This was posted and discussed in the Mercilus thread. It was obvious the Texans didn't think Mercilus was going to pan out. They re-signed him after they missed out on drafting the OLB they were looking for. I noticed this when they announced Whitney's contract a day after the 2nd round of the draft.
not so much that merciless wouldn't work out but that clowney was going to be completely healthy. Like billy tuna wiseguy once said you can't have enough linebackers.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">All 32 NFL offensive lines this season, ranked best to worst. 1. <a href="https://twitter.com/dallascowboys">@dallascowboys</a> 2. <a href="https://twitter.com/Panthers">@Panthers</a> 3. <a href="https://twitter.com/Saints">@Saints</a> 4–32. <a href="https://t.co/xdkv2f38ot">https://t.co/xdkv2f38ot</a></p>— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF/status/689879089604259841">January 20, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> 18. Houston Texans (5th) Pass-blocking rank: 10th Run-blocking rank:24th Penalties rank: 21st Stud: It hurt the Texans that Duane Brown missed action. He wasn’t at his best, but his less-than-best is still better than most. Dud: Does Xavier Su’a-Filo have what it takes to stick around in this league? He took a step forward in 2015, but he’s still a liability whenever the Texans are pass blocking. Summary: Not quite the year they would have hoped for from their line. A lack of consistent run blocking outside of Derek Newton was there Achilles heel, though for the most part, they kept their quarterback clean (especially when Brown was on the field).
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shrine Game News. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> Keeping A Close Eye on Josh Ferguson <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illinois?src=hash">#Illinois</a> <a href="https://t.co/RtWnnqaLo8">https://t.co/RtWnnqaLo8</a> <a href="https://t.co/mO8Gcd33C0">pic.twitter.com/mO8Gcd33C0</a></p>— State of the Texans (@SOTTexans) <a href="https://twitter.com/SOTTexans/status/690187824050475008">January 21, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">EW Shrine Day 3- TB josh ferguson from Illinois showed lateral quickness and burst... Catches ball well- 3rd down change of pace type guy</p>— Mike Mayock (@MikeMayock) <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeMayock/status/689886411240161281">January 20, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Ferguson Highlights HD | Illinois | 2016 NFL Draft .... Interesting kid, see a little Gio in his game <a href="https://t.co/IJkk9VlpbR">https://t.co/IJkk9VlpbR</a></p>— K.Cousins Apologist (@HTTR24_7) <a href="https://twitter.com/HTTR24_7/status/689852861824516096">January 20, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Every BOB year they have gone all through the pre-draft process talking about how they want a third down back, a little guy, etc. Then when the draft comes around they only pick guys 230 lbs or more. They were supposedly enamored with Duke Johnson at one point last year, but he went several picks after they whiffed on Tyler Lockett and settled on Jaelen Strong.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> Meet With Fahn Cooper at Shrine Game <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OleMiss?src=hash">#OleMiss</a> <a href="https://t.co/s4Uc54uoUg">https://t.co/s4Uc54uoUg</a> <a href="https://t.co/e8SW6T9Dta">pic.twitter.com/e8SW6T9Dta</a></p>— State of the Texans (@SOTTexans) <a href="https://twitter.com/SOTTexans/status/690346816672567297">January 22, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Report: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OleMiss?src=hash">#OleMiss</a> OT Fahn Cooper Drawing Rave Reviews At Shrine Game Practices <a href="https://t.co/RAwGVG8Ohe">https://t.co/RAwGVG8Ohe</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/247Sports">@247Sports</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HottyToddy?src=hash">#HottyToddy</a></p>— David Johnson (@DavidRebels247) <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidRebels247/status/689554612580384768">January 19, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Fahn Cooper is a big and physical right tackle. He's good in pass protection and is a solid run blocker. He's a intriguing later round pick.</p>— NFL draft notes (@NotesNfl) <a href="https://twitter.com/NotesNfl/status/690024800866013184">January 21, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> getting info on Nick Vannett, TE Ohio State. 6-6 (260-270 lbs. range) at the Senior Bowl per <a href="https://twitter.com/RosterWatch">@RosterWatch</a></p>— PDSmoove (@PatDStat) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatDStat/status/691676520297828353">January 25, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In speaking with sources, the Texans plan on being active in free agency. Last year wide receivers Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts signed one-year contracts, so replacing them with some speed complements for DeAndre Hopkins could be one direction they go. Other areas that Houston could definitely address would be a veteran quarterback, running back, tight end, and offensive line help. Really all positions on the offense are potential options for the Texans looking to improve. One team that hasn’t been discussed being in the quarterback market is the San Diego Chargers. They signed Philip Rivers to an extension, and with the regime on the hot seat, nobody has projecting San Diego to take a quarterback. However, Rivers is 34 and they could get a nice draft pick for the veteran. Sources with the Chargers say the team loves North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. If the Chargers have a shot at Wentz, San Diego will have to consider taking Rivers heir apparent and seeing what they can get for Rivers. Although Rivers contract could make trading him difficult. http://www.walterfootball.com/seniorbowl2016rumors3.php
Houston Texans Notable Free Agents: OG Brandon Brooks, OLB John Simon (RFA), DE Jared Crick, C Ben Jones, FS Quintin Demps, WR Nate Washington, SS Eddie Pleasant (RFA), K Nick Novak, P Shane Lechler, OT Chris Clark, RB Chris Polk, RB Jonathan Grimes (RFA) Quarterback: Brian Hoyer, then Ryan Mallett, then back to Hoyer, then T.J. Yates, then Brandon Weeden, and back to Hoyer again. Texans coach Bill O'Brien has done well to coax semi-competent quarterback play out of a motley cast of signal callers, but it's time Houston took this position more seriously. Hoyer is a high-end NFL backup and nothing more. Safety: Although it isn't for a lack of trying, the Texans have had little or no success when taking stabs at safeties. 2013 second-round pick D.J. Swearinger flamed out quickly and is now a member of the Arizona Cardinals. Ed Reed and Rahim Moore have been recent free agent whiffs. Signed to a three-year, $12 million deal last spring, Moore was benched seven weeks into the season. The Texans closed out the year starting 2014 seventh-round pick Dre Hal and journeyman special teamer Quintin Demps, who is now an unrestricted free agent. Running Back: Arian Foster's (Achilles') release is believed to be imminent, while Chris Polk's contract is up. Plodder Alfred Blue (career 3.48 YPC) isn't a short- or long-term solution. The Texans need a running back capable of keeping the chains moving on offense, especially while their quarterback position gets settled. Defensive Line: LE J.J. Watt earned his third DPOY award in four seasons, but got little help from his teammates up front. Free agent RE Jared Crick was a liability all year. NT Vince Wilfork can still fill versus the run, but adds nothing in the way of pass rush and is going on age 35. The Texans need to upgrade on Crick and keep adding young talent to the depth chart. http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/60302/59/team-needs-and-free-agents?pg=3
Just remember when getting a RB early: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Since 2009, LeSean McCoy and Mark Ingram are the only RBs picked in Rounds 1 - 3 to receive a 2nd deal from the team that drafted them.</p>— Chris Trapasso (@ChrisTrapasso) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisTrapasso/status/698176544385052674">February 12, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Stafford Sanchez Freeman Bradford Tebow Newton Locker Gabbert Ponder Luck Griffin Tannehill Weeden Manuel Bortles Manziel Bridgewater Those are all the 1st round QBs since 2009. Tebow, Ponder, Freeman and Manziel are pretty much unemployed. Griffin and Manziel are about to get cut. Weeden was already cut. Manuel, Gabbert, and Sanchez are backups. The only starters from this list are Newton, Stafford, Bortles, Tannehill, and Bridgewater. That's less than 30%. Does that mean teams shouldn't pick QBs in the 1st round? Also, in your list of rounds 1-3 RBs are: Gurley, Hyde, Bell, Martin, Vereen, Murray who have all had pretty good careers so far.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Despite my wishes, my days as a member of the Chicago Bears have sadly come to an end. I was… <a href="https://t.co/Ht4LSowows">https://t.co/Ht4LSowows</a></p>— Matt Forte (@MattForte22) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattForte22/status/698163456847908864">February 12, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Forte?
The Texans have money to spend in free agency. I hope they use it wisely. Keep Ben Jones, keep Brandon Brooks or upgrade at the spot. Sign an offensive player at either receiver or running back who can get serious snaps. Sign Eric Berry. Seriously. Go all out. He played under Romeo Crennel for three years (1 as DC, 2 as HC I believe) so hopefully they have a connection. Replace Jared Crick on the defensive line with an improvement. Sign a backup DLineman that can move along the interior. Upgrade Kicker. Greg Zuirlein, Justin Tucker...someone, anyone lol. Want that position resolved. Go into the draft.
Cutting Foster, Moore, Graham, Shorts, and Dent gets us up to $42MM in cap space. That should be plenty to re-sign Jones and Brooks, give DeAndre his big extension, and then fill some holes with quality depth.
