I'm the C, while it's better than we've come to expect; I'm going to have see some improvement on the field before giving this team a good grade.
I went with "I'll decide after the draft." As it stands, the offseason has been a solid B. However, if we pick up Reggie Bush + some OL in the first day and some defensive secondary help, it'll definitely be an A.
What is the deal with the OL? Does Kubiak think that the one we got with better coaching will get the job done? I like getting receiver who do not have hands-o-stone, but w/o a better OL effort the receivers will be catching a lot of one hop passes.
Perhaps he hasn't found his diamond in free agency yet. If not, we have that 2nd pick and an above average tackle should be available.
They've been doing a great job. I agree with a lot of the things said so far in the thread. I'd grade the offseason a "B" for now mainly because there hasn't been a significant OL upgrade. I was expecting a trade to go down. I can't wait to see how the draft goes. As previously said, Reggie and an OL or two on the first day would be HUGE. A+ then for sure.
Additions: Kubiak, Moulds, Walter, Flanigan, Cowart, Weaver, Cook, Sage, Putz Subtractions: Capers, Bradford, Gaffney, M. Brown, G Walker, 5th rd pick (Moulds), 7th rd pick (Walter), 5.5 mil dead cap for 2007 Why is he still here: Casserly I'll go C+ on the rational for the follwing reasons: 1) Moulds is a pretty good positive short term. 2) CC still at the helm. 3) OLine still suspect. 4) Who plays CB with Dunta? 5) 3-4 LBs weren't that good at 3-4. Lord (not Jamaal) help us at the 4-3. 6) Unless Peek goes off for 14 sacks, Texans in trouble in pass rush. I expect he'll get around 10 if he can play all the downs.
If not, we have that 2nd pick and an above average tackle should be available. Rookie OL usually don't start their first year, not unless they are HOF material or their team really sux.
Here is a list FA signed this off-season (from Texans's web site) LB Wali Rainer (6-2, 240) played in all 16 games last season for the Detroit Lions, starting five. His career totals include 690 total tackles, four sacks and an interception in seven seasons. A fourth-round pick (124 th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 1999, Rainer has played in 110 career games with 64 starts for Cleveland (1999-2001), Jacksonville (2002) and Detroit (2003-05). WR Jake Schifino (6-1, 201) has played in 14 career games and has averaged 20.1 yards on 35 career kick returns. The 26-year-old former Akron Zip was a fifth-round selection (151 st pick overall) by the Tennessee Titans in 2002 and played for the Titans from 2002-05. Schifino spent training camp with the New England Patriots in 2005, but was released prior to the start of the regular season. G David Loverne (6-3, 299) has played in 63 career games with 24 starts. He spent the first three seasons of his career in New York after the Jets selected him in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. The former San Jose State Spartan also played for Washington in 2002, St. Louis in 2003 and Detroit in 2004 and 2005. Loverne did not see action last season with the Lions and was placed on injured reserve with a torn biceps on Oct. 13, forcing him to miss the last 12 games of the year. DE N.D. Kalu (6-3, 265) played in 15 games with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, starting eight, and registered 38 tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble. The 30-year-old Kalu has played in 104 games in his nine-year career with 26 starts and has recorded 199 career tackles, including 118 solo stops, 26 sacks, an interception, four forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. LB Zeke Moreno (6-2, 235) played in four games in 2005 with the Philadelphia Eagles, making five special teams tackles. He spent training camp with the Texans last season before his release on Sept. 4. He signed with the Eagles on Oct. 11. LB Sam Cowart (6-2, 245) played in 15 games in 2005 with 14 starts for the Minnesota Vikings and led the Vikings defense with 104 tackles, his sixth career 100-tackle season. Cowart also notched a pair of sacks, two quarterback hurries, two passes defensed and six tackles for loss. C Mike Flanagan (6-5, 301) started 14 games for the Green Bay Packers this past season. The 2003 Pro Bowler has played in 98 games in his 10-year career, starting 64. From 1999-2004, Flanagan put together a streak of 82 consecutive games played (87 including playoff contests) before being sidelined by injury in the third game of the 2004 season. TE Jeb Putzier (6-4, 256) played in all 16 games with the Denver Broncos this past season, starting four. The four-year veteran from Boise State also played in both of the Broncos’ playoff contests. Putzier, who was the Broncos’ top receiving tight end the last two years, has caught 77 passes for 1,087 yards and two touchdowns in his career. He also has 10 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown in postseason action. DE Anthony Weaver (6-3, 280), returns to the state of Texas. Born in Killeen, Weaver moved to upstate New York as a youth. He attended Notre Dame where he was named the team MVP as a senior in 2001. During his senior season, Weaver totaled 59 tackles and seven sacks. QB Sage Rosenfels (6-4, 225), has played in 13 games with two starts in five professional seasons. He saw action in four games with one start in 2005, completing 34 of 61 passes for 462 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions.
So far I would say that the offseason "on paper" has been around a grade of B, but could move up to an A depending on what the Texans do in the draft. With the Texans not going after many OT's in free agency I think they may take one in the draft maybe as high as the first pick of the second round.
I gave it a B. I don't think there is a team in the league that improved their skill positions as much as the Texans. Adding Moulds, Putz, and Bush is very impressive. Our only hole on offense now is proably RT. Our line is not great but Carr should have a lil more time this season. Next offseason should be the year to improve our defense SS, FS, CB, DE, and a play making LB.
I went with 'B'. Coming into the offseason the biggest priorities were (imo) OL and a pass rush. We've added one lineman, but I believe that both areas still need addressing.
I said B but could easilly be an A by the time the season starts. I'm pretty confident about having a solid draft, but... HOW many picks did we trade for Babin?? I remember watching that draft and being confused. Thought picks were the most valuable in the NFL compared to other sports...
