Texans Rookies: Video Profiles

[popanot]

Will build on this in the coming days as I look through YouTube, etc...

Draft Picks:
------------------------------------
DeAndre Hopkins:
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/deandre-hopkins
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTJjRlGOCjk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1nHtKg5AQ0
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/0ap20...eAndre-Hopkins
Notes: Love this guy's hands and body control. Can't wait to see him play. Hopefully Schaub will look to him. 3rd video is pretty interesting.

DJ Swearinger:
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/d-j-swearinger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w64D1D8cyc4
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/0ap20...D-J-Swearinger
Notes: Couple things jump out to me with this guy... 1)He needs to improve his tackling and 2)he's one cocky SOB. Always mouthing off.

Brennan Williams:
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/brennan-williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMDy1lNAUqA
Notes: This dude is BIG. He definitely looks the part, but personally, I think Quessenberry looks more polished. Having the hindsight of knowing they'd end up with Quessenberry, I wish they had used this pick on some other area of need (maybe the BPA @ TE at the time).

Sam Montgomery:
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/sam-montgomery
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...Sam+Montgomery
Notes: I like this guy's motor in these videos, although, I see a 3-4 DE rather than a 3-4 OLB. IMO, he's A. Smith's potential replacement.

Trevardo Williams:
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/trevardo-williams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue1om66B_HU
Notes: Looking at the first video, you have to wonder what the Texans saw in him. He shows some flashes and looks like he has a quick first step, but he gets eaten up a lot. Of course, this is just one game video and we'll have to look at more of him. He's standing up more (ala, 3-4 OLB) in the second video.

David Quessenberry:
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/david-quessenberry
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...d+Quessenberry
Notes: He's #76 and is playing LT. Looks like a really good athlete. The OL competition in camp should be fierce. I think this guys sticks and is in the running for starter or swing.

Alan Bonner:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urYY682G2A0
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/0ap20...out-Alan-Bonne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RqP_fsGYis&NR=1 - Pro Day Workout (added 5/3/13)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeT7i7A5G_E - All Bonner Highlights (added 5/3/13)
Notes: He's #16. In this video he catches TD's at the 1:15m and the 3:12m mark. He throws a pass at ~3:19 mark. Has the small, muscular body type of a Victor Cruz. Looks like a slot guy that will compete with Martin. Martin could be in trouble if Bonner is a willing blocker, can consistently catch the ball, and is somewhat decent at PK/KR.

Chris Jones:
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/chris-jones
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...+bowling+green
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/0ap20...ut-Chris-Jones
Notes: This guy is going to be a player in Wade's system and get a bunch of playing time, IMO. Cody's going to have to sign cheap or be gone (probably gone).

Ryan Griffin:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR7A_I4bP3I
Notes: 74yd TD catch by Griffin in this video. He's a big kid. Turn up the sound and the announcers give a little more insight into his game. LOL! Gives a crappy effort blocking on the XP attempt, but WTH, he just ran 74yds.

UDFAs:
-------------------
Collin Klein:
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...y=collin+klein
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/0ap20...t-Collin-Klein

Cierre Wood:
http://draftbreakdown.com/players/cierre-wood
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=cierre+wood
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/0ap20...ut-Cierre-Wood
Note: This is a good signing, IMO. Always loved how this guy stepped up in big games. Wood seems to have a little more shake-n-bake to his game than Winn.

Ray Graham:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ray+graham
http://www.nfl.com/videos/auto/0ap20...out-Ray-Graham
Notes: This kid's got some serious moves. If you didn't know any better, you'd think you're watching highlights of LeSean McCoy at PITT. Obviously doesn't have McCoy's flash and speed, but he certainly has a similar running style. He could definitely see him in that Justin Forsett role. Might stick if he can return kicks.

Dennis Johnson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjdFq3nhBq0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGUuKQBzERw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VecKrAA-pbo
Notes: Mini MJD (Pocket-Pocket Hercules)? Stocky body w/massive, powerful legs. Bad thing is he runs upright with nearly zero body lean and looks a bit stiff. He is tough and is not afraid to hit, though.

Justin Tuggle:
http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...=justin+tuggle
Notes: Wears jersey #2. Son of former NFL player, Jesse Tuggle. He's hard to spot initially in a lot of these clips due to the far angle and poor quality. He's a 2pt-stance OLB and appears to have a high motor. I like how they move him around from side to side and he seems to always be moving forward.

Ja'Gared Davis:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGFYJQUFuJs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzwkv0zTp_4
Notes: Hard to see b/c videos are shot from such a far angle, but fortunately, they focus on plays made by Davis. Very aggressive and looks to have some speed to his game.

Zach Boren:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mfwOS7bZiI
Notes: I think he sticks as our future FB and should be great on STs. However, he did played some LB. Could he be the missing ILB of our draft?

[painekiller]

I agree with you on Montgomery, looks like a 3-4 DE, not an OLB.

[popanot]

Added more videos above.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by painekiller

I agree with you on Montgomery, looks like a 3-4 DE, not an OLB.

We really run a 5-2 more than a 3-4. Montgomery is listed at 6'3" and 262. Brooks Reed is 6'3" 257. Connor Barwin was 6'4" 268. Braman is 6'5" 251. Mario was obviously much bigger than any of them. Montgomery is very much in line with what this team uses at OLB. He is 30+ lbs lighter than what we use at 34 DE.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

We really run a 5-2 more than a 3-4. Montgomery is listed at 6'3" and 262. Brooks Reed is 6'3" 257. Connor Barwin was 6'4" 268. Braman is 6'5" 251. Mario was obviously much bigger than any of them. Montgomery is very much in line with what this team uses at OLB. He is 30+ lbs lighter than what we use at 34 DE.

It's not his size, it's play. He does not look the part in the clips I watched.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by painekiller

It's not his size, it's play. He does not look the part in the clips I watched.

I see now, I misunderstood.

We better all hope he can be an OLB in the NFL because he isn't going to be a 34 DE.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

I see now, I misunderstood.

We better all hope he can be an OLB in the NFL because he isn't going to be a 34 DE.

Lance Zierlein had this to say:

Round 3 – Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU, #99
Z-Report Draft Grade – 4th Round

This draft pick really shocked me to be honest. I’ve heard the rumblings around the league that Sam’s motor ran hot and cold and I heard from agents who recruited him that he was a real pain in the butt to deal with. I know that some teams were really turned off by Montgomery during the interview process. Forget all that – I just didn’t think he fit Wade’s scheme.

I remember speaking to a couple of LSU coaches who were at the Senior Bowl practices about both Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo and how they would fit into a 3-4 as OLB. Both coaches agreed that it would be a natural transition for Mingo, but that Montgomery was “definitely not a fit” because they didn’t think he could play in space. From an athletic standpoint, Montgomery is very average.

The Texans have talked about giving Montgomery a chance at the strong-side OLB spot which is where Brooks Reed is currently slotted. To play there, Montgomery would have to be able to drop into coverage and even cover TEs from time to time. I simply don’t see that. Now maybe Montgomery could fit into the WOLB spot where Mercilus is right now since that position doesn’t have to drop into coverage very often.

Montgomery is less talented as a pass rusher than Mercilus is, but he is more aggressive overall. In general, I think Montgomery could come in and play the run better than Mercilus starting tomorrow. Montgomery shows some pop when he gets his arms extended and gets into tackles. Wade Phillips’ knows who fits his defense better than anyone so I’m interested to see how this plays out.

And the beat writer from New Orleans who covers the Tigers was on the radio with Ted Johnson saying pretty much the same thing. Now he did say that if Sam put on a few pounds maybe he could play 3-4 DE. But a lot of people are not seeing a 3-4 OLB.

[WMH]

Wade Phillips > Lance Z

Wade Phillips > Tigers Beat Writer

I'm willing to wait and see.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by WMH

Wade Phillips > Lance Z

Wade Phillips > Tigers Beat Writer

I'm willing to wait and see.

And Wade Phillips & Reggie Herring > me , I get that. But I know what I am seeing, and I am giving my opinion, just like most of us here do.

[Keith]

I'm agreeing with a lot of what I'm reading here on Montgomery... he is an odd fit in theory as a 3-4 OLB, and Wade does know better than us.

One thing I keep thinking back to though is that while we were all impressed with Mercilus as a pass rusher as a rookie, he really took slowly to keeping his assignments in the run game. He struggled with outside contain, and teams seemed to run his direction when he was on the field. That said, I saw a little improvement very late in the season from him, and I have to imagine that will continue this season.

So... Montgomery can give Mercilus a breather on running downs to keep Mercilus fresher on passing downs. I doubt Wade is going to have Montgomery just covering TEs all game long. Look, we all kinda wondered how it would work out with Mario playing OLB, and until he got hurt, I think Mario was doing just fine. Of course, it's unfair to talk Mario and Montgomery in the same sentence, but I have faith that Wade will use Montgomery appropriately. Just don't call Montgomery a bust when he maybe gets 1.5 sacks as a rookie.

B.T.dubs... awesome thread. I could watch these videos all summer until training camp gets here.

[painekiller]

Have to say i think we are going to love this Chris Jones kid. What a motor, and he looked almost unblockable. Nice pick up for so late in the draft.

[HPF Bob]

Re: Montgomery - I echo the concerns but it was a comp pick and I still feel like Brooks is going to be a bust for the same reason (what is a hippo doing in a ZBS?) and that was one of our thirds last year so if we are hitting well enough with our other picks, we can afford the occasional project reach.

Speaking of which, where's Bolden? Shouldn't he be in a starting lineup by now?

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Re: Montgomery - I echo the concerns but it was a comp pick and I still feel like Brooks is going to be a bust for the same reason (what is a hippo doing in a ZBS?) and that was one of our thirds last year so if we are hitting well enough with our other picks, we can afford the occasional project reach.

Speaking of which, where's Bolden? Shouldn't he be in a starting lineup by now?

With an offseason of working out and healthy eating, Brooks has slimmed down to 325 pounds.
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/ar...c-a7f25d6071d2
**************************************************
Make that a svelt hippo.

[popanot]

Added Combine workout videos in original post for:
Hopkins, Swearinger, Bonner, Jones, Klein, Wood, Winn and Graham. There were no videos posted for the other guys.

I was happy they had a video of Bonner because game footage on him is lacking. Unfortunately, they only show Jones running his 40. I really think they both have an excellent shot at making this team and getting PT. Bonner seems to have the ideal body type for the slot. Definitely has more muscle mass (and probably tatts) than KMart. Hopefully his 2nd timed 40 speed is more indicative of his actual game speed (and he can catch the ball, of course).

Added video profiles for:
Ja'Gared Davis, Zach Boren and Dennis Johnson

Re: Boren - I see him as our FB of the future and a killer ST player. Interesting note on him; he started out at OSU as a LB and I think he might have played LB some his senior year. His dad played LB at Michigan. Could he be the missing ILB from our draft? Doubt it, but food for thought.

Re: Davis - Obviously these vids are one-sided and he wasn't drafted for a reason, but man, he sure looks the part of a LB. Super aggressive and looks to have good instincts. IDK, maybe it's just me, but this kid has an on-field presence about him that's hard to explain. Whether it's his body language and/or the speed of his game, he's very noticeable and I could pick out which one he was on the field thru the far angle/grainy clips before they even lined up and started the play. I'm interested in seeing more of this kid in camp.

This is one heck of UDFA RB class, IMO. The way I see this shaking out in camp is:
Power: Wood vs. Winn - and - Speed: Graham vs. Johnson (maybe even Bonner competing w/those two)

I think we keep 1 or both of the power guys and only 1 of the speed guys. I could also see them trying to convert Winn to FB/HB.

On another note, looking at these UDFA's, our STs should be much improved next year if Marciano has any coaching skills at all (chime in chuck ).

[painekiller]

Collin Klein: As a 3rd string QB, I like the idea of having a guy that is a threat to run, makes the defense have to think about something more in the naked boot, and in the pass rush. If you get down to your 3rd QB you are toast anyway, so why not have an athletic stud.

George Winn:Love his explosion to the hole. Could be 3rd RB, and I love the jump pass he did in the highlight reel.

Dennis Johnson:Another Pocket-Pocket Hercules, I like the low to the ground stout body types, this kid should be hard to stop at the point of attach and he has return skills.

Zach Boren:Think that Clutts better look over his shoulder, and this kid can play both ILB and FB and ST. I can see him making this team, worse case is he is on PS.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by popanot

Added Combine workout videos in original post for:
Hopkins, Swearinger, Bonner, Jones, Klein, Wood, Winn and Graham. There were no videos posted for the other guys.

I was happy they had a video of Bonner because game footage on him is lacking. Unfortunately, they only show Jones running his 40. I really think they both have an excellent shot at making this team and getting PT. Bonner seems to have the ideal body type for the slot. Definitely has more muscle mass (and probably tatts) than KMart. Hopefully his 2nd timed 40 speed is more indicative of his actual game speed (and he can catch the ball, of course).

Added video profiles for:
Ja'Gared Davis, Zach Boren and Dennis Johnson

Re: Boren - I see him as our FB of the future and a killer ST player. Interesting note on him; he started out at OSU as a LB and I think he might have played LB some his senior year. His dad played LB at Michigan. Could he be the missing ILB from our draft? Doubt it, but food for thought.

Re: Davis - Obviously these vids are one-sided and he wasn't drafted for a reason, but man, he sure looks the part of a LB. Super aggressive and looks to have good instincts. IDK, maybe it's just me, but this kid has an on-field presence about him that's hard to explain. Whether it's his body language and/or the speed of his game, he's very noticeable and I could pick out which one he was on the field thru the far angle/grainy clips before they even lined up and started the play. I'm interested in seeing more of this kid in camp.

This is one heck of UDFA RB class, IMO. The way I see this shaking out in camp is:
Power: Wood vs. Winn - and - Speed: Graham vs. Johnson (maybe even Bonner competing w/those two)

I think we keep 1 or both of the power guys and only 1 of the speed guys. I could also see them trying to convert Winn to FB/HB.

On another note, looking at these UDFA's, our STs should be much improved next year if Marciano has any coaching skills at all (chime in chuck ).

Thanks for putting this together in one place for us to watch.

[Nconroe]

Thanks for the videos for sure.

Found this tidbit on SC website reading about DJ - 3 of our first 4 draft picks went to same high school.

Congratulations, D.J., for being a great Gamecock, and good luck in your pro career!

***

(NB: Interestingly, Swearinger and Hopkins will be joining D.J's high school teammate Sam Montgomery of LSU, who was the third Sandlapper taken in the NFL Draft - all by Houston - and all three who know each other very well; and in fact played against each other in 2012. I wonder if that has ever happened before? And since USC beat Clemson, and Clemson beat LSU, and LSU beat USC - who will win the argument about whose team was the best?

[popanot]

5/3/13 - Added 2 Bonner videos. Warning: Turn your sound down on the last video (sheesh!!). One thing noticeable, the JSU QB sucks and rarely throws a pass on target and in stride.

[Warren]

The Texans announced the uniform numbers for the draft picks:

Hopkins: 10
Swearinger: 36
B. Williams: 73
Montgomery: 57
T. Williams 54
Quessenberry: 77
Bonner: 16
Jones: 95
Griffin: 84

[nunusguy]

Heard Wade Phillips on 610 today, and he's seems very comfortable with the proposition of Sam playing SAM - he says his backers in the 3-4 over the TE have to get out in the flat now and then in pass coverage, but nothing too elaborate. In other words Wade pretty much dismissed all the fuss from some Texans' watchers about the LSU third rounders ability to play LB, so if Wade's cool with it so am I.
They say they are going to put up on podcast the interview, check it out, I found it informative and entertaining.