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***Official Texans Offseason thread*** (1 Viewer)

7th round and last pick Zach Diles LB Kansas Statefrom nfldraftcountdown.com

Strengths:Has adequate size and bulk...Solid tackler...He has sideline-to-sideline range...An instinctive player...Is quick with a burst...Pretty good blitzer...A big hitter...Has a great motor...Real athletic..Closes fast in pursuit...Does a decent job in coverage. Weaknesses:Timed speed is just average...Doesn't have a lot of Division I experience...Needs to play with better pad level...Must get stronger...Poor ball skills...Doesn't like to take on blockers and has trouble shedding...He will get pushed around at times. Notes:JUCO transfer from Fresno City College...Underrated prospect coming off a great senior campaign...Could project to either outside or inside linebacker at the next level...Should at least be a valuable contributor as a backup...Developmental
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Here is my assessment of the Texans draft. I think it was very good, overall.

1 - Okoye :thumbup: The Texans had street free agents starting at DT towards the end of last season. Okoye is a major talent upgrade at a position of need. It's also a pick that demonstrates some patience in the new regime's approach to building a winner. I think it would have been a mistake to pass on Okoye because of his youth.

2 - First installment on Matt Schaub :thumbup: This has been discussed before, but a move was needed imho.

3 - Jacoby Jones :unsure: I thought every defensive unit and the OL had more pressing needs than WR. A track guy conversion to WR project seems like a bit of a reach here. That said, the move shows a commitment to getting Schaub weapons, and Jones' upside makes this intruiging.

4 - Bennett :thumbup: Finally, some help for the secondary. Bennett is still a work in progress, but he's shown the physical tools to play in the NFL. He and the coaches will have to work hard bring his level of play up.

5 - Harrison :thumbup: Now I'm starting to feel that this front office sees reality much more clearly than Charley Casserly's did. The Texans have never had a decent safety, free or strong, in their history. Harrison played well in a bigtime conference and is a solid choice here, that fills a need.

5 - Frye :thumbup: Neither OT spot in Houston is exactly locked up. The team need to bring in more young talent to compete for time. Frye will be a project, but could contribute a few years from now.

6 - Studdard :thumbup: In the late rounds, can could do worse than to draft linemen with an NFL lineage, from major division one programs, who have a nasty streak. Studdard could eventually find a home at RG.

7 - Diles :thumbup: A solid player who dropped because he doesn't have "prototypical" measureables. Wasn' there another Big 12 LB named Zach that was supposed to be too small and slow to play? I'm just sayin...

 
Festivus said:
3 - Jacoby Jones :rolleyes: I thought every defensive unit and the OL had more pressing needs than WR. A track guy conversion to WR project seems like a bit of a reach here. That said, the move shows a commitment to getting Schaub weapons, and Jones' upside makes this intruiging.
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I am pretty happy with this draft as well. A#2 wideout is a pressing need and a track type that can spread the field with good size, is worth a shot
 
I like our 2nd day draft a lot. Bodies at positions of major holes (CB, S) and 2 good prospect/depth type guys for the o'line. Who knows on the LB'er, but it's the 7th round, why not take a shot?

Hopefully one of Bennett or Harrison can fill in admirably and we can cobble together a better 2nd-ary this year. If 1 of those guys or an exisitng player can step it up at corner or safety, it would alleviate some of the big holes to fill for next year's draft.

If Mario, Okoye, Johnson, Weaver can get some pressure and some penetration, that will help out the corner's and safety's immensly. I think the best approach is to build from the line backwards, so I like the way we're going. As young as he is, if Okoye pans out and develops the way every scout seems to think he can, he'll be a force to be reckoned with for 12-15 seasons at least!

At least we won't be the worst team in the division this year. I think the Titans are going to take those honors with their terrible off-season/draft/Madden curse.

 
I've been sitting here debating in my mind the Schaub trade vs "what could have been". Realizing of course we didn't know Quinn would be there, but still, thought I'd take a look.

On one side, we have Schaub and Okoye. On the other side we could have had Quinn, someone like Chris Houston (who was taken by Atlanta with our pick) and our 2nd next year.

No doubt, having the extra player next year with the holes we have would have been nice. But I also think Schaub and Okoye are a significant amount better than Quinn and Houston. Quinn and Schaub are probably at best a wash, with maybe an edge to Schaub since he is used to NFL game speed and can start right away. But Okoye I think will be quite a bit better than Chris Houston (or most of the other guys available to us in the 2nd).

I still think just because of having so many needs, in the short term I'd have rather we not traded for Schaub. But in the longer term, assuming we fill those holes in the next 2 years... we could come out ahead on this one. I at least feel better about the trade than I did before the draft.

 
Houston Texans

OL Tavo Tupola

LB Jon Abbate

QB Jared Zabransky :toilet:

FB Cory Anderson

WR Onrea Jones Hampton guy

P Eric Wilbur

Undrafted Rookie signings

Wish they would have added Kenny Scott DB Georgia Tech to that list. But hey cant get everything right.

 
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Texans undrafted fa

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...nt/4761678.html

So far, according to league officials, the Texans have 13 commitments:

quarterback Jared Zabransky (Boise State),

linebacker Jon Abbate (Wake Forest),

fullback Cory Anderson (Tennessee),

wide receiver Onrea Jones (Hampton),

cornerback Derrick Roberson (Rutgers);

defensive end Deljuan Robinson (Mississippi State),

safety Brandon Mitchell (Ohio State),

tight end Luke Smith-Anderson (Idaho),

defensive end Victor DeGrate, (Oklahoma State),

wide receiver Terry Richardson (Arizona State),

Enoka Lucas (Oregon State),

offensive tackle Tavo Tupola (Utah)

punter Eric Wilbur (Florida).

 
Word is the Texans have signed UDFA RB Darius Walker (Notre Dame). Can anyone confirm this yet? It's apparently supposed to be announced today or tomorrow.

 
Jayded said:
Word is the Texans have signed UDFA RB Darius Walker (Notre Dame). Can anyone confirm this yet? It's apparently supposed to be announced today or tomorrow.
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SO far he's not on the list. I would think he backed out of that signing with the Bears to go back to ND if he didnt hire an agent? :lmao:
 
prymetyme25 said:
Jayded said:
Word is the Texans have signed UDFA RB Darius Walker (Notre Dame). Can anyone confirm this yet? It's apparently supposed to be announced today or tomorrow.
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SO far he's not on the list. I would think he backed out of that signing with the Bears to go back to ND if he didnt hire an agent? :boxing:
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Texans reach agreement with UDFA RB Walker Written by: - ffLiveWire - ¦ 5/9/2007 Source: The Texans have reached agreement with undrafted free agent running back Darius Walker. The former Notre Dame running back is expected to sign later this week.
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looks like we did.
 
prymetyme25 said:
Jayded said:
Word is the Texans have signed UDFA RB Darius Walker (Notre Dame). Can anyone confirm this yet? It's apparently supposed to be announced today or tomorrow.
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SO far he's not on the list. I would think he backed out of that signing with the Bears to go back to ND if he didnt hire an agent? :banned:
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In the nfl once you declare in writing there is no turning back agent or not.
 
coolnerd said:
prymetyme25 said:
Jayded said:
Word is the Texans have signed UDFA RB Darius Walker (Notre Dame). Can anyone confirm this yet? It's apparently supposed to be announced today or tomorrow.
Click to expand...
SO far he's not on the list. I would think he backed out of that signing with the Bears to go back to ND if he didnt hire an agent? :thumbup:
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In the nfl once you declare in writing there is no turning back agent or not.
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Wow didn't know that. Thanks for the info.
 
 
 
prymetyme25 said:
coolnerd said:
OTA links: lots of nothing, but that is par for the course this time of year.

day 1

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3353

day 2

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3357

day 3

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3361

day 4

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3364

day 5

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3366

day 6

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3368

day 7

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Story.asp?story_id=3370
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Thanks CN. Hey I was thinking of catching a few real camp any info on that? tickets and things of that nature?
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On this one I am repeating things that I heard from several people as I no longer live in Houston locally. The rumored word is that Kubiak wants very little public training camp stuff. That said, whenever they announce the public dates (have not to my knowledge) they will also announce how/when they will distribute tickets. If I come across more info, I will post for ya though. Also, often some of the diehards will stand outside with extra if you walk up around the time the practice starts. The tickets are free, so they are not scalping.
 
Hey CN have you heard and buzz around the WR2 slot?

I was a tad surprised we reached for a relative unknown in the 3rd round that seems like a big project; coming from the track side of things and needing further development. I'd like to say I can believe in Walter, but he's yet to step up and show us that he's starter material. I'm wondering if they really have a plan for the passing game outside of Johnson and Daniels.

 
Jayded said:
Hey CN have you heard and buzz around the WR2 slot?I was a tad surprised we reached for a relative unknown in the 3rd round that seems like a big project; coming from the track side of things and needing further development. I'd like to say I can believe in Walter, but he's yet to step up and show us that he's starter material. I'm wondering if they really have a plan for the passing game outside of Johnson and Daniels.
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I really don't think that people should expect Daniels numbers to take off. Carr could not go through his progressions. He would look to his primary read and then immediately check down. His check down receiver, be it Billy Miller, Domanick Davis, or Owen Daniels, always put up big numbers. If Schaub can look to a secondary wr, then I think Daniels numbers will stabilize- he will do more with his targets as he learns the position, but he will get fewer targets.
 
Jayded said:
Hey CN have you heard and buzz around the WR2 slot?I was a tad surprised we reached for a relative unknown in the 3rd round that seems like a big project; coming from the track side of things and needing further development. I'd like to say I can believe in Walter, but he's yet to step up and show us that he's starter material. I'm wondering if they really have a plan for the passing game outside of Johnson and Daniels.
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You have summed up the situation pretty well. The "battle" is Walter, A. Davis, Jones with Walter the man to beat. Not sure if that prospect excites me any, but Kubiak has a good deal of manlove for Walter. Anyway, from the reports above and whatever I have been able to gather, Jones looks really good as a returner, and while they like his attitude has looked like a rookie WR with potential. A. Davis only caught a couple of passes with a similiar type unit (great number 1, and nothing too much after that) with Buffalo. In the last OTA or two reports, there are comments regarding Jerome Mathis, who seems to have a chronic issue with his hamstrings. I am infering from Kubiak's comments Mathis is closer to not being with the Texans than any significant WR role. Unlike the first administration, Kubiak does not seem to be willing to have guys like Mathis, who are one-trick ponies with little value as a position player. Mathis is going to have to stay healthy and show more WR skills to maintain a roster spot. Overall, we will have to watch this one during the off season, but I expect Walter to be the starter at the moment.
 
prymetyme25 said:
coolnerd said:
The Texans sign Bethel Johnson; another "veteran" WR to add to the mix trying to find roles behind Andre Johnson.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports...nt/4953389.html
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I've always liked bethel. I think this could mean the end of the jerome mathis experiment.
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If Mathis could prove healthy and that he has some WR skill besides straightline speed, then he will have a chance, but the Texans aren't waiting for either one of those to happen.
 
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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/4955025.html

July 10, 2007, 12:21AM

ON PRO FOOTBALL

Texans receiving corps still rates below average



By JEROME SOLOMON

Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

The Houston Texans' receiving corps was below average in 2002, below average in 2003, below average in 2004, below average in 2005 and below average in 2006.

To be fair, some of those years the receivers combined to be well below average, so noting their below-average status in a couple of those years are relative compliments.

There have been some changes for 2007, the latest of which is the signing of former Texas A&M star Bethel Johnson on Monday.

With all the changes, the Texans' receiving corps this season will be ... below average again. No need to mess with imperfection.

A year ago coach Gary Kubiak left training camp with Andre Johnson, Eric Moulds and a bunch of guys whose positions could have been listed as "W," as in wide — no need for the receiver tag, considering how little receiving any of them had done.

Derrick Lewis? One career reception. Jerome Mathis? Five career catches. Edell Shepherd? Ten career catches.

Clearly Kevin Walter was the Don Hutson of the group with a whopping 30 catches in three NFL seasons to his credit.

That would likely have been a problem for a team with a quality signal caller. The Texans had David Carr. Yes, Houston had a problem.

Andre Johnson had a career year with team-record highs of 103 catches for 1,147 yards. Moulds was considered a disappointment with 57 receptions for 557 yards and a single touchdown, scored on the first drive of the season.

Walter added 17 receptions to his ledger, Shepherd three and Lewis one. Assuming you are not a professional football player, you caught the same number of balls as Mathis.

Depth upgraded

A couple weeks before training camp, Moulds is out; Walter returns thinking he'll start.

Doesn't sound too promising, does it?

While the Texans don't have a stellar group, they have upgraded depth-wise, and maybe just as importantly, they added a speed element that could make a difference, particularly on special teams.

Free agent André Davis, a track man from Virginia Tech, had 77 catches his first two seasons in Cleveland before injuries slowed him down. We'll see if he can stay healthy and produce.

Old friend Bethel Johnson, one of the fastest players in the 2003 NFL draft, was the top kick return man for two Super Bowl-winning New England Patriots squads.

When healthy and focused, he showed flashes of being a capable receiver. A quarter of his receptions have gone for more than 20 yards during his career, including five for 40 or more yards.

Rookie third-round draft pick Jacoby Jones went to college on a track scholarship and sports a sub-10.3-second 100 meters.

Undrafted rookie free agent Onrea Jones was a high school state track champion in Virginia.

Fellow long-shot rookie Terry Richardson and his 4.4 speed left Arizona State with the school's all-time highest return average.

And Mathis, a Pro Bowl return man, is still on the squad.

Return practice should be entertaining, and preseason games fun to watch. But can any of these guys catch enough balls to keep defenses honest against Andre Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler?

Doubtful.

McCardell would help

Even if Walter proves to be a legitimate No. 2 receiver, a rather big if, the Texans are still lacking in depth if Davis

and/or Bethel Johnson don't earn roster spots and playing time.

That is why it would be nice if Keenan McCardell decides to play for the Texans.

The veteran, who hails from Houston, is waiting to receive a better offer than the Texans' bid. The youngsters can handle the speed and special teams; McCardell would bring experience and professionalism to a group that has a lot to learn.

You can't ignore the effect quarterback Matt Schaub should have. Andre Johnson said he noticed it in offseason workouts.

"When you look at it, the differences that I see is that with David you had to wait on the ball a little bit more," Johnson said a few weeks ago. "With Matt, he's pretty decisive with what he's doing. He's going to get back in his drop and let the ball go. When you're in your route, you don't have to wait on the ball or anything like that."

Quicker-thinking quarterback, faster receivers, a couple of veterans in André Davis and Bethel Johnson ... better offense?

Makes sense.

There should be plenty of passes available to be caught by receivers other than Andre Johnson.

But it wouldn't be wise to risk a fantasy pick on any other Texans wideout just yet.

Listen to Jerome Solomon weekdays from 3-6 p.m. on FM 97.5. jerome.solomon@chron.com

 
BTW, on a radio interview today, Rick smith the Texans GM, stated that they will not pursue Keenan McCardell, but still may look at adding another "veteran"

 
Training camp tickets become available on Monday July 16

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/Trainingcamptickets.asp

* Free tickets are distributed through Wachovia Financial Centers

* Limit 6 tickets per person

* These open practices give fans a chance to watch practice and get their first view of the 2007 Houston Texans football team. Fans have the opportunity to participate in sponsor-related interactive areas throughout the practices.

* Gates open at 7:30 a.m. for morning practices, 2:30 p.m. for afternoon practices and 6:15 p.m. for evening practices.

Open practice schedule:

Saturday July 28 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sunday July 29 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday Aug. 2 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Saturday Aug. 4 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Wednesday Aug.15 7:15 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

 
the sportingnews.com had this update on Charles Spencer

The Texans will be eyeing OT Charles Spencer early in camp. The serious fracture he suffered last season in his knee has healed, but the Texans are concerned about the cartilage. They are still unsure if it survived the injury. The test will come when they throw Spencer out on the practice field to see how his knee takes the work. Spencer was one of the brightest spots on offense last season, winning the starting job at left tackle during training camp. The player the Texans hoped was their long-term answer at a position that has been a long-term problem was injured in Week 2 though. He hopes to return for the season opener, but it all depends on how the knee reacts to his first practices. ...
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