I get the linebacker, depth is important there, but DAM how many freaking TEs do we need??? Oh well...
As much as I would have preferred a different position, Graham is a pretty sweet TE. I guess this is an admission to Anthony Hill being worthless?
Because they viewed him as the best player available, maybe? If you're looking on Day 3 of the draft to fill a need for next year, you're in trouble. Odds are pretty low regardless of who you pick. You just go for the best player you have on your board and hope for the best - if they are rotation-worthy, you worry about the depth chart later.
If McNair believes in building through the draft and keeping your talent I don't see why in the world they would let OD go. I understand letting Dunta go because he would have cost more then he's worth, but OD is a pro-bowl caliber TE.
I'll subscribe to that philosophy as long as that position isn't already crowded. Having 4 TE's on roster, 2 of which we drafted last year raises some questions. If he's being brought in as a FB, it makes it more understandable because we don't have anyone other than Leach.
Assuming Hill is a total bust, this pick seems okay. The Texans better use a lot of 2-TE sets next season rather than I-formations.
I'm not saying draft a FS to come in here and start, or a G/C to come in here and start right away...but at least take a chance at it. Just seems we have bigger needs than TE, so i'm guessing this a FB OR something is wrong with one of our TEs.
There shouldnt be an uproar about this pick...plenty of the good teams you see are still drafting at their strengths. Look at the Ravens, the Jets...you keep loading up talent where you seemingly dont need it...and that way, you wont ever have a "down" year. Lets be honest, there isnt a player here that is going to come in and dominate the FS position. Its a crapshoot. And really, Ive seen Graham play and I really like the guy.
From Espn Pick analysis: What he brings: Graham is a bit undersized for the position and lacks great strength as an inline blocker. He is a savvy route-runner who is at his best working against zone coverage where he can locate and sit down in soft spots. In addition, he shows very reliable hands and can make the tough catch outside his frame. He should develop in to a strong reserve.
Okay, but what if they don't view anyone left at the positions you listed as an upgrade OR if they have ten guys at those positions who they view as about the same player and feel they can get one of them later... couple that thought with the possibility that they view this TE as someone who could challenge Dressen immediately to backup OD and it makes more sense. Fact is OD had knee surgery and no one behind him has shown much on the field, Dressen is solid but I wouldn't want him starting. CAsey had what like two decent plays thus far in his career and everybody else is a question mark at best. Just because Casey and Hill progressed nicely on last year's MAdden doesn't mean the Texans view them that way.
I see what your saying, but the position might be crowded but there is only 1 staple there, and thats Owen Daniels. It would be one thing if we had Owen Daniels and 2nd legitimate TE say someone we drafted in a high round (2-3), but the other 3 guys are easily replaceable and we've spent low resources on them so there isn't much of a commitment there. I'm not a fan of the pick but what do I know, these guys actually know how to evaluate players. I had a feeling we would draft another TE or a QB this round. At least we drafted a TE that can play multiple positions
You are proving my point. We do build through the draft, so why would be guarantee 10-15 million dollars to someone who just came off torn knee ligaments when you can replace him in the fourth round of the draft? We drafted Owen in the fourth round and may get pretty good compensation for him if he has a good year, we tag him and he walks.
