(Texans) Penn State's Brown could be target in draft

[Luckyazn]

link (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4666501.html)




PHOENIX — Coach Gary Kubiak disclosed on Tuesday that the Texans may select a left tackle in the first round of the draft despite signing free agent Jordan Black and re-signing Ephraim Salaam.

Although the Texans need another wide receiver to play opposite Andre Johnson, Kubiak said they might target a left tackle because Charles Spencer is still only 50-50 to make it back by the first game of the season.

"Right now, there's a big question about whether or not he makes it back," Kubiak said about Spencer being healthy for the opener. "I think we have to operate as if he's not going to be there."

Spencer, the first pick overall pick in the third round last year, won the starting job before suffering a broken leg in the second game and missing the rest of the season.

"We think it's 50-50 that he does make it back," Kubiak said at the NFL spring meetings. "If he does, we'll feel very good. If not, we'll have an issue on that side that we'll have to address in the draft or find a way to make it work with Ephraim or Jordan.

"We've improved there, but we still have to improve a great deal. Solidifying left tackle for a long, long time is the key."

The Texans have the 10th pick in the first round of the April 28-29 draft after trading for Atlanta quarterback Matt Schaub. As part of the deal, the Texans and Falcons swapped first-round positions, giving Atlanta the eighth pick.

After Wisconsin's Joe Thomas, who's expected to be a top-three pick, there's a drop to the second-best — Penn State's Levi Brown. Central Michigan's Joe Staley is moving up the charts, but he's still expected to be taken in the bottom half of the first round.

"There's a good chance; it depends on who's out there," Kubiak said about the possibility of selecting an offensive tackle. "We have to continue to improve up there."

The Texans start their offseason program next week.

"Right now, we're going to play with Ephraim and Jordan," Kubiak said. "If (right tackle) Eric (Winston) makes the steps this year that he made last year, maybe he could go over there.

"I don't foresee that right now, but we have to proceed as if Charles is not going to make it back."

The Texans need another receiver because they waived Eric Moulds. Kevin Walter, who came off the bench as the third receiver, is going to get a chance to start.

"I think you can put that (receiver) right up there with offensive tackle — that's our two biggest needs on offense," Kubiak said. "We need to develop a couple of wide receivers.

"We have one of the best players in football in Andre, and we need some guys to go with him. I really like Kevin. I should have played him more because he reminds me of a young Ed McCaffrey. I want to give him every opportunity to win that starting job opposite Andre, but that's a position we need to address."

[askball]

I'd rather take Ginn, if available. Although it's true we need help at LT, we also need playmakers. Ginn could be the speed receiver opposite AJ and also pose a threat to score anytime he touches the ball on punt and kickoff returns.

[Dr.Strangelove]

translated...we're taking a corner

And if you want Levi,your going to have to sweeten that offer just a bit.

[rocks_fan]

If you want a WR, the Texans could probably trade down another couple of picks, get another mid-round pick, and still get Dwayne Jarrett. I'm not sold on Ginn. He's got speed, but he doesn't run very clean routes and depends too much on his speed to get open. Jarrett's a big target (what, about AJ size?) with not quite the speed to be a #1 but he can make the catches meeded to keep the defensive secondary honest.

[gucci888]

Levi at #10 would be a bit of a reach, but from what I've read from a people that have watched him, they said he would be a solid starter from day 1 and would be a good pick.

No thanks on Ginn, like rocks_fan posted, he has unbelievable speed but doesn't run routes well nor does he have the size to be a great WR or blocker. He definitely has playmaking abilities but #10 is too high for a guy who I think will be a KR/PR for the most part.

[benchmoochie]

What about Jerome Mathis? Can he now play every down or 3rd slot?

[rezdawg]

Dammit, I really miss that 2nd rounder we traded...I would love to trade down with NE for their 24 and 28...pick two of the following and cry tears of joy:

Joe Staley OT
Chris Houston CB
Ryan Kalil C
Aaron Ross CB
Michael Griffin S
Anthony Gonzalez WR
Sidney Rice WR
Anthony Spencer DE
Darrelle Revis CB
Brandon Merriweather S
Adam Carriker DE
Robert Meachem WR
Dwane Bowe WR

I'd probably go with Joe Staley (who I'd prefer over Brown) and Robert Meachem/Anthony Gonzalez (one of them will be there)...and in the 3rd round, I'd hit up Sabby Piscitelli or one of the CB's that will be available.

That means, after the first day of the draft, we have essentially come away with our QB, OT, WR, and a S or CB.

I love thinking of random ass scenarios and occupying my mind all day...until the freakin draft arrives.

[Joshfast]

Dammit, I really miss that 2nd rounder we traded...I would love to trade down with NE for their 24 and 28...pick two of the following and cry tears of joy:

Joe Staley OT
Chris Houston CB
Ryan Kalil C
Aaron Ross CB
Michael Griffin S
Anthony Gonzalez WR
Sidney Rice WR
Anthony Spencer DE
Darrelle Revis CB
Brandon Merriweather S
Adam Carriker DE
Robert Meachem WR
Dwane Bowe WR

I'd probably go with Joe Staley (who I'd prefer over Brown) and Robert Meachem/Anthony Gonzalez (one of them will be there)...and in the 3rd round, I'd hit up Sabby Piscitelli or one of the CB's that will be available.

That means, after the first day of the draft, we have essentially come away with our QB, OT, WR, and a S or CB.

I love thinking of random ass scenarios and occupying my mind all day...until the freakin draft arrives.

If we got Joe Staley and either Robert Meachem or Ryan Kalil I would be very very happy.

[leroy420]

If you want a WR, the Texans could probably trade down another couple of picks, get another mid-round pick, and still get Dwayne Jarrett. I'm not sold on Ginn. He's got speed, but he doesn't run very clean routes and depends too much on his speed to get open. Jarrett's a big target (what, about AJ size?) with not quite the speed to be a #1 but he can make the catches meeded to keep the defensive secondary honest.

I'm with you on Ginn, but not on Jarrett. We need more of a deep threat. I think they can get that later on.

[askball]

Ginn may not run the best routes, but his speed alone brings attention that would have been on Andre. I'm not expecting him to be a #1 receiver where he'll excel at all aspects of the game, but he is a perfect complement to AJ. The Texans have lacked playmakers from day one. We finally get one in AJ but he is neutralized due to the lack of other playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Houston needs excitement and that's what Ginn brings. After passing on players that could have brought excitement last year, this is a great opportunity to get fans in Houston fired up about the new and improved offense. With Schaub, Green, AJ, and Ginn, teams will have to respect this offense. Black can handle the LT. If not, Spencer should be back no later than midseason.

[DonnyMost]

Johnson Meachum and Rice are going to be very, very good.

[jopatmc]

If we trade down with NE, we need to take Staley and Meacham. Then get that Wedge kid from Utah in the third.

But if Okoye is on the board at #10, I want that kid. He is super smart, he's an overachiever, He's got a motor that won't stop, he's got skills, and he's still developing. He would make us dominant on the line.

[JeopardE]

Nice to see that Kubiak has his priorities properly lined up. No use drafting yourself another "playmaker" if you can't protect your QB long enough to get him the ball.

[gucci888]

But if Okoye is on the board at #10, I want that kid. He is super smart, he's an overachiever, He's got a motor that won't stop, he's got skills, and he's still developing. He would make us dominant on the line.

Okoye would be a very good pick IMO. Although he is undersized, he still has room to grow and is already very athletic. Adding a DT with pass rushing ability would really help out Mario as well as our entire DL.

[Bobblehead]

Get an O-lineman!!!!
Munchak + Matthews + Steinkuhler = lots and lots of playoff appearances!!!

[hatemavs4life]

I'm with you on Ginn, but not on Jarrett. We need more of a deep threat. I think they can get that later on.

Yes, the thing with Jarrett is he would be similar in a lot of ways to AJ. A possession receiver that would be excellent with the jump ball tosses, but who is going to stretch the defense? Kevin Walter? That's the problem we face in that area in my opinion.

[hatemavs4life]

If we trade down with NE, we need to take Staley and Meacham. Then get that Wedge kid from Utah in the third.

But if Okoye is on the board at #10, I want that kid. He is super smart, he's an overachiever, He's got a motor that won't stop, he's got skills, and he's still developing. He would make us dominant on the line.

Do you think this is really a possibility? NE isn't noted for giving up multiple picks for a high pick. Hey, I wouldn't complain. If they give us #24, #28 and their second rounder (dreaming, I know ...) for our #10, that would be sweet. Yes, would really prefer Staley over Brown. 4.7 in 40 for an OL? I bet he could keep his feet with Freeney and Mathis! :D

[jopatmc]

Do you think this is really a possibility? NE isn't noted for giving up multiple picks for a high pick. Hey, I wouldn't complain. If they give us #24, #28 and their second rounder (dreaming, I know ...) for our #10, that would be sweet. Yes, would really prefer Staley over Brown. 4.7 in 40 for an OL? I bet he could keep his feet with Freeney and Mathis! :D

No, don't see it happening. I could see Buffalo possibly giving up a 2nd rounder in addition to their first in order to draft AP if he falls to us. But that would take a miracle. I can't imagine taking Levi Brown. He's too slow and overrated. I can see us being interested in Staley but not at 10.

Football is a game won in the trenches. We gotta get more linemen and I think we should get the top lineman on the board at #10, whether it be offensive or defensive. Okoye is a lot better than Staley to me.

[bigboymumu]

I think we know what the Texans are going to do. Trade down and get secondary help.

[hatemavs4life]

No, don't see it happening. I could see Buffalo possibly giving up a 2nd rounder in addition to their first in order to draft AP if he falls to us. But that would take a miracle. I can't imagine taking Levi Brown. He's too slow and overrated. I can see us being interested in Staley but not at 10.

Football is a game won in the trenches. We gotta get more linemen and I think we should get the top lineman on the board at #10, whether it be offensive or defensive. Okoye is a lot better than Staley to me.

Yes, totally agree. Man it will be tough to let go of AP though but, your possibility would be a solid alternative. We get theirs at #12 plus, their second for our #10 so we would gain that second we lost originally with ATL but, will Staley be available for us? Most have him late 1st to early 2nd (like within first 5 picks of the second). Unfortunately. :mad:

[Nick]

If only the previous regime had such foresight from YEAR ONE... but yea, Tony Boseli should be ready by the Bills game, and all will be well. :rolleyes: .

[xiki]

Smokescreen?

[ima_drummer2k]

Smokescreen?
Agreed.

I think we'll take an O lineman, but not with our first pick.

[MadMax]

Agreed.

I think we'll take an O lineman, but not with our first pick.

i get that sense too. but man, it's so up and down with levi. in some reports it's, "this guy won't make it out of the top 10!" in others it's, "this guy is a huge reach at 10."

i guess it's like that every year.

[weslinder]

Brown's a terrible pick. Picking him would be picking a first round OT for the sake of picking a first round OT. He's really big and strong, but he's not very athletic. He's a terrible fit for Kubiak's scheme. In a traditional system, Brown would be a good pass-blocker. He's not good at all for zone blocking. The Texans need to trade down and get Joe Staley.

[Drewdog]

It would be nice to see AP available at the 10. Its possible he may drop if the Browns decide to go after Joe Thomas or Brady Quinn. You never know.

I would love to have LaRon Landry to shore up our secondary or Alan Branch to finally get a run-stopper on the D-Line. Both are possibilities and would provide IMMEDIATE help.

Levi Brown may be a stretch at #10, but based on our needs I could see us doing alot worse.

My hope is that its AP, Landry, or Branch.... :D

My (Top 10) NFL Mock Draft:

OAK - JaMarcus Russell
DET - Brady Quinn
CLE - Adrian Peterson
TBB - Calvin Johnson
ARI - Joe Thomas
WAS - Gaines Adams
MIN - Jamaal Anderson
ATL - LaRon Landry
MIA - Levi Brown
HOU - Alan Branch

[jopatmc]

I do not want Alan Branch. All he is is a big body. He's not going to pile up any sacks. He's just going to occupy blockers in the middle. You can get those type guys in the 5th round.

[The Cat]

I do not want Alan Branch. All he is is a big body. He's not going to pile up any sacks. He's just going to occupy blockers in the middle. You can get those type guys in the 5th round.

Typically, the DTs aren't the pass rushers... they're there to stuff the run and occupy blockers. I disagree that you can get those type of players in the 5th round... with the exception of Travis Johnson, the Texans haven't addressed the position in the first couple of rounds, and there's a reason they've been continually soft against the run.

That said, Branch's performance against USC leaves cause for concern.

[jopatmc]

Typically, the DTs aren't the pass rushers... they're there to stuff the run and occupy blockers. I disagree that you can get those type of players in the 5th round... with the exception of Travis Johnson, the Texans haven't addressed the position in the first couple of rounds, and there's a reason they've been continually soft against the run.

That said, Branch's performance against USC leaves cause for concern.

Okoye can stuff the run and collapse the pocket upfield. Branch cannot. He's not quick enough, doesn't have the explosion that Okoye has. He's a big, slow, lumbering type player. Okoye has the quicks to really increase pocket pressure on pass plays. I'm not saying Branch isn't good. I'm just saying Okoye is a make something happen difference maker player. Branch is an occupier/container.

[The Cat]

Brown's a terrible pick. Picking him would be picking a first round OT for the sake of picking a first round OT. He's really big and strong, but he's not very athletic. He's a terrible fit for Kubiak's scheme. In a traditional system, Brown would be a good pass-blocker. He's not good at all for zone blocking. The Texans need to trade down and get Joe Staley.

That's the same logic everyone used for passing on Jamaal Brown two years ago.

I've said it before, but I'm tired of picking for the system. We've tried that for years with the offensive line, and it's not working out all that well. I'm not sure how talented Levi Brown is, but if he's a legitimate top 10 talent at OT, I'd sure like to try it, because the biggest issue with our OL right now is a lack of top-end talent. The list of good players (at all positions) this team has passed on because of "system" is sadly too long... I'm ready to go for a new approach.

[leroy420]

That's the same logic everyone used for passing on Jamaal Brown two years ago.

I've said it before, but I'm tired of picking for the system. We've tried that for years with the offensive line, and it's not working out all that well. I'm not sure how talented Levi Brown is, but if he's a legitimate top 10 talent at OT, I'd sure like to try it, because the biggest issue with our OL right now is a lack of top-end talent. The list of good players (at all positions) this team has passed on because of "system" is sadly too long... I'm ready to go for a new approach.

Well put. It's possible that the LB's could have been Greenwood, Ryans, & Derrick Johnson. Damn, that would have been nice.

[CriscoKidd]

Yes, the thing with Jarrett is he would be similar in a lot of ways to AJ. A possession receiver that would be excellent with the jump ball tosses, but who is going to stretch the defense? Kevin Walter? That's the problem we face in that area in my opinion.


:confused:

Andre is plenty fast and not just a mere possession reciever.

[redgoose]

Do you think this is really a possibility? NE isn't noted for giving up multiple picks for a high pick. Hey, I wouldn't complain. If they give us #24, #28 and their second rounder (dreaming, I know ...) for our #10, that would be sweet. Yes, would really prefer Staley over Brown. 4.7 in 40 for an OL? I bet he could keep his feet with Freeney and Mathis! :D

Absolutly not! The draft picks are why NE can afford to keep cutting these all pro players every year. If anything, i could see NE trading the # 24 for at least another teams low 2nd pick this year and then 2 3rd picks in consecutive years.

No matter what, who, or how, we trade picks with NE, they will somehow come off as ripping us off in less than a year from the trade date. Then they'll be laughing about it for years to come like the Chargers do to the Giants. :cool:

[swilkins]

translated...we're taking a corner

And if you want Levi,your going to have to sweeten that offer just a bit.

I was thinking the same thing.

[hatemavs4life]

:confused:

Andre is plenty fast and not just a mere possession reciever.

Perhaps you're right but, the last couple of years have not seen that speed REALLY utilized. Maybe Schaub can do a better job of hitting receivers in rhythm that would be a refreshing change. :rolleyes:

I'm not saying he is ONLY a possession receiver but he is more advantageous with the "jump ball" pass rather than passes utilizing his breakout speed. Again, perhaps that will change now.

[rezdawg]

Perhaps you're right but, the last couple of years have not seen that speed REALLY utilized. Maybe Schaub can do a better job of hitting receivers in rhythm that would be a refreshing change. :rolleyes:

I'm not saying he is ONLY a possession receiver but he is more advantageous with the "jump ball" pass rather than passes utilizing his breakout speed. Again, perhaps that will change now.

You're right. Even though Andre has the speed, he was never in a situation to really uses it, other than a few deep balls that were thrown his way. What I want to see is Andre catch a ball in stride, maybe 20 yards downfield, and be in a situation where he can outrun the defense to get to the endzone.

Im very excited about the upcoming season and I think good things will happen.