P]

Really?

You need to watch Cushing play this season and come back with another assesment.

It does appear that Brian Cushing was able to play the SAM at a higher level than Zac Diles. Now, I'm wondering if we can find a WILL who plays that position better than Diles.

[nunusguy]

It does appear that Brian Cushing was able to play the SAM at a higher level than Zac Diles. Now, I'm wondering if we can find a WILL who plays that position better than Diles.
Hey was I ever wrong about Cushing, but I realized that already back 'bout October.

[painekiller]

It does appear that Brian Cushing was able to play the SAM at a higher level than Zac Diles. Now, I'm wondering if we can find a WILL who plays that position better than Diles.

Weatherspoon would appear to be a perfect fit for this team. He can rush the passer and he is excellent in pass coverage.

I would not be hurt if we drafted Rolando McLain, who IMO can play all three LB position. Adding McLain would do to our WILL what Cush did for our SAM.

[TexanJedi]

I would be surprised to see the Texans take another LB early since we run a 4-3 and Diles has played well. It seems to me we run a number of nickel sets on 3rd downs so would you use a 1st rounder on a line backer that only plays two downs, because someone would be on the bench come 3rd and long(Ryans, Cushing, or a rookie)? A corner, safety, or interior linemen would seem to be more likely. Shoot even another play maker for the offense might happen should one be available unexpectedly.

[Roy P]

It seems to me we run a number of nickel sets on 3rd downs so would you use a 1st rounder on a line backer that only plays two downs, because someone would be on the bench come 3rd and long(Ryans, Cushing, or a rookie)? A corner, safety, or interior linemen would seem to be more likely. Shoot even another play maker for the offense might happen should one be available unexpectedly.

If you have good LBs, you wouldn't necessarily need to change to a Nickle set. Just going back to last year's draft if we already had Cushing on the team - would you like to add CB Vontae Davis, S Louis Delmas, DT Ziggy Hood, or LB Clay Matthews?

The position isn't nearly as important as the player, in my opinion. That's what BPA is all about.

[Blitzwood]

I think it's BPA of DT, FS, or CB in the first round. I also think Kubes will try to acquire another mid round pick somehow. He knows how important this draft is for him.

Also, still think it would have been nice to take R.Jenning in the 7th round. Could have come in handy. IMO.

[TexanJedi]

If you have good LBs, you wouldn't necessarily need to change to a Nickle set. Just going back to last year's draft if we already had Cushing on the team - would you like to add CB Vontae Davis, S Louis Delmas, DT Ziggy Hood, or LB Clay Matthews?

The position isn't nearly as important as the player, in my opinion. That's what BPA is all about.

I liked him at the time but say we did not need a line backer, I would have wanted Michael Oher- slide Winston inside or whatever. Maclin or Harvin would have been fine as well. I don't want to reach for anyone but a BPA approach must take a team's current talent and needs into account.

[NBT]

He wasn't even drafted, but I think a certain rookie FA RB by the name of Arien Foster from Tenn. might well turn out to be the find of the 2008 draft based on his last two games of 2009 with the Texans. I think he will only get better in 2010.

[painekiller]

He wasn't even drafted, but I think a certain rookie FA RB by the name of Arien Foster from Tenn. might well turn out to be the find of the 2008 draft based on his last two games of 2009 with the Texans. I think he will only get better in 2010.

Remember Chris Taylor? Does your statement above now sound familiar?

[Nconroe]

Well, now, I think Arian Foster is a much better runner than Chris Taylor, in skills, athleticism, and results. Agree with NBT he may be the find of 2008.

I know for myself I never thought Chris Taylor was the answer at RB, but I do think Arian Foster is close to possibly being the RB of future for Texans.

Might you still find a third RB in upcoming draft to work with Foster, Slayton and ?, sure, always someone better could occur if it is BPA.

and one never knows, with injuries, other issues that might occur what is best after 2-3,5 years.

[Roy P]

Might you still find a third RB in upcoming draft to work with Foster, Slayton and ?, sure, always someone better could occur if it is BPA.

http://walterfootball.com/draft2010RB.php

Ryan Mathews, Fresno State
Height: 5-11. Weight: 220.
Projected 40 Time: 4.45.
Projected Round (2010): 2-3.
11/7/09: Ryan Mathews is having an incredible year at Fresno State (1,316 yards, 7.4 YPC, 11 TDs in eight games). You may shrug off the fact that he plays in the WAC, but in three games against Wisconsin, Cincinnati and Boise State, Mathews has rushed for 486 yards and four touchdowns on 76 carries.

[nunusguy]

I liked him at the time but say we did not need a line backer, I would have wanted Michael Oher- slide Winston inside or whatever.

I love the Cushing pick as much as the next Texans fan and I'm delighted with his year all of this post-season recognition he's getting as the DROY and a PB selection, but given the way Oher has also turned out this argument could still be made IMO because OTs are just more valuable than LBs. Just like DLineman are more important than LBs. Afterall football games are still essentially won (or lost) on the los, same as they always were.

[Arky]

Well, now, I think Arian Foster is a much better runner than Chris Taylor, in skills, athleticism, and results. Agree with NBT he may be the find of 2008.

I know for myself I never thought Chris Taylor was the answer at RB, but I do think Arian Foster is close to possibly being the RB of future for Texans.

Might you still find a third RB in upcoming draft to work with Foster, Slayton and ?, sure, always someone better could occur if it is BPA.

and one never knows, with injuries, other issues that might occur what is best after 2-3,5 years.

Ya, I think this scenario is probably what we'll see. C Brown is gone and if a RB is drafted, Moats is immediately on the bubble. Very well could start 2010 with:

Slaton
Foster
drafted RB

on the 53.

[cland]

I'll admit I was disappointed we took Connor Barwin over Michael Johnson, as a pass rushing DE. The jury is still out, but Barwin does have a very slight edge, with one additional tackle and an extra 1.5 sacks:

Barwin: http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12449
Johnson: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12436

I'll be interested to see how year 2 turns out for these players.

[nunusguy]

I'll admit I was disappointed we took Connor Barwin over Michael Johnson, as a pass rushing DE. The jury is still out, but Barwin does have a very slight edge, with one additional tackle and an extra 1.5 sacks:

Barwin: http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12449
Johnson: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12436

I'll be interested to see how year 2 turns out for these players.
The Chrons John McClain said on 610 AM radio that the Texans have Barwin scheduled to get up to the 270 lb range for 2010, presumably to be big enough to play DE in run defense situations along with passing downs. Lets hope this strategy doen't have the same results as it did when they had Steve Slayton bulk-up for 2009 in his first offseason.

[Roy P]

I'll admit I was disappointed we took Connor Barwin over Michael Johnson, as a pass rushing DE. The jury is still out, but Barwin does have a very slight edge, with one additional tackle and an extra 1.5 sacks:

Barwin: http://espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12449
Johnson: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=12436

I'll be interested to see how year 2 turns out for these players.

Yeah, I'm waiting to see how Everette Brown turns out too.
http://www.nfl.com/players/everettebrown/profile?id=BRO430930