RookieLB Not named AJ, ESimms, D.Jackson, Greenway (1 Viewer)

[gregjcross]

 

[Jene Bramel]

Voted Ryans -- but he won't come from nowhere.James Anderson would be the "from nowhere" pick.

 

[gregjcross]

based on talent it seems Rocky Mcintosh would be as good as anyone, but i dont see him scoring over marcus washington and Lemar Marshall in WAS. Holdman couldnt do it.

 

Voted Ryans -- but he won't come from nowhere.James Anderson would be the "from nowhere" pick.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Gaither for PHI.

 

[Rozelle]

Ryans... he shouldn't be on a "come from nowhere list"

DeMeco should start from get go at one of the LB positions, prolly will or mike. Should be a very productive IDP rookie. As good a chance as any rookie to lead his team in tackles.

 

[Tick]

I'd put Ryans ahead of Jackson.

 

[gregjcross]

Demeco Ryans: Based on some of the pre-draft stuff i read, it sounds to me like *(yet) another bad strategy pick by the Texans. I just dont like him for some reason, especially with the high round pick they spent on him. Its like they either like "big school" guys or big combine numbers yet they dont know how to really find football players.

I could be wrong, he could do very well just based on the fact that he'll play as they dont have a lot of players there.

Smells funny though.

Ryans...  he  shouldn't be on a "come from nowhere list"

DeMeco should start from get go at one of the LB positions, prolly will or mike.  Should be a very productive IDP rookie.  As good a chance as any rookie to lead his team in tackles.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Demeco Ryans: Based on some of the pre-draft stuff i read, it sounds to me like *(yet) another bad strategy pick by the Texans. I just dont like him for some reason, especially with the high round pick they spent on him. Its like they either like "big school" guys or big combine numbers yet they dont know how to really find football players.

I could be wrong, he could do very well just based on the fact that he'll play as they dont have a lot of players there.

Smells funny though.

Lot of questions here.

What pre-draft "stuff" did you read that soured you on Ryans? He was a consensus top draft pick across nearly every scouting service. He's got a well-rounded skill set and, though undersized, can probably align at any position. He was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and came up big against big competition as a senior with huge games in both the Cotton Bowl and against Florida. There are no character concerns.

I don't understand where the bad strategy enters the discussion either -- the Texans essentially had a bunch of replacement level talent at LB entering the draft. Do you think they should've tried to grab a comparable player later at LB and address another position instead?

And I don't get the big school talent comment either. Granted, it was still Charlie Casserly calling most of the shots here, but not without the new coaching staff signing off. 2005 1st rounder pick Travis Johnson will probably be a bust from a "big" school (FSU), but 6th rounder CC Brown is out of La-Lafayette. 2004 early rounders Dunta Robinson (South Carolina) and Jason Babin (Western Michigan) didn't hail from programs with a storied football history. Babin's combine numbers were probably misleading, but the jury is still out on him as he was never comfortable in a 3-4 rush LB role.

Would you mind fleshing your concerns out a little more? Thanks.

 

[cpstorm]

is Ryans a WLB? checked the FBG depth charts, just says OLB

 

[Jene Bramel]

is Ryans a WLB? checked the FBG depth charts, just says OLB

His position hasn't been determined yet. Officially, he's behind Morlon Greenwood at WLB and behind Sam Cowart and Wali Rainer at MLB. It was widely thought that Ryans would end up at an OLB and most scouting reports suggest his best position (at 235lbs) would be the Will long-term. But the Texans wasted no time in giving him snaps and coaching him up at MLB during mini-camps. The same scouting reports praise Ryans for knowing how to leverage himself and get in position to make plays.Hard to know, but many are ranking him highly because he has a very good chance to be the best linebacker on the roster. He'll probably be productive at WLB, but should he become an every down starter at MLB it's very possible that he could become the 2006 version of Lofa Tatupu.

 

[gregjcross]

I am not claiming to be an authority on Demeco Ryans (or anyone else for that matter), but I just think its another badly construed Texans draft pick.

My gripe is mainly about draft position for him, tied to the fact that he is pretty slow. The holdover Texans LBs are horrible *yet* this draft was deep with good LB prospects, they badly needed OL, TE and even RB (moreso than LB if thats possible -- its really hard to believe they have so many needs!)

So, on the Man. Ryans is reportedly small ("plays small on film" according to NFL.com's predraft site) add that to the "slow." as he posted a 4.77 40 time. That is slow in any book. To me, that doesnt cut it for an NFL starter at OLB (and often MLB) and certainly not an early early second round pick ((#33 overall right?))

Finally, His size is listed as a possible red flag -- yet the guy is listed as 6'1' inches and 235. So does that doesn not add up to me, as 235lbs isn't very small for a linebacker frame -- or anyone not on the line of scrimmage -- therefore, is it because he lacks explosion? In contrast, Zach Thomas lists at 5'11 228lbs and he doesnt have any problems.

So bottom line: I Dont like him. But, I will have to see Ryans play in preseason before I speculate. If he gets the starting ILB job in their 4-3, im sure he'll be an improvement over what they had. But that isnt saying much.

**I got burned in my dynasty league two years ago trading for Courtney Watson (a similiarly slow second rounder for New Orleans) so that could color my thinking on Ryans. Bad teams, bad picks = bad results

---------------

Demeco Ryans: Based on some of the pre-draft stuff i read, it sounds to me like *(yet) another bad strategy pick by the Texans. I just dont like him for some reason, especially with the high round pick they spent on him.  Its like they either like "big school" guys or big combine numbers yet they dont know how to really find football players. 

I could be wrong, he could do very well just based on the fact that he'll play as they dont have a lot of players there.

Smells funny though.

Lot of questions here.

What pre-draft "stuff" did you read that soured you on Ryans? He was a consensus top draft pick across nearly every scouting service. He's got a well-rounded skill set and, though undersized, can probably align at any position. He was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and came up big against big competition as a senior with huge games in both the Cotton Bowl and against Florida. There are no character concerns.

I don't understand where the bad strategy enters the discussion either -- the Texans essentially had a bunch of replacement level talent at LB entering the draft. Do you think they should've tried to grab a comparable player later at LB and address another position instead?

And I don't get the big school talent comment either. Granted, it was still Charlie Casserly calling most of the shots here, but not without the new coaching staff signing off. 2005 1st rounder pick Travis Johnson will probably be a bust from a "big" school (FSU), but 6th rounder CC Brown is out of La-Lafayette. 2004 early rounders Dunta Robinson (South Carolina) and Jason Babin (Western Michigan) didn't hail from programs with a storied football history. Babin's combine numbers were probably misleading, but the jury is still out on him as he was never comfortable in a 3-4 rush LB role.

Would you mind fleshing your concerns out a little more? Thanks.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Im not claiming to be an authority on Demeco Ryans (or anyone else for that matter), but i just think its another badly construed Texans draft pick.  My gripe is mainly about draft position for him, tied to the fact that he is pretty slow.  The Texam LBs are horrible *yet* this draft was deep with good LB prospects, they badly needed OL, TE and even RB (moreso than LB if thats possible -- its really hard to believe they have so many needs!)

So, on the Man.  Ryans is reportedly small ("plays small on film" according to nfl.com's predraft site) add that to the "slow." as he posted a 4.77 40 time. To me, that doesnt cut it for an NFL starter at OLB (and often MLB) and certainly not an early early second round pick ((#33 overall right?)) 

Finally, His size is listed as a possible red flag in yet the guy is listed as 6'1' inches and 235. So does that doesnt add up to me, as 235 doesnt seem small for a linebacker frame or anyone not on the line-- therefore, is it because he lacks explosion? IN contrast, Zach Thomas lists at  5'11 228 and he doesnt have any problems. 

So bottom line: I would have to see Ryans play in preseason first, so i wont speculate more.  If he gets the starting ILB job in their 4-3, im sure he'll be an improvement over what they had.  But that isnt saying much.

Thanks for the second post.Other reports have Ryans timed at 4.62 and 4.65 at the combine. And, FWIW, his scouting reports say that his instincts and agility allow him to play faster than he times. I hadn't seen that NFL.com note about "playing small" -- I primarily rely on PFW and Coyle -- both list good use of leverage, strong closing burst, and an ability to stack at the point of attack as strengths. I think the comps of Zach Thomas and Lofa Tatupu could be valid.

I agree on the Texans needing help everywhere. I also agree that we'll need to re-evaluate after seeing Ryans play in preseason.

 

[cr8f]

I voted MacIntosh. Nothing against Ryans or Jackson, but they like him in DC and in a year or two could be the MLB.

 

[Rozelle]

Demeco Ryans: Based on some of the pre-draft stuff i read, it sounds to me like *(yet) another bad strategy pick by the Texans. I just dont like him for some reason, especially with the high round pick they spent on him. Its like they either like "big school" guys or big combine numbers yet they dont know how to really find football players.

I could be wrong, he could do very well just based on the fact that he'll play as they dont have a lot of players there.

Smells funny though.

I think once you get to see Ryans play, you will think different. I thought it was a great pick, (though I was surprised they didn't go OL, but did well addressing that in 3rd round), the Texans were lucky to have a player of his caliber available in round 2. Has all the intangables you look for at the LB position: smart, instinctive, mature, coachable film junkie, high motor, competetive, good charactor, and has a passion for the game. His 40 time is somewhat misleading, his good insticnts allow him to play faster (like Tatupu). The Texans should have them a very fine football player in DeMeco Ryans.

 

[DonFue]

Ryans is the definition of solid (not a game-changer but won't kill you by playing outside the scheme). He plays with excellent leverage and I feel would be best suited to the SLB position long-term. As far as his draft position, he went right about where he belongs. In Houston he could put up great numbers at WLB or MLB this year, but he will level off as more talent is brought into the LB corp.

That funny smell is coming from the fact that he will never be a big-time player. I hate disagreeing with Bramel (again) but I doubt he has the second-nature instincts or the quick first step to ever be a Zach Thomas or Lofa Tatupu. I see him as more of a Kirk Morrison (nothing to sneeze at) with a more textbook skill set.

Draft him and trade high next off-season!

 

[DonFue]

BTW, Stephen Tulloch!!!

 

[Jestefarean]

I'm tempted by James Anderson. With Davis on the strong side and Naill Diggs never being known as a difference-maker (IMO) Anderson's combination of speed...and position (Witherspoon has always been solid in that role in that D) it would seem he's in a good spot. Not to mention, Dan Morgan seems to be always nicked up....which would mean more tackle oppertunities for Anderson. Thoughts?

I'm also interested in Clint Ingram...but haven't heard much out of Jax regarding him.

 

[Birdie048]

Voted Ryans due to the lack of quality infront of him in Hou. Rocky McIntosh might be another option, but to truely be a "comes from nowhere" player, Freddie Keiaho @ Indy or James Anderson @ Car would be my choice.

Keiaho could fill in for June at WLB or Brackett at MLB. June is the last year of his contract and no stories of talks of new signings. Brackett has an injury history to contend with.

Anderson is projected to challenge K Adams for WLB - Will Witherspoon's old spot! Anderson has the speed and sure tackling ability to make an impact this year given the chance.

 

[Tick]

I don't have my Coyle book in front of me, but I believe he rated the LBs something like this:

Hawk 94

Greenway 90

Ryans and Sims 88

So tied for third in predraft ranking with Sims.

Houston was one of the best spots for an LB to land in this draft.

Add it up and Ryans sounds good on paper. We'll see how he does, but I like the setup.

 

[newbetterbucs05]

I voted Demeco Ryans

 

[ATC1]

Ryans...Then T. Howard. Such great raw talent and penciled at the WLB for OAK before training camp.

 

[J Andersson]

 

Voted Ryans -- but he won't come from nowhere.James Anderson would be the "from nowhere" pick.

Agree that Ryans must be the choice of the ones given. As you wrote though Jene he's not "coming from nowhere".Neither does Wimbley, Howard or McIntosh.

For long-time purposes I think Tim Dobbins could be interesting. Dobbins as a successor to Edwards, who is currently shipped (and even if those attempts are just BS) is getting very close to being over the hill. However, if you need immediate results, he's not worth anything.

 

[ffchamp1]

You gotta know Greg to read between the lines here as he drafted 5 of these guys. Guys like Ryans, Wimbely, McIntosh do not belong on this list as they were high draft choices that the teams plan to use year one.Out of the 2nd tier guys, my vote is for Dobbins in SD

Tom

 

[sholditch]

Ryans hand down and agree that he could be one of the best out there. I'd imagine Urlacher didn't have a stellar 40. The guy had 25 tackles in one game his sophomore or junior year. He's one of those guys that just seems to be everywhere on the field.

 

[gregjcross]

urlacher was a phsyical specimen in every respect

Ryans hand down and agree that he could be one of the best out there. I'd imagine Urlacher didn't have a stellar 40. The guy had 25 tackles in one game his sophomore or junior year. He's one of those guys that just seems to be everywhere on the field.

 

[LOD]

Ryans easy that guy was a stud in college and will take to the next level too

 

[sholditch]

Well, anyone know when Texans camp starts, and if it already has, anyone hear any news?

 

[Jene Bramel]

Well, anyone know when Texans camp starts, and if it already has, anyone hear any news?

Veterans report today. Hopefully we'll get some insider news by early next week, if not sooner.

 

[WhoDat]

Well, anyone know when Texans camp starts, and if it already has, anyone hear any news?

Veterans report today. Hopefully we'll get some insider news by early next week, if not sooner.

I might...might...make it. If I do, I'll report back.

 

[Rozelle]

Well, anyone know when Texans camp starts, and if it already has, anyone hear any news?

Veterans report today. Hopefully we'll get some insider news by early next week, if not sooner.

I might...might...make it. If I do, I'll report back.

 

[Dave Baker]

Some of the guys listed don't really count much as a surprise (i.e. Ryans), so I voted elsewhere.

I went with Stephen Tulloch. He was the heart and soul of the defense last year led by Mario Williams andthe team is very high on him. Peter Sirmon is not a natural MLB IMO and he will cost the team a bolatload of money this year. Odds are that the team sticks with Sirmon in the middle but it would not be a shock for an impressive camp to move Tulloch up.

Also, any injury at LB means Tulloch starts, as Sirmon likely moves outside.