What new starters do you want to see?

[papabear]

Originally Posted by painekiller

I hope we get lucky again and the main 7 stay healthy, because we are only 7 deep.

How many teams feel really good about their 8th or 9th lineman on the depth chart? I'm not saying I wouldn't love to have more depth, but in general once you get that far down the depth chart for O-lineman your counting on some young player to develop. I haven't looked at who we have in those spots to closely, but it doesn't look like there is anyone there that I have high hopes for. Although I don't think anyone had huge aspirations for Deljuan Robinson, Tim Bullman, Zac Diles, or even Briesel initially either. Each one of those guys will likely either start or play a big role as part of the rotation other than maybe Diles...and many people thought he was playing the best of all our LB's before he got hurt.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by papabear

but in general once you get that far down the depth chart for O-lineman your counting on some young player to develop.

Exactly my point. I think this is the last legacy of the empty roster Smith/Kubiak inherited. Instead of 3rd 4th or 5th round guys developing behind solid vets, we are having to rely on UDFA types to develop.

I believe with the next draft, we will be looking at depth after round 2 again.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by painekiller

Instead of 3rd 4th or 5th round guys developing behind solid vets, we are having to rely on UDFA types to develop.

I think most teams are having to rely UDFA or 6th 7th round picks in some areas. We are probably still catching up from Cass, but a by product of the salary cap is that you have to rely on some of those fringe players to fill out your roster, no matter how good the front office. Developing those guys could be the difference between a decent team and a pretty good one.

[TexicanMexican]

Given that some teams have trouble filling out a starting offensive line, I don't doubt that finding depth is an issue for most teams. That said, it's nice if a couple of later picks can develop to solid back ups. My dream is the Texans eventually start drafting for depth and not need.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by TexicanMexican

Given that some teams have trouble filling out a starting offensive line, I don't doubt that finding depth is an issue for most teams. That said, it's nice if a couple of later picks can develop to solid back ups. My dream is the Texans eventually start drafting for depth and not need.

Thank you, that is what I have been saying. Teams like the Eagles will draft a 1st rounder who does not even get on the field. That is the ultimate goal IMO.

[idymoe]

PK, I think the Texans are only one or two drafts away from being in that position. Off the top of my head, I think a first rounder next year who is a running back or maybe db would be expected to start or contibute right away (not counting st). Maybe if there were a huge upgrade in the draft at wlb. Otherwise, I think we are pretty solid at all other positions with some developing young guys for this year's starters. If Caldwell earns the start at center, then I could see drafting a lineman on offense or defense and having the luxury to bring them along slowly.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by idymoe

PK, I think the Texans are only one or two drafts away from being in that position. Off the top of my head, I think a first rounder next year who is a running back or maybe db would be expected to start or contibute right away (not counting st). Maybe if there were a huge upgrade in the draft at wlb. Otherwise, I think we are pretty solid at all other positions with some developing young guys for this year's starters. If Caldwell earns the start at center, then I could see drafting a lineman on offense or defense and having the luxury to bring them along slowly.

I dunno, but I tend to think the biggest outstanding questions are in the DB.