[Speculation] Should the Texans Make a Trade for an Experienced (and Light) DE?

[Keith]

Originally Posted by papabear

I'm not sure if my mind could handle trading away another second round pick...and I would guess there would be a couple of people around here even more upset than me.

Yeah, costs something to get something. Can't say as though I am advocating it, just something I was thinking about in light of our new DL coach.

A second rounder isn't assured to bring success, but given the team's recent draft record, I wouldn't want to bet against them either. It's one reason why I might consider dangling someone else like Dunta instead of a pick. Dunta would be reunited with Capers if traded to Green Bay.

Kampman is getting up there, but some people seem able to ignore that age a little bit for Peppers. Also, consider that John Abraham maybe just posted his best season ever for the Falcons, six months or so older than Kampman.

And as good as the Texans may be at drafting, it is still a risky business. Kampman's value is bit easier to forecast in the short-term. Drafting young D-lineman is hard, and even if they work out, they often take years to develop. Does Kubiak have the luxury of time still like when he took other DLs like Mario and Amobi?

[TexanJedi]

Rick Smith should inquire about Denver's plans for Elvis Dumervil.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by TexanJedi

Rick Smith should inquire about Denver's plans for Elvis Dumervil.

After Shannys demise in Denver, haven't Smith & Kubiak lost their Bronco contacts ?

[mussop]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

After Shannys demise in Denver, haven't Smith & Kubiak lost their Bronco contacts ?

Yes but Denver like Green Bay is switching to a 3/4. So keiths scenerio also fits Dumerville.

[jcp]

Originally Posted by Keith

... It's one reason why I might consider dangling someone else like Dunta instead of a pick. Dunta would be reunited with Capers if traded to Green Bay....?

Maybe I'm nuts but there is NO way I'd give up Dunta. He is by far our best DB... even playing on one leg, and that's probably our weakest position. Now if you can bamboozle somebody into taking Reeves contract...

If we can pick up a piece of the puzzle for cheap (4th-7th) in a trade for a guy who doesn't fit where they're at anymore (like Myers last year) then I'm okay with that. But it better be serious impact if I'm giving up a 1,2 or 3...and i just don't think we're at a place talentwise where we can afford to give up one of our best. (I wouldn't trade Dunta straight up for Peppers is how extreme I'd take that...and I'd love Peppers here)

-Pea

[popanot]

Other than for salary cap reasons, I can not think of a sound reason why someone would give up Drob as opposed to a #2 draft pick in a trade for a DE. Isn't DRob worth more to this team than a #2 gamble? At least we know what we have with DRob and I can't imagine a #2 CB would come in and produce what DR does any time soon. Maybe he would, but it's no guarantee. I'd give up a #2 for Dumerville or Kampman in a heartbeat.

[Keith]

Pea and popanot are right, of course. I have been a huge proponent of re-signing Dunta more than most, so I'm not trying to push him out the door. I suppose it's a scenario in which Dunta's demands are really too high and Bush's scheme relies less on Dunta's skills at CB. As with most speculated offseason trade whimsy, just trying to think a little too creatively.

And Dumervil fits the mold of the thread, too. At 25, he is a lot younger than Kampman. He's playing out his rookie contract in 2009.

[papabear]

This is what scares me about this offseason. The general consensus is that we're close. I agree with that 100%, but what scares me is that we think we are closer than we really are. I'm worried we start to reach to get that one guy to put us over the top, and it ends up setting us back.

Dumerville, Kampman, and I'm sure many others would get me very excited...but if we give up too much and they don't work out....well we are probably starting all over again with a new scheme and coach.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by papabear

This is what scares me about this offseason. The general consensus is that we're close. I agree with that 100%, but what scares me is that we think we are closer than we really are.

Watching the AFC Championship game and how the Ravens and Steelers were just destroying each other on seemingly every play, I began to think we are not as close as we think. Both teams bring a level of physicality, intensity and intimidation that I don't think we're ready to compete against. Reminded me of why both of these teams mopped the floor with us.

[popanot]

I don't think we're that close, but I also don't think we should make drastic or sweeping changes. I wouldn't have a problem parting ways with a single (1) draft pick (preferably a #2 or less) for a player of Dumerville or Kampman's talent. I don't see that as a 'selling the farm' or a 'we're one player away' type move, because I think they'd give us a 3 or 4 years of quality service. About the same amount of time as a rookie contract - and they're a known commodity.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by papabear

The general consensus is that we're close. I agree with that 100%, but what scares me is that we think we are closer than we really are.

Two words: Arizona Cardinals.

I understand they're from a different conference, but they underscore that sometimes the magic can happen.

As for the Steelers and Ravens (and to a lesser extent, the Titans), they're proof still that having a solid-to-spectacular defense is still the best way to make it deep into the playoffs. A concerted focus this offseason by the Texans to improve the defense is needed, and getting the right coaching staff in place has been step #1.

And we're entering Year Four of Kubiak. I'm as optimistic as ever for his success here, but it's time for results or we will be starting over soon anyway.

[HPF Bob]

The trade idea is a good thought but I'm guessing the Packers would want more in return than we are willing to give up. I doubt they'll realize until next July that some of their players may not fit a 3-4.

From what I am reading about Denver, they are not *switching* to a 3-4 but are planning to incorporate some 3-4 looks into their defense since they are low on good DLs and better on good LBs. But Dumervil would certainly not fit 3-4 (heck, he's barely a 4-3 DE as it is) and needs to be in only in passing situations since he simply lacks to size to succeed against the run.

As for using Dunta as trade bait, I think both the Broncos and the Packers are fairly well-set at the corners although both could use upgrades at safety (as do we). I can't see them valuing a player like Dunta as much as some other teams that are hurting for CBs.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by Keith

Two words: Arizona Cardinals.

Two teams: Tennessee & Indy. Do you really think the Cardinals would be any better than third place in the AFC Central either ?
We can win 10 or 11 games (look at the Pats), but fail to make the playoffs if we can't atleast go 500 in our own division. What we have to do is consistantly split (or better) with those guys, so whatever that takes ?