Depth remains big question mark for Texans at linebacker

Agree in theory (outside examples), but not in practice. Wade's shown a clear preference for ILBs that he believes can "lead". James, sticking with DeMeco, signing Rudd over a couple of younger, faster options... for better or worse, that's what Wade seems to want. And my guess is that if Reed doesn't make the switch, you'd see James brought back or another veteran option.

My ideal would be to draft a quality ILB in the 1st or 2nd and plug him in, but I don't see Wade sharing that mindset. Given his philosophies, I think moving Reed inside makes a lot of sense.

 

Actually, Barwin was SOLB when Reed was out, with Mercilus at WOLB. I can't find the comments on a quick Google search, but I distinctly remember that when Reed went down, a couple of scout types (Lance may have been one of them) said the Texans believed SOLB was Barwin's ideal position. It's not that he's a bad pass rusher, but he lacks that elite burst and is more of an all-around, fundamentally-sound player, which usually fits more with SOLB. Worth noting that Wade had him at SOLB when Mario was here, too, for the first five games of 2011. I think Barwin's ability at SOLB is the reason moving Reed inside is conditional on Connor re-signing... otherwise, they don't have anyone with the versatility to go over there.

I really think Barwin would be fine. The bigger question is if Mercilus is ready. His sack/fumble totals were impressive, but to me, most were due to good fortune and being in the right place at the right time. When he had to play full-time, he didn't create much pressure at all. And Wade's defenses, historically, thrive under a WOLB with explosive burst. That said, I think the odds of Mercilus becoming that guy or us finding one early in the draft are better than Wade finding a solid young ILB that he's comfortable with playing next season.

 

one small correction on Reed, arizona ran a 4-3 and Brooks was a DE.

It's hard to have a great deal in confidence if, going into next year, Brooks/Mercilus/Brooks are expected to be relied upon to be the LB core outside of Cush. I just think, if nothing else, a high quality ILB has to be included in there somewhere h

 

A defensive player that is the mvp of the defense will make the line backer positions, all four, that much better. That's how much of an impact Cushing is. They definitely will draft linebacker galore and by galore I mean 2-3.
Like the tuna used to say, you can't have enough of them.(linebackers).

 

I really like Barwin but if they actually resign him and move Reed to ILB, that would be a stupid mistake. Barwin is a good guy, but he has had '1' great season and one decent season coming in on passing situation at DE, one throw away year due to injury and his most recent season was underwhelming and he started all the games. Short of getting him dirt cheap, I can't see why they would bother. Good locker room guy or not, he failed to perform. I'd look to resign Shaun Cody for depth purposes then I would Barwin.

Moving Reed to ILB is also a questionable and seemingly Front Office dictated move. I'd rather we get a young player that is used to playing the position then try to convert someone that has little experience and might be able to cover a little better when asked to get into coverage.

I'd rather see the team try converting Shiloh Keo from safety (which he isn't great at anyway) to ILB then Reed.

 

Aside from Merciless sucking against the run, drafting or signing an ILB (who would be cheaper than Barwin) and letting Barwin walk does seem much more natural.

 

Check this site out its a breakdown of NFL salaries by team and position.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/int...s-team-position#houston-texans,houston-texans
Smith, Joseph, Schaub, and some others need to restructure their contracts so we can get some extra $$$ for to spend on our thin LB positions

 

I agree with this. I know this is a huge what if, but I heard it on 790 the other day. What if we had not have offered the huge contract to Foster and plan to offer the renewal to Schaub. Would we have been able to keep guys like DeMeco, or Brisel/Winston, or Dressen(I thought he was a pretty big loss).

I also think that we are lacking at DT. There was little/no push from Cody and team. I think we can/should upgrade in a big way here. (at least a 2nd round pick) ILB was a stink hole for us last year.
I also do not understand why we didn't rotate Reed inside vs. playing someone like Rudd vs. the Patriots in the playoffs. We needed speed and tackling on the field not lack of with a little experience.

 

Barwin should be moved to ILB, the way the Patriots moved Mike Vrabel
to the inside from ROLB during their championship years.

He's a versatile enough athlete to make the transition and his ability to pass coverage is underrated. This would give the Texans more flexibility in terms of pass rushing and pass coverage and give Mercilus more playing time.