Houston Texans sign DE Mario Williams (1 Viewer)

[Don Quixote]

Gore is a good young talent and he averaged almost 5 ypc (4.8).

The point is the 49ers have too many other holes to fill to trade away all their picks.

I'm not saying the 49ers should pull a Ditka, and I don't think anyone is. But if the 49ers can get Bush for the price of 3 picks, or 2 picks and a player or two, I'd do it.

ETA: And trading away the draft is stupid because they do have many other holes, not because of Gore.

 

[Rozelle]

Will they be better off with Mario Williams and DeAngelo Williams or Reggie Bush and the best DE available at 2.01. Much better depth at RB. Time will tell

 

[Jason Wood]

WOW

Houston just lost a LOT of money. Reggie Bush immediately increases ticket sales, jersey sales, etc. In the long run they are losing money even if they paid Mario less.

It could end up working out for them, but Houston definitely took a risky move without much upside.

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

 

[cstu]

WOW

Houston just lost a LOT of money. Reggie Bush immediately increases ticket sales, jersey sales, etc. In the long run they are losing money even if they paid Mario less.

It could end up working out for them, but Houston definitely took a risky move without much upside.

Casserly said he wasn't concerned about the marketing and that McNair said take the player who will help them put together the best team and the fans will be there.

 

[cstu]

Karma may have bit Bush in the rear. First his stupidity might cause serious damage to USC and then he loses certain millions in this signing. Worse yet, he could end up in a situation like NO, where they already have a monster RB.

Can't help but think he brought it upon himself, and just a few weeks ago there was nary a negative thing about Bush out there.

He's now Earl Bush.

 

[Texasmouth]

Has anyone given a thought to the Texans trading away the rights to Mario to a team that wants him more......and still draft Bush?

I hate my Texans now.

Sumbeeotches!

So, the Texans have two first round picks?

 

[Texasmouth]

Gore is a good young talent and he averaged almost 5 ypc (4.8).

The point is the 49ers have too many other holes to fill to trade away all their picks.

I'm not saying the 49ers should pull a Ditka, and I don't think anyone is. But if the 49ers can get Bush for the price of 3 picks, or 2 picks and a player or two, I'd do it.

ETA: And trading away the draft is stupid because they do have many other holes, not because of Gore.

For real, go back and read my replies, I have said EXACTLY that at least three times.

 

[ExaltedOne]

This smacks of being cheap.

The Houston Texans are the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of the NFL.

Somebody throw a bat at Casserly.  I'll bet his hair doesn't move.

Williams signed a huge deal with $26.5 million guaranteed.

Word is it's more than they offered Bush.Idiots.

Hey Exalted...why do you think this was an "idiot" move?Here's what we know...

1) For weeks Houston has maintained it held Mario and Bush in equal regard

2) All things being equal, DE was a bigger need for Houston

3) All things being equal, an All Pro DE is worth more than an All Pro RB

4) Ron Wolf reported that six out of six GMs he's close with rated Williams the best player, not Bush

5) Some questionable, and yet-to-be-understood issues have arisen with Bush in the last week...Mario Williams is a clean slate

While I agree with ou that Bush PROBABLY will make them regret this move...it's hardly something that's an overtly bad decision.

I don't think Mario is as good as advertised. He was not impressive in college. He got most of his sacks against bad teams in garbage time. He was playing opposite an absolute stud in Manny Lawson (who I think has a good chance at DROY) and very good defensive tackles. He has great size but I think he's a better fit as a 3-4 end and Houston is switching to a 4-3.I think this will be devastating to the Texans from a fan standpoint. He's a very unsexy pick. The fans were already upset at them dissing hometown favorite Vince Young, and now rather than grabbing the biggest name in college football they grab a defensive end who only had 14 sacks?

Courtney Brown pt. 2.

 

[Toxic Gatorade]

Has anyone given a thought to the Texans trading away the rights to Mario to a team that wants him more......and still draft Bush?

I hate my Texans now.

Sumbeeotches!

So, the Texans have two first round picks?

No.........what I'm saying is that alot of teams projected Mario as the best talent in the draft. And if another team were hoping he would fall to them, then this news just bit them in the ####.Would anyone trade up for Mario now? Follow me?

 

[myhousekey]

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

My phone has been ringing off the hook with Houston fans who are sick to their stomach. The move is definitely going to hurt fan support.

 

[Marvelous]

This isnt a good posting. Turn your TV on and watch it for yourself. The deal is SIGNED. Different than offering a contract. Once a deal is signed it is done.

Sure. I'm sure I was wrong to suspect that it was a ploy. I still do stick by the point I was making, which is that the deal that's signed only means anything if the Texans actually select Williams. Nothing in the deal forces them to select him. They would be completely in their rights to select Bush tomorrow, in which case the deal would go out of the window. In strict legal terms, they cannot sign Williams to a contract yet because he is not officially theirs yet. He will only be theirs once his name is called out tomorrow. What they are signing is an expression of INTENT, ie we WILL sign you to this contract WHEN we draft you.But if Williams falls out of bed tomorrow and tears his ACL they could draft and sign someone else with no consequence. That's a deliberately absurd example, and it obviously won't happen, but I just bring it up to illustrate my point.

So far I have read 3 pages of this non-sense. NFL rules states once the top pick is signed, they are drafted. I don't know if they even go through the formality of turning in a card to start the draft. Tags could just announce it right off the bat and put NO on the clock.

 

[AB in DC]

WOW

Houston just lost a LOT of money. Reggie Bush immediately increases ticket sales, jersey sales, etc. In the long run they are losing money even if they paid Mario less.

It could end up working out for them, but Houston definitely took a risky move without much upside.

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

 

[Don Quixote]

Gore is a good young talent and he averaged almost 5 ypc (4.8).

The point is the 49ers have too many other holes to fill to trade away all their picks.

I'm not saying the 49ers should pull a Ditka, and I don't think anyone is. But if the 49ers can get Bush for the price of 3 picks, or 2 picks and a player or two, I'd do it.

ETA: And trading away the draft is stupid because they do have many other holes, not because of Gore.

For real, go back and read my replies, I have said EXACTLY that at least three times.

You have, I agree. Confused you with the "dickey moe" guy who has been going on about Gore's 600+ yards last year.

 

[Texasmouth]

Len pasquerinellisandwich is reporting on ESPN radio now that the Saints have spoken with Reggie Bush's agent and are assuring him that he will be the next pick in the draft.....

I love it, they are going to drive this price up so high...... come on Jets.....Bush belongs on the big stage.

 

[myhousekey]

Interesting sidenote...Bush never visited the Saints facilities in New Orleans.

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/...13770278430.xml

The Saints visited with five of the top six NFL draft prospects in the past two days, narrowing down their choice for the April 29-30 draft or attempting to generate interest in a trade by entertaining players they might have no intention of picking.

New Orleans has the second pick in the draft.

Only Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, a running back from Southern California who was invited but had scheduling conflicts, did not attend the Saints' group and individual meetings.

Attending an informal gathering Tuesday night at a local hotel were North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk.

Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2004, did not arrive in New Orleans until midday Wednesday, and was scheduled to meet with the coaching staff the rest of the afternoon and evening. He is scheduled to fly to Oakland, Calif., this morning to visit with the Raiders.

 

[Texasmouth]

Gore is a good young talent and he averaged almost 5 ypc (4.8).

The point is the 49ers have too many other holes to fill to trade away all their picks.

I'm not saying the 49ers should pull a Ditka, and I don't think anyone is. But if the 49ers can get Bush for the price of 3 picks, or 2 picks and a player or two, I'd do it.

ETA: And trading away the draft is stupid because they do have many other holes, not because of Gore.

For real, go back and read my replies, I have said EXACTLY that at least three times.

You have, I agree. Confused you with the "dickey moe" guy who has been going on about Gore's 600+ yards last year.

No, i did mention that Gore had 600 yards rushing. No way in a billion years am I saying that the 49ers shouldn't trade based on Gore, just that they will be ok with Gore and have too many other holes to fill to trade away three possible starters for one guy, even if that guy is the second coming of Christ himself.....

 

[Texasmouth]

Interesting sidenote...Bush never visited the Saints facilities in New Orleans.

http://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/...13770278430.xml

The Saints visited with five of the top six NFL draft prospects in the past two days, narrowing down their choice for the April 29-30 draft or attempting to generate interest in a trade by entertaining players they might have no intention of picking.

New Orleans has the second pick in the draft.

Only Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, a running back from Southern California who was invited but had scheduling conflicts, did not attend the Saints' group and individual meetings.

Attending an informal gathering Tuesday night at a local hotel were North Carolina State defensive end Mario Williams, Maryland tight end Vernon Davis, Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Ohio State linebacker A.J. Hawk.

Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2004, did not arrive in New Orleans until midday Wednesday, and was scheduled to meet with the coaching staff the rest of the afternoon and evening. He is scheduled to fly to Oakland, Calif., this morning to visit with the Raiders.

I am sure they have his DVD though........

 

[Portis 26]

So far I have read 3 pages of this non-sense. NFL rules states once the top pick is signed, they are drafted. I don't know if they even go through the formality of turning in a card to start the draft. Tags could just announce it right off the bat and put NO on the clock.

I'm sure you're right. What's confusing is that NFL.com talks of the Texans signing him and then "planning" to draft him. You either draft him by signing him, or you don't. That's where the ambiguity is coming from. It may be that the NFL's own website is unaware of its own rules.

 

[ILUVBEER99]

WOW

Houston just lost a LOT of money. Reggie Bush immediately increases ticket sales, jersey sales, etc. In the long run they are losing money even if they paid Mario less.

It could end up working out for them, but Houston definitely took a risky move without much upside.

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

Houston sells out every game? I'm kind of shocked, granted i only get to watch a couple Houston games a year, but when i saw them the stadium didn't look sold out.Whether they are top five or not is kind of irrelevant, even if they were first, why not increase the revenue even more. Bush is a marketing dream, if he is everything people think he is he could become the main face of the NFL.

But winning is the ultimate goal, so if Houston truly believes Mario wil help their team win more than Bush than Kudos to them for not being lured by the Reggie hype.

 

[Texasmouth]

So far I have read 3 pages of this non-sense. NFL rules states once the top pick is signed, they are drafted. I don't know if they even go through the formality of turning in a card to start the draft. Tags could just announce it right off the bat and put NO on the clock.

I'm sure you're right. What's confusing is that NFL.com talks of the Texans signing him and then "planning" to draft him. You either draft him by signing him, or you don't. That's where the ambiguity is coming from. It may be that the NFL's own website is unaware of its own rules.

Come on Portis, they are planning to draft him because the draft isn't until tommorow. They cant draft him today, the media isnt there. The draft takes place tommorow, they cant officially "draft" anyone until the draft starts tommorow but now they have to draft him because the contract IS signed.

 

[Jason Wood]

This smacks of being cheap.

The Houston Texans are the Tampa Bay Devil Rays of the NFL.

Somebody throw a bat at Casserly.  I'll bet his hair doesn't move.

Williams signed a huge deal with $26.5 million guaranteed.

Word is it's more than they offered Bush.Idiots.

Hey Exalted...why do you think this was an "idiot" move?Here's what we know...

1) For weeks Houston has maintained it held Mario and Bush in equal regard

2) All things being equal, DE was a bigger need for Houston

3) All things being equal, an All Pro DE is worth more than an All Pro RB

4) Ron Wolf reported that six out of six GMs he's close with rated Williams the best player, not Bush

5) Some questionable, and yet-to-be-understood issues have arisen with Bush in the last week...Mario Williams is a clean slate

While I agree with ou that Bush PROBABLY will make them regret this move...it's hardly something that's an overtly bad decision.

I don't think Mario is as good as advertised. He was not impressive in college. He got most of his sacks against bad teams in garbage time. He was playing opposite an absolute stud in Manny Lawson (who I think has a good chance at DROY) and very good defensive tackles. He has great size but I think he's a better fit as a 3-4 end and Houston is switching to a 4-3.I think this will be devastating to the Texans from a fan standpoint. He's a very unsexy pick. The fans were already upset at them dissing hometown favorite Vince Young, and now rather than grabbing the biggest name in college football they grab a defensive end who only had 14 sacks?

Courtney Brown pt. 2.

I'm not sure where to begin...1) A 6'6", 300 pound, 2-way defensive end isn't an "unsexy" pick

2) Winning is the cure all for fan support

3) One player doesn't hurt ticket sales..again, Houston already sells out every game and is a top 5 revenue team and that's WITH a losing record every year

4) Here's a hint...it's not Mario that was good because of Manny, it's the other way around

5) Only 14 sacks!?!?? He had 14.5 sacks which was 4th in the entire nation. Only seven players in NCAA D-1 had 10 or more sacks this year.

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

My phone has been ringing off the hook with Houston fans who are sick to their stomach. The move is definitely going to hurt fan support.

If NFL GMs based their draft decisions on what the consensus fans wanted, they would be out of their jobs VERY quickly. The Eagles fans hated the McNabb pick. The Colts hated taking James over Ricky Williams. Rams fans hated the selection of Orlando Pace 1st overall. If Mario Williams is as dominant a DE as a great many personnel executives expect, they'll LOVE the guy.

 

[Texasmouth]

WOW

Houston just lost a LOT of money. Reggie Bush immediately increases ticket sales, jersey sales, etc. In the long run they are losing money even if they paid Mario less.

It could end up working out for them, but Houston definitely took a risky move without much upside.

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

Houston sells out every game? I'm kind of shocked, granted i only get to watch a couple Houston games a year, but when i saw them the stadium didn't look sold out.Whether they are top five or not is kind of irrelevant, even if they were first, why not increase the revenue even more. Bush is a marketing dream, if he is everything people think he is he could become the main face of the NFL.

But winning is the ultimate goal, so if Houston truly believes Mario wil help their team win more than Bush than Kudos to them for not being lured by the Reggie hype.

Houston definately sells out every game. Houston is a huge city with a great fan base......Well, they HAD a great fan base, not so sure now......

 

[Kleck.]

If NFL GMs based their draft decisions on what the consensus fans wanted, they would be out of their jobs VERY quickly.

Woodrow's on a roll tonight.

 

[ILUVBEER99]

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

My phone has been ringing off the hook with Houston fans who are sick to their stomach. The move is definitely going to hurt fan support.

and the people you know are probably educated football fans, just think of the general fans, their probably even more pissed at the Texans.This was a balsy balsy move that could alienate many fans unless they start making the playoffs very soon.

 

[Jason Wood]

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

My phone has been ringing off the hook with Houston fans who are sick to their stomach. The move is definitely going to hurt fan support.

and the people you know are probably educated football fans, just think of the general fans, their probably even more pissed at the Texans.This was a balsy balsy move that could alienate many fans unless they start making the playoffs very soon.

Guys, this is the NFL...people don't abandon teams because they don't draft the guy they really wanted.

 

[tri-man 47]

Will they be better off with Mario Williams and DeAngelo Williams or Reggie Bush and the best DE available at 2.01. Much better depth at RB. Time will tell

I believe this is the key point to the whole situation. It will be interesting to see who they take at 2.1 - RB or fill another need? If it's a running back ...talk about the pressure on that player!

Of course, all of this is driving me nuts since I have Cedric Houston and Chris Brown in my main keeper league.

 

[Bailiver]

The Saints were talking to Green Bay about Walker right?  I wonder if they are on the phone talking a package including Walker, picks and swapping spots?

Probably too fantasy friendly to happen, BUT Javon Walker plus the 5th for the 2nd? That's fairly equivalent value actually.

I like that deal, but:A) the Saints would want to give Walker a physical first; and

B) they probably would want to talk to Walker about a new contract

And there just isn't time.

 

[myhousekey]

If NFL GMs based their draft decisions on what the consensus fans wanted, they would be out of their jobs VERY quickly.

You are right, but the fans buy the tickets and the merchandise. If the team isn't winning now they'll blame the pick for years to come. Picking Bush would have been a no brainer marketing move. (If Bush is as advertised it will be even worse)Calls I just got from a few Texans fans...."Even if they were getting killed, with Bush at least I'd have a reason to watch. I'm going to start rooting for the Cowboys."

 

[Capella]

Mario Williams likely could have been had pick four or so. Not getting value out of what was a very valuable commodity is what's stupid here -- not taking Mario over Reggie.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I never thought Bush made that much sense for Houston. I think a trade down was a better option for them but Williams draft stock has definitely risen enough for this to make sense. Their defensive line has been a huge weakness ever since they entered the league.

Good RBs are much, much easier to find than DEs. They can build up the team and rely on DDavis and then try to add a stud rookie RB in a year or two. Bush is pretty special and tough to pass up, but Williams could be too.

 

[Bailiver]

WOW

Houston just lost a LOT of money.  Reggie Bush immediately increases ticket sales, jersey sales, etc.  In the long run they are losing money even if they paid Mario less.

It could end up working out for them, but Houston definitely took a risky move without much upside.

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

Houston sells out every game? I'm kind of shocked, granted i only get to watch a couple Houston games a year, but when i saw them the stadium didn't look sold out.Whether they are top five or not is kind of irrelevant, even if they were first, why not increase the revenue even more. Bush is a marketing dream, if he is everything people think he is he could become the main face of the NFL.

But winning is the ultimate goal, so if Houston truly believes Mario wil help their team win more than Bush than Kudos to them for not being lured by the Reggie hype.

Houston definately sells out every game. Houston is a huge city with a great fan base......Well, they HAD a great fan base, not so sure now......

I didn't know the Texans franchise was so successful. Why the heck did the Oilers ever move to Nashville?

 

[ILUVBEER99]

1) Houston is one of the top-five revenue generating teams in the NFL already

2) Houston sells out every game

3) NFL teams don't keep jersey sales, it's split amongst the teams

4) They're not giving Mario Williams a discount

My phone has been ringing off the hook with Houston fans who are sick to their stomach. The move is definitely going to hurt fan support.

and the people you know are probably educated football fans, just think of the general fans, their probably even more pissed at the Texans.This was a balsy balsy move that could alienate many fans unless they start making the playoffs very soon.

Guys, this is the NFL...people don't abandon teams because they don't draft the guy they really wanted.

If it doesn't turn out and Houston continues losing it could. It isn't like the Texans have been around forever and have a loyal fanbase like the Packers/Steelers/etc.Reggie Bush would have instantly became the face of the Texans. Fans around the country all know who Reggie Bush is, very very few know much if anything about Mario.

 

[LHUCKS]

Mario Williams likely could have been had pick four or so. Not getting value out of what was a very valuable commodity is what's stupid here -- not taking Mario over Reggie.

I'm not so sure about that, a lot of analysts had Mario going to the Saints. But I agree with the premise that they could have gotten quite a bit of value for the #1 this year.

 

[Yenrub]

Go Wolfpack

 

[Bailiver]

Mario Williams likely could have been had pick four or so. Not getting value out of what was a very valuable commodity is what's stupid here -- not taking Mario over Reggie.

Good point. The only upside that I see for Houson is that this way the Texans get their 1st round pick signed and in training camp early.

 

[Jason Wood]

The Saints were talking to Green Bay about Walker right?  I wonder if they are on the phone talking a package including Walker, picks and swapping spots?

Probably too fantasy friendly to happen, BUT Javon Walker plus the 5th for the 2nd? That's fairly equivalent value actually.

I like that deal, but:A) the Saints would want to give Walker a physical first; and

B) they probably would want to talk to Walker about a new contract

And there just isn't time.

If NFL GMs based their draft decisions on what the consensus fans wanted, they would be out of their jobs VERY quickly.

You are right, but the fans buy the tickets and the merchandise. If the team isn't winning now they'll blame the pick for years to come. Picking Bush would have been a no brainer marketing move. (If Bush is as advertised it will be even worse)Calls I just got from a few Texans fans...."Even if they were getting killed, with Bush at least I'd have a reason to watch. I'm going to start rooting for the Cowboys."

If Casserly believes Mario Williams makes the Texans a playoff team...this was the right move. Texans fans will be LOVING this kid if he gets double digit sacks and helps push Houston into the 'offs for the first time.For God's sake...Giants fans were livid when the Eli Manning trade almost fell through because Accorsi wouldn't include a little-known DE named Osi Umenyora in the Rivers/Manning trade...a few years later and Osi is one of the best DEs in the entire league.

Honestly, who CARES what the fans think on draft day. Last year Lions fans were sure their team had a grand slam draft. A lot of good that did them.

Let's look at my team, the Eagles...

1) When the Eagles drafted Donovan McNabb...fans lost their minds (they were wrong)

2) When the Eagles drafted Freddie Mitchell...fans loved it (they were wrong)

3) When the Eagles drafted 3 DBs in the first 2 rounds (Sheppard, Brown, Lewis) despite having 3 Pro Bowlers in the secondary already...fans lost their minds (they were wrong)

4) When the Eagles traded up for Jerome McDougle...fans liked it (they were wrong)

 

[ExaltedOne]

The Saints were talking to Green Bay about Walker right?  I wonder if they are on the phone talking a package including Walker, picks and swapping spots?

Probably too fantasy friendly to happen, BUT Javon Walker plus the 5th for the 2nd? That's fairly equivalent value actually.

I like that deal, but:A) the Saints would want to give Walker a physical first; and

B) they probably would want to talk to Walker about a new contract

And there just isn't time.

If NFL GMs based their draft decisions on what the consensus fans wanted, they would be out of their jobs VERY quickly.

You are right, but the fans buy the tickets and the merchandise. If the team isn't winning now they'll blame the pick for years to come. Picking Bush would have been a no brainer marketing move. (If Bush is as advertised it will be even worse)Calls I just got from a few Texans fans...."Even if they were getting killed, with Bush at least I'd have a reason to watch. I'm going to start rooting for the Cowboys."

If Casserly believes Mario Williams makes the Texans a playoff team...this was the right move. Texans fans will be LOVING this kid if he gets double digit sacks and helps push Houston into the 'offs for the first time.For God's sake...Giants fans were livid when the Eli Manning trade almost fell through because Accorsi wouldn't include a little-known DE named Osi Umenyora in the Rivers/Manning trade...a few years later and Osi is one of the best DEs in the entire league.

Honestly, who CARES what the fans think on draft day. Last year Lions fans were sure their team had a grand slam draft. A lot of good that did them.

Let's look at my team, the Eagles...

1) When the Eagles drafted Donovan McNabb...fans lost their minds (they were wrong)

2) When the Eagles drafted Freddie Mitchell...fans loved it (they were wrong)

3) When the Eagles drafted 3 DBs in the first 2 rounds (Sheppard, Brown, Lewis) despite having 3 Pro Bowlers in the secondary already...fans lost their minds (they were wrong)

4) When the Eagles traded up for Jerome McDougle...fans liked it (they were wrong)

Actually I'm pretty sure most people agreed that the Lions were morons for taking a receiver for the third year in a row.

 

[BoltzNBrew]

Don't care if this is a honda....

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9404184

Williams and the Texans reached agreement Friday night on a six-year, $54 million deal that includes $26.5 million worth of guaranteed money, according to a source close to the contract. Should Williams finish in the top five in the league in sacks or get 12 sacks in any one season, the value of the deal balloons to $62 million.

The deal -- which is not yet signed and will be finalized in writing over the next few days -- represents a 10.5 percent increase over the six-year, $49.5 million contract that the San Francisco 49ers awarded last year's No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Alex Smith.

One of the best aspects of Williams' deal is that he will count only $2.9 million against Houston's salary cap this season.

 

[Don Quixote]

Gore is a good young talent and he averaged almost 5 ypc (4.8).

The point is the 49ers have too many other holes to fill to trade away all their picks.

I'm not saying the 49ers should pull a Ditka, and I don't think anyone is. But if the 49ers can get Bush for the price of 3 picks, or 2 picks and a player or two, I'd do it.

ETA: And trading away the draft is stupid because they do have many other holes, not because of Gore.

For real, go back and read my replies, I have said EXACTLY that at least three times.

You have, I agree. Confused you with the "dickey moe" guy who has been going on about Gore's 600+ yards last year.

No, i did mention that Gore had 600 yards rushing. No way in a billion years am I saying that the 49ers shouldn't trade based on Gore, just that they will be ok with Gore and have too many other holes to fill to trade away three possible starters for one guy, even if that guy is the second coming of Christ himself.....

Sorry, missed the tag team effort. I just think if the 49ers had the opportunity to do something like the Giants did to get Eli, I would. Maybe the Chargers came out ahead in that deal (Rivers and using a subsequent pick to get Merriman). But still a reasonable deal to make. And it's not like the 49ers have been blowing the world away with their scouting abilities the past few years, so I'd take the surest bet if I were them.

 

[myhousekey]

=If Casserly believes Mario Williams makes the Texans a playoff team...this was the right move. Texans fans will be LOVING this kid if he gets double digit sacks and helps push Houston into the 'offs for the first time.

Honestly, who CARES what the fans think on draft day. Last year Lions fans were sure their team had a grand slam draft. A lot of good that did them.

Let's look at my team, the Eagles...

1) When the Eagles drafted Donovan McNabb...fans lost their minds (they were wrong)

2) When the Eagles drafted Freddie Mitchell...fans loved it (they were wrong)

3) When the Eagles drafted 3 DBs in the first 2 rounds (Sheppard, Brown, Lewis) despite having 3 Pro Bowlers in the secondary already...fans lost their minds (they were wrong)

4) When the Eagles traded up for Jerome McDougle...fans liked it (they were wrong)

I see your point. I'm just not sold on Williams. Just a difference of opinion.As far as the Eagles fans.....maybe that says something about their football IQ (Sorry I had to take a swing at that softball)

 

[SmooveB23]

So where is the best place for Bush to end up fantasy-wise ? I'm a future owner as I have the 1.1 pick coming up in a few days.

As a Dolphin fan I'd throw up in my mouth if he ends up with the Jets.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

So far I have read 3 pages of this non-sense. NFL rules states once the top pick is signed, they are drafted. I don't know if they even go through the formality of turning in a card to start the draft. Tags could just announce it right off the bat and put NO on the clock.

I'm sure you're right. What's confusing is that NFL.com talks of the Texans signing him and then "planning" to draft him. You either draft him by signing him, or you don't. That's where the ambiguity is coming from. It may be that the NFL's own website is unaware of its own rules.

If anyone has a link to the NFL Draft Rules, please post. I haven't been able to find it.IIRC, the team with the 1st pick is on the clock as of the end of the Super Bowl and can negotiate a contract with their intended selection.

However - even if they agree on terms - they cannot officially select him until the draft (Noon tomorrow), so even if they "sign" him he is not officially a Texan until then. That's my understanding, and I'm still looking for verification that this is the case in one direction or the other. That would also preclude the Saints from reaching terms on Bush (or someone else) at 2.

It is a moot point because Mario is a Texan for all intents and purposes.

 

[Joe Bryant]

5 years from now this could be looked back on as one of the biggest draft blunders in recent memory.

Sadly yes. Even if it's not. If both guys go on to be stars, Bush will by far get more hype. It would be a LaDainian Tomlinson vs Julius Peppers thing.J

 

[Joe Bryant]

PHENOMENAL! Re-do all the mocks, let the spin begin everywhere.

I have to give Mort credit, I listened to McShay, Mayock, Kiper, GM Jr. and Mort today and Mort is the only one that said this was going to happen. He said everyone wrongly assumed the Texans were using Williams as leverage but they really did see him as the #1 guy.

Mort also said that Ron Wolf keeps in touch with six current GMs on a regular basis and, for the first time since Wolf retired, all six GMs have a unanimous opinion on which player was the best prospect...Mario Williams.

With you Jason. to Mort.J

 

[Portis 26]

Honestly, who CARES what the fans think on draft day

When the Jets drafted KYLE BRADY, the fans hated it (the fans were right)When the Jets drafted ANTHONY BECHT, the fans hated it (the fans were right)When the Jets drafted ... I'm sure you see the pattern here.

 

[wadegarrett]

Just got in.

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[ILUVBEER99]

The Saints were talking to Green Bay about Walker right? I wonder if they are on the phone talking a package including Walker, picks and swapping spots?

Probably too fantasy friendly to happen, BUT Javon Walker plus the 5th for the 2nd? That's fairly equivalent value actually.

I like that deal, but:A) the Saints would want to give Walker a physical first; and

B) they probably would want to talk to Walker about a new contract

And there just isn't time.

If NFL GMs based their draft decisions on what the consensus fans wanted, they would be out of their jobs VERY quickly.

You are right, but the fans buy the tickets and the merchandise. If the team isn't winning now they'll blame the pick for years to come. Picking Bush would have been a no brainer marketing move. (If Bush is as advertised it will be even worse)Calls I just got from a few Texans fans...."Even if they were getting killed, with Bush at least I'd have a reason to watch. I'm going to start rooting for the Cowboys."

If Casserly believes Mario Williams makes the Texans a playoff team...this was the right move. Texans fans will be LOVING this kid if he gets double digit sacks and helps push Houston into the 'offs for the first time.

I definitely agree that if Casserly believes Mario makes them better than Bush in the short and long term then from a football standpoint you take Mario.But the upside isn't close.

Texans fans will be loving Mario if he does we'll and the team starts winning.

NO/NYJ/Whoever fans + Fans around the whole country will be loving Reggie Bush if he perfomes as expected and the team does well.

 

[Dave Baker]

5 years from now this could be looked back on as one of the biggest draft blunders in recent memory.

Sadly yes. Even if it's not. If both guys go on to be stars, Bush will by far get more hype. It would be a LaDainian Tomlinson vs Julius Peppers thing.J

I have already said I think it will be a mistake, but a great DE, like Peppers, is much harder to find than a great RB. LT vs Peppers? Peppers every day of the week and twice on Sundays. The question, though, is will Williams be the next Peppers?As much as I like Williams, I feel the odds of him being a Peppers-like player are worse than Bush being a LT talent.

 

[Houston turmOiler]

F*** Charley Casserly. Of course he's going to cease being the GM right after the draft. Every time we make a good move this sh**head blows it with a horrible one. It was starting to come together, can't wait to see (anyone got another Phillip Buchanon or a Jason Babin available, we'll trade you all these mid-round picks) what this idiot comes up with for the 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 picks. Worried about how much money you'll have tied up at RB (Davis/Bush) or QB (Carr/Young)? Well, how many frigging defensive linemen can you possibly pay? Robaire Smith, Seth Payne, Travis Johnson, Anthony Weaver (whom this idiot just signed to big money to play Williams' position) and Mario? Not to mention Peek (highest tender) and Babin as well. You'd think these guys were the freaking New York Sack Exchange for how much money Casserly has tied up in the DL. Somehow I doubt we'll see an opposing QB with a dirty uniform, just like always.

Christ, Carr sucks anyway and I think Casserly's the only one who can't see it. How many years and excuses does it take to see that? Gonna wait 'til Carr retires before you figure out he sucks? I would've been fine with taking Bush if you really wanted to take another year to evaluate Carr with a new coaching staff, but this totally blows. Might as well have just taken Young, made all the locals happy, and let a new GM start building from there. Now we get to watch Bush become Gale Sayers for somebody else and VY bash our heads in twice a year for the worst possible team ever, the Titans. I'd continue but I think any further comments might get me arrested....

:X :X :X :X :X :X :X :X :X :X

 

[Joe Bryant]

There must be more to it than what we are hearing......

that's what I'm thinking

Hi Lhucks,Why do you think that? I'm hearing other folks say what Mort was saying in that lots of GMs saw Williams as #1.

J