Really? That's the first time I've heard that. I think both would be perfect for the Texans and their style of running.
Fixed what? I never said Reggie WAS one of those. AP is a flat out freak on the gridiron plus, defenses in Big 12 collectively better than the hunt and peck PAC 10. AP is one player that could REALLY transform our offense far better than Bush could even hope to. He can run inside, outside, slash, bang, stiff arm his way to more yards and oh yes, he's rocket man fast! Marshawn Lynch and Kenny Irons possible honorable mentions. But Lynch from Cal, Pac 10 has not seen reputable talent outside of USC. While Irons with Auburn in the SEC, perhaps even tougher collective conference than Big 12. So, first again if available, AP then, Irons from Auburn. We must do something to make our offense first respectable, then competitive. Right now even with AJ it's a joke because of our QB.
Lynch I think has more upside than Irons. Lynch is big, strong, fast and polished in a pro style offense. Irons and Rice and some others (Hunt, Wolfe) I think are next tier (guys to share duties, not lead tailbacks). But I think AP is even more talented as a pure runner, even if less polished in receiving and blocking, relative to Lynch. I assume McFadden and Slaton are not eligible for the draft.
Ok. Thanks for that insight. Yes, McFadden and Slaton apparently are sophomores, so they have to play another year of NCAA football before potentially declaring for the draft. So in summation, would you take Lynch over Peterson?
I believe both will make an impact on their first year and have watched video on both but if I have to choose it would be Peterson over Lynch without a doubt. However Lynch a real close second. Although Peterson has had injury problems, he has shown to come back from each rather sucessfully without any mental lapses in his play. Besides, any given Sunday each football player can get injured. So unless he's been damaged beyond repair I'd take him. He's built to run inside and has nice moves to go with his punishing running style in the mold of an eric dickerson as some would say. I would still keep Domanick Davis as a change of pace back so that it would be less wear on both of them. I like Lynch a lot because he's got a nice compact built, shifty and reminds me somewhat of emmit smith but with our o-line not opening up enough holes we need someone who will make holes for themselves and Peterson can do that. I would be ecstatic if we got either one of them however I think Peterson would make a slightly bigger impact.
Than you were on top of it. But I don't know if most draft guys had that (LT better than RW/Edge) simply because LT didn't have equivalent competition coming out of college. I admittedly knew less about LT because I had less oppertunnity to see him in college. I still think talent wise Ricky Williams would be among the top 3 of running backs today. Not ahead of LT obviously, but probably right with anyone else. RW's limitations as a pro football player are not talent related.
You guys realize OU has averaged more rushing yards since Peterson went down. Allen Patrick might be this years sleeper RB. Not that it really matters since I'm about to get on that Joe Thomas bandwagon.
Maybe their OL came together better and their competition got weaker. AP's freshman year he carried it 339 times for 1925 yards (5.7 average). Each year after he has had over a 5 average, a lot better average than the #2 guy for OU those seasons. I have no doubt about his pure running ability. I have questions about his completeness (receiving, blocking) and he has some durability issues--but neither are enough to make me hesitate in picking him. In fact I trade his pure running ability over Lynch's better polish as a pro style tailback.
Occassionally sophmores are eligible (e.g., Larry Fitzgerald). Slaton I see will be 21 in early January and went to a private high school, I wonder if he might be eligible. McFadden is a 1.5 years younger, I am sure he won't be eligible.
I don't know about them Cal-Berkley RB. Can we say JJ Arrington. Peterson durability would worry me, especially if he's getting top 3 $$$$$. Ever since his freshman year he's had some nicky nack injury. I also worry that OU might have used him to much his Freshman year. I'm all for taking Joe Thomas provided he grades out high and doesn't turn into a Robert Gallery. If Justin Blalock falls to the 2nd I'd pick jim up there as well. The O-Line has to be in place for when we pick Tim Tebow with the 1st pick in 2010.
Age doesn't matter. You are only eligible if your high school senior class is 3 years removed from school. Fitzgerald went to a military academy after high school for one year, then played in college two years, that is why he was eligible. Both Slaton and Mcfadden are true sophmores, so neither are eligible.
Just about every draft "expert" that I've seen has the Texans picking Joe Thomas, Left Tackle out of Wisconsin. He's universally considered the best OL on the board. How good is he really?
If it means anything I remember Lance (610 am) saying how much better scouts and his dad like comparitively to Robert Gallery. Also, Owen Daniels swears by him.
if anything, AP's injuries, assuming they're more freakish than recurring, are a positive - less tread on the tires. if he grades out physically, i don't see how he's not the top pick in the draft. oh, yeah, the raiders and lions will probably be picking 1-2 - now i see.
Isn't 300 pounds small for a 6'8 dude? http://www.fantasyfootballjungle.com/y/nfl-draft/prospects/index.php?id=374 All the mock drafts I see have the Cards taking him. I guess that makes sense. The same drafts do have AP falling to us, but that makes too much sense (i.e. the Texans wouldn't pick him).
the reports i've seen have thomas being taken before the texans get a chance to take him. i saw one yesterday that had him going 3rd and the texans picking peterson at 5.
