With a better offensive line and more improvement from our rookie WR's, this could be a prime spot for a rookie QB to come in and excel IMO
There's always a development timeline with rookies. Even the good ones. Data hasn't suggested that throwing them in immediately "helps" them, unless they're truly special. You can certainly ruin guys. My main point to the ("why doesn't he just draft a QB!") is that if there had been an over-commitment to drafting a QB early over the last 2-3 years, we're talking about Bortles, Manziel, Goff and Wentz in much the same way as we're talking about BO now (except you have to give those guys 4-5 years of guaranteed money, vs. 2 years). This is also presuming that the Texans were not trading up for Winston/Mariotta). Of course, hindsight suggests taking Carr or Jimmy G at the top of the 2nd round (even though the latter was taken closer to the 3rd round, where presumably the Texans were expecting him to fall).
Certainly be curious to see actual stats to back up where he ranks as a GM - I recall an article from a few years back that tried such and listed him as slightly above average. Moreover, it should be analyzed on the draft class as a whole. First rounders deservedly get much attention, but we all know the GM has to be competent throughout the draft. Not perfect, but competent.
If Rick Smith were making the personnel decisions ala John Elway, then I'd be 1000% in favor of showing him the door. But he's not and so drop-kicking out the door won't solve their issues in personnel evaluation and acquisition. They tried having a strong GM making the decisions with Charlie Casserly. That was a major crash and burn. So McNair went the other route and turned those decisions over to the scouts & coaching staff which has also failed to yield the results everyone here is expecting. So what now? I do agree with you in that Rick should be moved over to the business side of the organization and away from personnel operations as he's a very good business manager.
I didn't know it was ever reported who is ultimately in charge of personnel. If I remember correctly, there was a scene on Hard Knocks where BOB and Rick were contemplating on what corner to keep on the final roster and Rick ultimately kept the player he wanted ( the other was Charles James). There was also a scene where he was trying to make a trade or something.
A GM will always be a reflection of the owners vision. Until Rick gets way from that; he will always have a job. He's not done the best job in my opinion but he hasn't sucked either.
people act like its really rick smith not wanting to draft the brett hundleys or dak prescotts. rick smith is nothing more than dana white to the texans, he signs fighters but he has to get approval from the fretitas, just like rick has to get approval from mcnair. Kizer would be perfect for the team, but mcnair wont let smith draft him
How is hitting on 1st round picks anything but a given? Especially when you only draft front 7 defenders.... Credit due: way to not **** up picking among the 25ish best amateur players in the country.
Do you really take that tub of lard seriously? Ive tuned that guy out and learned to take what he says with a boulder of salt.
McNair had nothing to do with Carr/Clowney/Os decisions. Also do you think he had no say in the AJ decision? Do you think there's a reason that Rick doesn't pick guys like Justin Houston/Tyreek Hill? These are McNair directives. Too say otherwise makes McClain a Texans waterboy/pancake eater.
I am NOT defending Rick Smith at all, but most GM's don't consistently hit in the late rounds. Most 3rd and 4th rounders aren't drafted in the 1st round for a reason.
