Draft Pick signings?

[papabear]

The only one I have hear about is Barber....not much from the rest of the league. I would imagine that the specter of an uncapped year might be making negotiations a little more tricky this year. There's still time, and we usually do a good job of getting picks into camp on time, so I'm not really worried.

I was really just wondering if anybody has been hearing anything in this department that I missed.

[kravix]

Barber is the only one I have heard about also. Im not to worried yet, most will probably drop soon or right before camp.

[Mike]

I am not worried about it. Usually after July 4th things start to pick up as camp approaches. The late picks usually sign first, but as usual I am confident our guys will be in camp on time. I think Travis Johnson and Omobi missed one day.

[HPF Bob]

It's all slotting now so most players sign as soon as the guy drafted above them gets signed and the guy drafted below them gets signed. At least that's how the first round picks seem to go. Since we traded down and then took and offensive lineman in the 20s who probably had no reason to expect to be drafted that high, I can't imagine a possible holdout unless he picked Scott Boras or Drew Rosenmouth as an agent.

[cadams]

I would guess a number of the top 10 picks are still unsigned due to the stupidity of Atlanta. That may be holding up the rest of the 1st rounders.

[papabear]

according to the Chron Brinks is signed

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/sports/5858258.html

[NBT]

The Domino theory will start to kick in pretty soon. On the other hand, the CBA backout on the part of the owners may be holding things up some.

[NBT]

With TC around the corner the bulk of the rookies are still unsigned. The reason is the NFL doesn't want these enormous bonuses to be paid out before a player has a chance to show he can earn it. Sounds reasonable. BUT the agents get a big chunk of these bonuses so they will try to hold out to force the issue. It could get ugly before it gets better.

[Mike]

I am not too conerned yet. The Texans have a great history of getting everyone signed and in camp on time. Travis and Omobi each missed a day. Since they are operating under the existing CBA and we do not have any early picks I am not sure why we would not have everyone signed, sealed and in camp.

[Nconroe]

Yeah, I think they'll all sign right before camp starts. They want to see what comparable slots are getting and some are on vacation right now.

[papabear]

I'm still not worried, but I did see this article from john Clayton explaining why there might be some delays.


http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=clayton_john (http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=clayton_john)

[painekiller]

I'm still not worried, but I did see this article from john Clayton explaining why there might be some delays.


http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=clayton_john (http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=clayton_john)

Sound's like a good year to not have a 2nd rounder.

Look last year the team seemed to be behind and had everyone done on time. They have 5 guys to sign, and 10 days to get there, 11 until the 1st practice. They would appear to be OK, IMO.

[Nconroe]

Looks like Adibi is signed now.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/5889824.html

[KJ3]

beat me to it nconroe! looks like the texans are trying to keep that streak of having picks signed by camp alive. i'm wondering what they honestly expect out of him for this year, next year and what do they project him to be down the road?

[NBT]

They expect Adibi to come in on 2nd & long and 3rd and short to better guard against the pass. Next year they expect him to start IMO. Good to see the rookies starting to sign. Hope we get 'em all in the henhouse before TC.

[KJ3]

They expect Adibi to come in on 2nd & long and 3rd and short to better guard against the pass. Next year they expect him to start IMO. Good to see the rookies starting to sign. Hope we get 'em all in the henhouse before TC.

who does he come in for? and who is he replacing next year, greenwood and his expiring contract?

[painekiller]

who does he come in for? and who is he replacing next year, greenwood and his expiring contract?

Greenwood is average to below average at pass coverage, he also is not a good pass rusher, not a good trait for a WILL. Adibi is supposed to be better at these two things. He is undersized for most teams, and young. Does he become next years starter?

But yes to answer your question he is subbing for Greenwood.

[papabear]

Greenwood is average to below average at pass coverage, he also is not a good pass rusher, not a good trait for a WILL. Adibi is supposed to be better at these two things. He is undersized for most teams, and young. Does he become next years starter?

But yes to answer your question he is subbing for Greenwood.

I agree that WLB is the best position forAdibi....but remember that Kubiak has stated, much like our safeties, that they want the OLB to be basically interchangeable. So, if Greenwood and Adibi is better than Diles, Bentley, Thompson, and maybe Colvin then it is conceivable that those two could be on the field at the same time. That would leave us a little light at OLB and to me Xxavier was drafted to replace Greenwood at some point...just pointing out that there is an outside possibility.

[painekiller]

I agree that WLB is the best position forAdibi....but remember that Kubiak has stated, much like our safeties, that they want the OLB to be basically interchangeable. So, if Greenwood and Adibi is better than Diles, Bentley, Thompson, and maybe Colvin then it is conceivable that those two could be on the field at the same time. That would leave us a little light at OLB and to me Xxavier was drafted to replace Greenwood at some point...just pointing out that there is an outside possibility.

Well I will also state the sacrilegious statement that Ryans is still your best OLB, and a solid MIKE is easier to find than a super star WILL.

Next season, James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State, Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC, Darry Beckwith, ILB, LSU, Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida, Scott McKillop, ILB, Pittsburgh, Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio State (can play both inside and outside) are all 1st day picks that play the MIKE.

IMO a LB core that includes Maualuga at MLB and Ryans at WILL is a huge upgrade over Greenwood at WILL and Ryans at MLB.

And if I have the chance to draft a LB like Maualuga I take the chance, sorry if Adibi becomes a special teamer, oh well, it's called depth.

But that is a different discussion.

[papabear]

PK-I like a couple of names on that list a lot....Maualuga and Laurinitas (especially if he shows up wearing his dads costume for the first day of training camp). I would have no problem drafting some of those guys....I would rather get someone who is capable of playing OLB as well though. I think they should have to earn the job in the middle....not just move Demeco because it should make us a better.

[KJ3]

Well I will also state the sacrilegious statement that Ryans is still your best OLB, and a solid MIKE is easier to find than a super star WILL.

Next season, James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State, Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC, Darry Beckwith, ILB, LSU, Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida, Scott McKillop, ILB, Pittsburgh, Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio State (can play both inside and outside) are all 1st day picks that play the MIKE.

i've got no clue why laurinaitis went back to college, but i'm guessing we don't have a shot at him since he was topping draft boards last year. getting maualuga would be unbelievable to me. those are the only two i know ha!

would ryans still be calling defense from OLB like he does at MLB?

anyone ever jump on the adibi as a strong safety train? i think i would take a long hard look at that possibility if i was kubiak...

[NBT]

Yes, I agree Adibi will coming in for Greenwood on passing downs.

No, I don't think it is bad to be considering Maualuga, or Lauranitis (sp) for the Mike, sending DeMeco to the Will. that would make for a kick a$$ LB corp, I believe.

BUT.....if we are talking first round draft pick for next year, when are we going to get our RB of the future? I don't see him on the team as yet. Maybe someone in TC will prove me wrong, but I don't think so.

[Arky]

BUT.....if we are talking first round draft pick for next year, when are we going to get our RB of the future?

He probably won't come from the first round - it's just not the Denver/Gibbs/Kubiak way...

I think spending this year's first round pick on a LT was a bit against the grain of that system/mindset, too, however, I'm sure glad they did it. For one, it quiets the never-spent-a-first-on-an-OL people and (2) might as well get a good one...

[painekiller]

Posssible preseason top 20 pick Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State, Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

2nd round and below RBs: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh, James Davis, RB, Clemson (WalterFootball have us taking him in the 2nd in the preseason mock) (http://www.walterfootball.com/draft2009.php), C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson; Arian Foster, RB, Tennessee , Marlon Lucky, RB, Nebraska , Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State , Javarris James, RB, Miami

Most of these guys are currently grading mid 2nd and lower. So it appears the strength of this draft is OL, DL, MLB, and Safeties. It is weak at QB and RB.

[papabear]

BUT.....if we are talking first round draft pick for next year, when are we going to get our RB of the future? I don't see him on the team as yet. Maybe someone in TC will prove me wrong, but I don't think so.

I'm big on RB's in the top 10 or so of the draft (don't think we will be picking there anyway). I would be ok if we took one in the last half of the first, but I hate the idea of targeting any position in the first round. That's OK for 4th or 5th round on because those guys have a hard enough time making the team anyway so you might as well go for guys at positions where they have a shot at making the team. Outside of QB I think you have to just take the best player available...another reason I wouldn't have a problem with the LB's above.

I'll use the Babin example again of how keying on positions will get you in trouble.

[painekiller]

Slaton and Molden sign (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5899280.html)
The Texans are still working to finalize deals with first-round pick Duane Brown and fifth-round pick Frank Okam.

[Mike]

Slaton and Moldon are signed.

Leaving Duane Brown and Frank Okam as the remaining players that need to get signed.

Here is the link. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5899280.html

[Keith]

merging our draft pick signing threads.

btw, I hope Manfull is asking about signing bonuses. She's like 0-for-5 right now. Must I continue to do the dirty work? :P

[Mike]

Bob Allen reported that Frank Okam has also reached an agreement. Now, Rick can concentrate on getting the deal done with Duane.

[Mike]

merging our draft pick signing threads.

btw, I hope Manfull is asking about signing bonuses. She's like 0-for-5 right now. Must I continue to do the dirty work? :P

Keith, you might as well do the dirty work, you are better than those folks at the Chronicle and you don't get paid. Let's start our own Houston Sports daily paper, like the defunct "National."

We can put Dickie Justice and Jabba the Hut McClain out of work.

We'll can take Anna-Meghan on the staff.

[painekiller]

Bob Allen reported that Frank Okam has also reached an agreement. Now, Rick can concentrate on getting the deal done with Duane.

Chron.com has the update with all signed but Brown. (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5899280.html)

[Keith]

Let's start our own Houston Sports daily paper, like the defunct "National."As The National (and sadly, Houston Chronicle readers) can surely attest, printed sports journalism is a dead man walking in this country, assuming the point is to combine quality journalism with profitability. Plus, the Texans micro-manage access to their employees/players to an amazing degree.

[kravix]

HEHE Keith, I will be your dedicated beat guy if the team will agree to give me free access to all the events as a member of the media for ITB.com :P

[KJ3]

haha...

oh yea? i'll be your beat guy with free access stuff AND i'll bring you 6 dozen cookies of your personal taste preference at the 1st of every month!

seriously though...is sports journalism hard or something? it seems like the hardest part is getting to where you need to be. asking questions is easy, writing observations on sports is easy, having your own talk show has to be like found money.

[Keith]

I hope Manfull is asking about signing bonuses. She's like 0-for-5 right now.

WTG, Meggie! The print edition of the Chronicle this morning had signing bonuses for two of the picks. Okam signed for $178,000, and Molden received a signing bonus "of more than $750,000."

Ehhhh, so she had info on maybe one and a half of them. Baby steps, people.

I'm not too concerned, as most of you can probably tell already. I seem to get this info one way or another. For now, I'll work on updating the cap page this morning using guesstimates.

Molden, as a 79th pick, ought to have a signing bonus in the neighborhood of Jacoby Jones', who was the 73rd pick a year ago. Jones received $777,111.

Okam, as the 151st pick, has a bonus close to Brandon Harrison, #144 last year. Harrison received $182,125.

So, then reasonable estimates might be:
$753,000 for Antwaun Molden. Last year's 79th overall pick, Mike Walker, signed for $732,000.
$667,000 for Steve Slaton. Last year's 89th overall pick, Aaron Rouse, signed for $649,500.
$448,400 for Xavier Adibi. Ryne Robinson signed for $438,305 last year.
$178,000 for Okam is 2.3% higher than the $174,000 Jeff Rowe received last year.
$141,175 for Dominique Barber. Last year's comparable was $138,000.
$56,265 for Alex Brink. Zac Diles received $56,915 last year as the 218th pick.

As I mentioned on the site's front page, Duane Brown will likely sign a 5-year deal with guarantees in the neighborhood of $6.3 million. The YOY increase for first round rookies is greater than the others, so nailing the estimate is a bit more challenging. Anthony Spencer signed for $6mm in guarantees last year, so Brown will sign for somewhere in the range of $6.2mm and $6.3mm, representing around a 3-4% increase.

We'll see how close I get.

HEHE Keith, I will be your dedicated beat guy if the team will agree to give me free access to all the events as a member of the media for ITB.com :P

The Texans are far more likely to grant media access to a fifth grade newspaper than they are to ItB.com.

[papabear]

The Texans are far more likely to grant media access to a fifth grade newspaper than they are to ItB.com.


I've got a nephew....if I can get him to start a newspaper and get him credentialed then I would have to chauffeur him around to all the media events.

[Mike]

I've got a nephew....if I can get him to start a newspaper and get him credentialed then I would have to chauffeur him around to all the media events.


Or we can get 'Gilbert' on staff. Anyway. :D

[painekiller]

This is something I stole from the TT board. a guy called BornOrange posted all of the signing dates of the Texans picks (http://texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=956827&posted=1#post956827), since we no longer care about the Capers/Casserly picks, I am posting the Kubiak picks. (I know Casserly's group signed Kubiak's first draft).


2008 Season
July 25 First Practice Day
?????? (1)Duane Brown
July 21 (3)Antwaun Molden
July 21 (3)Steve Slaton
July 21 (5)Frank Okam
July 16 (4)Xavier Adibi
June 26 (7)Alex Brink
June 19 (6)Dominique Barber

2007 Season
July 27 First Practice Day
July 27 (1)Amobi Okoye
July 26 (4)Fred Bennett
July 26 (5)Brandon Frye
July 24 (3)Jacoby Jones
July 23 (5)Brandon Harrison
July 23 (6)Kasey Studdard
July 19 (7)Zac Diles

2006 Season
July 28 First Practice Day
July 23 (3)Charles Spencer
July 23 (3)Eric Winston
July 13 (6)Wali Lundy
July 13 (7)David Anderson
July 12 (4)Owen Daniels
July 07 (2)DeMeco Ryans
April 28 (1)Mario Williams

Notice that mid July is when most of the signings occur, having two signed in June is very unusual. Also the longer the team waits the more the player gets concerned, he wants to be in on time, and he want some cash, it's hard to live without cash.


Negotiation 101, wait and don't be in a hurry.

[Mike]

C'mon big Duane, get signed and into camp on time! There, now that I vented I feel much, much better.

[Bigtinylittle]

In a way, Brown is in an ideal position. Even though most low first rounders are not in a situation where they are being counted on to be difference makers at the very beginning of the season, the Texans are telling Brown that he is already an important piece of the offense. In addition, his technique is raw and the Texans are desperate for him to get as many reps as possible in camp.

If he is a real competitor, none of that should matter, but if he is more concerned about milking every last dollar out of the Texans instead of starting on day one, then I think he's in a good position to do it.

[KJ3]

well, seeing as how he is late-first round and clearly the texans do need him maybe brown will squeeze out a few more incentives but i really hope his head is in the right place during camp. he needs to focus on nothing else.


GOD I CAN'T WAIT FOR FOOTBALL

[papabear]

In a way, Brown is in an ideal position. Even though most low first rounders are not in a situation where they are being counted on to be difference makers at the very beginning of the season, the Texans are telling Brown that he is already an important piece of the offense.

I don't really agree with that. Salaam is sitting there, and at least in the sense of a negotiation that gives the Texans the cards. They have a capable veteran starter who Brown's not going to beat out unless he's there working and learning everyday. Truth be told he might not come out of camp better than Salaam even if he is there on time. The hope is that he's close enough to earn some on the job training.

[Keith]

As I mentioned on the site's front page, Duane Brown will likely sign a 5-year deal with guarantees in the neighborhood of $6.3 million. The YOY increase for first round rookies is greater than the others, so nailing the estimate is a bit more challenging. Anthony Spencer signed for $6mm in guarantees last year, so Brown will sign for somewhere in the range of $6.2mm and $6.3mm, representing around a 3-4% increase.

We'll see how close I get.

Seems I got pretty close. McClain sez:
Brown, the first-round pick who is ticketed to start at left tackle, signed a $9.1 million contract that could pay him as much as $11.5 million if he reaches his incentives. It includes $6.2 million in guaranteed money.

http://blogs.chron.com/nfl/2008/07/brown_the_big_focus_as_texans.html

Someone else told me I was $1000 or so off on Molden, but I haven't confirmed it yet.

[NBT]

Good job, as usual, Keith.