Houston Texans Column

By: Ed Marcinkiewicz

 

5/7/10

The first two days of the Texans draft went pretty much according to plan, at least as far as rumors coming out of Texans headquarters were concerned.  The team had two obvious needs at cornerback and running back and those two positions were the first two addressed in the draft.  It had been expected that a defensive tackle with pass rush skills, a free safety, and offensive line depth would make up much of the rest of the draft.  In that regard it was hit and miss.
 
Kareem Jackson of Alabama was the team's first round choice.  Much of the pre-draft chatter had surrounded Kyle Wilson and Devin McCourty at the Texan's spot but when both were available the team still chose Jackson.  He is a physical corner similar to Dunta Robinson and will hopefully have a similar impact.  The team is counting on him to start opposite Glover Quin.  The physicality of Jackson and of all the defenders chosen by Houston was a theme that Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak kept coming back to when discussing their expectations of the draft.  I think the pick is solid but would have preferred the team trade down rather than make the selection where they did.  Jackson had been a late riser and perhaps the Texans did not want to take the risk that he would not be there later.
 
Ben Tate of Auburn was Houston's second round selection.  They traded with Minnesota to move down at this spot rather than select fan favorite Toby Gerhart of Stanford.  The Texans got this one right.  Gerhart has an injury history, is suspect as a pass blocker and as a receiver, and has carried a huge load at Stanford.  While Gerhart ran well at the combine he is not sudden in his movements.  Tate is a physical runner with explosive speed and a running skill set well suited to what the Texans do.  Earl Mitchell of Arizona was the other second day selection for Houston and he gives them a speed rusher at defensive tackle.  His combine performance made him some money but what the Texans want from Mitchell is to pair him with Antonio Smith at tackle to improve their pass rush.
 
The third day of the draft brought a lot of confusion to Texans fans but was encouraging from the standpoint that the team appeared to stick to its draft board of selecting the best players available regardless of position need.  Darryl Sharpton of Miami was their first of two fourth round choices and he will provide depth at linebacker and will be a very physical special teams players.  Garrett Graham of Wisconsin was a tight end they viewed as having a similar skill set to Owen Daniels and was too good to pass up at that spot.  With three of four tight ends on the roster recovering from major surgeries it should be no surprise that a tight end was drafted.  In the fifth round they took Sherrick McManis of Northwestern.  He is a bigger, physical corner who might project to free safety.  McManis will be viewed as a special teams performer and will hopefully light a fire under Antwaun Molden and Fred Bennett who have under achieved.  Shelley Smith of Colorado St. and Trindon Holliday of LSU were the two sixth round picks.  Smith will compete for a reserve spot and is a likely practice squad player for now.  Holliday will be given a chance to make it as a returner as the team looks to increace Jacoby Jones role as a receiver.  It could make Andre Davis spot with the team a little iffy.  The final choice was Dorin Dickerson of Pittsburg who was listed at tight end but will be tried at wide receiver.  Dickerson will back up Andre Johnson as the team would like to have a more physical performer as a back up.
 
Houston also signed a few interesting undrafted free agents.  If I were one to bet on football, I'd guess that tackles Cole Pemberton of Colorado St. and Adam Ulatoski of Texas will have the best chance to make the team as a fourth tackle or as a practice squad performer.  Aaron Webster of Cincinnati and Nick Polk of Indiana may have a chance as a safety reserve.  Mitch Unrein of Wyoming and Malcolm Sheppard of Arkansas are also projects for the defensive line.  The team will look to sign a couple more veteran free agents with a free safety probably at the top of the list.  All in all it was a solid draft for the Texans but not one that is going to wow fans, at least not initially.

4/20/10

Gary Kubiak and GM Rick Smith are finishing preparations for the 2010 Draft after being very proactive during the early free agent period.  They signed linebacker Demeco Ryans to a long term contract and are preparing an offer for tight end Owen Daniels when he shows he is back from his injury.  Bernard Pollard signed his tender and could be in line for a new contract.  They were able to retain wide receiver Kevin Walter even though he hit the free agent market.  He is an under-rated performer who is very valuable to the Texans.  The team also signed offensive lineman Wade Smith who will challenge for a starting position at either guard or center.  Neil Rackers was signed to challenge Kris Brown after Brown struggled last season.  The major casualty was cornerback Dunta Robinson.  The team will also likely lose Chester Pitts once he can pass a physical.
 
The Texans' draft priorities are to find a starting cornerback and a running back to share the load with Steve Slaton.  The team will also look to improve play at defensive tackle, free safety, and the offensive line.  At the end of the draft the team will look for the best available player with some emphasis on special teams play.
 
In the first round the Texans have a number of options.  They will almost certainly not trade up although it is possible the team will move down.  Houston has been somewhat reluctant to trade picks on draft day so the chances of the team moving the pick is minimal.  They will hope one of the offensive linemen may fall as that is the most likely way for the team to trade down.  If Joe Haden or Earl Thomas fall to the Texans they will be the choice.  Running back is probably the next option with C.J. Spiller and Ryan Matthews next on their board.  If the first four players mentioned are gone then the team will look to one of the next tier of corners including Devin McCourty, Kyle Wilson, Kareem Jackson, and Patrick Robinson, likely in that order.  Although some mock drafts have the team going for a defensive tackle that is not very likely. 
 
On day two the Texans will certainly have chosen a corner and a running back and one of either free safety or defensive tackle.  In round two the running backs that could factor in are Toby Gerhart and possibly Ben Tate or Anthony Dixon.  The latter two would be a bit of a reach and would be strictly a selection based on need.  If Gerhart is not there and the Texans missed on a running back in round one you can expect the team to probably wait to select either Tate or Dixon along with Montario Hardesty.  Jahvid Best and Dexter McCluster do not fit what the team is looking for and there are questions about Jonathan Dwyer and his ability to adapt to a pro style attack.  The corners the team will look at in round two include any that fall out of the first round along with Chris Cook and Jerome Murphy.  If they wait to round three then Kevin Thomas, Amari Spievey, Walter Thurmond, Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Dominique Franks, and Alterraun Verner could factor in.  The safeties that could feature here are Taylor Mays, if he falls, Morgan Burnett, Nate Allen, and Chad Jones. The defensive tackles that could draw their attention are Tyson Alualu, Lamarr Houston, and Brian Price in round two if the team chooses to go with a penetrator who can rush the passe.  If they look for another run stopper then Linval Joseph, Cam Thomas, and Torrell Troup are possibilities.  In round three they could go for Mike Neal, Earl Mitchell, and Geno Atkins.
 
On day three the defense will probably see most of the attention.  At cornerback Walter McFadden, David Pender, A.J. Jefferson, Nolan Carroll, Marcus Brown, Cornelius Brown, and Ben Burney are possibilities.  At safety they will consider T.J. Ward, Darrell Stuckey, Darian Stewart, Chris Maragos, Kurt Coleman, Robert Johnson, Terrell Skinner, Kendrick Lewis, and Lucien Antoine.  The defensive tackles they will look at include D'Anthony Smith, Jeff Owens, Jimmy Saddler-McQueen, Aleric Mullins, Nate Collins, Jay Ross, Boo Robinson, Brandon Deadrick, Sean Lissemore, and Andre Neblett.  Among the linebackers they will look at on day three are Kavell Conner, Dekoda Watson, A.J. Edds, Simoni Lawrence, Vincent Rey, Travis Goethel, Pat Angerer, Mike McLaughlin, and Alex Joseph.  The team could also take a shot at a pass rushing defensive end late in the draft. 
 
Offensively the team will look at offensive linemen on the third day.  Tackles on the list include Tony Washington, Jason Fox, Cole Pemberton, Kyle Jolly, Thomas Welch, and Vince Vance.  Guards and centers to be considered include J.D. Walton, Ted Larsen, Matt Tennant, Joe Hawley, Jeff Byers, Shelley Smith, Zane Beadles, Mike Johnson, Shawn Lauvuo, Marshall Newhouse, Mitch Petrus, Jacques McClendon, and Alex Parsons.  They may look at a running back late if things fall through with Charles Scott, Javarris James, Lonyae Miller, LaGarrette Blount, and Chris Brown.  They could also look at a physical wide receiver late in the draft like Kerry Meier, Blair White, Chris Bell, Stephen Williams, Scott Long, and Shay Hodge. 
 
If things were to go well the draft could look something like Ryan Matthews, Chris Cook, Earl Mitchell, Amari Spievey, Darrell Stuckey, Shelly Smith, Dekoda Watson, and Cole Pemberton. 
 

3/1/10

The Houston Texans win over New England gave them a four game winning streak to end the season and gave the Texans their first winning season in franchise history.  Their first game loss to the New York Jets was the ultimate decider in them missing the playoffs.  They can ill afford to lose home games such as these next year when the team will be expected to make the playoffs.
 
Gary Kubiak retained his job and Bob McNair is entertaining a contract extension for Kubiak who is in the last year of his contract.  He did lose offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan as well as offensive line guru Alex Gibbs.  Rick Dennison who coached with Kubiak in Denver will be the new offensive coordinator and you can expect few if any changes to the offense.  The Texans are not looking at adding another offensive line coach at this time.  Greg Knapp was added as the new quarterbacks coach.
 
The NFL collective bargaining dispute could not come at a better time for Houston.  It keeps Demeco Ryans, Bernard Pollard, and Owen Daniels as restricted free agents.  Ryans may well get a long term contract but it would not be surprising to see the Texans slow play Daniels to see how he recovers from his knee injury.  Both Ryans and Daniels will likely be given the max tender offer.   Pollard is expected to get a first round tender and the team could well look to sign him long term as well.  The team does have a critical unrestricted free agent in wide receiver Kevin Walter.  He is a key component in the Texans offense but he will be allowed to hit the free agent market.  Houston will make every effort to keep him and he can expect a multi-year deal.  The team and his agent have been talking but it is too soon to predict whether they can keep him.  If Walter is lost then the team may have to pursue another veteran to replace him.  It would be difficult to put either Jacoby Jones or Andre Davis in to the starting role.
 
The departure of cornerback Dunte Robinson via free agency has sent panic waves among the Texans faithful who are concerned about the impact of his departure.  Robinson was franchised last year and was unhappy with not being allowed to become an unrestricted free agent.  The team offered Robinson a long term deal last year but he considered it well below his market value.  Robinson's play was average at best this past season as he was coming back from a traumatic knee injury.  The impact of Robinson's loss will be felt more with his veteran leadership in the secondary rather than his play.  He was not nearly as effective this past season and did not justify a franchise tender.  At this point he is only a marginal starter in the league.  The team may well look to try and sign a veteran to replace him and will almost certainly take a cornerback early in the draft.  At this point Glover Quin and Jacques Reeves will be considered the starters.  The team may look to Earl Thomas if he falls to them as either a free safety or corner.  Taylor Mays and Nate Allen have some interest for them at safety although they have bigger needs.  A corner like Kyle Wilson or Devin McCourty could interest them in the first round although they may look to trade down if that is the case.  Later round choices could include Jerome Murphy, Kareem Jackson, Dominique Franks, Donovan Warren, Amari Spievey, and Devin Ross.
 
The Texans are also likely to bid farewell to Chester Pitts.  He missed this past season with injury and the team is concerned about his ability to play at a starting level.  Kasey Studdard replaced him and the team will certainly look for an upgrade at the position.  A veteran free agent like Rex Hadnot who played his college ball at the University of Houston may well interest the team.  Houston will almost certainly take an interior offensive lineman early in the draft, possibly as high as the first round if Mike Iupati or Maurkice Pouncey are available when they pick.  Jon Asamoah, Mike Johnson, Shelley Smith, J.D. Walton, and Matt Tennant are other offensive linemen who could draw their interest.
 
Running back is a third area of need on the team and Houston would be very interested in C.J. Spiller if he fell to them.  They may also look closely at Ryan Matthews with a first round selection.  The team would rather address other areas in the first round as there is depth in the draft.  The Texans will likely look to a more physical runner with names like Toby Gerhart, Anthony Dixon, Montario Hardesty, Ben Tate, and LaGarrette Blount attracting interest from the second round on.  The team my take a shiftier one cut back like James Starks, Chris Brown or Javarris James but that wold be much later in the draft.  Despite media reports listing the team as interested in veteran free agents like LaDanian Tomlinson or Thomas Jones it would be very surprising to see the team go that way.  They have had bad experience with veteran backs signed late in their career and would only take one of them at a cut rate price that is not likely to interest either player.
 
A final area that the team will certainly address this off season is defensive tackle.  They would like a better pass rushing compliment to Amobi Okoye.  Veteran defensive end Antonio Smith could get some looks there on pass rushing downs but the team is likely to look to the draft as well.  Right now, the odds favor a defensive tackle as being the best player available for them when they pick.  Jared Odrick and Brian Price are the best pass rushers of the linemen projected to be there when the team picks.  In the second round they could look at Lamar Houston or Tyson Alualu to fill that need.  A couple of other possibilities later in the draft include Mike Neal, Earl Mitchell, Corey Peters or Linval Joseph.
 
Houston will bring in competition for Kris Brown at kicker but the draft is poor for kickers and it is unlikely the team would use anything more than a seventh round pick on a kicker.  The more likely alternative is to sign a free agent to challenge him.
 

12/4/09

The Texans loss to Indianapolis on Sunday was the latest in a string of disappointing results for the team. Their inability to close out big games is causing a great deal of complaining on the part of Texan fans that Gary Kubiak is not the man for the job.

To fire Kubiak would be a big mistake for this organization. The mess he inherited from Dom Capers and Charlie Casserly was not a quick fix. He made the right choice in selecting Mario Williams over Vince Young. That decision remains very unpopular among a significant segment of Houston fandom and they are the loudest complainers right now. The fact is this team has made significant improvements each year and that should be the yardstick Bob McNair uses in determining Kubiak’s future.

The team is still very much a work in progress. Some are upset with the performance of Matt Schaub in the games against Tennessee and Indianapolis. While he certainly is not in the league of Brees, Manning, and Brady, Schaub is a very good NFL quarterback and he has done a good job considering the inconsistent nature of the Texan’s running game. The team needs a quality compliment to Steve Slaton. They need a back that can get the tough yards in goal line situations. The team will look for a back that fits the bill in rounds 2-4 of the draft.

The offensive line has been hurt badly by injuries. Losing both starting guards has had a negative effect on the running game in particular. Chester Pitts is a free agent and is a decent bet to be back. Mike Brisiel will return and will be challenged by Antoine Caldwell. Caldwell will also battle Chris Meyers at center. The team needs to add more talent in the interior of the line and it will be a draft priority. The receiving corps is very solid and the biggest issue the Texans will have is resigning Owen Daniels and Kevin Walter to contracts.

Defensively there has been some improvement in the pass rush even with Mario Williams playing injured throughout the season. Free agent signing Antonio Smith may be moved down to tackle next season and the team may look for another defensive end to complement Conner Barwin. The linebacker corps has been the most improved area on the team and Brian Cushing is a potential Pro Bowler in the future. The team will need to address depth at the position with an eye on special teams ability.

The secondary is the other major area of need on the team. The contract situation of Dunte Robinson has to be sorted out. The team would like him back but should not franchise him. Robinson deserves a long term deal and Houston should be able to get that done. Glover Quin and Brice McCain show some ability and it will be interesting to see how much they improve. If Robinson is retained, cornerback will not be a major draft priority. If he is lost, it becomes the primary need of the team. Bernard Pollard has helped solidify the safety position but the team could use more of a playmaker at free safety.

This team is close to making a breakthrough and can become a playoff caliber team. The expectations may have been a year early but there is too much good going on to change leadership again and try and start anew.
 

11/13/09

As the Texans head in to the bye week they are in an unprecedented position in franchise history, that of a playoff contender.  Consistency has not been a trademark of this team and hopefully they will add more consistent play down the finishing stretch to garner a playoff berth.
 
Matt Schaub has continue to improve as the season has gone on.  He has proven more durable this year and that has been a key to the Texans positioning themselves for a playoff run.  Schaub is going to have to adjust to life without Owen Daniels who has been placed on injured reserve.  Daniels was enjoying a Pro Bowl type season before he went down.  The team will rely on rookie James Casey in the passing game to complement Joel Dreesen.  The rest of the receiving corps has performed well.  Jacoby Jones is starting to reward the franchise's patience with him both in the return game and as a receiver.
 
The problems with the Houston offense continue to exist in the running game.  Steve Slaton has been fumble prone and leads the NFL with five lost fumbles this season.  Ryan Moats and Chris Brown have taken turns spelling Slaton but neither has taken the job from him.  Moats enjoyed one big game and then was disappointing against the Colts.  Some of the blame can be attributed to the offensive line that has lost both starting guards to injuries.  Kasey Studdard has taken over for Chester Pitts but has had some problems with penalties.  Chris White and Antoine Caldwell have alternated at right guard with Caldwell showing the most promise.  The Texans will be intrigued by Larry Johnson and make take a flier on him in the hopes to solidify the running game.
 
Defensively the team has improved dramatically from the start of the season.  Through the first month of the season the Texans defense was horrible but the light has come on in recent weeks and the team is playing much better.  It has been a collective effort with the most promising performance turned in by rookie linebacker Brian Cushing who may be the NFL's defensive rookie of the year.  Free agent acquisition Bernard Pollard has been a huge upgrade at strong safety.  The return of Dunta Robinson from his holdout and Jacques Reeves from injury has improved the cornerback play.  Additionally, Glover Quin shows real promise as a potential future starter at the position.  Amobi Okoye has been more consistent this year and the overall play from the defensive tackle rotation has been a big improvement from last season.
 
Mario Williams has battled injuries throughout the year and has not been as good as a pass rusher although he did get a sack against Peyton Manning.  Antonio Smith and Conner Barwin have helped balance the pass rush.  Demeco Ryans has been a rock in the middle and Zach Diles has been solid on the weak side.  As the confidence in the defense and particularly the secondary has grown, the team has been willing to blitz more and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.  Continued solid play from the defense will be key to the team making a strong run to end the season.
 
If the Texans can manage to stay healthy the rest of the way and finish with their traditional strong close they could well make this the first ever playoff team in the organization's brief history.  Injuries to Schaub, Williams or Ryans would be fatal to that goal.  For the time being the dogs that were howling for Gary Kubiak's job have been silenced.  Hopefully the team can take the next step and justify Bob McNair's faith in him.
 

10/2/09

The situation in Houston is reaching a boiling point and Gary Kubiak's seat is starting to get hot.  The Texans are off to a traditionally slow start that leaves them virtually out of the playoff situation before the season reaches the halfway point.  The performance of the defense has been pathetic.  The change to new Defensive Coordinator Frank Bush has not seen a measurable improvement in defensive productivity in the areas of concern.  The Texans have a total of two sacks in the first three games.  They have managed only five turnovers and have given up a number of big plays in the running game.  At the current rate the Texans would break the all time NFL record for most yards given up in a season.
 
You have to search long and hard for a silver lining.  The road win in Tennessee was nice.  But when balanced against home losses to the Jets and Jacksonville it leaves Texans fans disappointed overall.  The secondary has looked lost and it has been largely missed assignments in the secondary that have contributed to the long runs.  Their coverage has been suspect but you have to consider that the allegedly improved Houston pass rush has been virtually non-existent.
 
Offensively the Texans are not running the ball consistently and are committing very costly turnovers.  The loss of Chester Pitts in the o-line hurts but the team's inconsistency on offense cannot be attributed entirely to their play.  Matt Schaub has had his moments.  Unfortunately some of them have been reminiscent of the terrible turnovers committed by Sage Rosenfels.  Houston fans when in to this season thinking playoffs.  If this team doesn't right itself quickly they will be thinking new coach.
 

9/19/09

A dismal performance against the New York Jets has most Texans fans feeling very uneasy about this team's prospects for this year and about this week's game against Bud Adams' Tennessee Titans.
 
The former Houston Oiler franchise is the second most hated team in Houston only narrowly behind the Dallas Cowboys.  Texans fans have longed for the day when they could look at Tennessee in their rear view mirror and the hope was that this would be the year.  While it is way too soon to say the year will be a loss, last week's game against the Jets exposed several concerns.
 
The offense was dismal.  The o-line was manhandled by the more physical Jets.  They tossed the Texan linemen around like rag dolls.  Matt Schaub is clearly still bothered by the ankle injury and threw poorly.  The Texan receivers did little to help him out and Andre Johnson was a non-factor for most of the game.  The Houston running game was suspect with Chris Brown and Steve Slaton showing only occasional flashes.  A much better effort will be needed to keep the game in Tennessee even close.
 
The defensive front seven showed some improvement but still gave up a couple of big runs.  The difficulty was in getting off the field on third and medium to long.  Mark Sanchez did not look like a rookie and picked the Texans' secondary apart.  Dunta Robinson was mediocre.  Brice McCain and Glover Quin made numerous rookie mistakes and Fred Bennet was ordinary.  The safety play was not much better.  Although the pass rush was a little more consistent it was no more effective than last year.  This week's game with Tennessee will be against a veteran quarterback who threatens to pick this team apart unless they can more effectively pressure him.  They must also stop given up the big gainers on the ground and that could be quite a task against a home run threat like Chris Johnson.  Big improvement must be shown or this team faces a long season.
 

8/6/09

The preseason has been a mixed bag for the Texans.  There is great concern still over the defense.  Some improvement has been shown against the run after the team was blitzed by Mike Bell and Adrian Peterson.  The Texans traded the under-achieving Travis Johnson for a conditional fifth or sixth round pick and that return is better than cutting him.  The secondary continues to miss Dunta Robinson and the injured Jacques Reeves. 
 
Gary Kubiak will hope Robinson reports in time for the first game.  If he does, he will play as the corners have been torched throughout the pre-season.  Reeves won't be back until after the first few weeks of the regular season and he will have to work his way back in to the lineup.  Rookies Glover Quin and Brice McCain have shown some ability and may get playing time over veterans Fred Bennett and Antwaun Molden who have not stepped up their play as much as the team would like.  Deltha O'Neal would have to be considered a long shot to make the team right now.
 
The safety position has seen Dominique Barber beat out Nick Ferguson for the strong safety position.  Eugene Wilson is firmly entrenched at free safety and it appears that John Busing may have beaten out Brandon Harrison for the final reserve spot.  The linebackers are pretty well set with Demeco Ryans, Zac Diles, and Xavier Adibi as the starters and Brian Cushing and Kevin Bentley as two of the reserves.  I would give the edge to Buster Davis over Chaun Thompson for the final spot.
 
The defensive ends have been impressive.  Mario Williams is ready to go and rookie Conner Barwin appears capable of giving the team another edge rusher.  Antonio Smith has been solid and show good versatility as has Tim Bulman.  Deljuan Robinson has been the best of the defensive tackles.  Amobi Okoye has been disappointing and is being pushed by Shaun Cody.  Frank Okam has show flashes and helped make Johnson expendable.  It is hard to believe that the team brought Jeff Zgonina to camp without expecting him to make the team.  It is questionable whether Jesse Nading will also be kept.
 
The big battle on offense has been between Jacoby Jones and Glenn Martinez for the fifth receiver position.  Martinez had the edge going in to the final pre-season game but Jones put on a show.  It is anyone's guess how this will go.  Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Andre Davis and David Anderson are set.  The tight end spot is also a question.  Owen Daniels and James Casey
are set.  Anthony Hill may be a candidate for IR depending on the severity of his injury in last night's game.  Joel Dreesen should make the team but he could be trade bait for a team looking for depth at tight end.  Clark Harris is on the fence depending on if the team will keep a deep snapper who does not do anything else.
 
I would expect only nine offensive linemen to make the team.  Duane Brown, Chester Pitts, Chris Meyers, Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston are the starters.  Rashad Butler is the swing tackle.  Kasey Studdard, Antoine Caldwell and Chris White should all make the team.  It is questionable whether Cliff Washburn will make the cut as a fourth tackle.
 
Vonta Leach will be the only fullback.  Steve Slaton, Chris Brown, and Ryan Moats will make the team at running back.  Arian Foster is likely headed to the practice squad.  The team will keep three quarterbacks with both Rex Grossman and Dan Orlovsky making it as reserves.  Houston could well look for a trade with offensive tackle and the secondary the most likely spots for an upgrade.

4/25/09

With the draft one day away the draft board for the Houston Texans has been set.  It's a safe bet that the board is heavy on defense with some offensive linemen and running backs sprinkled in.  In a perfect world the Texans will look to trade down before selecting an outside linebacker with the first pick.  Only Ohio St. cornerback/free safety Malcom Jenkins could change that formula.  It appears the focus is on the USC duo of Clay Matthews Jr. and Brian Cushing.  If Houston were to trade back far enough to miss out on both they would likely turn to Virginia outside linebacker Clint Sintim or Ohio St. linebacker James Laurinaitis.  I believe Texan coaches feel he could fit on the strongside as well as back up Demeco Ryans in the middle.  One cornerback could get their attention at the end of the first round.  Darius Butler of Connecticut is rising up draft boards and has special teams value as well.  Lesser possibilities may include Peria Jerry at defensive tackle and Conner Barwin as an outside linebacker project.  Barwin is interesting because of the versatility he brings and pass rush skills but I believe the projection to outside linebacker is too much for Houston.
 
In the second round free safety or a pass rushing end appears the likely choice.  Louis Delmas, Rashad Johnson or Darcel McBath could be among the names considered at safety.  Lawrence Sidbury or Paul Krueger could be defensive end possibilities.  The team is probably hoping that their is a market for a player that would enable them to trade back a few spots to get better value for any of these players.  Pat White would seem the most likely name to cause that push to move up.  If the Texans do not get an outside linebacker in the first round they will move for one in the second with Marcus Freeman and Tyrone McKenzie being a couple of possibilities.  If a running back like Donald Brown were to fall they would have to consider him but it will likely be too early for them to go after Shonn Green or Andre Brown.
 
The third round is where things will get interesting.  The aforementioned backs will be considered along with Cedric Peerman, Rashad Jennings, and Glen Coffee.  They may also look at offensive linemen like Antoine Caldwell or Tyronne Green.  A defensive end like David Veikune, Henry Melton or Brandon Williams will receive consideration if the position has not been addressed.  A linebacker like Gerald McRath, Darryl Beckwith or Ashlee Palmer will also be looked at.  The team will also start to look at corners such as Victor Harris, DJ Moore, Bradley Fletcher, Keenan Lewis or Asher Allen.
 
After this the team will look to best player available.  At the end of the draft expect the team to take 1-2 offensive linemen, a running back, a pass rushing defensive end, 1-2 linebackers and at least 1 corner and 1 safety.  As always they will go with the best player on their board at the end of the draft regardless of position.  Some names to watch at the end of the draft include Glover Quin, Chris Clemons, Courtney Green, Greg Tolar, Don Carey, Jason McCourtey, E.J. Biggers, Dominique Johnson, Ladarius Webb, Stephen Hodge, Lee Robinson, Pierre Bell, Scott McKillop, Reggie Walker, Frantz Joseph, Marvin Sapp, Myron Pryor, Louis Ellis, Mitch King, Terrence Taylor, Orion Martin, Neefy Moffett, Matt Shaughnessy, Xavier Fulton, Ryan McKee, Seth Olsen, Joel Bell, Andrew Gardner, Ryan Stancheck, Rich Ohrnberger, Trevor Canfield, Blake Schleuter, Jonathan Luigs, Cecil Newton, Cornelius Lewis, Bear Pascoe, Kory Sperry, Rob Myers, Kory Sheets, Gartrell Johnson, and Josh Vaughn.  If the team goes for a wide receiver it will be a smallish slot receiver with return skills.
 

4/18/09

The recent signing of Cato June who was cut by Tampa Bay should not be viewed as a sign that the Texans questions whether Xavier Adibi is ready to start.  June is strictly veteran insurance in case Adibi goes down.  All reports indicate that Adibi is healthy and has put on much needed weight and strength this off season.  The team wanted to ensure flexibility in the draft so that they can take the best player available and June's signing along with the moves for Antonio Smith and Dan Cody give the team the options they want.
 
The picture in the first round is more clouded now than it was a couple of weeks ago.  Outside linebackers Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing remain the most likely picks if the team stays at 15.  There remains a possibility that Malcolm Jenkins could slip to them and he would be tempting because of his ability to play corner and safety.  Peria Jerry must also be considered a possibility although probably more of a long shot.  The team could well look to move down and a name that is starting to pop up if they move down is James Laurinaitis.  He would probably slot in at the strong side ahead of Zach Diles but he would also give the team some insurance if Demeco Ryans were to want out.  Indications are that things with Ryans are improving because of his presence at OTA's.  Additionally, Laurinaitis does not have the specter of steroid allegations hanging over him.  Do not discount his versatility in the equation.  Kubiak and Smith both love guys who can play multiple positions.
 
An area that is not getting as much attention on some of the draft websites is the Texans dire need to upgrade their reserves on the offensive line.  I would expect at least one and as many as three picks to address this area.  This is one area of concern that the team has not been able to address via free agency.  I still do not expect the Texans to draft a running back on the first day despite the team's need for a back up for Steve Slaton.  Another name to watch as a possible seventh round pick or more likely undrafted free agent signing is Kyle Bell of Colorado St.  He has better speed than Gartrell Johnson and was a starter the previous two years before getting injured.  He has the size the Texans like and is familiar with the system.

3/27/09

The draft picture for the Houston Texans is getting clearer.  Despite many national mock drafts having the Texans selecting offense in the first round it is virtually certain that the team will look on the defensive side of the ball in the first and likely second rounds.  Gary Kubiak has stated he wants his first pick to have an immediate impact and all signs point to a linebacker, a run-stuffing defensive tackle or a defensive back.  The signing of Shaun Cody this week solidifies the Texans depth at defensive tackle but they will not pass up an opportunity to make their defense better.
 
If the team stays at fifteen they will watch to see if Malcolm Jenkins or B.J. Raji were to fall.  Houston would jump all over Raji and would find it difficult to pass on Jenkins.  If neither is there, outside linebacker is the likely way they will go.  Clay Matthews Jr. is rising up draft boards and has the attitude to be a top flight outside linebacker.  He is my choice over his more heralded teammate Brian Cushing.  There is a chance that Peria Jerry could also get some attention here as well although his similar skill set to Amobi Okoye doesn't make this an ideal fit. 
 
Houston will entertain offers to trade down as well and will be hoping that one of the quarterbacks slide or that someone falls in love with Josh Freeman or some other player.  The Texans wouldn't look to move down too far as their picks would likely come from the choices previously listed although Clint Sintim or one of the other cornerbacks could come in to play.  Vontae Davis is getting a lot of run by I prefer Alphonso Smith as a playmaker.
 
In the later rounds the Texans will look to add a pash rushing defensive end, a run stopping defensive tackle, interior offensive line depth, secondary depth and a backup running back.  Houston will not force any of these selections as they feel they have a solid nucleus right now and will hope to take advantage of what may fall to them.  They will consider moving up or down after the first round depending on what the draft leaves for them.
 
Defensive ends that fit the team's profile include Michael Johnson, Paul Kruger, Robert Ayers, Lawrence Sidbury, Kyle Moore and Matt Shaughnessy.  Defensive tackles they will watch include Ron Brace, Ziggy Hood, Alex Magee, Dorrell Scott, Myron Pryor, Vance Walker, Sammie Lee Hill and Chris Baker.  Linebackers that could interest the team if they don't take one in the first round include Darryl Beckwith, Marcus Freeman, Tyrone McKenzie, Frantz Joseph, Kaluka Maiava, and Lee Robinson.  Safeties to watch include Rashad Johnson, Darcel McBath, William Moore, Chip Vaughn, Courtney Greene, and Troy Nolan.  Cornerbacks they will watch include Joe Burnett, DeAngelo Smith, Domonique Johnson, Don Carey, and Jahi Word-Daniels. 
 
On the offensive side of the ball they will look out for interior offensive linemen like Antoine Caldwell, Jonathan Luigs, Andy Levitre, Keith Urbik, Tyronne Green, Trevor Canfield, T.J. Lang, Xavier Fulton, Cornelius Lewis, Cecil Newton, and Blake Schleuter.  At running back the Texans will look at Andre Brown, Cedric Peerman, Kory Sheets, Glen Coffee, Rashad Jennings, and Jeremiah Johnson.  Finally the Texans could add some receiving depth with a wide receiver such as Quan Cosby, Deon Butler, Mike Wallace or Dominique Edison.  They will look for a tight end as well with John Phillips, Bear Pascoe, Devon Drew, and Jared Bronson.  Don't look for the team to use a draft pick on a quarterback unless Kubiak likes someone still available in the seventh round.
 
It is important to remember in looking at the Texans draft that Kubiak is very specific in what he looks for and this helps narrow the Texan draft board.  The zone blocking scheme places undersized lineman who can get to the second level at a premium versus the big road graders.  The running back they select will be a one cut back who can pick his holes.  Ideally it would be a back that can play on the goal line but don't expect them to only look at 220 pound plus running backs.  Defensively the end must be a pass rusher and the tackle a run stuffer.  Smaller, versatile linebackers fit the mold for the Texans who will avoid anyone who can't play in coverage.  The safeties must be able to cover.  They will not look at a Roy Williams type safety.  The corners must be able to play press coverage and force the run.   They will pick to their scheme and they usually do very well.  The draft record of Smith and Kubiak has been very good since they took over for Charley Casserly.

2/28/09

Free agency is going to be a little more active for the Houston Texans with the moves the team has made this week.  It is anticipated that Sage Rosenfels will be traded on Friday to the Minnesota Vikings for a fourth round draft pick.  The team is looking to cash in on Rosenfels before he leaves next year in free agency.  The additional pick will give the team some more flexibility on draft day.  Houston is also considering offers for receiver-returner Jacoby Jones.  If the team can acquire a fifth or sixth round pick for Jones they will likely make the trade.
 
Finding a backup quarterback in free agency becomes the top priority.  The team would like to get an established veteran like Jeff Garcia but will likely fail because they cannot offer him a chance to win a starting job.  They will likely go after a younger quarterback who has some starting experience.  Detroit's Dan Orlovsky, Cincinnati's Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chicago's Rex Grossman, and Denver's Patrick Ramsey are the leading candidates.  There is a chance that the team might use a late round choice on a third string quarterback if one they like falls that far.  More likely is the team will sign an undrafted free agent to come in and challenge Alex Brink.
 
It is unlikely that the team will sign a running back or receiver early in the free agent process.  They may look to add a cheap veteran late in the process who is willing to sign for the veteran minimum and for a short term contract.  Houston will take a running back somewhere in the draft.  They will probably look for a back on the second day.  Likewise, they could select a receiver or tight end on the second day.
 
Cutting Ephraim Salaam was a bit of a surprise.  It gives Rashad Butler a chance to become the swing tackle.  The move also opens up the possibility that the team my look for a developmental type tackle in the draft.  It is unlikely they would sign a veteran because of the high salaries demanded by most tackles.  Signing an interior lineman in free agency is very possible despite the re-signing of Chris White.  Geoff Hangartner of Carolina, Eric Ghiaciuc of Cincinnati, and Jake Grove of Oakland are three under 30 o-linemen that could bring interest from the Texans.  They will also look for an offensive lineman in the draft.  Centers like Jonathen Luigs of Arkansas and Antoine Caldwell of Alabama could be available in the third round.  They will also look at a number of guards on the second day.  With their zone blocking scheme the team does not need the large offensive linemen that many teams require.
 
Houston will be active in free agency on the defensive side of the ball.  On the d-line they are looking for a pass rushing defensive end and a run stuffing defensive tackle.  Chauncey Davis of Atlanta, Antonio Smith of Arizona, Mike Montgomery of Green Bay, and Bertrand Berry of Arizona are defensive end possibilities.  Jovan Haye of Tampa Bay and Rocky Bernard of Seattle are two of the better defensive tackles on the market.  The team could look for younger options in Shaun Cody of Detroit, C.J. Mosely of the New York Jets, and Colin Cole of Green Bay.
 
A number of linebackers will be looked at.  Cato June was a cap casualty with Tampa Bay and could play on the weak side.  Pat Thomas of Kansas City and D.D. Lewis of Seattle could be backups at all three positions.  Angelo Crowell of Buffalo, Kevin Burnett of Dallas, and Keyaron Fox of Pittsburgh are possible starters at outside linebacker.   Fox is also an excellent special teams performer.
 
Finally, the team could look at several safety options although it will have to be at a cap friendly price.  They can offer the chance to compete for a starting job.  Jermaine Phillips of Tampa Bay is an established veteran who will have to move.  Yeremiah Bell of Miami is in a similar situation.  Younger players looking for a starting opportunity such as  James Butler of the Giants, Jim Leonhard of Baltimore, Vincent Fuller of Tennessee, and Sean Consindine of Philadelphia.  All of these players offer value on special teams as well.  It is not likely that Houston will consider many veteran cornerbacks.
 
The combine cleared up a few things for the Texans.  Clay Matthews is a real possibility for the team at 15 along with teammate Brian Cushing.  Right now the Texans look to take a pass rusher and a linebacker with the first two picks.  The defensive end would ideally play on the left side even though Gary Kubiak has hinted that he would consider moving Mario to the left side.  Michael Johnson, Paul Kruger, and Conner Barwin are possibilities along with Youtube sensation Jarron Gilbert.  The team would have to move down from 15 to select any of these or else hope one falls to them in the second round.  I will cover more draft possibilities after the individual workouts start to come in and the early free agent signings have taken place.
 

2/19/09

Going in to the combine the Texans will have a very clear agenda.  The first priority is to resign Dunta Robinson before he hits free agency.  The team does not appear likely to use the franchise tag on Robinson.  There has been productive discussions between the two sides and there is a strong chance that a deal will be reached.  If the team cannot come to terms with Robinson and end up losing him, it will have dramatic implications on the draft.  Cornerback will become the first priority in the draft and Houston will be all but certain to take a corner with the first pick.  In the event this happens, Vanderbilt's D. J. Moore, Illinois'  Vontae Davis and Wake Forest's Alphonso Smith will be the likely choice at 15.
 
If the Texans are able to re-sign Robinson they will look to strengthen the defensive front seven.  At that point it would seem likely that they will look to trade down as players who fit their system will not represent value with the 15th pick.  The only defensive end meriting selection that high is Everette Brown and he will be gone by that point.  Likewise, B.J. Raji is the only defensive tackle that would rate that high.  The team will probably kick the tires on Peria Jerry but will likely look to improve their run defense through free agency or a second day draft selection.  The USC outside linebacking tandem of Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews are probably the best value to fill a team need at that point.  Many draft sights have the Texans looking at Chris Wells or Knowshon Moreno with the 15th pick or perhaps considering a receiver.  It is very unlikely that the team would look in that direction.
 
Assuming the Texans trade down then a pass rushing end becomes more likely.  The hiring of Bill Kollar means the team will probably consider some smaller ends to provide a pass rush opposite Mario Williams.  Late first round possibilities would include Paul Kruger, Robert Ayers or Michael Johnson if he has a strong combine.  It is doubtful that the team would go for 3-4 outside linebacker types Cameron Maybin and Larry English.  The Texans could still go outside linebacker at this point getting better value for Cushing and Matthews.  If that is the case then Houston will certainly pick a DE by the second round.  The previously mentioned ends plus Cincinnati's Connor Barwin will be in the mix.  Don't look for Houston to go for Tyson Jackson or Jarron Gilbert as they are better suited for the 3-4.  A couple more defensive ends to keep an eye on for Texan fans is Lawrence Sidbury of Richmond and Kyle Moore of USC.
 
The Texans will look at other outside linebacker prospects for later in the draft including Ohio St. weakside backer Marcus Freeman, Wisconsin's Jonathan Casillas, South Florida's Tyrone McKenzie, Cal's Zack Follett, and Southern Mississippi underclassman Gerald McRath.  Free safety is another priority although not likely to be addressed until at least the second round and more likely the third or fourth round.  Oregon's Patrick Chung would make sense in the second if he drops to Houston.  The team will also check out Louis Delmas of Western Michigan, Derek Pegues of Mississippi St., Rashad Johnson of Alabama, and Darcel McBath of Texas Tech.
 
Houston will almost certainly take a running back to complement Steve Slaton in the mid to later rounds.  North Carolina St. workhorse Andre Brown, Liberty's Rashad Jennings, Clemson's James Davis, Purdue's Kory Sheets, Oregon's Jeremiah Johnson and Colorado St. workhorse Gartrell Johnson are among a number of running backs that Gary Kubiak will be looking at.  The team also needs to address depth in the offensive line, primarily at guard and center.  Ephraim Salaam does a good job as the swing tackle.  Versatile linemen like Augustus Parrish of Kent St., Xavier Fulton of Illinois, Andy Levitre of Oregon St., and Trevor Canfield of Cincinnati will be checked out as possible middle round selections.  The team will also consider centers Antoine Caldwell of Alabama, Eric Wood of Louisville, Jonathan Luigs of Arkansas and A. Q. Shipley of Penn St.
 
Houston is not likely to make a big splash in free agency.  They will try to retain most of their own free agents and cherry pick veterans who can play a role.  They will look for value in both lines to fill backup roles.  They will also look very closely at the available safeties.  O.J. Atogwe could be a target at free safety.  One name to keep an eye on is Oakland's Shane Lechler.  He would be a significant upgrade at punter and could look to come home.  Lechler played college ball at Texas A&M.  He is from the Houston area as is his wife who played volleyball at Texas A&M.  The team could get a bit of a home town discount.
 

2/10/09

A busy off season just became more complicated for the Houston Texans as they will now face an investigation by the NFL for breaking league rules from the collective bargaining agreement on having contact drills during OTA's.  The video evidence provided by Dan Stevenson along with testimony from other Texans will likely see the Texans lose a week of OTA's this year and Head Coach Gary Kubiak will almost certainly face a fine.  The team is hoping that that will be the extent of the punishment.  If the Texans are found guilty of multiple offenses they could lose a fourth round draft pick.  That spot has been golden for the Texans as of late.
 
The drama surrounding the NFL investigation of the Texans blurs an already busy off-season.  Frank Bush has been promoted to defensive coordinator and the team has hired Bill Kollar from the Buffalo Bills to coach the defensive linemen and David Gibbs from Kansas City to work with the secondary.  The new hirings will have an impact on player personnel decisions.  The team is likely to further emphasize speed on defense and play a more attacking style of football.  The defensive ends the team will look for will now likely include some smaller ends generally thought more suited to the 3-4.  Penn St. DE Aaron Maybin is now a potential first round target as the pass rusher opposite Mario Williams. 
 
Their have been other developments coming out of the club.  It now seems very likely the club will let Anthony Weaver and Morlon Greenwood go as cap casualties this year.  Neither is as productive as the salary they are set to receive.  The likely dismissal of Greenwood means the team could seriously look at one of the outside linebackers available in the first round such as USC's Brian Cushing.  The team has not as of yet come to terms with Dunta Robinson.  He is the only unrestricted free agent who's loss would be devastating to the team.  If Robinson were to depart then the team would certainly draft a corner high in the draft, perhaps even the first round.  The depth of the position makes it seem more likely that it would be a second or third round pick.
 
As for free agency, the team continues to emphasize resigning its key players.  It is hoped that they can keep Robinson on board although it is not likely that he would be franchised by the team.  More modest spending is likely rather than a big splash for high profile players.  It is believed the team will look hard at trying to find a starting free safety via free agency.  The rest of the signings are likely to be modest.
 

1/31/09

The end of the season has been a bit of a rollercoaster for the Houston Texans.  A brilliant home win over the Tennessee Titans in week 15 left them with the hopes of the first winning season in franchise history.  Those hopes were dashed the following week with a miserable performance on the road at Oakland.  The team came back with an outstanding performance at home to defeat a Chicago team playing for a berth in the playoffs.  
 
A review of the whole season leaves reason for optimism for next year.  After a dismal 0-4 start made worse by Hurricane Ivan, the team rebounded to win three straight including a home win over the Dolphins.  That was followed by a brutal stretch with a road loss to Minnesota, a home thrashing at the hands of Baltimore, and the demoralizing Rosenfels meltdown at Indianapolis.  At 3-7 the season seemed lost and Kubiak's job possibly in jeopardy.  The ensuing four game winning streak saw wins at Cleveland and Green Bay along with home wins over divisional rivals Jacksonville and Tennessee.  The team must establish some consistency of performance.  This would be helped in large part by the health of Matt Schaub.
 
The coaching staff appears safe to return next year.  Kubiak will certainly be back and there is no cause for concern among the offensive coaches.  Great strides were made by the offensive line and there is hope for the future.  There is still some question regarding the defense, in particular, coordinator Richard Smith.  A more aggressive approach in the second half of the season has led to better performances by the defense and perhaps has saved Smith's job for another year.  At midseason he seemed certain to get the boot.
 
There is no longer a quarterback controversy in Houston.  Matt Schaub is clearly number one.  The mistakes that plagued Sage Rosenfels in Miami reared their head this season.  He seems likely to return for a final season in Houston before leaving in free agency after next year if the chance for a starting position comes available.  At this point it seems unlikely.  Equally unlikely is the prospect of trading him for a draft pick.  Last year Rosenfels had value but he would likely bring no better than a 6th or 7th round pick and that is not enough to move him.
 
The running back position is at once more clear and also in need of addressing this off season.  Steve Slaton has emerged as a clear number one and as one of the best picks in the entire draft last year.  The cupboard is bare behind him.  Ahman Green will certainly be released this off season to clear cap space.  There is no credible backup on the roster.  Ryan Moats will likely come back to compete for a spot but it is not guaranteed.  Vontae Leach is among the top half-dozen fullbacks in the league.  The Texans may look for a cheap reserve in free agency to share the load with Slaton.  They will not pay over the top as they did with Green.  The team will also likely use a mid round pick on a reserve running back, preferably one with size.
 
Andre Johnson continued to establish himself as one of the top receivers in the league and the team will look to extend his contract.  Kevin Walters is a capable number two and a strong possession receiver.  Andre Davis and Jacoby Jones were a little disappointing as complimentary deep threats but were valuable in the return game.  Dave Anderson emerged as a solid slot receiver and a key target in four receiver sets.  The team may select a receiver later in the draft with the idea of challenging Davis and Jones.  The tight end position is solid with Owen Daniels as a quality starter and Joel Dreesen as a solid backup.  This may be the end of the road for Mark Bruener.  Clark Harris is now likely to be the team's deep snapper in place of Bryan Pittman and also the number three tight end.  The team may make a late round selection at tight end to challenge Dreesen.
 
The offensive line was the most improved position on the team.  Duane Brown made some mistakes against speed rushers but improved throughout the year as the left tackle of the future.  The rest of the starting lineup appears solid.  If the chance to upgrade Mike Brisiel or Chris Myers presents itself the team will not hesitate to do so.  Ephraim Salaam and Kasey Studdard will likely return as backups.  The team could address depth issues in free agency or the draft
 
The defensive line figures to receive the most attention in the offseason.  Badly needed is a pass rusher opposite Mario Williams.  Anthony Weaver will likely be a cap casualty and will not be resigned for a lesser contract.  The team will also have to decide what to do with Travis Johnson.  If there is any market for him he could be traded.  A big run stuffing tackle is also on the shopping list.  The team will consider free agent options at both positions as well as look to the draft.

The linebacking corps has been solid this year.  DeMeco Ryans remains one of the best in the league.  Zach Diles was doing a credible job as a first year starter before being injured and placed on IR.  Kevin Bentley has filled in admirably and is a capable backup across the linebacking corps.  Rookie Xavier Adibi has injected badly needed speed into the defense in the second half of the year playing on the weakside.  He will likely be considered the starter going in to next season.  There is a question whether Morlon Greenwood will be brought back.  It is more a matter of salary than performance and he could be a candidate to restructure his contract.  If not, Greenwood could be a cap casualty as well.  While not necessarily a position of need, the team will not turn away from a chance to make an upgrade.  This could be particularly true on the strong side.  An impact performer with pass rush skills would be ideal.
 
There is clearly a need to improve the playmaking ability in the secondary.  The cornerback position will not be considered a position of priority.  Dunte Robinson makes strides every week and will hopefully return to his dominating performances next year.  Jacques Reeves has been solid on the other side and deserves more credit then is given him by Houston fans.  Antwaun Molden and Fred Bennett will look to challenge Reeves for playing time.  The team may resign Demarcus Faggins if the price is right but he is being passed by younger and cheaper alternatives.  There is a chance a late round pick might be used here.  The safety position is where the team figures to make changes.  A strong free agent market will be explored along with draft alternatives.  Eugene Wilson and Nick Ferguson have been workmanlike but are better suited to reserve roles.  Both are free agents and will come back only if the price is right.  The same can be said of C.C. Brown who is on IR.  Brandon Harrison and Dominique Barber have shown some promise and are solid in special teams.  They will likely be on the team next year.  The status of Will Demps is also up in the air.  Veterans like Sean Jones, Jermaine Phillips, and O.J. Atogwe among others will be considered.  A prime draft pick could also be spent here.
 
The Texans are in the enviable position of having no unrestricted free agent that the team feels it must re-sign.  All of their restricted free agents should draw qualifying offers with the exception of Stanley McClover.  It will be an interesting offseason with the team feeling like the right moves could put them in playoff contention.  Certainly the team will need to have 9-10 wins in order for Kubiak to retain his job.