Antoine Caldwell, G/C - Round 3, 77th Overall

Keith · #1 04-26-2009, 09:57 AM

Wow, did not see that one coming.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profil...dwell?id=71239

6'3" 309

Has the ZB measurables, but I didn't really think of him as having the speed for the system.

TexanJedi · #2 04-26-2009, 10:00 AM

It's funny because (I like the pick) but on NFL Net one day they were saying how he was not a fit for a zone scheme. Alex Gibbs believes otherwise. He will not get pushed around on 3rd and short.

jcp · #3 04-26-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

Wow, did not see that one coming.

Not a sexy pick, but another solid one at a position of need.

Looks like it's the 4th for a DB & RB

popanot · #4 04-26-2009, 10:03 AM

An eventual upgrade to Meyers. It definitely fills a need so I'm good with it.

nunusguy · #5 04-26-2009, 10:05 AM

good range...Nice balance and agility...Great feet...Uses his hands well...Understands leverage and angles...Good motor...Offers some versatility...Is very durable...A team leader ... Has a ton of experience
**
Was a four-year starter in the SEC...Has started games at center, guard and tackle for the Crimson Tide...The first Alabama football player to earn his degree in under three years...Suspended four games in '07 for improper receipt of textbooks...Two-time captain and recipient of the team's Mal Moore Leadership Award...Best fit might come in a zone blocking scheme ... Could play either center or guard at the next level.
http://www.draftcountdown.com/scouti...e-Caldwell.php
********************************
I like him ! Looks like a classic zone guy with versatility at all OLine positions
and a 4-year starter in the best confeence in the country.
Got his degree in 3 years & 2-year team captain. High character Bob McNair kind of guy.

Keith · #6 04-26-2009, 10:08 AM

All good points.

Sounds like someone Chester Pitts can take under his wing and turn into a consistent pro. A year with Alex Gibbs will help a ton.

I think we all just have to hope something good happens for the team at RB to back up Steve Slaton this year. Some good options still on the board and two picks in the 4th. Chances look decent.

Nconroe · #7 04-26-2009, 10:20 AM

I like the pick, although it did surprie me as well. Looks like he'll help us in the red zone and adds the OL flexibility. Good football player.

dadmg · #8 04-26-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith

Wow, did not see that one coming.

Lol, I had him #2 on my list of people for the 2nd day behind Andre Brown.

Mike · #9 04-26-2009, 02:28 PM

Maybe Gibbs was tired of watching light A$$ Myers get mauled by the nose when we played the 3-4 teams. Seems OK if he can be a guy who can play both G and C. Helps with gameday flexability.

dadmg · #10 04-26-2009, 04:23 PM

Tough not to like this guy. Again, from the Texans' site:

Quote:

"I’m just going to be a sponge to everything," Caldwell said. "Even if I have to sit back or whatever, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll sit back and learn from the guys ahead of me. And hopefully, I just want to go in there and compete. I learned at Alabama that competition raises the play of everybody, and I want to be able to go in and do that."

Caldwell was regarded as the heart and soul of the Alabama offensive line. He is one of only eight players ever to be named an Alabama team captain for two seasons.

"I hope to bring a sense of leadership (to the Texans), even if it’s playing a backup role," he said. "(I want to be) a guy that’s going to be dependable, a guy that’s going to be consistent, a guy that’s going to be a leader day in and day out and going to do the right things on and off the field."

And later:

Quote:

"DeMeco was a mentor to me when I was at Alabama - kind of took me under his wing - and I’ve always admired the way he works," Caldwell said. "I admire his leadership. And actually to be a part of his team now, I know he’s done a great job out there, so I’m just excited. It’s truly a blessing and I’m looking forward to it."

I'm thinking he's a starter by 2010, replacing either Myers or Brisiel.

kravix · #11 04-26-2009, 11:41 PM

Of all our picks I think this is the best one.

His resume speaks volumes, and I wouldnt be suprised to see him start over Brisel game 1, nor would it suprise me if he didnt start until half way through the season. Either way I think he breaks the roster this year. Him playing next to Winston could be even more amazing for our running game.

dalemurphy · #12 04-27-2009, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kravix

Of all our picks I think this is the best one.

His resume speaks volumes, and I wouldnt be suprised to see him start over Brisel game 1, nor would it suprise me if he didnt start until half way through the season. Either way I think he breaks the roster this year. Him playing next to Winston could be even more amazing for our running game.

In terms of improving the roster, I agree that this pick clearly dramatically did that! This guy will eventually surplant Meyers at Center and be very good, IMO. More importantly though, he is immediately a huge upgrade over Studdard and White. And, I'm thrilled to get a talented player on the interior OL in time to get coached up by Gibbs for a season or two.

That being said, I think Barwin will likely be the most accomplished player in this draft. Barring injuries, he's going to be an absolute stud.

American Idle · #13 04-28-2009, 06:32 PM

I absolutely loved this pick, as I had him as one of my top 5 guys I was hoping the Texans would get, considering that Unger and Mack were not considerations due to our picks and needs in the first 2 rounds.

I was really hoping for a 4th round selection of Caldwell, but happy we got a guy I liked alot. Even if he doesn't provide instant success next year, I see him as a successful and popular Texan from years to come.

Roy P · #14 04-29-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by American Idle

I was really hoping for a 4th round selection of Caldwell, but happy we got a guy I liked alot. Even if he doesn't provide instant success next year, I see him as a successful and popular Texan from years to come.

The 4th round for Caldwell was my hope as well. However, with Chicago and Cincinnati picking between 77 & 112, he most likely wouldn't have been available. The Texans could definitely use his versatility, and if the OL isn't as lucky as it was last season, in terms of injuries, he could definitely have a positive impact this rookie season. What will be interesting to see is if Studdard still finds a spot on the roster that only carries 7 OL on game days.

idymoe · #15 04-29-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy P

What will be interesting to see is if Studdard still finds a spot on the roster that only carries 7 OL on game days.

I really don't see how he makes it, baring injuries. Caldwell will back up center and guard, and you need a swing tackle. Even Chris White seems to be ahead of Studdard.

nunusguy · #16 04-30-2009, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idymoe

I really don't see how he makes it, baring injuries. Caldwell will back up center and guard, and you need a swing tackle. Even Chris White seems to be ahead of Studdard.

I don't think there's any issue about him suiting up Sunday - he dosen't. The question is does he even make the roster ? The answer is maybe, but if so it's only because his daddy is pals with the HC.