The Texans "A" list

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

A's = Andre Johnson, Demeco Ryans. That's it.
B's = Mario Williams. That's it.
C's = Matt Schaub, Owen Daniels. That's it..

A's = Andre Johnson, Demeco Ryans, Brian Cushing.
B's = Mario Williams, Matt Schaub,Bernard Pollard.
C's = Eric Winston,Duane Brown,Owen Daniels,Vonta Leach,Steve Slaton, Chester Pitts.

Incompletes: Conner Barwin, James Casey,Antoine Caldwell,Tim Jamison,Jacoby Jones, Brice McCain.

I was wrong about Cushing, period. Pollard has been close to pro-bowl caliber.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by painekiller

A's = Andre Johnson, Demeco Ryans, Brian Cushing.
B's = Mario Williams, Matt Schaub,Bernard Pollard.
C's = Eric Winston,Duane Brown,Owen Daniels,Vonta Leach,Steve Slaton, Chester Pitts.

Incompletes: Conner Barwin, James Casey,Antoine Caldwell,Tim Jamison,Jacoby Jones, Brice McCain.

I was wrong about Cushing, period. Pollard has been close to pro-bowl caliber.

I think you're right on here. I might add Quinn to the list of incompletes.

Does anyone want to take a shot at doing this exercise for, say, the Colts?

[barrett]

Going off of the top 15% listed in the beginning of the thread, that means that a guy is in the top 10 of his position (or top 5 for spots with one starter like QB, MLB, LT) etc...

I'll assume that 'B' doubles that to %30. 'C' to top half of starters.

A - top 15% of starters
Mario (not sure what you guys have seen to make you think there are 10 better DEs)
AJ
Daniels (I was wrong before the season when I said he was just a guy, he is as good at getting open as any TE, has good speed, and great hands, I can't name 5 better)
Demeco is a maybe, if he is top 5 it's just barely
I could see Andre Davis here as a special teams/all around guy because he does so many things well (deep threat, return man, great at punt coverage, willing blocker)

B - top third of starters
Cushing
Winston
Duane Brown
Slaton (if counted as a 3rd down back, if not he is not even a C)
schaub

C - top half of starters
Walter
Pollard (not sure what went wrong for him in KC but he is a very solid tackler and good enough in coverage for a SS)
Smith
Glover Quin is close
Dunta


I really don't think the problem is talent. If there is a personell problem it is that not one of these guys is an interior lineman on either side of the ball.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

B - top third of starters
Cushing

How many SAMs stay on the field and cover? His stats in pass defense are outstanding, and he is making a difference in the run game. Name 5 better SAMS?

BTW this is the guy I thought was a wasted pick.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by painekiller

How many SAMs stay on the field and cover? His stats in pass defense are outstanding, and he is making a difference in the run game. Name 5 better SAMS?

BTW this is the guy I thought was a wasted pick.

He could be top 5. I just wouldn't name him an 'A' player before he has completed a season. I think he performs at that level, but I think injury concerns are still only partially eliminated. Another season at this level and he is not just an 'A' but a first team All-Pro.

I also disliked this pick and happily admit I was totally wrong.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

He could be top 5. I just wouldn't name him an 'A' player before he has completed a season. I think he performs at that level, but I think injury concerns are still only partially eliminated. Another season at this level and he is not just an 'A' but a first team All-Pro.

I also disliked this pick and happily admit I was totally wrong.

Fair enough, the book is only in the 1st chapter, and I too am concerned about his long term health.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by painekiller

Fair enough, the book is only in the 1st chapter, and I too am concerned about his long term health.

Apparently, according to his mic'd up video against the Seahawks, if Cushing just drinks his milk, he'll be alight.

Milk. It does a linebacker good.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by chuck

I think you're right on here. I might add Quinn to the list of incompletes.

Does anyone want to take a shot at doing this exercise for, say, the Colts?

I forgot to add Quinn. Thank you.

A - Peyton, Wayne, Saturday (is getting old), Clark, Mathis, Freeney, Brackett, Sanders, Vinatieri ,Lilja, Diem
B- Garcon, Addai, Gonzalez, Baskett, Bullitt, Jackson, Brock


INC - Brown

10 rookies

23 players added to roster since SB win.

Now I may have the receivers too high, how much is Peyton improving the young WRs?

That is 17 players I rated an A or B, the Texans had only 12 players I rated A-B-C.