I like the fact that a player that has played for Kubiak likes/respects him and his system enough to follow him to Houston.
I agree that OL should be the focus with the 2nd rounder, assuming there's someone worth grabbing. I don't know about lining Bush up in the slot, but he could be very effective if sent in motion and provides short or mid routes (outs/slants). The biggest issue, IMO, is Carr. Watching him closely last season, I felt strongly that he was wretched at checking off his routes. He seemed to have an ingrained habit of staring down his primary and wouldn't check off the safety, let alone go to the other side. That may have been partly due to the piss-poor blocking turning him into a frightened inmate, but it MUST be corrected if we're to get anything out of the passing game, ever. A real tackle would be a step in the right direction. Evan
OK Ok I didn't really mean the #2 in the sense that he goes wide opposite of AJ every play. You have Mathis, Walter and Armstrong for that. I meant more like he should post the second most number of catches over the course of the season. For the second round pick we need OL, LB ,CB a lot more than we need a WR. And even with Putz, I'd take Pope with the #33 if he were on the board.
My Rank of Texans Needs (which means nothing)- 1. Impact Pass Rusher 2. Offensive Lineman (at least 2 more good ones) 3. Cornerback 4. Middle Linebacker 5. Free Safety 6. Run stoppers- either lineman or linebacker 7. Wide Receiver 8. Quarterback 9. Running Back 10. Strong safety The first five are desparate needs. The run defense was pathetic and the pass defense wasn't much better. A good wide receiver would help but not if the QB play doesn't improve greatly. Need a back up running back = to DD because he is injury prone. Need a good young QB in case D Carr does not show drastic improvement. Maybe one of the young safeties will step up this season, but they were bad last season. Since they are not going to get insurance for D Carr they should go all out for Mario Williams, that is their greatest need. If not DE then I would strongly consider Brick or AJ Hawk They can pick up a receiver or running back in later rounds.
BTW- Maybe Reggie Bush= David Carr Mario Williams= Julius Peppers You know draft who everyone thinks you should instead of the best player available.
I don't know that I would personally call the CB position a "desparate" need for us. Robinson is pretty fantastic, and Faggins is servicable. It's not without need, but we could get away with it... Evan
I don't know how you can compare Bush to Carr. It doesn't even make any sense. Secondly, as much as I like Williams, he could just as easily be Courtney Brown as he could Julius Peppers.
I meant there is often a difference in the best player and the one you are supposed to pick... That is historical in the drafts. I wasn't comparing them personally, just the situation. Williams may prove out to be an all pro stud and Bush may prove out to be a all purpose player without a true NFL position that has a decent but average career. It could certainly go that way as easy as any other scenario.
I dont think we will spend one of our top 4 picks on a WR. We have an adequate supply...its more important to use the first day picks on something that we are desperately in need of.
Ok, I understand what you're saying now. I would agree Williams and Brick are probably bigger needs then Bush but with all the activity lately a trade down scenario is basically impossible (value wise). IMO Bush is also one of those guys you just can't pass on (unless you are overwhelmed by a trade offer). He still feels a need IMO. I still contend we should offer DD to a team like the Colts who really needs a RB. We've already paid his signing bonus so his trade value should be decent.
Agreed that we shouldn't spend a top pick on a WR but not on the adequate supply. Johnson is a star but after that you have a lot of question marks. I've always liked Armstrong but I don't know if he's a 2. Mathis is definitely a 3 and no better. His hands weren't great in college and they were pretty bad last season. He's a great #3 because he can stretch a defense and did catch the one deep ball I remember being thrown his way. In terms of route running, ect.. you can't expect much. I didn't like the Walter signing at all. He has size (I'm hoping for Drew Bennett but that's serious wishful thinking) but he's never done anything. I would have given a #3 for Burleson.
I would target a trade to Green Bay at #5 or Oakland at #7 Reason- Here are the top players- Bush, Leinart, Williams, Brick, Hawk, Young, Cutler. There are seven I would trade the #1 pick to Green Bay for the #5 pick and a 3rd rd. selection. You get either Brick, Williams or Hawk and another first day pick. I would trade the #1 pick to Oakland in a heart beat for their #7 and a #2 pick this season and a #2 next. You still probably get Brick, Williams or Hawk and another starter to fill a need this season and one next. Plus if V Young dropped to #7 you would have all the pressure in the world on you draft day. Why does GB make that trade- I have no idea- just a dream trade I think.
You can get yourself in real trouble though by moving down that far. Bush goes #1, Williams #2 and Brick #4. I'm not that big on Hawk. I'd rather keep the first pick and draft Bush. If I'm trading down i want Williams or Brick. I don't count Leinart, Young or Cuttler because we don't need to pick a QB IMO. I honestly think Young will go to Oakland at 7 but picking him fills less of a need then Bush IMO.
Drop to number 5 and only get a third round pick?!? I'm glad you're not in charge, Green Bay would be all over that. Remember that the Giants gave up #4, a third rounder, fifth rounder and a future first (Shawn Merriman) for Eli.
We're trying we're either bringing in or have already met with Stephen Neal, Tom Ashworth, Seth McKinney and Mike Flanagan.
Well get all you can, but I think it depends on who is going to have a better NFL impact career- Bush, Brick, Williams, Hawk? Do you really think Bush has the same trade value as Eli Manning? I doubt there are too many teams trying to get to #1 to pick Bush. Just to show how weak the supposed QB part of the draft is teams all over the league are making free agent moves on QBs. I think the gold in this draft is Brick and Williams. I also like VY over Bush so what do I know.
I think ML and RB both have better trade value than EM, both had much more accomplished college careers. I think the FA moves and trades are to protect themselves for the upcoming season. Typically rookies don't fair as well and it would help to have a vet to start for the next season. I think NO picked up Brees because there were rumblings about the top QBs not wanting to sign there. As far as the NYJ, Ramsey is not a viable starter, but he is better than Bollinger. This move protects them in case CP cannot play next season, plus they gave up nothing to get him.
