Official Texans Draft Thread

[nWo34Life]

Didn't see one started. Check out what ESPN's Mock Draft picked for us:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft05/news/story?page=2005mock

13. Texans

Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn

John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: This is the third team looking to add pass rush to their 3-4, but offense will be there. While wide receiver Troy Williamson would be the natural choice, the Texans can't pass on halfback Ronnie Brown, who is a steal at this point. They have been thinking about signing veteran Anthony Thomas. By being patient, they may have landed the best back in the draft.

Moderator: The Panthers are up next (with Len Pasquarelli on the clock), but first why don't we take a Ronnie Brown question from Rob in Cleveland ... How can the Dolphins pass on Ronnie Brown? Not only is he a stud, but he's also a character guy who can contribute right away. I can see then trading down, but taking a QB, no way.

Len Pasquarelli, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: Well, it's a little awkward for me having to answer a question about a pick that my partner, John Clayton, made. But he's got some other responsibilities right now, so I guess I'll try. Uh, on second thought, no, I won't. I don't know why The Professor put Rodgers in the second slot. Maybe, as is usually the case, he knows something I don't. Look, everyone knows the Dolphins desperately want out of this pick but, if they're forced to make a choice, well, they'll have to make it. I would have taken Ronnie Brown or Braylon Edwards. But, hey, that's why it's called a "mock(ery)" draft. Anyone who takes it too seriously is crazy.

[noscrusir]

THat would be a dream come true.. but its not gonna happen.

I would pick: 1)Merriman 2) Ware or 3) Williamson..

one of them are bound to be there at #13 and I'd be more than happy with any

[RocketFan007]

Brown would be perfect, but I'm leaning toward a trade down right now. MOve to the early 20s or so, pick up a second rounder and target either Mark Clayton or David Pollack.

[rikesh316]

One of the 3 stud running backs will drop to the Texans since not many teams need a RB, only the Dolphins, Bears, Bucs. Dolphins also want to trade down and need a qb. Bears really want Edawards and Bucs want Alex Smith. I think Dominack Davis is a good RB but they a RB that can carry you deep into the playoffs like a Stephan Davis, Corey Dillion, or Marshall Faulk.

[rikesh316]

Why does everyone think the Texans will get a Linebacker again. I heard Peek has been in Houston all offseason and working hard and looking good. Babin was a rookie last year and he will only get better after a decent rookie season. Charlie Anderson was also a good reserve.

[Phillyrocket]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
Brown would be perfect, but I'm leaning toward a trade down right now. MOve to the early 20s or so, pick up a second rounder and target either Mark Clayton or David Pollack.


This would be fine with me. If we stay put then just draft Marcus Spears.

[Summer Song Giver]

I don't really have an idea who the Texans are leaning towards but I'm hoping it is not Ware, Merriman or Williamson (not that I've seen any of them play)

I hope they pick Barron or trade down to pick Brown or Barnes while acquiring another pick. Ronnie Brown, Cedric Benson or Mike Williams would be a dream come true if they fell to us. Ultimately, I'm not sold on Wand in there at the most important non skill position and suring up the O-Line would be my first priority.

[Lil Francis]

Yeah Im hoping Benson falls to 13. I think he will have a better NFL career than Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown.

[Locke]

Benson = Bears.

[rezdawg]

I think a trade down is in order.

Mark Clayton is my pick.

In addition, the trade down allows us to get back the 2nd rounder we lost to Oakland.

If we stay put, Im going to go with Merriman or Williamson. If neither are available then I think the Texans go with DL help.

[Faos]

What do you think of the '05 draft cap?

Not bad I s'pose.

http://www.nflshop.com/nfl/index.jsp?pageId=nflProductDetail&Slot1.atgProductId=75502171&viewOtherTeams=yes#viewOtherTeams

http://a712.g.akamai.net/7/712/225/v042604/64.73.47.40/images/xlarge/75502321_xl.jpg

[Lil Francis]

Originally posted by rezdawg
I think a trade down is in order.

Mark Clayton is my pick.

In addition, the trade down allows us to get back the 2nd rounder we lost to Oakland.

If we stay put, Im going to go with Merriman or Williamson. If neither are available then I think the Texans go with DL help. I like that Clayton pick also if we trade down. He reminds me of a faster Peter Warrick. His moves are sick.

[RocketFan007]

Some bad news (for me and rezdawg at least) regarding the Texans and Alex Barron. According to Lance on 610, Dom and the rest of the coaching staff are not high on Barron, saying that he doesn't have the strength neccesary to play the position. On the other hand, Casserly is very high on him , and compares him to Jonathon Ogden, who many thought wouldn't be strong enough when he came out. Casserly is debating whether to go against the coaching staff and take Barron on his own, since he has the final say.

[VesceySux]

Ronnie Brown? At #13?

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!

*catches breath*

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!

BSPN strikes again.

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by RocketFan007
Some bad news (for me and rezdawg at least) regarding the Texans and Alex Barron. According to Lance on 610, Dom and the rest of the coaching staff are not high on Barron, saying that he doesn't have the strength neccesary to play the position. On the other hand, Casserly is very high on him , and compares him to Jonathon Ogden, who many thought wouldn't be strong enough when he came out. Casserly is debating whether to go against the coaching staff and take Barron on his own, since he has the final say.

WTF???? Dom is correct. So is the rest of the coaching staff...Barron does not have the strength...PLEASE!!!!

Oh that Casserly, he is a strange one. Im officially going to be stressed until we make our selection. If it goes in the direction of Barron, well, Im done.

And SamFisher is going to eat me alive.

[Baqui99]

We still need a lot of help on offense. One of Ced, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, or Mike Williams will fall to Houston at #13. In this case, Houston has the chance to draft a franchise player. I say take one of these guys and don't look back. Troy Williamson is also an interesting pick as well.

I'm not too high on workout warriors like Shawn Merriman or DeMarcus Ware. And I don't think David Pollack can match his production from his UGA days. And Mark Clayton held his nuts when OU played Texas last year.

[redgoose]

First, it will be hard to trade down since every team and their mom already wants to. No teams feel the top 5 players are woth the salary they'll command. i find it hard to believe Alex Smith is trying to get more money than Eli manning. That's a definate reason to trade down if i were SF.

Also, IMO, i don't think any of the running backs in the draft will end up being franchise backs. That's why none of them are being taken at 1,2, or 3. With some luck 1 out of the big 3 will be great. But which one?

Since we got our young CB, i really wouldn't mind us drafting Williams if he is there. But it seems like his stock keeps rising and alot of teams need WR'S. They'll still be at least 1 great one when we pick to take the pressure off AJ.

I wish we could have made a move for a stud OL man during the summer, because i don't see an instant impact one in the draft where we'll pick. If DJ falls we would have to take him, he would stop the rushing attack against us while Babin gets better on the sacks. However, the Lions will have to rename their franchise the Longhorns after they get DJ. We have to at least be grateful it's a good thing Carr's not a Drew Bledsow, or Tony banks would be out there every week by the 3rd quarter.

In other words, i have no idea who were picking. But i doubt we could trade down four 2 picks, at least this year's picks, which we really need. We need to start getting experience, and postponing draft picks doesn't help. I don't see us on par with where we were supposed to be 3 years ago. If Pitt's could step up his game, Bosellli and Joppru never got injured, i'd have to wonder what kind of force we'd be. But, you never know with football.

The titans took a major downfall which should help us and i'm not too sure about Leftwhich anymore. At 1st he looked like an All Star, that didn't last to long, somaybe we do have a shot at the wild card.

[gucci888]

Originally posted by Baqui99
We still need a lot of help on offense. One of Ced, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, or Mike Williams will fall to Houston at #13. In this case, Houston has the chance to draft a franchise player. I say take one of these guys and don't look back. Troy Williamson is also an interesting pick as well.


Ronnie Brown, Cedric, and Williams will all be top 10 picks guaranteed. Cadillac might be available but I'm not sold on picking a RB.

Merriman, Ware, and Spears would be a nice addition now that we've lost Sharper. But I'm still hoping DJ will drop down to us, that would be a dream.

[mogrod]

ESPN had a long draft special Thursday night and none of the guys (5 in total) said anything good about DJ. Said he is an athlete who can run from sideline to sideline, but he doesn't tackle (just goes for the big hit and has a lot of broken tackles) and can't get off any blocks.

They went pick by pick and drafted for each team (not taking into account any trades) and they picked Pollack for the Texans saying he is a Tedy Bruschi of 5 years ago. They all just kept saying how much of a "football player" he is. I believe it was Mel Hodges who picked for the Texans.

[Sonny]

Anyone else going to the draft party?

Is it cool or not worth my time? I've got a pair of tickets...

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by Sonny
Anyone else going to the draft party?

Is it cool or not worth my time? I've got a pair of tickets...

I gave my tickets away. I dont think it will be worth it. I'd rather sit at home and have access to my tv and computer. Plus, I gotta mentally prepare for the Rockets.

[Bono]

Originally posted by Sonny
Anyone else going to the draft party?

Is it cool or not worth my time? I've got a pair of tickets...

I went to the draft when David Carr was selected and i enjoyed it but if you take someone who isn't a HUGE football fan...they'll be bored out of their minds. there's a lot of time to jerk off at these things

[MadMax]

Originally posted by Bono
I went to the draft when David Carr was selected and i enjoyed it but if you take someone who isn't a HUGE football fan...they'll be bored out of their minds. there's a lot of time to jerk off at these things

yeah, i admittedly have never actually jerked off there...but i've been really bored. last year my 5 year old got to sit with Toro while the Texans made their first pick. of course we didn't bring a camera, but we missed out on great pictures of him throwing high fives with Toro after the selection.

went the year before in the practice bubble to see them pick AJ. ok. but too crowded, frankly.

[redgoose]

Looks like DJ could be this this year's bizzaro version of Terell Suggs.

Suggs was and is an awesome pass rusher, whereas DJ just runs side to side and is an awesome rush defender.

Suggs lost his value in the combine with his slow speed and DJ initially gained huge value by his outrageous shuttle time, but nobody seems to care about that anymore.

Everyone is talking about DJ's negative's, like they did with Suggs. So much for either of them ending up being a top #3 pick as first projected early.

Whichever GM can get DJ after #10 will look brilliant after he plays a few games, just like Baltimore did with Suggs.

[nWo34Life]

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylc=X3oDMTBpbmdmam0wBF9TAzI1NjY0ODI1BHNlYwN0bQ--?slug=cr-mockdraft042105&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Charles Robinson's Final Mock Draft

13. Houston Texans – Cedric Benson, RB, Texas :eek::eek:

Defensive end Shawne Merriman or Florida State offensive tackle Alex Barron might make more sense, but it would be hard for the Texans to pass up the value of a "local" kid like Benson. We think Benson is going to take a mighty slide come draft day, more due to circumstance than concerns by other teams. If he slips this far, don't be surprised if another team picking later in the first round (like Minnesota, perhaps) attempts to trade up a few spots to get him.

[nWo34Life]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3149316

Texans seeking lucky 13
Trading first pick remains a possibility
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

With apologies to NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who will start the draft today when he announces that the San Francisco 49ers are on the clock, the Texans already believe they have one draft pick in the fold, and it has changed their stance on the first round.

General manager Charley Casserly previously has said quarterback was the only position in which the team wouldn't use its first-round pick, but he also vetoed cornerback after the team traded second- and third-round picks to Oakland for Phillip Buchanon earlier this week.

By doing so, if the top of the draft unfolds as the Texans think it will, the team can narrow its focus for the 13th overall selection. By most accounts, as many as two quarterbacks, three running backs, three receivers and three cornerbacks will be off the board when the Texans pick.

That accounts for 11 players, five of whom the Texans have ruled out because of their position. Defensive players dominate the next cluster of top-rated players, and because the Texans are committed to drafting the best available player, odds are the majority of their options at No. 13 could be on the defensive side of the ball.

"That could be a reasonable assumption," Casserly said. "I think you're going to see a run on defensive players at some point once you get out of the top 10."

But before you start envisioning your favorite college pass rusher or run stuffer in Deep Steel Blue, keep in mind most draft experts consider this is the most unsettled top 10 in recent history.

Some up; some down

Depending on who you listen to, California quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be drafted anywhere from No. 2 by Miami to No. 14 by Carolina.

Some consider Auburn running back Carnell Williams to be the top prospect at his position, while others have him out of the top 10.

"We've heard a lot about the unpredictability of the first round, and as we sit here today, it's still not crystal clear what's going to happen," Casserly said. "I have a hunch someone is going to be there who we didn't expect to be there. You certainly have to plan for every scenario."

Although Casserly isn't tipping his hand, it's a safe bet South Carolina's Troy Williamson, Maryland's Shawne Merriman, Troy's DeMarcus Ware, Georgia's David Pollack and LSU's Marcus Spears are among the players who could be available at No. 13.

Williamson is a game-breaking receiver who could be the second or third receiver selected, and Merriman, Ware and Pollack project as pass-rushing outside linebackers in the Texans' 3-4. Spears is the type of big-bodied defensive lineman 3-4 teams covet.

Possibly complicating matters for the Texans is the fact two 3-4 teams — Dallas and San Diego — pick immediately ahead of them and could crave some of the same players. It's possible the Texans would have to trade up to get Merriman, the most polished of the 3-4 outside linebackers, or Ware, whose stock has been on the rise since a good showing at the Senior Bowl and the combine in Indianapolis. A modest move down in the draft order might still net Pollack or Spears.

Absent in second round

"As far as trading up, that's a possibility, but not real far," Casserly said. "As far as trading down, I think there's more of a possibility than ever before that we will entertain offers to move back, and the reason is one scenario that we face is there could be a number of players there that we like in a group.

"Like any other team in the league, you have an elite group of players you might trade up for, but we're not going to be jumping up very far in this draft, and we can't (move up far) because we don't have a second-round pick anymore.

"We're limited in our range forward, but we may have more interest in going back because we don't have a second-round pick."

[nWo34Life]

...and the Chron's John McClain's Mock Draft:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3149268

13. Houston - Troy Williamson WR S. Carolina - Can take pressure off Andre Johnson.

[rockets-#1]

WHAT!?!?!:confused: :confused: :confused:

[totally dumbfounded]
What the hell would the Texans NEED to take an RB for. What the hell has Davis done wrong!? OMG!
2003: 1031 rush yards, 4.3avg, 8 TD's and 1382 yards from scrimmage*
2004: 1188 rush yards, 3.9avg, 13 TD's and 1776 yards from scrimmage.

*Keep in mind that was only in 14 games while starting just 10.
[/totally dumbfounded]

This team does not NEED a RB. I think Domanick has been doing great. We need to give AJ help with another receiver, Carr help with another lineman, or the defense help with another LB or DL. I'm gonna be pissed off if they take a RB. Even though they could prove to be better than DD in the long run, this team doesn't need an upgrade at that of all positions right now.

[lost_elephant]

whats the situation with wr armstrong? imo, this guy showed alot his rookie year. he came up big in pressure situations. i know we signed him as an undrafted rookie, did we give him a multiyear contract, if not, has he been resigned this year?

[Joe Joe]

Originally posted by lost_elephant
whats the situation with wr armstrong? imo, this guy showed alot his rookie year. he came up big in pressure situations. i know we signed him as an undrafted rookie, did we give him a multiyear contract, if not, has he been resigned this year?

Armstong has one more year. He's a little old for a WR that hasn't broke out and probably will never be more than a slot receiver.

[lost_elephant]

Originally posted by Joe Joe
Armstong has one more year. He's a little old for a WR that hasn't broke out and probably will never be more than a slot receiver.

wow, i didnt know he was that old. nevermind. bleh.

[nWo34Life]

Wow, we might have a chance for Mike Williams!

[wiws316]

if we had a choice who would yall rather have?? DJ or MW thats a hard choice

[nWo34Life]

Originally posted by wiws316
if we had a choice who would yall rather have?? DJ or MW thats a hard choice

Since we have a chance at both, I would go for DJ. But who knows who the Cowgirls are going to pick.

[gucci888]

Originally posted by nWo34Life
Since we have a chance at both, I would go for DJ. But who knows who the Cowgirls are going to pick.

Me too. I think DJ would help us out a lot more than MW could, but I wonder if MW could play some TE for us.

I think Dallas is going to go for Merriman (if available), Ware or maybe even Spears.

[nWo34Life]

Originally posted by gucci888
Me too. I think DJ would help us out a lot more than MW could, but I wonder if MW could play some TE for us.

I think Dallas is going to go for Merriman (if available), Ware or maybe even Spears.

Rolle is gone now. We still to have to wait for 3 more picks. One of those guys has to fall to us. If not, we can still pick up Ware, Spears, Barron, etc. Still some good players available.

[nWo34Life]

Carlos Rogers to Washington?! Who is that?

Wow, getting really close to DJ or MW.

[wiws316]

WOW i would be very happy with dj or mw, but maybe detroit is gonna pick up dj

[Lil Francis]

I hit 8 out of 10 on my mock draft. The only place I messed up was having Rolle going to Tampa and Carnell Wiliams going to Arizona.

[lost_elephant]

MW takes alot of pressure off of Andre. DJ gives the pressure to the offense. Which will help us win more games?

[Clutch]

OH MY ... Detroit has three #1 WRs!

[Lil Francis]

What in the world is Detroit doing?? Roy Williams, Charles Rogers, Az Hakim, and now Mike Williams :confused:

[rikesh316]

They are stupid and will never win a championship.

[King of 40 Acres]

Yah incredible... I dont like that pick for them they obviously took the best player left on their board regardless of position. Williams is a steal for sure though.

[JBIIRockets]

I cannot believe the Lions took Williams. So much for the teams "need approach" ehh Mort?

[nWo34Life]

Now who do we pick? From up here in Dallas, they really love Ware, Merriman, and Spears. They're going defense. San Diego might do the same.

So do we go improve the offense or defense?

[Svpernaut]

Originally posted by nWo34Life
Now who do we pick? From up here in Dallas, they really love Ware and Spears. They're going defense. San Diego might do the same.

So do we go improve the offense or defense?

If Johnson is on the board at 13, we MUST take him even though he's a 4/3 guy.

[bobmarley]

How bout we draft aaron rodgers.

:D ;)

[nWo34Life]

Well, the Cowgirls picked Ware. Unless SD wants DJ, looks like that's our pick!

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by nWo34Life
So do we go improve the offense or defense?

I think its always been about improving the defense. Capers said the other day that he wants to have a top 10 defense this year. It looks like they'll get that outside pass rusher one way or another. DJ and Merriman still on the board...

[nWo34Life]

I forgot about Merriman. DJ or Merriman....damn. I can't believe they're available!

[bobmarley]

Originally posted by JPM0016
It looks like they'll get that outside pass rusher one way or another. DJ and Merriman still on the board...

DJ isnt exactly an outside rusher:rolleyes:

[12345]

Originally posted by nWo34Life
I forgot about Merriman. DJ or Merriman....damn. I can't believe they're available!

Houston is so lucky.

[nWo34Life]

Maybe SD might pick Mark Clayton since they need a WR.

[wiws316]

dj is in our laps:D

[JPM0016]

well its gotta be DJ doesn't it? Perhaps they go with Spears, but they've already got a ton of money invested on the defensive line. Decisions, decisions...

[nWo34Life]

SD picked Merriman. So we go after DJ?

[bobmarley]

get er done

[HAYJON02]

DJ!!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[yc324]

Come on... pick DJ already......

[rezdawg]

this is nuts.

Either take DJ or trade down.

NO BARRON!!!!

[halfbreed]

according to ESPN.com we just traded the pick...

[rikesh316]

The traded the pick traded New Orleans.

[Blatz]

16th pick here we come plus a 3rd next year

[bobmarley]

I wonder if we got a second rounder out of the deal.

[SamCassell]

If DJ goes in these 3 picks I'll be pissed.

[Blatz]

Originally posted by bobmarley
I wonder if we got a second rounder out of the deal.

No a 3rd in next years draft

[Svpernaut]

Why in the hell wouldnt they pick DJ?

[bobmarley]

solid move. not great but solid.

we could possibly still get DJ at 16

[AggieRocket]

I don't like this trade.

[Svpernaut]

Originally posted by SamCassell
If DJ goes in these 3 picks I'll be pissed.

I know Carolina is looking for offensive line, not sure about KC... but if we can get DJ and an extra pick next season good job Texans! On the other hand, if KC steals DJ from us I'm gonna be all kinds of pissed.

[bobmarley]

Originally posted by AggieRocket
I don't like this trade.

Why?

[rezdawg]

I dont mind the trade....not bad.

I want Mark Clayton.

I said it all along, Jamaal Brown is higer rated than Barron.

[Bassfly]

I don't think we're high on DJ. KC is a team that will possibly pick DK i think. if we wanted to pick DJ they wouldnt have traded to 16 knowing that DJ might get picked at 15.

[AggieRocket]

Originally posted by bobmarley
Why?

I would have hoped to get a 2nd rounder instead of a 3rd.

[RIET]

If the Texans still get the guy they want, it's a great trade. Jamaal Brown has some serious question marks and obviously we weren't looking at him.

Think of how long we fretted over Drew Henson.

We move down 3 spots and can potentially still get who we want.

I wouldnt mind moving down again to stock up on some more picks.

[Bassfly]

no ones gonna trade a 2nd rounder to move up 3 slots unless youre talking about the first 5. i would have hoped the 3rd rounder would have been for this year since we lost it in the buchanon trade. regardless if we get the player that we targeted at 13 at 16, then ANY extra pick is welcome

[rezdawg]

Originally posted by AggieRocket
I would have hoped to get a 2nd rounder instead of a 3rd.

We only dropped down a couple spots. A 3rd is nice.

[Svpernaut]

Originally posted by Bassfly
no ones gonna trade a 2nd rounder to move up 3 slots unless youre talking about the first 5. i would have hoped the 3rd rounder would have been for this year since we lost it in the buchanon trade. regardless if we get the player that we targeted at 13 at 16, then ANY extra pick is welcome

IF we get the player we want... that's a big if. I'm sure they have plenty of info on the next two picks though before they made the trade.

[Smokey]

Draft Aaron Rodgers and trade him.

[RIET]

...Looking good.

[hardwood]

Trade down again,then take Spears.

[Svpernaut]

Damn, this is about to get messy... KC wanted Thomas Davis but is Carolina scooped him up. Now KC will probably trade the pick and has an outside shot up picking DJ... if they trade the pick I imagine DJ will go to whomever trades for the pick.

Cross your damn fingers!

[bobmarley]

My thoughts are that the Texans heard they could get DJ at #16 so they traded down and picked up another pick in the process.

DJ could very well still be there.

[RIET]

Originally posted by hardwood
Trade down again,then take Spears.

We have to be careful not to be too cute. At some point, we should nab who we want.

Obviously if 3 guys are equally rated, we should trade down again.

[hardwood]

Point taken,I would take Spears even with DJ available.

[RIET]

If Spears, DJ, Alex Barron and Mark Clayton are all available, I wouldn't mind trading down a few more spots.

I'd like to have Spears but all of those players could fill a need.

[Svpernaut]

I'm hoping KC goes with Mark Clayton and the Texans call it a day and take DJ...

[lost_elephant]

crap

[Clutch]

KC took Johnson .... so if that is who the Texans wanted, they screwed themselves.

[Svpernaut]

Originally posted by Clutch
KC took Johnson .... so if that is who the Texans wanted, they screwed themselves.

Son of a....

[Bassfly]

I'm thinking spears or cody or another trade down ...

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by Clutch
KC took Johnson .... so if that is who the Texans wanted, they screwed themselves.

I don't get the feeling he was that high up on their board. Too many questions.

[Svpernaut]

They've screwed it up this bad, might as well trade down for more picks.

[RIET]

I wouldnt mind trading down 3 more spots.

We'll still get a really good player - and right ahead of the Cowgirls.

[Oski2005]

Who should I draft? Mongolian Beef or General Tso's Chicken? Or should I trade down for Kung Pao Beef and get some House Special Fried Rice?

[Summer Song Giver]

If they wanted DJ he woulda' been the pick. My guess is they are eyeing Clayton, Barron or Spears at this pick, it has been said the Cowgirls want Spears at twenty and with Rodgers still there there maybe another oppurtunity to trade back again. I'd be happy with any of the three Spears, Barron or Clayton or another trade down.

Pretty clear DJ wasn't a target though.

[Blatz]

Travis Johnson (sp?) 610 just reported it

[codell]

Originally posted by Summer Song Giver

Pretty clear DJ wasn't a target though.

exactly

I never thought for a second that the Texans were considering him ...at all

[Oski2005]

Originally posted by Blatz
Travis Johnson (sp?) 610 just reported it

Still got 6 minutes.

[Svpernaut]

Originally posted by Blatz
Travis Johnson (sp?) 610 just reported it

If they go that route without trading down farther I'm gonna be upset.

[SamFisher]

Originally posted by codell
exactly

I never thought for a second that the Texans were considering him ...at all

Agreed - he wasn't the greatest fit and there were far more crying needs along both lines.

[hardwood]

not good

[Svpernaut]

and.............. a horrible pick in my opinion. then again I'm not a GM.

[Summer Song Giver]

Sounds like he can play end or nose in our system, provides depth.

[rezdawg]

I wanted Clayton.

Kind of an anticlimatic pick, but its not too bad.

[rezdawg]

DJ wasnt an option. He just isnt a good ILB in a 3-4 system.

[RIET]

I was hoping we'd trade down. Im sure he'll be productive.

3rd round. What's the time frame? 7:00 pm?

[Svpernaut]

It wasn't a bad pick, but there were players that would have had more of an impact still on the board.

[Smokey]

I don't understand 15 minutes per pick in the first round. That's crazy.

[moligity]

ESPN Insider's take on the pick:

Houston Texans (from New Orleans):

Travis Johnson | DT | Florida State

Scouts' take: Houston probably would have added either Demarcus Ware or Shawne Merriman if either was still available, because improving its pas rush is a priority. But both players were already gone, so this pick makes sense. In our opinion, Johnson is the best defensive tackle available and he should provide excellent depth, which is critical because both LDE Gary Walker and NT Seth Payne have had some problems staying healthy. Johnson has the burst and closing speed to develop into a productive situational interior pass rusher. He's also big and strong enough to defend the run when he lines up at defensive end.

Mel Kiper's take: The Texans need to get bigger and better up front on defense, and Johnson will help with that. He improved immensely from his junior to senior seasons (three tackles for loss as a junior, 18 last season) and is a stout tackle who will plug the middle in Houston's 3-4 defense. Johnson can collapse the pocket or play the run and will boost a defensive line that added end Jason Babin last year.

[Zacatecas]

The defensive line caused no havok last year. They were ok against the Run, but they could not create the holes for the linebackers to penetrate and get to the quarterbacks.

This makes the defensive line a lot younger.

Good pick for the position.

[nWo34Life]

Will the Texans make any moves to get a good WR in the 3rd Rd? Or maybe a trade to get into the 2nd Rd?

[insane man]

linebacker in the 3rd?

[rockets-#1]

I wasn't too thrilled with the trade either, but if he was the highest rated guy on the Texans board, then that's fine. I'm glad they didn't pick a RB like suggested earlier in the thread. The DL was their 1st or 2nd most need, so it's good that was addressed. If Payne and Walker can both manage to stay healthy for the most part and line up with this guy, along with a year of experience for Babin, the pass rush could be effective now. At least a nice improvement over last season.

[AggieRocket]

I'm ticked off. Who the hell is Travis Johnson? I haven't even heard of this guy until today. But I am not Casserly and I am he knows a lot more than me when it comes to evaluating talent. As a Texan, Casserly hasn't disappointed when it has come to drafting.

But I keep reminding myself that Casserly was the guy that picked Heath Shuler out of Tennessee with the #3 pick.

[SamFisher]

Originally posted by AggieRocket
As a Texan, Casserly hasn't disappointed when it has come to drafting.



He's had some misses - aside from Carr his first draft - where the Texans had loads of picks - wasn't really noteworthy.

[Tdogg]

#99 Travis Johnson

Yahoo.com scouting report (http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=196&p=8&c=1&nid=1382498)

Ht: 6-5 Wt: 286
Position: NG
Projected as: DT
Position Rank: 1
Class: RS - Senior
High School: Notre Dame HS
(Sherman Oaks, CA)
College: Florida State


Biography:
Bio: All-Conference selection as a senior after posting career numbers of 50/18/2.5. Played in thirteen games as a junior totaling 36 tackles. Charged with a felony count of assault in April of 2003 but the case was quickly dismissed. Started eight games as a sophomore posting 50/10/2.5.

Positives: Explosive run-stuffing defensive lineman with good upside for the next level. Bends his knees getting leverage on opponents, quick off the snap and stout at the point. Immediately reads or diagnoses the action, displays solid hand technique getting off blocks and redirects to the ball carrier. Gets a good amount of momentum going up the field and tough to slow down. Slides off opponents to the inside, has the ability to immediately alter his angle of attack and wraps up tackling. Works hard to make a play.

Negatives: Lacks top bulk and upper body strength for the inside. Marginal skills as a pass rusher.

Analysis: Rebounding off a poor junior campaign, Johnson got his game back on track last season and progressed off of what was a terrific sophomore year. The court case of ‘03 seemed to drag on him as a junior and was not as highly ranked as he should have been coming into the season. Stands to add bulk and strength to his frame yet a solid tackle for a conventional defense and a legitimate first round choice.

[RIET]

Originally posted by AggieRocket
As a Texan, Casserly hasn't disappointed when it has come to drafting.

Almost every 2nd/3rd round pick has been suspect.

[v3.0]

Originally posted by AggieRocket
But I keep reminding myself that Casserly was the guy that picked Heath Shuler out of Tennessee with the #3 pick. That was Norv Turner's pick. He pushed Cass into making that pick then did an about face and turned his back on Shuler and blamed Cass on the pick. Cass was fired by Snyder later but Snyder later said that was a mistake and should have fired Norv instead of Cass.

[gucci888]

Well, I guess DJ was never a real target for the Texans, kinda dissapointing but then again, I'm a Texas homer.

Never heard of Travis Johnson, but they say he is the best defensive lineman in the draft. I really would have liked to pick up a DE, Spears and Pollack coud have been had.

I'm a little dissapointed, but Casserly has done a good enough job in drafts.

[JamesC]

I screamed at the tv when the Chiefs took DJ. I was a little confused when the Texans traded down too. Anyway I'm pretty dissapointed so far, but I hope Travis Johnson turns out to be a good pick. Now its time to root on the Rockets!!!

[rikesh316]

Travis Johnson is a stud who plays like Kris Jenkins.

[rikesh316]

DJ doesn't fit a 3-4 linebacker. He can't pass rush or tackle. Remeber last year when no one heard of Dunta Robinson. How is he doing? Charley knows what he is doing, just look at his 3 superbowl rings.

[noscrusir]

Travis Johnson should be a solid, if unspectacular, pick.

[nWo34Life]

Originally posted by noscrusir
Travis Johnson should be a solid, if unspectacular, pick.

I'm going to give this guy a chance. He seems to be pretty good, not much talked about. I like scrappy, hard-nosed players who just do their job, not needing ESPN spotlight.

Now who will the Texans go for in the 4th Round?

[Random.]

Originally posted by nWo34Life

Now who will the Texans go for in the 4th Round?

A 3rd round pick is next (From Dallas, from the Drew Henson deal I think?). It seems forever between pick. I watched half the Astros game and the entire Rockets game and still forever :)

[nWo34Life]

Originally posted by Random.
A 3rd round pick is next (From Dallas, from the Drew Henson deal I think?). It seems forever between pick. I watched half the Astros game and the entire Rockets game and still forever :)

Sorry, I meant 3rd Round. Thanks Random.

I also noticed our 2nd Round pick that we sent to OAK for Buchanon, they picked a UH Cougar - CB Stanford Routt.

What a coincidence...

[rockets-#1]

This article makes me really happy about the trade now. I was unsure if the Texans would lose their guy by moving down 3 picks. Missing out on a guy you really need just to get another 3rd round pick (which Casserly believes only 30% of them have a chance of really contributing, or something like that) would have been pretty crappy.


Adding defensive depth has been one of the Texans’ primary goals this offseason, evidenced in many of the team’s free agent moves and recently in the trade for cornerback Phillip Buchanon. On Saturday, the Texans continued the trend when they selected powerhouse defensive tackle Travis Johnson with the 16th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft.

Johnson was at the top of the list of a group of players that the Texans had their eyes on near the middle of the first round. As the picks unfolded, general manager Charley Casserly discovered that Johnson, the draft’s top-rated defensive line prospect, and perhaps other players in the group could slip further than the 13th selection. With that in mind, Casserly began fielding phone calls from inquiring teams to move down.

Ultimately, it was the New Orleans Saints’ offer of their first-round pick this year and their third-round selection in the 2006 NFL Draft that caught Casserly’s attention.

“Clearly, when we got to 13, there was a group of players, and we would’ve been happy with any of them,” Casserly said. “We would’ve taken Travis Johnson at 13, but we were offered the chance to move back with an extra pick for next year—a third-round pick, which is a good pick—to move back three spots. We felt comfortable that Travis Johnson could be there, and other players could be there.”

When the 16th pick arose, certain clubs that wanted to move up in the draft called with offers. Nevertheless, with no assurance that Johnson would remain on the draft board, Casserly didn’t let the opportunity pass by and executed the choice.

“As we looked at it, this is a guessing game,” Casserly said. “You don’t know where players are going to go, but we felt the percentages would be against us if we moved back again to get Travis Johnson, who was the player that we had targeted for this area of the draft. We decided to pull the trigger at that point.”

Johnson, 6-3, 305 pounds, is known as a high-motor interior lineman that has the ability to pass rush and stuff running lanes. In 51 games at Florida St., the California native recorded 175 tackles with 10 sacks and 43.5 tackles for loss. As a senior in 2004, he earned All-American honors from ESPN and was an all-ACC first-team choice after posting 50 tackles, including 18 for loss, with 2.5 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures.

Casserly admitted afterwards that the Texans were fortunate to land a player of Johnson’s talent level at that pick. With three running backs, three cornerbacks and three wide receivers chosen in the first 10 choices, it wasn’t a typical draft. Normally, a player of Johnson’s caliber is gone well before the middle of the first round. (I'm very happy we could get him then.)

“You get a starting interior defensive lineman at 16, that doesn’t happen a lot,” Casserly said. “Especially the guy you have rated number one in a particular year.”

Head coach Dom Capers envisions Johnson immediately contributing in the team’s nickel package as a substitute. Yet as has been the case in Capers’ tenure, there will be open competition for a starting spot. Regardless of Johnson’s role, with the way the Texans rotate on the defensive line, he figures to play significantly whether or not he’s penciled in as a starter.

“He obviously gives us a young player in a position where we have two players, Gary Walker and Seth Payne, who are 30 years of age or older,” Capers said. “Defensive interior linemen are at a premium. You don’t get them in free agency. You have to draft them and they normally are drafted fairly high. That’s one of the reasons I think this is a premium position…We like what he adds to our football team.”

Versatility could be Johnson’s biggest strong suit. He’s played defensive tackle on both the left and right side, and as a redshirt freshman in 2001, he was a freshman All-American at nose guard, recording 31 tackles with a pair of sacks. He’s certainly up for the challenge, no matter where he plays.

“I love nose tackle,” Johnson said in a conference call with Houston media from Los Angeles . “I’m just waiting for the challenges and opportunities to show that I can play all three positions there.”

When asked what his best attribute is, Johnson mentioned many of the same characteristics that Capers listed in the press conference: aggressive, strong, athletic, ability to shed blocks and rush the passer. Above all, Johnson sees himself as a player on the rise.

Just hours after being selected, he already has something in common with his newest employer.

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/news_detail.php?PRKey=1643

[Stevierebel]

Texans are on the clock again...

[Groogrux]

Morency, RB from OSU (the okie kind).

[tierre_brown]

Good pick...although the backfield just got extremely crowded...

[rockets-#1]

A RB makes zero sense to me. As I said earlier...

[totally dumbfounded]
What the hell would the Texans NEED to take an RB for. What the hell has Davis done wrong!? OMG!
2003: 1031 rush yards, 4.3avg, 8 TD's and 1382 yards from scrimmage*
2004: 1188 rush yards, 3.9avg, 13 TD's and 1776 yards from scrimmage.

*Keep in mind that was only in 14 games while starting just 10.
[/totally dumbfounded]

This team does not NEED a RB. I think Domanick has been doing great. Could they have not gotten a solid OL, WR, or LB then to develop for later?

[LonghornFan]

NOT getting the RB pick in the third, at all...

[nWo34Life]

That's kind of odd to pick a RB in the 3rd Round.

[tierre_brown]

Although there are still a few nice WRs (Steve Savoy, Will Peoples among others) left IMO, there weren't any that wouldn't be around for the 2nd day.

I don't know about the OL/LB prospects, but it seems there's a pretty drastic drop between the "1st round" talents and the rest of them. So we can use later picks for them...

Just what I think their rationale is...I think Morency could be a great change of pace for DD/Hollings. Maybe he was the "best player available" because the playiers in the need positions would be a reach for a 3rd pick?

[gucci888]

Originally posted by rikesh316
DJ doesn't fit a 3-4 linebacker. He can't pass rush or tackle.

Can't rush? Can't tackle? I wonder why he won linebacker of the year and defensive player of the year then.

[nWo34Life]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3150005

Texans move down, pick DT Travis Johnson at No. 16
Associated Press

The Houston Texans were in no hurry to make their first pick in the NFL draft.

True to general manager Charley Casserly's belief that no one in this year's crop of prospects was a definite starter, the Texans traded down in the first round Saturday and still were able to choose Florida State defensive tackle Travis Johnson with the 16th overall pick in the NFL draft.

Earlier in the day, Houston traded the 13th pick to New Orleans for the Saints' selection three spots later and a third-rounder in the 2006 draft.

The Texans then chose Johnson with its belated first-round pick, taking the first defensive tackle of the afternoon instead of addressing pressing needs at left offensive tackle, defensive end or outside linebacker.

"Getting a starting interior defensive lineman at pick 16 does not happen a lot," Casserly said. "In normal drafts, that player is not available at the 16th pick."

Indeed. Top defensive tackles are coveted like few prospects in the NFL draft; 13 defensive tackles went among the first 15 picks in the previous five drafts, including four each in 2002 and 2003.

The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Johnson went from a reserve to a captain of Florida State's defense in his senior year, earning first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. He finished the season with 50 tackles, an ACC-leading 18 tackles for loss, 2 1/2 sacks and 12 quarterback hurries.

Johnson might have been gone higher, however, if not for a college career that was mostly marked by inconsistency, injuries and a rape accusation in February 2003. He was acquitted of the charge six months later in less than a half hour by an all-woman jury.

"That was the only time I was ever in any trouble," the 22-year-old Johnson said by phone from his hometown of Sherman Oaks, Calif. "I don't think it was ever really an issue. I just can't wait to get down there and get to work.

"I'm a defensive lineman who plays the ball from sideline to sideline, who continues to get better every day and every play."

Looking to add more athleticism and depth to their defensive line, the Texans will immediately plug Johnson into their rotation with aging veterans like Gary Walker and Seth Payne.

Houston's starting defensive line of Payne, Walker and offseason acquisition Robaire Smith combined for only 4 1/2 sacks in 2004, a big part of the NFL's least-productive pass rush. The Texans finished last in sacks in 2004 (24) and second-to-last the year before (19), a stat that Texans coach Dom Capers surely mentioned often to Casserly during the offseason.

"We obviously wanted to address trying to rush the passer better," Capers said. "We felt (Johnson) had the most speed, athletic ability, size combination of any interior lineman in the draft ... a guy we can fit into the rotation with our front people."

But the Texans still failed to make much improvement at protecting quarterback David Carr and at outside linebacker, the position that provides most of the pass rush in Capers' 3-4 defense.

Carr has been sacked 140 times over the past three years, including an NFL-record 76 during his rookie season in 2002. The Texans will apparently go into 2005 with the same shaky offensive line, including struggling left tackle Seth Wand.

Capers will also need to continue his search for a speedy pass rusher, just like some of the ones he had during his years coordinating dominant defenses in Pittsburgh, Carolina and Jacksonville -- Pro Bowlers like Greg Lloyd and Kevin Greene.

The Texans gave up second- and third-round picks this year for cornerback Phillip Buchanon, a first-round pick in 2002, in a trade with Oakland on Thursday.

Houston doesn't pick again until the 73rd overall pick in the third round.

[nWo34Life]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3149866

Texans fans flock to draft party
By JIM WALDEN
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

Before the doors opened at the West Gate at Reliant Stadium for NFL Draft Day, there was already a festive spirit at South Main and Kirby.

Earlier, the Texans hosted the Running of the Bulls, their fourth annual 5-K charity race. Now the focus turned to football and the draft. The long lines of Texans fans entering Reliant were ready to find out.

With the 16th pick (traded for 13th and a third round pick in 2006), the Texans have their work cut out for them to match their first two. Last year, the Texans made Dunta Robinson their first pick. Houston also selected linebacker Jason Babin in the first round. Their second year, the Texans picked wide receiver Andre Johnson. And, their first pick in the college draft ever was quarterback David Carr.

While the general manager Charley Casserly and coach Dom Capers and their staff are working in the draft war room, the fans are having fun.


The excitement picked up at when the draft started. But, there were some questions when the Texans traded positions in the first-round in a deal with the Saints.

"At first I was a little disappointed," said Tim Lancon of Baytown. "But now I am happy with the pick."

That pick was Travis Johnson, a defensive tackle from Florida State.

"With Gary Walker getting older and with Seth Payne, you don’t always know how much you are going to get out of him (injuries), I think it was a good pick," said Lancon.

Zachary Spears of Houston agrees that it was a good pick.

"He brings some youth, and we need some tenacity in there, someone with a mean streak," Spears said.

Jason Gomez of Houston says he understands the trade.

"They have to plug holes for the future," he said.

But Gomez thought the Texas might go for an offensive lineman, especially a pass blocker.

"They know something I don’t," he said.

Mark Womack of Deer Park also thought the Texans might go for an offensive lineman.

"I thought they might go for some better protection for (quarterback David) Carr," Womack said.

But Womack is happy with a defensive lineman.

"I think it was good," he said. "They (Texans) do a good job of stopping the rush, but do not do a good job of getting penetration.

What the fans are saying ...

"I come out because we are Texans fans," said Preston Chauvin from Cut 'N' Shoot. "We like to come to the stadium" said Chauvin, who is here with his wife. The family said they also enjoyed the tour of the Texans’ locker room and gym. ...

The locker room tour is popular with Texans fans as Houstonian Chris Spencer will attest.

"This is my first time to be in Reliant Stadium, and to go down on the 50-yard line and look up … Well it is amazing."

Spencer says the event works well for the fans.

"I will be back," he said. "I plan to make this another tradition."

... The Rubio family could of watched the draft at home, but decided to come to Reliant.

"We are definitely having a good time," said Louis Rubio, here with his wife, Amele, and son, Jacquez.

The reason the Rubios decided to come are simple.

"The fun. The excitement. The atmosphere," said Louis Rubio.

[bobmarley]

I dont really see anyone else in this range of picks that could help our team any better.

Morency has a chance to get some playing time this year. Remember last year when Hollings was injured and we were having to depend on Jonathan Wells to come in and spell DD.

There can be a chance Morency could be that perfect guy to fit that backup role in case Hollings never pans out wether it be by more injury or just not putting up the numbers. This is a good move mainly because it gives depth at a skill position and give Wells a challenge for its job.

Grade: B-

[Lil Francis]

I like the Morency pick. They finally have a legit back behind Davis now. Wells is good in red zone situations and Tony Hollings is a joke. With Morency on the team I think it will be hard for Hollings to even make the squad.

[DieHard Rocket]

I'm a strong believer in having two RB's see significant carries. RB's are the only guys on the field that touch the ball 20 to 30 times and get hit virtually every time they touch it. It's nice to have plenty of options, because you know they're going to get banged up.

I don't recall seeing Morency play, but his frame makes it seem like he is a power back. We could definately use a guy to soften up the defense a little bit...DD is a great tackle-breaker, but doesn't really punish the defense. Wells just doesn't really do much unless it is short yardage.

I think Hollings days in Houston might be numbered.

[SamFisher]

Originally posted by Random.
A 3rd round pick is next (From Dallas, from the Drew Henson deal I think?). It seems forever between pick. I watched half the Astros game and the entire Rockets game and still forever :)

The delay was absurd and rendered the draft virtually unwatchable. They need to cut the first round back to 10 minutes or less and the rest should be 5 minutes. This 12 hour 3 round stuff is ridiculous.

[Groogrux]

Berman's a dick. I'm too tired to post why, but I will later.

BTW, the draft in person rocked. I just wish one of the NY teams had a first round pick.

[redgoose]

I don't really like the Vernand Morency pick, although some sites had him rated as a low 2nd rounder. Now we have to wait for 2 RB's to develop. Unless they've already given up on Hollings, which i doubt consideing what we gave up for him, along with his potential. Looks like Wells should start looking for another team ASAP. I would of rather waited for an O-Lineman to develop. But i guess we can use Morency occasioanly in the red zone right away even though he has the size but not the power.


Short ESPN analysis

http://proxy.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=9080


Overall: Morency was signed by the Colorado Rockies out of high school and played minor league baseball for three years before enrolling at Oklahoma State in 2002. An ankle injury sidelined him most of his freshman season. Morency saw some action as Tatum Bell's (Broncos) backup in 2003, finishing with 918 yards and eight touchdowns 135 carries. Morency took over as a fulltime starter in 2004 and had a breakout season with 1,474 yards and 12 touchdowns on 278 carries. Morency is a 24-year old prospect with somewhat limited experience. He needs to improve his strength and become a more aggressive and powerful interior runner. However, Morency has the bulk, quickness, explosiveness and hands to emerge as a fulltime starter in the NFL. The team that drafts him will have to be patient in developing him and will assume a risk with an older prospect. But Morency's athleticism and potential ...

And a more detailed analysis http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2005/morency_vernand



OVERVIEW
Morency is an explosive and talented back who showed the college football world what he was capable of at the end of the 2003 season. When starter Tatum Bell was sidelined with minor injuries, Morency answered with an exclamation point. He continued to excel on the football field in 2004. When head coach Les Miles departed the program to take over at Louisiana State, Morency, at age 25, decided the time was right for him to test his wares in the National Football League.

Morency lettered four times in baseball and twice in football at Northwestern High School. He earned All-American honors in both sports. As a senior, he had more than 1,500 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns. Morency was then drafted in the 14th round of the 1998 Major League Baseball draft by the Colorado Rockies. He spent four seasons as an outfielder in the Rockies' minor league organization before hanging up his baseball glove for a pair of football cleats.

He arrived on Oklahoma State's campus in 2002, playing in six games as a true freshman. Morency gained 269 yards on 58 carries (4.6 avg.) with three touchdowns, but missed the last five games with a high ankle sprain. The following season, Morency ranked second on the team with 918 yards and eight touchdowns on 135 carries (6.8 avg.), starting the final two regular season games when Bell was injured.

Despite missing the 2004 Baylor game with a knee injury, Morency amassed 1,474 yards with 12 touchdowns on 258 carries (5.7 avg.). He also gained 101 yards on five catches with a score. He closed out his career with 451 rushing attempts for 2,661 yards (5.9 avg.) and 23 touchdowns. His 2,661 yards rank eighth on the school's career-record list. He also had 11 receptions for 119 yards (10.8 avg.), including a score and returned 10 kickoffs for 224 yards (22.4 avg.) while appearing in 30 games.


ANALYSIS
Positives: Has high calves with good thickness, wide shoulders with good muscle tone, big bubble and solid lower body frame … Good downhill runner who squares his shoulders and hits the holes hard … Shows quickness out of his stance and a good burst through the crease … Runs with a short step and shows good lateral and veer quickness … Fine off-tackle runner with the strength to run through arm tackles … Shows the ability to change direction in-stride and has the change-of-direction skills to bounce off angle tacklers … Keeps his pads low attacking the inside holes and has the short area burst needed to quickly get to the outside when the rush lanes are clogged … Not a striker, but will face up when blocking on the edge and does an adequate job cutting upfield … Sudden in his plant and is quick to change direction … Shows strength and vision getting through trash and has natural running instincts once he gets into the open … Fights for extra yards, squaring up to break tackles and is a load to bring down once he gets a full burst of steam.

Negatives: Needs to learn to secure the ball better, as he leaves it exposed enough to cough it up … Carries the ball with the wrong hand at times when breaking toward the perimeter … While he can reach and pluck for the pass, he prefers to cradle catch the ball … Not used much in the passing game, outside of swing routes, as he does not have the natural, easy hands to guide the ball in … Has a good feel when running inside, but does not show the speed to consistently reach the outside or the second gear to maintain top speed when he gets into the open … Age could be somewhat of an issue (25) … While he has good lateral quickness, he is really not a nifty avoid-type of runner … Character and background need further review.


INJURY REPORT
2002: Limited in fall drills by a left ankle sprain.

2004: Sat out the Baylor game (11/13) after having fluid drained from his knee.


AGILITY
CAMPUS: 4.67 in the 40-yard dash.
COMBINE: Player did not participate in the 40-yard dash or 60-yard shuttle agility tests at the Combines (own choice), claiming to be suffering from a left hamstring pull … 4.12 20-yard shuttle … 7.02 three-cone drill … 33½-inch vertical jump … 9-foot broad jump … Bench presses 225 pounds 19 times … 31¾-inch arm length … 8 7/8-inch hands.

[Stevierebel]

The Texans got a wide receiver in Jerome Mathis from Hampton. This guy was one of Kiper's top people remaining. I don't know what type of receiver he is though.

[Random.]

Originally posted by Stevierebel
The Texans got a wide receiver in Jerome Mathis from Hampton. This guy was one of Kiper's top people remaining. I don't know what type of receiver he is though.

He's a track star turned WR.
So he's fast at least :)

[bobmarley]

He runs a 4.3 40

And his senior year averaged around 29.6 yards per catch.

He is a big play waiting to happen. And he returns kicks.

nice sleeper pick

[tierre_brown]

Wow... I was pretty sure we'd take a WR this round, but surprised we took this burner over some other "solid" WR picks that seem to be still on the board...good pick though, our special teams should be exciting next year...

[moligity]

Her'e the ESPN take on Mathis:

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft05/tracker/player?id=8974

Strengths: An absolute blazer. Is one of the fastest players in the entire 2005 draft class. Improved as a route runner and return specialist with more experience. Shows the ability to pluck on the run when he concentrates. Is a vertical threat with the initial burst and top-end speed to consistently get over the top of defensive backs in coverage. Is a huge home run threat after the catch, as well as on reverses. Also a big-time threat as a KOR specialist. Has good vision, smooth hips, good COD skills, initial explosiveness and big-league acceleration. Will win most foot races in the open field.

Weaknesses: Has character concerns. Level of competition is a concern. Lacks ideal size and strength. Will have more trouble getting off the LOS in the NFL. Lacks ideal height as a vertical receiver. Needs to improve his route running skills. Rounds off too many of his routes. Needs to learn to shift his weight better when getting in and out of breaks. Does not show a good ability to find soft spots in zone coverage. Focus and concentration is too inconsistent in terms of catching the ball. Is a below average blocker and will never get much better in that facet.

Overall: Mathis won six state track championships in high school. He was a non-qualifier because of academics in 2001. He finished with 24 receptions for 615 yards and three TD's in 2002, whjile also averaging 20.9 yards per kickoff return on 20 attempts. As a junior in 2003 he became a fulltime starter and finished with 40 receptions for 977 yards and nine TD's. He also returned 17 kickoffs for 343 yards and one punt for 42 yards. As a senior in 2004, Mathis finished with 30 receptions for 884 yards and nine TD's. He also returned 25 kickoffs for 888 yards and five TD's as a senior. Mathis ran track throughout his career at Hampton and was a three-time NCAA track All-American in the 200 meters. Mathis is a track star turned football player. He has some character concerns, lacks ideal size and needs some refinement as a route runner. However, he's one of the fastest prospects in this year's class and he improved each of the last three seasons on the gridiron. Mathis may take more time than most Day 1 prospects to develop but his versatility and speed are enticing. Mathis has the potential to develop into a vertical No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in the NFL and he also has a lot of upside as a KOR specialist at the next level, which is why it's not out of the realm of possibility for Mathis to come off the board as high as the second round.

[bobmarley]

he might give us that downfield threat that bradford really hasnt given us

If he pans out our WR could be nice.

AJ is our big go to WR
Mathis the burner and big play guy that goes get the deep ball
Gaffney is that slot guy or possesion reciever
armstrong is that guy that just makes catches and is ignored by other teams

[tierre_brown]

Originally posted by moligity
Her'e the ESPN take on Mathis:

Weaknesses: Has character concerns.

Wow, that's interesting....I thought Texans were trying to build a class organization and wouldn't take players with "character concerns"? Although I guess everyone deserves a fresh start (ala our new CB)...

Anyone see Darren Sproles going 4th round? I know I was trying to be excited about the Morency pick, but with Sproles still there....We probably could have used a OLer like Elton Brown or something...

[rocketlaunch]

a picture of mathis on the left

http://condraft.com/news/pics/Mathis.jpg

[swilkins]

I think Mathis will be a gem on special teams.

[Dubious]

'I will be the best out of this class'
Hampton's Jerome Mathis is determined to prove that he has the talent and character to be the best wide receiver in the NFL draft.

BY MARTY O'BRIEN
Daily Press
Published April 20, 2005

HAMPTON -- Jerome Mathis thought he'd long since put those character questions to rest. He also believed that he'd risen near the top of the wide receivers' list for the NFL draft with workouts that included a faster 40-yard dash time than any prospect and a 371/2-inch vertical jump.

Then, while weightlifting at Hampton University on Monday, he glanced at this week's "Sporting News." He was bemused that the magazine pegged him as a third-round pick and stung by this description

Was considered a fourth- or fifth-round pick before running a great 40-yard dash. Plays as fast as he times. Separates from defenders. Is an Olympic-caliber sprinter. Hands are a bit inconsistent - and so is his play. Is not a polished route-runner. Does not relish blocking responsibilities. Has character issues.

Mathis looked at the page again and began his rebuttal. His voice was confident and determined, rather than angry.

Hands are a bit inconsistent? "I never said my hands were the greatest. I had some drops, but I've worked hard on that and they're getting better everyday."

Play is a bit inconsistent? "I always showed up."

Doesn't relish blocking responsibilities? "None of this is true. This is why you can't always believe what you read."

He takes a final look at "The Sporting News" wide receivers ranking list and sets the magazine down. He is ranked No. 9.

"It's like I'm the underdog because I'm from a I-AA school," he says. "Braylon Edwards (of Michigan) and Mike Williams (Southern California) are going to be the top two. After those two, there's me; I proved that at the (NFL scouting) combine.

"In the long run, when all is said and done, you can put this in quotes: 'I will be the best (wide receiver) out of this class. I will be the most productive one. And it's going to come back and haunt a whole lot of teams because they passed me up when they could've had me.'

"It's just not true that I'm not a character guy. My life has come a long way."

HU coach Joe Taylor and Shaun Huls, the Pirates' strength and conditioning coach, will vouch for his character. Both had criticized his work ethic or attitude in the past.

Prior to last season, Taylor urged Mathis to display more leadership. He responded by becoming one of the most vocal members of the Pirates' 10-player leadership committee.

On the field, he sacrificed individual glory by often acting as a decoy to open things up for HU's other receivers. As a result, he caught just 30 passes but still led Division I-AA with 29.8 yards per catch. Taylor says Mathis never complained about the role on the team that finished 10-2 and won the MEAC title.

"There were times when he came off the field and asked for the ball more, because he's such a competitor," Taylor said. "But he always put the team first. That's what we mean when we talk about character."

Mathis did not sulk when Taylor criticized his commitment to weight-lifting in a newspaper article last August. Instead, he became a weight-room junkie.

Huls had also butted heads with Mathis' about his lifting habits the previous year. But they quickly became allies in Mathis' quest to reach the NFL.

"Sometimes it's hard for the really good athletes to see that they need to work harder," Huls said. "But when he realized that he was just scratching the surface of his potential, that's where he turned it around."

Since concentrating on lifting, Mathis has gained 23 pounds, from 158 to 181, and added five inches to his vertical jump. He did so without losing any speed, as evidenced by his 4.26-second 40 at the combine.

In between, he broke the Division I-AA record for kickoff return touchdowns (five) and caught nine touchdown passes. Then he impressed NFL scouts with a dominating college football all-star game performance.

But the character questions still linger. Mathis was charged with assault for fighting more than two years ago, but says the charges were dropped.

He says he put that behind him and became smarter. If scouts don't believe that, he says he'll win them over with his actions, same as he did Taylor and Huls.

"I know teams are worried about making a million-dollar investment in a guy and they don't want it to be a risk," Mathis said. "But I've never been a character problem. If you want to fault me for mistakes I made when I was young, it'll come back to haunt you.

"Know that I know what I have to lose; I can easily walk away from trouble. I guarantee this: I'm going to leave a mark in the NFL, in a good, positive way.

http://www.meacfans.com/cgi-bin/ubb...43;t=005238;p=1

Kid talks a good game too, he could be something special and with AJ, could give teams real coverage problems.

[SamFisher]

Do the Texans plan on doing anything about their pathetic O-line? I don't believe they have done anything in note to fix one of the worst pass blocking units in league history and nobody at this stage in the draft is going to be much help.

[JPM0016]

Texans take a center Drew Hodgdon.

Overall: Hodgdon was a heavyweight weightlifting champion in high school but he also tore his left ACL. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2000 and was a reserve interior offensive lineman as a redshirt freshman in 2001 before becoming a fulltime starter at right guard in 2002. He moved to center in 2003, where he was the fulltime starter his final two seasons at Arizona State. Hodgdon lacks exceptional tools but he is a player that continues to improve and has excelled since his move from OG to OC. He has below average bulk and strength, and he doesn't have great downfield mobility. He is, however, an above average athlete with good lateral movement skills and short-area agility. He also is technically sound, efficient, tough and durable. Hodgdon has a passion for the game and shows a very good work-ethic on and off the field.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft...r%3Fid%3 D8497

[JamesC]

I like the Morency pick. I watched a lot of Oklahoma State games last year and he was a beast. He's got a good balance of speed and power and some nice offensive moves.

[Joshfast]

Mathis ran a 4.26 40 at the combine? Wow, he certainly has speed, and you can't teach that.

[rezdawg]

9-7 next year.

[gucci888]

Originally posted by Joshfast
Mathis ran a 4.26 40 at the combine? Wow, he certainly has speed, and you can't teach that.

He had the fastest 40 time in the combine, which is really impressive. I really like this pick, this gives us a better 3rd option WR than Bradford, and I believe he was #1 in kickoff return yards as well.

[Vengeance]

Jerome Mathis is a HUGE pick. He was being talked about in the mid second round. Apparently, he broke Deion Sanders' record in the 40 at the combine. I just watched some video on him from Yahoo and . . . . W. . O. . W . . . this guy is the real deal, speed-wise. He's as fast as any player I've ever seen. IMO, five years from now he's going to look like one of the top steals of the draft.

[rockets-#1]

I really like Mathis's attitude (by reading what was said in the article posted by Dubious). The ESPN article said he lacks size. I dunno about considering looking at the picture posted by rocketlaunch; his biceps look pretty damn muscular to me. This pick probably will be a steal; add up his speed and his determination to prove everyone wrong, it looks good.

[nWo34Life]

Originally posted by bobmarley
He runs a 4.3 40

And his senior year averaged around 29.6 yards per catch.

He is a big play waiting to happen. And he returns kicks.

nice sleeper pick

Doesn't this guy sound like Chris Sanders from the last years of the Oilers?

Sounds like a long bomb threat and that's it....

At least he'll be an improvment over Bradford. Dude's stacked like AJ.

[nWo34Life]

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/front/3150472

Capers eyes better pass rush
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

The Texans will be a younger and faster defensive football team in 2005. Whether they will be better remains to be seen, but their objectives are clear, and they sent another familiar message Saturday, using their first-round pick on a position that appeared set prior to the draft.

After watching teams ahead of them gobble up the the best outside pass rushers in the draft, the Texans traded down three spots in the first round and picked Florida State defensive tackle Travis Johnson, who they hope will be a force against the run and pump some much-needed life into the team's inside pass rush.

General manager Charley Casserly and coach Dom Capers gave no indication the arrival of Johnson could have implications for veteran Gary Walker, but there's no denying that a trend seems to be developing at Reliant Park.

Starting inside linebackers Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman were given permission to seek trades after the team signed free-agent Morlon Greenwood, who is younger than both, to play Sharper's position. Foreman and Sharper eventually were released.

The Texans, who wrapped up day one of their draft by selecting Oklahoma State running back Vernand Morency in the third round, got younger at cornerback last week when they traded a second- and a third-round pick to Oakland in exchange for Phillip Buchanon.

On Saturday, a source said veteran cornerback Aaron Glenn had been given permission to seek a trade, raising doubt as to whether the 33-year-old cornerback will be a Texan this season.

Only time will tell if Walker, 32, should be looking over his shoulder. Regardless, the Texans got younger and more athletic on a defensive line that was inconsistent and struggled to stay healthy over the past two seasons. Johnson might be the first Texans' first-round pick who doesn't start as a rookie, but the team clearly has begun a youth movement in a unit where two out of three starters are at least 30 years old. (Seth Payne is 30.)

Playing in the nickel

"Travis Johnson is a very active interior lineman, a guy we think has a combination of the size and strength to play the run," Capers said. "We see him fitting into our nickel scheme right away as an inside rusher and a guy we can fit into the rotation with our front people.

"We felt he had the most speed, athletic ability, size combination, really, of any interior lineman in the draft. He plays very aggressively. We like the motor. (He) plays hard (and) has been very productive, and we certainly liked what we saw of him on video."

Johnson's selection marked the highest pick the Texans have used on a player they drafted to play on the defensive line. The previous high was a third-round pick used on Maryland's Charles Hill, who was released a year after entering the league in 2002. Other than Johnson and Hill, the Texans had not drafted a defensive lineman earlier than the sixth round.

While waiting for the 13th overall selection of the draft, Casserly entertained calls from other teams and agreed to deal with New Orleans because he felt he could move down to the 16th spot and still get Johnson. The Texans also will get the Saints' third-round pick in next year's draft.

Having missed receiver Troy Williamson and outside linebacker prospects DeMarcus Ware and Shawne Merriman, presumably the top targets on their wish list, the Texans were content to draft Johnson despite an intriguing list of available players, including University of Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson.

"Our feelings were that there would be a group of players available at pick No. 13 that we liked," Casserly said. "That was the case, so we decided to trade back. We would have taken Travis Johnson at the 13th pick, but New Orleans offered us a chance to move back with an extra pick for next year's draft ... We felt comfortable that Johnson would still be available three picks later."

Asking about Johnson

Johnson and LSU's Marcus Spears were the top defensive tackles on most draft boards, but some teams rated Spears (drafted as an end by the Cowboys) a bit higher because of concerns about an off-field incident involving Johnson two years ago. Johnson was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a female shot putter on Florida State's track team in 2003. An all-female jury acquitted Johnson in less than 30 minutes.

The Texans were aware of the situation and did their own background check, and it also helped that Florida State linebackers coach Kevin Steele, a member of Capers' coaching staff with the Carolina Panthers, had nothing but good things to say about Johnson.

"It was really never an issue," Johnson said. "That was the only time I was ever in any trouble. I don't think it was ever really an issue, and now it's over with."

carlton.thompson@chron.com

[nWo34Life]

Here's more on that RB we picked up in the 3rd Round:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3150474

Morency to give Davis run for position
OSU's top rusher could push Texans' 1,000-yard back at training camp
By JOSEPH DUARTE
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

The Texans added some competition in the backfield Saturday, by using their third-round selection on Oklahoma State's Vernand Morency.

Morency, who finished eighth in the nation in rushing as a junior, is expected to challenge incumbent 1,000-yard rusher Domanick Davis and injury-prone backup Tony Hollings for playing time in the backfield.

"I'm going to compete," Morency said. "My main goal is to take the starting job. That's my whole mindset anywhere I go."

Morency was rated as the fourth-best running back prospect on several draft boards in the draft behind Auburn's Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown and Texas' Cedric Benson. All three were taken among the top five picks.

Morency, who ended up as the seventh back taken on Saturday, will be a 25-year-old rookie after playing minor league baseball in the Colorado Rockies organization and not enrolling at Oklahoma State until 2002. After becoming a full-time starter last season, Morency rushed for 1,474 yards and 12 touchdowns.

"I'm ready to showcase my ability," said Morency, who was selected with the No. 73 overall pick. "I've never been given anything; I've always worked for everything."

Morency said early projections had him being selected late in the first round or second round. Some teams may have changed their opinions after he ran 4.61 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in February. Despite his lack of experience, Morency had a productive junior season before declaring for the NFL draft following the departure of OSU coach Les Miles to LSU.

In his 2004 opener, Morency had 264 yards against UCLA and followed the next week with 191 yards against Tulsa.

The arrival of Morency should provide the Texans with depth at one of their thinnest positions. Davis, a fourth-round selection in 2003, has rushed for 1,000 yards in each of his two NFL seasons, but his durability has been an issue.

Hollings has been bothered by nagging injuries that limited him to playing in seven games last season. Jonathan Wells, the team's leading rusher during its inaugural season, is listed as the No. 3 back on the depth chart.

"I think this gives us a very competitive situation," coach Dom Capers said. "It gives us another young runner."

Capers said Morency and Davis have similar styles. Both have tackle-breaking ability, explosiveness to get through the hole and cutback skills.

"I take bits and pieces from every other running back and try and mold my style into Vernand Morency and create my own style," he said. "I love running backs like Fred Taylor, LaDainian Tomlinson and Priest Holmes. I try and take bits and pieces of their games and put it into my game."

joseph.duarte@chron.com

[Vengeance]

I just thought I'd post the link to Mathis' video:
Here it is (http://mediaframe.yahoo.com/buildlist.asp?f=96958664&id=1355694-147195&m=wmv&r=700&l=SAV&b=6bgjt2t0r6pk9426c5d4c). Got it from from here (http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/draft?round=4&dl=nfl) I think he can become the guy the Texans want who can stretch the field, and perhaps even take over kickoffs. Buchanon will do Punt Returns and Mathis can do KR. He has big play written all over him.

[nWo34Life]

Does anyone know about these guys?

5 - 15(151) - Drew Hodgdon C ARIZONA STATE
6 - 14(188) - Ceandris Brown S LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
7 - 13(227) - Kenneth Pettway OLB GRAMBLING

The last round, I was hoping Casserly would pick a OLB or ILB, and he did. But who is the guy?

[rockets-#1]

Originally posted by nWo34Life
Does anyone know about these guys?

5 - 15(151) - Drew Hodgdon C ARIZONA STATE
6 - 14(188) - Ceandris Brown S LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
7 - 13(227) - Kenneth Pettway OLB GRAMBLING

The last round, I was hoping Casserly would pick a OLB or ILB, and he did. But who is the guy?

I have no clue, but I'll venture a guess that he'll never play for the Texans and wont make the 54-man roster, so it doesn't really matter who he is. I realize that is stating the obvious, ha.

[krocket]

Originally posted by nWo34Life
Does anyone know about these guys?

5 - 15(151) - Drew Hodgdon C ARIZONA STATE
6 - 14(188) - Ceandris Brown S LOUISIANA-LAFAYETTE
7 - 13(227) - Kenneth Pettway OLB GRAMBLING

The last round, I was hoping Casserly would pick a OLB or ILB, and he did. But who is the guy?

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=18484

This is all I can find!

[nWo34Life]

Even though it's just sh!t, here's Mel Kiper's draft grade to the Texans from ESPN Insider:

Houston Texans: C

Defensive tackle Travis Johnson can plug the middle and is a perfect fit for Houston's defensive scheme, and despite a lack of ideal speed running back Vernand Morency has nice pure running skills. Receiver Jerome Mathis is a great fourth-round pickup if he can maintain his concentration. The rest of the group is nothing to write home about.

[nWo34Life]

Here's more info on our draft picks:

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3151642

Jerome Mathis
• Position: Wide receiver.
• Round/pick: 4/114.
• College: Hampton.
• Ht./wt.: 5-11, 181.
• College highlights: Averaged a touchdown every 4.4 receptions during his three-year career. His 21 total TDs were second-most in school history. ... His 26.4 yards per catch broke the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference and NCAA Division I-AA record of 24.3 yards by John Taylor of Delaware State (1982-85). ... Finished with 32 plays of at least 40 yards each. ... Mathis caught a pass in a school-record 34 consecutive games. ... Set a Division I-AA record as a senior with five kickoff returns for touchdowns, including three of at least 90 yards. ... In track, participated in the U.S. Olympic trials at 200 meters before suffering a hamstring injury. Also was the 2003 and 2004 NCAA East Regional champion at 200 meters.
• Roles with Texans: His ability to stretch the field could fill the Texans' need for a No. 2 receiver to take some of the load off Pro Bowler Andre Johnson. ... Is expected to supplant incumbent J.J. Moses on kickoff returns.
• Quotable: "He has world-class speed. He has tremendous speed, but he's not a track guy playing football. He's a football guy that runs track."
— Texans general manager Charley Casserly - Love this quote.

Drew Hodgdon
• Position: Center/guard.
• Round/pick: 5/151.
• College: Arizona State.
• Ht./wt.: 6-3, 309.
• College highlights: Made 34 starts in 45 career games. ... The Sun Devils ranked in the top 20 nationally in passing offense in each of his last three seasons. ... Shifted to center in 2003. ... Finished his senior season with 34 knockdowns and allowed only two sacks. ... Missed three games with a fractured right foot during fall workouts. ... Undefeated (70-0) as a wrestler for two years at Palo Alto (Calif.) High School.
• Role with Texans: Provides depth at guard and center.
• Quotable: "He played against some top-flight competition in the Pac-10. We think he fits in what we are trying to do."
— Charley Casserly

Ceandris Brown
• Position: Strong safety.
• Round/pick: 6/188.
• College: Louisiana-Lafayette.
• Ht./wt.: 6-0, 208.
• College highlights: Spent two seasons at Mississippi Delta Community College before transferring to ULL in 2003. ... Two-year starter for the Ragin' Cajuns. ... Finished with 168 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and five forced fumbles.
• Role with Texans: Fill holes in the secondary with the offseason losses of veterans Marlon McCree and Eric Brown. His size allows him to play both safety spots, but his immediate role will be on special teams.
• Quotable: "When you get to this point in the draft you're looking for height/weight speed guys that have had good productivity. We project him to be able to come in and contribute on special teams as he learns the system."
— Texans coach Dom Capers

Kenneth Pettway
• Position: Outside linebacker/defensive end.
• Round/pick: 7/227.
• College: Grambling State.
• Ht/wt: 6-3 7/8, 255.
• College highlights: Played his first two seasons at Southern Arkansas before transferring to Grambling and sitting out the 2002 season. ... All-Southwestern Athletic Conference first-team selection as a senior. Had 45 tackles, 8 1/2 sacks and 16 stops behind the line of scrimmage.
• Role with Texans: Has some background as a college outside linebacker, which should make for a smooth transition from defensive end in Texans' 3-4 scheme.
• Quotable: "We think he's an interesting and intriguing project at this point in the draft."
— Charley Casserly

[codell]

I like how Casserly's quotes get less encouraging has the rounds go on:

1st round - Hell be a starter immediate and should have a huge impact on our team

2nd round - He has great instincts and might compete for a job on the line.

3rd round - He is raw athletically and might be able to contribute in a year or so.

4th round - He has a nose for the ball and could excel on special teams.

5th round - While we realize that Central Idaho Technical School hasn't put out any NFL players, we feel hell be the first to make an impact in the NFL.

6th round - We needed a 4th string tight end and we feel hell feel this role nicely.

7th round - He should fill the vital role of bringing coffee and donuts in every morning for the coaching staff.

[rocketlaunch]

CC was on sports radio 610 today and said he believe mathis broke the combine 40 record. out of the 4 attempts he had he was below 4.3 on each one. Everyone say goodbye to JJ as well.

[krocket]

Originally posted by rocketlaunch
CC was on sports radio 610 today and said he believe mathis broke the combine 40 record. out of the 4 attempts he had he was below 4.3 on each one. Everyone say goodbye to JJ as well.

That is Deion Sanders speed +++.

As long as he doesnt have 'hands of stone' he won't even have to run routes, just run straight ahead as fast as can and for as long as he can. He ought to be AJ's best friend.

I'd also say goodbye to Corey Bradford as well.

[gucci888]

Originally posted by krocket
That is Deion Sanders speed +++.

As long as he doesnt have 'hands of stone' he won't even have to run routes, just run straight ahead as fast as can and for as long as he can. He ought to be AJ's best friend.

I'd also say goodbye to Corey Bradford as well.

The one knock Mathis has is that he drops passes sometimes, well, according the Kiper.

[rikesh316]

Word on the street is the Texans signed Chance Mock to a tryout at the Rookie Mini Camp

[JPM0016]

Originally posted by rikesh316
Word on the street is the Texans signed Chance Mock to a tryout at the Rookie Mini Camp

That wouldn't be the same "word on the street" that told you Beltran was an Astro right before the deadline, would it? :)

[Harrisment]

Originally posted by rikesh316
Word on the street is the Texans signed Chance Mock to a tryout at the Rookie Mini Camp

Not just word on the street, I heard Casserley say that yesterday on the radio.

[rikesh316]

The sad thing is you have college back-ups getting a shot a the NFL before a Heisman Trophy winner in Jason White. It shows a lot about White.

[xiki]

Originally posted by rikesh316
The sad thing is you have college back-ups getting a shot a the NFL before a Heisman Trophy winner in Jason White. It shows a lot about White.

White signed with KC.

[rikesh316]

Why don't the Texas unveal what Undrafted free agents they signed, every else team has. After research on the net, I found they signed the following players.

CB-CHRIS MCKENZIE- ARIZONA STATE
(5' 8 1/2"-183 lbs) 4.37 40
4.42 and 45" vertical at the combine

CB-CEDRIC WILLIAMS - KANSAS STATE
(5' 9 1/2"-170 lbs) 4.49 40
4.57 and 35" vertical at the combine

CB-JERROM WISHOM -LOUISIANA TECH
(5' 11 1/2" 194 lbs) 4.51 40

TE-AARON HALTERMAN-INDIANA
(6'4 260 lbs) 4.93 40

DT-CARLOS WILLIAMS-ARIZONA
(6'4 296 lbs) 5.03 40

OT-SAM LIGHTBODY-WASHINGTON STATE
(6-9 314 lbs) 5.45 40

There are more but I can't find it and Texans have not announced it.

[SamFisher]

Originally posted by rikesh316
Why don't the Texas unveal what Undrafted free agents they signed, every else team has. After research on the net, I found they signed the following players.


OT-SAM LIGHTBODY-WASHINGTON STATE
(6-9 314 lbs) 5.45 40



because they hate irony.

[rikesh316]

Full List

Brown, Tim OT 6-5 300 West Virginia Harrisburg, PA
Halterman, Aaron TE 6-5 256 Indiana Greenwood, Ind.
Johnson, Chris OT 6-3 315 Arizona Houston, Texas
Lightbody, Sam OT 5-9 325 Washington State Huntington Beach, Calif.
Malone, Alfred DE 6-5 308 Troy St. Frisco City, Ala.
McKenzie, Chris CB 5-8 182 Arizona State Queens, N.Y.
Pitts, Devin WR 6-3 200 San Diego State Carson, Calif.
Simon, Jonathon DT 6-6 299 Colorado State Watauga, Texas
Williams, Carlos DE 6-4 306 Arizona Denver, Colo.
Williams, Cedrick CB 5-9 169 Kansas State Boca Raton, Fla.
Wishom, Jerron CB 5-11 193 Louisiana Tech Lutcher, La.

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/news_detail.php?PRKey=1665

[rikesh316]

Devin Pitts is Chester's Brother.

[Lil Francis]

Sam Lightbody is 5'9 and weighs 325lbs? Casserly said on 790 (Monday) that they were going to work out Chance Mock. I guess that didn't go well.