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Lamar Houston rookie DT/DE (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter LBH
- Start date
turnit643
Footballguy
News has been nothing but great for Houston from day 1. Tough, active, athletic, and fearless from all reports. It doesn't look like he's ever going to come off the field. I won't predict huge sack numbers for him, but I am optimistic and if I had to offer a guess ... I think his ability to get a push, fight, and slide off of blockers could lead him to 30+ solos and 8+ sacks as a rookie.
massraider
Footballguy
I personally think his only value will be if he if he stays designated as a DT in DT-required leagues.
Cable explained why Houston was on the field at the end of the game by saying that Houston/Shaugnessy were his 2nd team nickel DEs, and the 1st teamers were Scott/Wimbley. So I think the best Houston owners can hope for is starting at LE on 1st/2nd, and maybe getting into the mix at DT on passing downs. Right now, it seems like he'll give way to Kam or Scott on 3d downs.
He looked very active on Thursday, but both both his sacks were coverage sacks, and he made the play by being relentless, rather than just beating his man straight up. DEs are more and more scarce this year, as teams go to 3-4 more and more, so he might still wind up being a top 25 DE, but I wouldn't go out of my way to acquire him. If he somehow stays listed as a DT on MFL/Yahoo/ESPN, I think he could be a top 10 DT easily.
Cable explained why Houston was on the field at the end of the game by saying that Houston/Shaugnessy were his 2nd team nickel DEs, and the 1st teamers were Scott/Wimbley. So I think the best Houston owners can hope for is starting at LE on 1st/2nd, and maybe getting into the mix at DT on passing downs. Right now, it seems like he'll give way to Kam or Scott on 3d downs.
He looked very active on Thursday, but both both his sacks were coverage sacks, and he made the play by being relentless, rather than just beating his man straight up. DEs are more and more scarce this year, as teams go to 3-4 more and more, so he might still wind up being a top 25 DE, but I wouldn't go out of my way to acquire him. If he somehow stays listed as a DT on MFL/Yahoo/ESPN, I think he could be a top 10 DT easily.
cr8f
Footballguy
Shaunessey a backup too? On gamebook both started at DE. I thought Wimbley and Shaunessey were the starters when in a 4 man line.
massraider
Footballguy
Not a backup, but not on the first-team nickel package. Houston and Shaugnessy started, and on nickel and dime it was Scott and Wimbley, the starting OLBs, that were the DEs. McClain and S Mike Mitchell were the nickel LBs.
This was only one game, and different things can happen. Scott could wind up as a nickel LB (Which I doubt, but you never know), Houston could slide inside next to Seymour, and Shaugnessy or Scott could beat out Wimbley for nickel pass-rushing duties.
The Raiders D is pretty tough to handicap:
Sure things:
McClain--3 down LB.
Seymour--DT. Has really only played DT since camp started. If he is listed as DT, could be a really good fantasy starter. Finally playing under in a 4-3, where he should have been since he was a rookie.
Trevor Scott--3 down LB, but with a caveat: he won't be a LB all three downs. As of now, IMO, Scott is their best pass rusher, and it's not close. He WILL be on the field almost as much as McClain, IMO. But probably pass rusher on passing downs. Worth a roster spot in big-play leagues, won't put up tackle numbers that Howard did at WLB, I am thinking. But in the Cowboys game, Scott was used all over the place, I saw him play WLB, LE, dime MLB; he was everywhere.
Almost sure things:
Tyvon Branch--SS. There is a chance Mike Mitchell is good enough to force Huff off the field. If that happens, I am guessing Branch could move to FS. just conjecture on my part, please don't take as anything more than that. But the Raiders have used MM as a nickel LB, played Branch and MM together in training camp, and there has been no talk of Mitchell not being exactly what they thought they were getting. For a major draft reach that was out with a hamstring injury most of last year, that's surprising as heck to me. It also appears the Raiders D won't be on the field quite as much this year, and I would probably drop Branch past Bell and Pollard.
Lamar Houston--DE. Lock to start at LE, not a big point-producing position historically. And it's not a stretch to see him as an inside nickel rusher. But right now, he's a two down LE. If he is listed as a DT, very draftable. Otherwise.....
Possibly can help fantasy owners:
Mike Mitchell--SS. The aforementioned situation. Mitchell was around the ball a lot in the Cowboys game, and if he winds up at SS, and maybe going to nickel LB, with Huff coming in at S, could really have a nice year. It's a long way from this happening, but in deep IDP leagues, he's not a bad lottery ticket.
Matt Shaugnessy--DE. Raiders love him, and improved every game it seems. I don't buy the Jason Taylor comparison I read round here somewhere, he's not that fast. But he strong, quick and relentless. But right now, on 3rd and long, he's on the sideline. That's no bueno.
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turnit643
Footballguy
Great look at the Raider D, mass.
I loved seeing Scott plugged in at LDE on 3rd's. Would prefer to see Shughnessy getting the call across from him rather than Wimbley, but I have a feeling they're still trying to find the right mix. Agree that Scott is the most dangerous edge rusher we have - no idea how he seems to come clean so often - glad that they are using him.
I'm hoping (expecting) to see some progress from McClain in coverage/pursuit. He looked a bit tentative to me vs. Dallas. Getting to the right places, but never looked like he was flying. I wouldn't be surprised right now to see him lose some 3rd down snaps to another LB that is better in coverage. Not sure that there is one on the current roster though.
I loved seeing Scott plugged in at LDE on 3rd's. Would prefer to see Shughnessy getting the call across from him rather than Wimbley, but I have a feeling they're still trying to find the right mix. Agree that Scott is the most dangerous edge rusher we have - no idea how he seems to come clean so often - glad that they are using him.
I'm hoping (expecting) to see some progress from McClain in coverage/pursuit. He looked a bit tentative to me vs. Dallas. Getting to the right places, but never looked like he was flying. I wouldn't be surprised right now to see him lose some 3rd down snaps to another LB that is better in coverage. Not sure that there is one on the current roster though.
LBH
Footballguy
thanks for the breakdown
massraider
Footballguy
Buried. Might not even be the backup MLB if Travis Goethol has a good camp. Almost no value.
CataclysmicThunder
Footballguy
This was an excellent read. I'm following Mitchell's progress closely. Thanks.
massraider
Footballguy
Running 2nd team as well. Howard's disappearance is bizarre to me. The Raiders are (rightfully so) committed to stopping the run this year, and replaced all three Week 1 starters last year with guys with a bit more sand in their pants. But I always thought Howard would have a place. But Trevor Scott took his WLB job, and looks like a big part of the defense. I thought worst case scenario, he'd be the nickel LB next to McClain, but the Raiders used Scott and Mitchell in that role early in the game. Fantasy-wise, I have a tough time seeing him be relevant this year, unless he gets cut and winds up elsewhere.Portis 26 said:
