If we do decide to go OL in the first round...it seems that there will be 2 available: Barron and Brown. They both appear to be solid, if not spectacular lineman. Do you think we would trade down to maybe the 19th or so and gain another pick in the process while still being able to pick up one of those OLs?
After thinking about it for a while, I dont like the position the Texans have with this draft. There are too many options available and neither one of them seems to be a favorite. Kinda like how Redding, Munro, and Hernandez are options as the 5th starter, yet neither of them is stepping up and making a solid case for themselves. So, with that said, our first pick can go in a number of directions, assuming we dont trade up or down. OT - Im not desperate to get any of the tackles in this draft, specially with our first rounder. Although this area of the team is weak as hell, Im just not ready to lose our first rounder for someone that can "possibly" be good. WR - I say you take a Williams or Edwards if they are available. They wont be, so its not really even an issue. DL - The DLine worries me as much as the OLine. Im not really a fan of anyone we have, maybe Robaire. Again, its the same problem I find with the OT prospects...not really sure if any of the guys in the draft can actually step up and be a force for our line. LB - There is a slim chance DJ could be available. Very slim. I love the guy and think he has all the skill to be a bad ass, however, Im not sure if he can be a successful ILB in a 3-4 defense. Regardless, I would take my chances with him. CB - If Rolle or Packman are available, I would love to nab one of them. Imagine having one of these guys on one side and Robinson on the other. Ridiculous. So, there we have it. These are the 5 areas that are options for the Texans with their first pick. I think they are in a tough spot because nothing is there that gives them a clear cut answer, which wasnt the case the first 3 years. I wouldnt mind trading down a few spots and picking up additional picks. It seems like we could still get some of our target players even if we trade down. Thats what I would do.
I agree, i'm not to impressed with the OT's in this draft. I say we go for the most talented player on the board. Then maybe find some projects in the 2nd and 3rd round to fix up our O-Line. At this point i woudn't be opposed to trading our #1 to fix up the trenches if the oppurtunity arouse. I really thought we'd be more aggresive in the FA market this off season. It seems like Capers and Company want to build this team from scratch or maybe build the team like New England did.
Some updated news in Texans Camp... http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3075853 The Texans have the 13th pick in the first round of next month's draft, and there are some intriguing prospects who project as outside linebackers in their 3-4 scheme. Today, Capers will attend the University of Wisconsin's pro day, presumably to get a better look at Erasmus James, considered one of the top three defensive end prospects in the draft. James (6-4, 266 pounds) would be an outside linebacker for the Texans. League sources also say the Texans are intrigued by Maryland's Shawne Merriman (6-4, 272), who played the position in the Terrapins' 3-4 scheme. All done shopping? The Texans appear finished in the top-level free-agent market, but they continue to work on re-signing their own players and adding depth. They have some interest in former Texas A&M defensive lineman Rocky Bernard, who could be an option if Jerry Deloach is not re-signed. Bernard has 9 1/2 sacks in three seasons with Seattle. Also, unrestricted free-agent receiver Corey Bradford, who has spent the past three years with the Texans, visited with the Detroit Lions Tuesday and plans to meet with other teams.
I completely agree with your assessment. I think if DJ is still there at 13, we must grab him and let Sharper go either by trade or release. His contract figure is too great an albatross as well as Foreman's. DJ would do fine in the middle with Wong next to him and Babin and Peek manning the outside. Now that would be a very good LB corp.
