Duane Brown named starter!

[Drew]

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/bl...?blogger_id=16

Big mini-camp news right off the bat: as of today, Duane Brown is the Texans' starting left tackle. After the team's first practice of 2008, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak named the first-round draft pick out of Virginia Tech as the current starter over veteran Ephraim Salaam.

"We’ve got to see how far we can bring this kid in the next month, so we put him right in there with the first group today," Kubiak said. "And I know it was very tough on Ephraim, and y’all know I have a great deal of respect for Ephraim and I can understand why it was tough, but as I explained to him, I’ve got to see how far I can bring this young man. But I know Ephraim’s going to do his job and I’m expecting good things from him, but we felt like we had to put this kid to work right away."

Brown worked with the first team for much of practice, facing off against defensive end Mario Williams (who looked even quicker and more aggressive than he did last year).

"He’ll be working with the first group, and that’s the only way we’re going to find out if this kid’s going to get to where we want him to go and how quick he can get there," Kubiak said of Brown. "You draft these kids in the first round to come in, and play and that’s nothing against Ephraim, as I said, and we’ve had this conversation. I understand the difficulty in that (for Salaam), but we as coaches feel like we have to put this kid to work right away."

While it's common knowledge that Brown was selected to eventually take the reigns from Salaam, it's quite a surprise to hear an announcement like this so soon.

We'll have plenty more mini-camp coverage throughout the day.

- Nick Scurfield



Is this surprising to anyone? John McClain was so adamant about Salaam starting, but then again, McClain babbles more about his movie Cook County than he writes about the Texans.

Personally I'm glad they're throwing Brown to the wolves now. The LT position is not like quarterback where an early introduction to top talent will ruin them. I'm excited to see his progress under the eyes of Gibbs; if anything, at least we know our run blocking just got significantly better.

[Mike]

It really does not mean anything right now. I'll believe he is the starter when he rolls out with the 1's game 3 of the preseason.

How much of this is motivation? Putting him with the 1's might force him to study harder, learn and be coached hard. If you are running with the 2's and 3's then maybe the mental aspect is not driven home so hard. If Ephram ran with the 1's then Brown might think, well maybe I am going to just sit back and learn and when the time comes I'll be ready vs 'Wow I am with the starting group, I better have my stuff together.

Just a thought.

[nunusguy]

I'm all for Brown getting into the action by a Baptism by fire, just so nobody gets hurt. Like Schaub or Sage.

[EndZoneSeats]

Forget about Brown ... I'll be thrilled if Mario Williams can equal or exceed his production from last year.

[HPF Bob]

I'm with Mike. This really means nothing other than that the Texans *want* him to be the starting LT from the get go. Now it is up to Brown to acclimate or lose his spot. Left tackle is one position you don't want to joke around with if you want a healthy quarterback.

If Brown drowns, they'll be back with Salaam in a jiffy. If we needed any more confirmation, I think this news moves Charles Spencer out of any plans at LT.

[Arky]

I think one should expect a reasonable amount of rookie mistakes. Hopefully, no one gets hurt during the learning process. I believe guys like Ugoh, D'brick, etc. had times when they struggled during their rookie years....

Salaam's game, if used as a "reliever", may improve by not having to go the whole ballgame anymore...

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

If we needed any more confirmation, I think this news moves Charles Spencer out of any plans at LT.

I hate to report it, but word is Spencer is walking around with a noticeable limp. And he's not involved in team drills, just individual workouts.

[painekiller]

This is a none story. It is all about the developement of a 1st round pick.

The team would rather have Brown work against Mario day in day out and get pushed than have him going against Cochran. Come mid August, if the kid is not ready, then Salaam is ready to go.

At this point it is about reps, quality reps for the rookie, Salaam does not need those same reps.

[papabear]

I'm with PK. Salaam hass been in the league for ten years....reps in May don't mean a whole lot to him, but they can be very valuable for a rookie. The Texans are going to be able to find out exactly what they have a lot sooner this way. When the season rolls around Salaam could still very easily be starting.

[lebowski]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

I hate to report it, but word is Spencer is walking around with a noticeable limp. And he's not involved in team drills, just individual workouts.

Bummer. Where did this info come from? Have a link?

[Bigtinylittle]

I have no idea whether Spencer is limping, but I am starting to lose hope that he will make a sucessful comeback. It has been a year and a half since he was injured, and he can't work out yet with the team. I am starting to get the feeling that he he is in more pain than he is admitting. Sort of like Davis was. Davis kept saying he was almost ready, but it turned out he was just stringing everyone along.

I am leaning now toward the idea that Spencer is going to go on IR in August.

[edo783]

Originally Posted by lebowski

Bummer. Where did this info come from? Have a link?

It was Lance Zerlien that said it after watching one of the mini-camp days..

[papabear]

Originally Posted by Bigtinylittle

I have no idea whether Spencer is limping, but I am starting to lose hope that he will make a sucessful comeback. It has been a year and a half since he was injured, and he can't work out yet with the team. I am starting to get the feeling that he he is in more pain than he is admitting. Sort of like Davis was. Davis kept saying he was almost ready, but it turned out he was just stringing everyone along.

I am leaning now toward the idea that Spencer is going to go on IR in August.

It's been doubtful since the injury, but he's making progress and if reports are right that he's good to go for training camp are right then that keeps the dream alive so to speak. Zierlein noticed the limp, but that could have been because he rolled an ankle, his hammy was tight, or someone stepped on his foot. Of course the most likely is that it is due to his injury. I see no reason to lose hope now. The chances of him making it back are as good, or better, than they have ever been.

[KJ3]

i'm alright with brown in the line. that's why we picked him. salaam is back to why we signed him: as a stop gap emergency player. i have a feeling he's getting torn to shreds by mario though, which may or may not be bad for brown's psyche...he's probably alright, but i just can't imagine seeing that huge mammoth lining up ready to maul me!!

spencer returning to any position, even backup, is like found money at this point. if he's a capable backup there is no reason to let him go, and certainly we'll all be rejoicing if he makes the miracle-comeback, but i think smithiak is waaaaaay more cut-throat about injuries than casserly/capers. if spencer starts sliding down the dom davis/williams slide i don't think he'll make it to the bottom.

[NBT]

I'm real sorry, if that is true about Spencer. He really wants it, plus he has a family to support (of course we all do, too). I hope the knee stabilizes for him so he can play again.