2009 Draft

Texas Homer · 01-01-2009, 12:15 AM

Orakpo, Mays,Maualuga.

I like Michael Johnson as well, but I'd rather have Orakpo.

I think the Texans need to draft a DE first and foremost.

Orakpo is #1 on my board. Orakpo is a little undersized, but makes up for it with his power,motor, and strength. He has been injured a few times, but I still think he is the best DE available.

Michael Johnson; Man this guy is an athletic FREAK(like Orakpo), but in a different way. He is 6'7 and has a very athletic build. The reason that I like Orakpo more is that I think Orakpo would do better on the other side of Mario Williams. I think Orakpo has a higher motor than Johnson and think a high motor guy like Orakpo would do more destruction combined with Mario.

IceKubes · 01-02-2009, 01:12 AM

Three spots I would like to see addressed early are DE, DT, and S. We need a compliment to Slaton and depth elsewhere but those are my top three. Once we get our new defensive coordinator perhaps we will be able to more accurately guess what areas we will target early in the draft and in FA. Can't wait!

America · 01-07-2009, 06:58 PM

Brian Orakpo would be awesome. He's a machine. Maybe I'm a little bias but I think he's an incredible collegiate player and should be even better in the pro's when he develops a bigger arsenal of pass rush moves. He benches 515+...it's insane.

But I doubt he drops to our spot, and I don't think Taylor Mays will either.

HEISMANHERSCHEL · 01-12-2009, 02:08 AM

Got to get another DE. Mario is the only one providing pressure. I would love Osackpo from Texas, but I cant think of a scenario where he makes it this far in the draft. I would think he would go quick...

I like the safety depth this year. I might trade down and take a safety and pick up some other picks. There will be quality safeties in the second round this year.

Runningbacks are a dime a dozen. Can get a good one in the third or fourth, I would think.

This is a HUGE year for Houston. To think, if Sage "Turnover machine" hadnt thrown those games, we might still be watching Texans football...

cunningham06 · 01-17-2009, 11:18 PM

1: William Moore, S Missouri
2: Victor Harris, CB Virginia Tech
3: Will Davis, DE Illinois
4: Antoine Caldwell, C Alabama
5: Tyronne Green, OG Auburn
6: Mitch King, DT Iowa

1: Everette Brown, DE Florida St.
2: Rashad Johnson, S Alabama
3: Fili Moala, DT USC
4: Domonique Johnson, CB Jackson St.
5: Bret Helms, C LSU

Ok here are two quick mocks I've done for our draft, which do you guys like better?

01-27-2009, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cunningham06

1: William Moore, S Missouri
2: Victor Harris, CB Virginia Tech
3: Will Davis, DE Illinois
4: Antoine Caldwell, C Alabama
5: Tyronne Green, OG Auburn
6: Mitch King, DT Iowa

1: Everette Brown, DE Florida St.
2: Rashad Johnson, S Alabama
3: Fili Moala, DT USC
4: Domonique Johnson, CB Jackson St.
5: Bret Helms, C LSU

Ok here are two quick mocks I've done for our draft, which do you guys like better?

I most definitely like the second more. I think that'd be reaching for more at 15.

I think our best case scenario is we trade down and are able to get some real value with our pick.

I agree w/ the OP and while I'd love to see Orapko, I understand it's not likely he'll fall that far, but could you imagine? Or even Michael Johnson, two 6'7" freaks of nature coming off the edge? Sick.

cunningham06 · 01-27-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twelvegage

I most definitely like the second more. I think that'd be reaching for more at 15.

I think our best case scenario is we trade down and are able to get some real value with our pick.

I agree w/ the OP and while I'd love to see Orapko, I understand it's not likely he'll fall that far, but could you imagine? Or even Michael Johnson, two 6'7" freaks of nature coming off the edge? Sick.

Orakpo's workout numbers are gonna be insane, he's gonna go in the top 10. Michael Johnson is a situational pass rusher in the NFL I expect. He is AWFUL against the run, and even his pass rush production in college was nothing special.

Fuzzy Dunlop · 01-28-2009, 10:50 AM

I've seen so many mocks having Houston taking a DE with their first. I just want to know, do Texans fans really want another DE? It would give them a great pass-rush, but where would he play? If you get a guy like Everette Brown, does Williams play the strong End? I think he's much more effective rushing from the weak side. It would just seem to leave the line pretty vulnerable against the run, in my opinion. I think they would be much better off getting a playmaker at DB (which is looking more and more like CB, since no S has mid-1st value right now) and getting a bigger DE, who can stop the run first and rush the passer second, later in the draft. Is there something I'm missing?

BlueGoldGreen · 01-28-2009, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Dunlop

I've seen so many mocks having Houston taking a DE with their first. I just want to know, do Texans fans really want another DE? It would give them a great pass-rush, but where would he play? If you get a guy like Everette Brown, does Williams play the strong End? I think he's much more effective rushing from the weak side. It would just seem to leave the line pretty vulnerable against the run, in my opinion. I think they would be much better off getting a playmaker at DB (which is looking more and more like CB, since no S has mid-1st value right now) and getting a bigger DE, who can stop the run first and rush the passer second, later in the draft. Is there something I'm missing?

Mario Williams is definately a Strongside end, and he actually would probably be a better 3-4 end. He is a freak and is probably top 10 run-stuffing DE in the league, while being a great pass rusher. They definately need a weakside DE that pretty much is a pass rush specialist to take pressure off the rest of the 1st round picks on the d-line.

cunningham06 · 01-28-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueGoldGreen

Mario Williams is definately a Strongside end, and he actually would probably be a better 3-4 end. He is a freak and is probably top 10 run-stuffing DE in the league, while being a great pass rusher. They definately need a weakside DE that pretty much is a pass rush specialist to take pressure off the rest of the 1st round picks on the d-line.

It would be a waste to put Mario in as a 3-4 end. He is perfect as a 4-3 DE, and would be wasted at a position where the end essentially ties up offensive linemen to allow the linebackers to make the play. Mario is a beast off the edge, take the Jacksonville game for example. When the Texans had the lead and forced Jacksonville to pass, play after play Mario was getting tons of pressure/ getting knockdowns on the qb. Mario is doing very well, and shouldn't be tampered with right now due to the success he's having.

While we need a pass rusher across from him, it needs to be someone who isn't a liability against the run, because that is a big weak spot. A DE who is good against the run is huge for a defense, and whoever we get to take the other DE spot across from Mario needs to be somewhat adept at stopping the run. That is why I don't like Michael Johnson, I don't see him doing anything but getting pancaked or run outside of plays.

cunningham06 · 01-28-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Dunlop

I've seen so many mocks having Houston taking a DE with their first. I just want to know, do Texans fans really want another DE? It would give them a great pass-rush, but where would he play? If you get a guy like Everette Brown, does Williams play the strong End? I think he's much more effective rushing from the weak side. It would just seem to leave the line pretty vulnerable against the run, in my opinion. I think they would be much better off getting a playmaker at DB (which is looking more and more like CB, since no S has mid-1st value right now) and getting a bigger DE, who can stop the run first and rush the passer second, later in the draft. Is there something I'm missing?

A big DE isn't really much of a need because that's exactly what Anthony Weaver is. He is really a DT playing DE, HE DIDN'T HAVE A SINGLE SACK AND STARTED 16 GAMES. God does he frustrate me, I don't understand how he is so poor at pass rushing. We don't need a great run stuffer who can't pass rush, or a great pass rusher who gets run over. Someone inbetween is what we need. Everette Brown seems like he would fit the bill. Anyway we don't run a strongside/weakside DE system all that often, we move Mario around a good amount, but for the most part Mario plays the right side.

jjmt2500 · 01-28-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Dunlop

I've seen so many mocks having Houston taking a DE with their first. I just want to know, do Texans fans really want another DE? It would give them a great pass-rush, but where would he play? If you get a guy like Everette Brown, does Williams play the strong End? I think he's much more effective rushing from the weak side. It would just seem to leave the line pretty vulnerable against the run, in my opinion. I think they would be much better off getting a playmaker at DB (which is looking more and more like CB, since no S has mid-1st value right now) and getting a bigger DE, who can stop the run first and rush the passer second, later in the draft. Is there something I'm missing?

Unless we can get a great CB in free agency i dont see them adding a CB. Daunta will be healthy and much better next season(I dont see rick smith letting him get away in free agency) and i still think Bennett can be a good corner. When a QB has all day to throw(which almost every QB we played did), they will make any backfield look bad. We need someone else who can get to the QB. We have no clue what Mario is capable of because we havent seen him with any help. Look at how much better Andre is now that we have other offensive weapons to go along with him. If we dont take a DE with the first pick i would be very suprised, then maybe a playmaker at S in the second round.

Congrats to Owen Daniels for getting to the pro bowl. He should of been in without someone having to drop out.

IceKubes · 01-30-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzzy Dunlop

I've seen so many mocks having Houston taking a DE with their first. I just want to know, do Texans fans really want another DE? It would give them a great pass-rush, but where would he play? If you get a guy like Everette Brown, does Williams play the strong End? I think he's much more effective rushing from the weak side. It would just seem to leave the line pretty vulnerable against the run, in my opinion. I think they would be much better off getting a playmaker at DB (which is looking more and more like CB, since no S has mid-1st value right now) and getting a bigger DE, who can stop the run first and rush the passer second, later in the draft. Is there something I'm missing?

Mario is not strictly a weakside DE for us, he rotates between RE and LE. Having watched every snap of his since he was a rookie I would say he is arguably better on the strongside. It seems like every time he is lined up against RTs he blows right by them, and he makes an impact against the run from either position. The reason most knowledgeable fans would welcome a DE despite all the high draft picks/money already invested on the line is because right now the simple fact is that we have 1 pass rusher on our roster. Anthony Weaver is a 3-4 end playing out of position for us and it hurts the pass rush bad. Okoye has the potential to be a good pass rushing DT but he needs to step up. I don't think getting a 1st round DE will take the pressure off of Mario but all we need is someone that can win some of those 1 on 1 situations they will be in because of all the attention Mario gets because no one on our roster has shown he is capable of doing that with much consistency.

As for the DBs, while we have no one of Mario's calibur, I would argue that our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th string CBs are better (and have more upside) than their conterparts at DE. So if we draft a CB in round 1 that would certainly be an upgrade, just not as large an upgrade as that DE opposite Mario. Fact is that if the value is right the Texans could take just about any position on defense and it would help out, but if there are multiple value picks, and one of those picks happens to be at DE, bet your bottom dollar he will be the pick.

foozball · 02-01-2009, 01:33 PM

Robert Ayers or Paul Kruger in the 2nd

both are big enough to handle LDE at 273lbs and 265lbs respectively. Kruger is a beast against the run and is very stout. Ayers is the better athlete and has more upside as a pass rusher, but is a good run defender in his own right.

jayceheathman · 02-02-2009, 01:12 AM

One pick I would like but I dont think will happen would be BJ Raji. I love him as a player and him next to Omobi Okoye would be sweet. Granted, Anthony Weaver is bad at DE and would be better suited at DT. Another pick that I like that everyone seems to hate is Vontae Davis. Everyone liked him until Scott mentioned he can be hard to work with at times.

HEISMANHERSCHEL · 02-05-2009, 12:34 AM

I agree with everything Cunningham said. Williams is fine where he is, and is a perfect fit for a 4-3 defense.

And as for Cunningham's two mock drafts, the second is far superior. Safeties are not an impact position. There are safeties in the NFL that are game changers, but they are few and far between. Your chances of drafting an Ed Reed-type player are slim and none.

I would without a doubt draft a defensive end in the first round. The more tape I watch, the more confident I feel in saying this. I think there will be starting calibre safties in the second round, but maybe not defensive ends.

One more note, and I hope this gets out before it becomes common knowledge, Johnson from Georgie Tech is a waste. He is an amazing athelete, and I wouldn't dispute that. His physical ability may not be matched by anyone coming out at any position. But his motor is HORRIBLE. If the top two defensive ends are gone when the Texans' first round pick comes up, I would trade down. There will be plenty of safties and outside linebackers to chose from.

Once again***** Buyer be ware on Johnson*****. Don't be tricked by his size/speed ratio. He doesn't play like he wants to win.

J-Hype · 02-12-2009, 05:57 PM

what about okam is he any good ?

datchapin · 02-16-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-Hype

what about okam is he any good ?

Nope. Its a shame how far he fell, I remember if he had come out 1 yr. earlier he was considered a first rounder, then he waited a yr. dropped to the fifth and now he's a fringe player in danger of getting cut if he doesn't shape up.

thenewfeature06 · 02-16-2009, 09:16 PM

d.j. moore or any other physical type corner

America · 02-16-2009, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datchapin

Nope. Its a shame how far he fell, I remember if he had come out 1 yr. earlier he was considered a first rounder, then he waited a yr. dropped to the fifth and now he's a fringe player in danger of getting cut if he doesn't shape up.

Is he really in danger of getting cut. His senior year at Texas was his best. He was never going to get drafted in the 1st. He just had first round potential, that's why he was a 5 star and an All American high school player. He never played up to his ability and people always thought he'd take that next step and emerge as a 1st rounder though. He's a smart guy, I think he'll stick around.

jjmt2500 · 02-17-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by datchapin

Nope. Its a shame how far he fell, I remember if he had come out 1 yr. earlier he was considered a first rounder, then he waited a yr. dropped to the fifth and now he's a fringe player in danger of getting cut if he doesn't shape up.

it was just his first year and he was injuried at one point. D line men take time to develop. hopefully the new d line coach and bush can get the most out of our d line. i think okam can develop into a solid player, give him more time.

datchapin · 02-21-2009, 04:37 PM

Okay, maybe I jumped the gun. Our d-line wasn't that aggressive in playcalling, but as far as our guys performances I hope he steps up. He's got the bulk I just think he should have had a better impact against the run.

datchapin · 02-21-2009, 04:54 PM

Well, I think we're gonna land a good player that'll help us defensively regardless of how the draft unfolds. Our defense is good enough that I think we can take BPA. I don't think there's any DE that'll be available at 15 worth the pick. Brown and Orakpo will be gone. DT Raji will most likely be gone, Jerry would be a good addition, but really.... I want a linebacker. There are alot of good ones this yr. and I would hope to see on in our uniform. Cushing, Mauluga, or Lauranitis would be cool. I'm not saying move Demeco, but both Ray and james got the speed to rush the passer from outside. They would give us more versatility and solidify our Linebacking core. Diles is coming off an injury, Adibi was plaugued by injuries and Greenwood was cut. Our other backups are capable, but getting on in age, adding some youth would be to our benefit. my 2 pesos.

jjmt2500 · 02-21-2009, 08:18 PM

It is starting to look more and more like we will be taking a OLB. The three big name DE are all probably better in a 3-4(plus as datchapin pointed out they will probably be gone), in a 4-3 they are all RDE, so is Mario, and i know that Mario can play LDE but he should play the side he is more comfortable. Right now I think it will be between Cushing and Matthews.

BlueGoldGreen · 02-22-2009, 10:33 PM

I kind of hope we take Rey Maualuga, move DeMeco to the outside, and pick up a WDE or S in round 2