Big back possibilities for the Texans

Discussion in 'Tennessee Titans and NFL Talk' started by NewsGrabber, Mar 27, 2009.

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  1. NewsGrabber

    NewsGrabber Guest

    <em>Posted by ESPN.com's Paul Kuharsky</em> <p>The Texans added <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=5660" target="_new">Antonio Smith</a>, <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8559" target="_new">Dan Orlovsky</a> and <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8451" target="_new">Shaun Cody</a> in free agency.</p> <p>And they are about done.</p> <blockquote> <p>"Other than depth, I don't see anything else happening in free agency," coach Gary Kubiak told reporters over breakfast at the owners' meeting this week. "Obviously, finding a complement to Steve [Slaton] is important. We went the <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=8419" target="_new">Cedric Benson</a> route [in free agency] and it didn't work out. It's a little nerve wracking, but you can't force something. At least we know we have a good, young one in Slaton. Hopefully, something good will happen there, but, obviously, we have to improve there."</p> </blockquote> <p>A bigger back should help the Texans in the red zone -- where they ranked 26th in the league in TD production -- and in short-yardage situations, where they need to convert better in crucial spots and would like to limit the pounding on Slaton.</p> <p>The 5-foot-9 Slaton was listed at 203 last season.</p> <blockquote> <p>"Obviously, a bigger, more physical guy from a short-yardage and red zone standpoint would make sense," Kubiak said. "But at the same time, I expect Steve to continue to step forward and get better. He ran hard, broke tackles and moved the pile. But, ideally, we'd still like to have a larger back."</p> </blockquote> <p>Kubiak said in a perfect world, the lead back would get 22 touches, the second guy about 10 or 12.</p> <p>Where to find the second guy?</p> <blockquote> <p>"Well, you don't know that until you evaluate the draft and set your board and see how many good ones you have rated to go in what round," Kubiak said. "Then you try to figure out who ahead of you wants one, too. If there are eight backs you really like, then you know you'll probably have to go in the first three rounds to get one. If there are 15, then you might be able to wait until the fourth or fifth rounds."</p> </blockquote> <p>But to find a guy that fits the "big back" role -- assuming they aren't taking Ohio State's <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=24674" target="_blank">Chris "Beanie" Wells</a> (6-1, 235) at No. 15 -- the Texans may need to spend their second rounder -- No. 46.</p> <p>Here are the top candidates who fit the bill:</p> <ul> <li>Liberty's <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=24222">Rashad Jennings</a> (6-1, 231) is rated a second rounder by NFLDraftScout.com.</li> <li>N.C. State's <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?draftyear=2009&id=23914">Andre Brown</a> (6-0, 224) is rated a second rounder.</li> <li>Iowa's <a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/player?id=24711" target="_blank">Shonn Green</a> (5-11, 227) is rated a second or third rounder.<br /> </li> </ul>

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  2. jessestylex

    jessestylex DeadGirlsCantSayNo

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    I bet Texans draft a RB 1st round.
     
  3. Texxan

    Texxan Camp Fodder

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    Have to disagree. I think the hope of the Texans is to find a partner looking to move trade and move a few spots back and take an OLB.... most likely Matthews. Much like last year when they traded back, took a LT, and scored Slaton out of the deal. If not, then possibly take best OLB there. If they trade back, they can then afford to use a 2nd rounder on a RB. Either of the 3 noted in the article would be great... but Rashad Jennings would make my off season.

    But to spend a first on a RB who Kubiak says would only get 10-12 carries might be stretching it a bit... especially when the main focus this off season is to improve our pass rushing.
     
  4. psychotictitan

    psychotictitan Its About That Time...

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    Dont forget about protecting your QB
     
  5. Texxan

    Texxan Camp Fodder

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    We got Alex Gibbs and Bruce Matthews on that already. And we dont play Jared Allen or Albert Haynesworth this year. :)
     
  6. jessestylex

    jessestylex DeadGirlsCantSayNo

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    They might fool everyone and draft a 1st round WR to go along with Andre.
     
  7. Blazing Arrow

    Blazing Arrow The 12th man

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    I doubt that. They have a decent group of WR right now. I would be shocked if they do not go secondary. They really have no one other then Daunte that would start on most teams.
     
  8. jessestylex

    jessestylex DeadGirlsCantSayNo

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    thats why i said it would fool everyone. you never know, every draft has a few wtf moments.
     
  9. Texxan

    Texxan Camp Fodder

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    You shouldn't be "shocked" so to speak... disrupting the passer is more of a priority for us right now than secondary coverage. The team would get more immediate impact with an OLB that has a fierce pash rush or a DT that could plug up the middle to free up Okoye, Mario Williams, etc. With D Rob expected to be back finally at 100%, and with Fred Bennett in tow, young stud Antwan Molden whom we drafted last year, and Jacques Reeves playing better than most think... it can be moved down the priority list a bit. Putting pressure on the QB would better serve us on D as a whole including the secondary.

    If Jenkins falls to us... we definitely will think about it. But I seriously doubt we take a WR. Its all about shoring up the front 7 on D, a RB to compliment Slaton, and possibly secondary if someone falls to us whom we are in love with and cant pass up.
     
  10. jessestylex

    jessestylex DeadGirlsCantSayNo

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    Texans would be deadly with Slaton,Andre and another 1st rounder WR that could come in and play like Eddie Royal did last year with the Broncs.

    draft a big back in the 2nd round.
     
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