I thought it was interesting how the ESPN "on the clock" guys bagged on the Texans defense so much. We were the 13th ranked Defense. Even with crappy corners. I expect top 10 in defense next year. The biggest problem is that we can't run the freaking ball to win games. If we had even a "below average" running game, we would've probably won 11+ games last year. I am starting to think more and more that Kubiak is bothered a lot more by the lack of running game than the defensive backfield. Which leads me to believe that 2 of our first 3 picks might be an OG and an RB.
what improvement do you anticipate will elevate the Texans into the top 10? Especially if two first day picks are spent on offense?
We showed steady improvement as the season progressed. If you look at the last 8 or so games of the year, I think we had a top 10 defense. It just took a while for the team to come together. If we add 1, maybe 2 starters to that defense, then I think we'll be fine. Plus, losing Dunta is addition by subtraction.
The defense is extremely young (seriously, I think it's probably one of the 3 youngest defenses in the entire NFL) and so I suspect between their natural progression and us drafting either a DT or a DB on the first day, we should be able to sneak into the top 10.
What OG would you think about taking in rounds 1/2? In a mock draft that's being run over on another site, I am the Texans GM and have taken Earl Thomas, Toby Gerhart, and Jerome Murphy so far. Any thoughts?
maybe. Our offense is built on the play fake. If defenses stop biting then they will have a hard time moving the ball. Still, they need another corner relatively early. i can see them going RB/CB/G...with RB and CB flipflopping depending on who's available.
I hate to say it, but I have written slaton off. Not because i don't think he isnt good, but his whole back/nerve issue just scares the hell out of me...i just think you have to move forward assuming he will give you nothing. I hope he comes back to his rookie year form though because he is talented.
This is the first draft where it is nice to say we can draft the best player available from any of the following positions OG/RB/CB/DT and feel like we made the right pick. All of these positions are equally important to us right now, and there's not one super duper glaring hole staring us in the face that screams "if you miss on this pick your entire season is DOOMED".
linebacker is the strongest position on the team. I will be upset if they take a linebacker in the first round. OT is also hardly a concern when they just used a 1st rounder on Brown and Winston is as solid as they come
When I say CB I'm including FS (probably should've said "DB" instead) OLB and OT are of little concern to the Texans ATM.
Based on most mocks, looks like the best talent available will be DT. I don't see Spiller being available at 20 (the best RB HAS to go before then, right?) so you'd end up with someone like Mathews in that spot. Talented but IF (big IF) Slaton manages to come back, you're got your small burner back. The Texans need a bigger push the pile type until Foster shows he can be that guy. As for CB, you're looking at someone like Robinson from FSU (again, I don't see Thomas lasting to 20 although I'd like it if he did). I don't think Kubiak will see interior OL as a 1st round priority since for some reason they seem to love Studdard. That leaves DT, where at 20 you may very well have someone like Price or Williams available. Personally I hate them spending yet another 1st round pick at that spot, but I guess you've gotta keep trying. An interior pass rusher would do wonders for our pass defense in general, not to mention helping out Mario and Connor's sack numbers.
Mike and SAM Linebacker spots are taken. I'd hardly say the Will is a strong position. If the Texans take an OT, I'd expect him to play guard and backup OT.
Diles was doing a bang up job til he got injured in 2008. He did fine last year. Extremely doubtful we even draft an LB this year.
Now that the compensatory picks have been awarded, the NFL released the complete round-by-round draft order. Here is the Texans selection order: 1st Round -- 20th (20th overall) 2nd Round -- 19th (51st overall) 3rd Round -- 18th (81st overall) 4th Round -- 20th (118th overall) 5th Round -- 19th (150th overall) 6th Round -- 18th (187th overall) and 28th (197th overall) [from San Diego] 7th Round -- 20th (227th overall) To see the complete draft order for all 32 teams please click here.
Iupati is the best OG in the class and I wouldn't be upset if we picked him up though I think we have bigger needs. I would love that draft but I don't think there is any way ET falls to #20 and someone will pick up Gerhart in the 2nd before we do.
