Don't know how the two situations relate. Kareem was picked in the 1st round to replace Dunta. I suggested to pick a OLB in the 2nd or 3rd to be a backup for a season under Barwen and Reed.
Mercilus was a player the Texans never expected to drop to them. He was the #1 sacks leader in the entire NCAA last year, plus his technique and form translate incredibly well in Wade's system. This was purely a BPA pick that will reap its rewards in a season. The Texans didn't need their first round pick to be an every play rotation player like they did in the past. They've finally turned the corner as far as depth and talent on the roster. It was a fantastic idea to nab him when they could. The front office has so much flexibility in terms of what to do with Barwin.
We had a late first round selection and no real needs, outside of kicking. Anyone we drafted would have been a backup. Exactly, this is how the legit teams stay good for so long, you draft and build depth in your core areas, so when some of your star (but not superstar) players get injured or go after big contracts you have people behind them that can play almost or just as well as they did in your system. It is a new era people and it is glorious when you have the depth to not have to play your early round selections a lot, so they can learn the systems they need to succeed and help improve the team.
This could be like the situation of Aaron Rodgers, he was selected in 2005, in the pick no.24, despite Brett Favre was the QB, and the first preseason games and the first plays during the regular season, were not very good for him. In his first two years, he played in 5 games, getting bad numbers. Im not comparing the Rodgers and Mercilus, but the situation could be similar, he got drafted late, and doesnt start because of the depth in his position, but with more practices, he can be better in 2 or 3 years, when barwin or other player leaves.
Remember where Brooks Reed was at this time last year? I'm not sayin', just sayin'. I hope Connor Barwin does really well for us. Mercilus is another deal entirely. Year 1 of 4.
I believe Wade said he would use Mercilius more on passing situations with Cushing out for the season. Nice to see Mercilus making the most of it.
He looked very good. He deserves more playing time. Keep rotating him in for both Reed/Barwin to keep our pass rush fresh. Barwin got too many snaps last year and i could tell he slowed down during the end of the season last year. No reason to make the same mistake again.
Wide Receiver Not that there was anybody at that spot that would have ended up starting. Kendall Wright is the only rookie WR having a good season (and he's only on pace for 700 yards).
Whaaaat?!?!? But seriously, I really like Mercilus and I agree that he should be used a bit more. On another note, I bought a Mercilus t-shirt jersey before the season and I seem to be cursed when owning these. I never buy the best players though (Ariza, Tejada, Motiejunas, Mercilus)
