Clearly the strategy is to get a ‘good enough’ o-line and then a series of ‘quick hit’ offensive weapons that give CJ outlets he didn’t really have last year, especially after the injuries. Hence experienced free-agent OL and specialized skill players … two twitchy slot receiver (Kirk also), a pass-catching RB and a sure-handed TE, with esp the last two explicitly known as willing blockers. If this line can at least pick up a basic stunt, CJ should have multiple options in the first 2-3 seconds who can also be useful in a max-protect scenario. Both capabilities would be massive improvements from last year, even if the line is thoroughly mediocre overall. Now its on the line to consistently give 3 seconds and CJ to make quicker decisions.
Thank you @cbass and @cmlmel77, that is what I've also been saying for months. Another important part of this is, the games where Mixon was most ineffective (or out), seemed to correlate with the most sacks. And I guess that makes perfect sense. When the defense isn't worried about our running game, they can stack the line of scrimmage and send everyone and/or shut down the passing lanes. So having an OL that is effective in the running game is similarly as important as pass protect for CJ's health.
The only pick I didn't like was the Marks selection. Just age and the few others they had met with offered more, like Neal and Skattebo Other than that, A+ Can't wait for schedule release and mini camp in a couple of weeks! We hea'
I agree with you on that. Trading up and burning draft capital for Marks was a waste. Especailly when there were better RB's available. The Texans drafted Jawhar Jordan last year, who is still on the Texans roster. Jawhar and Woody are very similar RB's. Both are good at pass catching. Jawhar was better at creating the big plays.
That’s exactly what I was going to reply; took the words out of my mouth. Getting Noel, Higgins, and an outlet in marks
This was the 2nd season we went into the playoffs with just Nico Collins at WR glad we added more depth Metchie and Hutchison prolly don’t here
I know that he's not going to make the team. Just like the DT they picked last yr. Same exact traits. If the Texans want to REALLY catch the Ravens and the Chiefs, they will go out and get a legit DT.
That was my biggest beef too, and I think it was a bad move trading our 179th pick and a 2026 third-round pick to Miami in exchange for the 116th and 224th picks. Like you said, we could have gotten a RB later on. I wish we had picked up Miles Frazier by only trading up a few spots and giving up less. He wasn't picked until 171. He was the perfect fit for depth on our offensive line in my eyes. Miles was extremely dependable and versatile on the offensive line at LSU, playing left guard, right guard, right tackle, and left tackle. That's the kind of guy who can step in at different positions when players get injured. Plus, he didn't allow a single sack last season for the Tigers in 13 starts. In fact, he allowed only four sacks in three seasons as part of LSU's 'bomb squad' offensive line unit. He's also proved to be extremely dependable during his college career, playing in every game the last four seasons – three years at LSU and one at Florida International— which was over 3,200 snaps total. https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2...ions-trade-up-offensive-lineman-miles-frazier Just my 2 cents, whatever it's worth.
Whether the Public scouting lists or the actual team lists are more likely to be right. But they definitely diverged this year. I expected more draft capital to be directed toward OL, but either they have faith in new coaches, new FA and trade acquisitions and more quick separation weapons or they just didn't perceive difference making players available. I just don't know enough to forecast what will happen, but sometimes enhancing a strength and/or depth solves problems too. I think we'll know by playoff time whether it works or not. BTW, I think the QB fits the need for 2026 more than 2025. Give him a year of prep in the new system while CJ and Mills carry the load and no need to rush him physically and we have our option to replace Mills if he should choose to try starting somewhere before he gets too old. In the mean time, he's not a threat in the QB room. In the alternative, he can allow Mills to take the role of Keenum as the veteran coach in pads should he blossom.
I’m assuming the Texans keep 6 wrs Locks: Nico Kirk Higgins Noel 2 spots up for grabs. I think it’s a good chance Metchie and Hutch get cut.
Like everyone, wish we could’ve upgraded the OLine more but glad we possibly have our franchise LT. he’ll likely start at Guard his rookie season then move to Tackle. For me, that’s an A-. Jayden Higgins was my dream pick wherever we got him. I believe he’ll be in the running for best WR2 by the end of his second season while being very productive in his rookie season. Jaylin Noel probably won’t make a big difference right away as a WR even though I see him getting a lot of bubble screens and reverses. They may use him like we used Tank. Most of his action will be returning kicks. Jaylin Smith is likely depth and used in slot sparingly. Most of his action could be on special teams. Didn’t like this pick as much either but I’m not going to question it too much. I heard we’d be going DB here. Woody Marks will be our new third down back. I wasn’t into this pick but seems like he’s good catching out of the back field. Hopefully he takes a bit off Mixon plate as well. Jaylen Reed is another likely special teams guy. I don’t know much about him. Graham Mertz, Kyonte Hamilton and Luke Lachey - I didn’t know were in the draft.
I think you're right. I just wonder if our OL will be good enough for us to get into the top-4 of the league.
