Can the Texans pursue Randy Moss?

Randy Moss. The name rings different memories for people, for me its 2007 when i watched the Patriots go undefeated to lose the Super Bowl, he set a record catching 23 touchdown passes out of Tom Brady's record setting 50 that where thrown that same year. Some is his signature gloves in the helmet, his many spectacular catches, his true 4.2 speed that no one could catch, and then there are some who sadly remember his years in Tennessee or Oakland. Well unless you have been paying no attention to NFL free agency Randy Moss is coming back just for one year for only one thing in mind, and no it's not a lot of money he is not T.O., he is coming for a run for a Super Bowl ring.

Randy Moss is coming back for one year just for a ring so he has the luxury of picking a team that he thinks have the best chance to make a run at a Super Bowl berth. Some teams have shot themselves in the foot by coming out and saying they are not interested in the most talented wide receiver in the history of the NFL. Thats right i said the MOST. He is like LeBron James when comparing to Michael Jordan, they are the two best and most talented players in the history of the NBA but the only thing that all the LeBorn haters bring to the argument is LeBron has no rings end of story, i think thats always been a invalid point because a team wins rings and one man can only carry a team so hard. Randy Moss is in the same discussion when arguing against Jerry Rice on who is the best of all time, Jerry Rice did not win all those rings i'm pretty sure the rest of the 49er dynasty led by a guy who's name happened to be Joe Montana won those rings together. Point being is Randy Moss is the only receiver to run a legit 4.2 in the combine and maintain that for a career. Now Randy is going to go to a team that not only has a chance to have a Super Bowl but a team that needs a legit number 1 or number 2 receiver. Randy Moss commands double teams every play something experts have coined the term the 'Randy Moss effect', just his presence on the field opens up another receiver or the running game on every play.

Now last time i checked the Texans are going to get a legit number two receiver whether they acquire that through the draft or in free agency, now before you count out Randy Moss as a Texan he will come cheap, he just wants a ring. Randy Moss just turned 35 and wants to retire with a bang ending with a ring, his agent has came out and said that Randy wants no money up front until he make the team. So lets start there whats wrong with that Texan fans? whats wrong with inviting the guy to training camp and if he doesn't have what it takes (he will blow out all the rookie WRs and everyone but Andre out of the water) then he doesn't get paid! It's a win/win for Houston, now after he make the team here is the best part his agent said 'Randy wants no money up front but a base salary of around 3-5 million all incentive based'. That means he would like to sign for around 3-5 million but take no money up front, he gets paid based on the amount of games, the amount of snaps and the amount of catches he makes. He just wants to play. Now some people look at 3-5 million as a lot for one year...are you kidding me? for Randy Moss? Do you Texan fans know how much Jacoby Jones is going to get next year unless he is cut and replaced by i don't know say Randy Moss? If you don't know well Jacoby is going to get 4.79 million for the 2012-2013 season, would you be willing to let him go and give that money incentively based to Randy? While Andre was or majority of the season was not playing here are Jacoby's numbers: played 16 games, started 10, caught a cute 31 passes for 512 yards and 2 touchdowns. Pretty disappointing.

Now if you can try to comprehend on if the Texans, who are looked at nationally to make a Super Bowl run and also are in big need for a number 2 WR bring in Randy Moss? Andre Johnson and Randy Moss lined up on each end one of them is going to have double coverage you cant double them both. You have two guys that command double teams and catch everything that touches their hands and both of them commanding double teams every single play will open up the run game for Arian like a run game has never been opened up before. You can pay Jacoby or you can turn that contract over to Randy Moss who currently has 954 receptions, 14,858 yards, 153 touchdowns and a 7 time Pro Bowler. The Texans do have the money to get him, but they have to let go of Jacoby, you tell me if thats worth a trade.

Take a look at him to remind you what he's capable of then let me hear your take.

Texans Free Agency...Who's gonna walk

After the combine has just passed and we have a better idea of where certain guys are going to go in the draft one this is for the sure that the Texans roster for 2012-2013 season is uncertain. Going into free agency which opens March 13th the Texans need to make some big time decisions on what to do with all their free agents and their super tight salary cap which at this moment has not been released to the public as they are trying their best to 'restructure' some contracts. Lets take a look of who's contracts are up and who are you willing to let go, lets see what we are working with.

1. Mario Williams ROLB
The talk of the town, radio stations and even national media is what is the fate of the 2006 1st overall pick? The 6'6 284 lbs beast is just coming off season ending injury only playing about 4 games. In his 82 played games since 2006 he has amassed 241 tackles and 53 sacks. He is arguably the best defensive end in the NFL and might be one of the best outside linebackers, last season his first as a OLB he was on pace to have a 20 sack season. When you draft a guy 1st overall you plan for him to be here for his career. Problem is as a rookie he had over a 50 million dollar contract, if he hits the open market he will become the highest paid defensive player in the NFL. The only thing the Texans can do is offer a long term 7 year deal offer the max they can and let Mario know thats all they can do and if takes it he takes it if not are you willing to let Arian Foster walk instead and get a first round pick out of it? Before you make up your mind all you anti-Mario people check this video out to have a little reminder what this young man is capable of, and Wade is just getting started with him.

2. Arian Foster HB
the 2010 NFL leading rusher's undrafted rookie contract of 560K for 2 years is now over, since 2010 he is still the rushing and scoring king, he only played 13 games this year and went over 1K rushing yards and if you combine his 2010 and 2011 numbers he is the leading rusher over every running back.
Foster could've held out for a big paycheck last year but he didn't, he kept quiet and just showed up to work everyday, his numbers these past two years make him arguably the one of the best running backs in the NFL (1.Adrian Peterson, 2.Arian Foster, 3.Chris Johnson). Arian is very smart and very elusive and is extremely effective running or catching the ball. The offensive line is meant for him, he is a integral key part of the high scoring Texan offense, from 2010-2011 seasons he has amassed 2,840 yards and 26 touchdowns rushing and 1,221 yards with 4 touchdowns receiving.
Its time to pay the man, whatever it takes you have to either franchise tag him or you give the man his long term deal he deserves, you cant have both him and Mario as we know right now that looks extremely unlikely. For those guys that say let him walk and take a extra 1st round pick heres a video to remind you what he can do.

 

3. Chris Myers C 

To be clear he is not the last of the Texans free agents but he is the last of the three that will require big money, there are others but their contracts are not near these big three. To start Chris is a veteran, a true leader on the NFL's best offensive line helping pave the way for undrafted running back Arian Foster to lead the league in rushing almost two years in a row. The offensive line is a zone blocking run scheme that requries not so much as big boys on the line but athletic to get up to set blocks for Arian or to move as one on the play action that the Texans are the best in the NFL at. Chris is the anchor and leader for this line, it is extremely important to keep this offensive line together for Arian. If you want Arian you got to bring back the boys who set his epic blocks, now the Green Bay packers are already talking to Chris so we got to give him the money he deserves soon, but you take him you cant bring Mario. Watch the Arian video and watch number 55 and all the other linemen and watch how important their blocks are and what they set up, you have to give him good money when you already have competition to keep him. 

So now you know the situation, you know my take, whats everyone else's? 

A solid look at RG3:Post Combine

4,293 yards passing, 37 TDs to 6 interceptions, 72.4 completion % and oh don't let me forget the rushing 699 yards 10 TDs on 179 attempts. Thats the Baylor Bears sensation RG3 numbers from 2011 season. To put it simply the guy dominated and thats why he took home the Heisman. Now everyone says Andrew Luck is the sure fire number 1 pick and he probably will be the first overall but i'd like to take another look at why RG3 should be a force to be to be considered.     

After watching his combine i was officially sold on RG3 being the quarterback i would take in the draft, 

 

The guy ran a 4.41 40 and a 4.38... thats ridiculous. The guy came in measuring at 6'2 225 making his speed the fastest 40 time pound for pound. coming in at 6'2 clears a big question mark when people feared he be a solid 6 feet or 6'1 and you know everyone wants their QBs at a solid 6'2, RG3 came in at a 6'2 3/8th which is now going to make him a serious hot commodity to trade up to take him 2nd overall. People worried about his size and run style, comparing him to Michael Vick who cant finish a season to save his life, Mike Vick measured at the combine 6'0 210, so thats 2 inches taller and a solid 15 more pounds on him. Now take a look at the best highlight video of RG3. 

Those big throws in the video confirms he has a bigger arm than Andrew luck, he can make bigger throws, he just doesn't run first and when he runs he runs smart. Take this in perspective of Andrew Luck vs RG3, RG3 can make bigger and longer accurate throws than Andrew Luck, When RG3 takes off with his 4.3-4.4 speed he pretty much just gained 40 yds in around 4ish seconds with pads on, and heres the best part of the whole thing that people don't talk about for some reason: RG3 was offered to go to Stanford OVER Andrew Luck by then coach Jim Harbaugh, he was given the scholarship first over luck. When he walked up to the podium to answer questions he covered one side of his face with a smile because Jim Harbaugh was in the crowd and Coach Harbaugh asked him why he turned him down for Stanford and RG3 answers "Well it worked out for everyone" Andrew luck came up short to the Heisman to Super Cam and to RG3. Now i'm not saying RG3 is the next Cam, not at all, Rookie of the Year Cam just came off the greatest rookie year by a QB since Peyton except Peyton had 28 interceptions to his 26 TDs. That aside i would consider RG3 going number 1 even though he won't but i guarantee you he will have a better rookie year than Andrew Luck, because simply RG3 is better in every way, the only thing people can bring up with Luck is his years in a pro style offense being 'groomed' for the NFL. Theres a reason RG3 was offered the Stanford job over Luck, and won the Heisman, come 2012 season he is just going to have to remind everyone why.

Texans Draft: a look at the need of a DT

In my last post my vote is the Texans need to use their first round pick on a WR, but they will take a look at a prospect defensive tackle to eventually replace Shaun Cody, the only problem i have with this pick is that even though it would complete their defense to have a guy that commands double teams in the middle and just stuffs the gap stopping the run, a true DT with the size and quality of a Haloti Ngata type guy is what this defense needs to push them over the top to be a historically great defense and push them to number one in overall defense. Getting back to Shaun Cody is that he does not to be replaced immediately   he can hold his own, and drafting a DT wouldn't be the best just because that first round pick cant come in and have a immediate impact, although he can be groomed up to the position and be great in time. Now lets take a look at some of the defensive tackle the Texans will be keeping an eye on to take one within the first to third round in the draft.

1. Dontari Poe 6'5 350 Memphis
Where to begin on Poe, first of all his size is a dream 3-4 nose tackle. His size will demand double teams on him, his height with his monster weight combo is something the Texans will not pass up if he falls to them, there are a few teams that need a DT but even fewer that need a 3-4 NT. Perfect for him is that he will not start because he does need to be groomed and what better coach to do that than Wade Philips. The only concern around the scouting world is his form and he seems a bit raw but he has a A grade potential but will take some time which is what the Texans would be looking to do anyways, he was very effective at Memphis and really demanded double teams because of his monster size, you can bet if he is still on the board since he is the highest rated NT the Texans will take him over a WR.

2. Alameda Ta'amu 6'3 333 Washington
To start on Ta'amu what he brings to the table is his surprisingly athletic ability to rush the passer which is what more and more teams are starting to draft and pay the big money for to have that ability to put pressure on the quarterback. Ta'amu is quick with his feet and seems to find a way to rush the passer all the time, he has a great size and is quick and has great hands to maneuver around linemen great form to get pass offensive linemen to get to the passer and quick enough to run to the ball carrier down the run lane to put a effective stop down the middle. I love Ta'amu and the only reason i have him at number two at the moment because i still need to see how he preforms at the combine and handle some of the technical drills

3. Devon Still 6'5 307 Penn State
Devon is one of the most ready DTs in the draft a safe pick that can start and make a impact, his size commands double teams and the best part while at Penn State he knew how to beat double teams and give the passer some trouble and really opened up some lanes for the linebackers. He has great hand technique when you watch him just get off blocks really fast, now his numbers don't show it because he does not get that many sacks but he gets some tackles and he rushes the pass. He has quick feet and great form and great size that the Texans need, he is projected to still be on the board for the Texans pick it all depends on if there are any WR talent available if not then the Texans might just take a long look at him.

4. Josh Chapman 6'0 315 Alabama
One of the most unsung heroes in the 2011-2012 National Championship defense, he didn't get the numbers but he was able to stuff the lanes and handle double teams to really let his linebackers like Dont'a Hightower do work and make plays, someone that will really open the same kind of effectiveness from the Texans talented linebackers Cushing and Ryans. He isn't as tall as some teams are starting to lean towards but he has the overall size and the skill to be a very effective NT in the 3-4 to stop the run and plug up the run lane and open up lane for the linebackers. Chapman at this moment is a 1st round talent that will most likely be taken in the 2nd round, however it should be noted he can raise his draft stock to a sure first rounder if he preforms well in the drills, although his size can be seen as average he really knows how to be a effective team player and really fill his role in a defense.

Now i like to pick a sleeper or what draft experts say a 'dark horse' pick and with that let me introduce to you Kheeston Randall 6'4 297 Texas, now he will be a late round talent but i think has great potential to be slowly introduced in some plays to compete with Earl Mitchell the back up DT for the Texans. I like Kheeston and i think he is really undervalued at the position, in his play reel while at Texas he is really effective at stopping the run, he knows how to use his hands when he has to get around blockers and shed quickly to make a play however it should be noted he was not very effective on passing situations and couldn't seem to get to the passer which could be improved with coaching, i like him as a late round pick and used to be a project player talent. I see more potential in him than the Texans current project DT in Earl Mitchell, Kheeston is undervalued mainly because of his weight which can be added his technique slightly tuned but he has the part you cant teach and train and bulk up and thats talent.

Keep an eye out for these guys as they are set to preform in combine drills on monday, tomorrow on my next post we will talk about looking at some possible linebackers if Mario Williams is let go.

The Texans Draft and Combine

Well to start off my first blog I have been told multiple times to do this so forgive me this is my first blog and I hope to keep it up daily. My blogs will focus mainly on the Houston Texans sometimes and other major issues throughout the NFL since my major is sports management with a focus in NFL.
Well its February and the NFL Combine is underway, most people don't watch basic drills but I like to try dedicate some time to see these guys early to have my own opinion. Of course the exciting part of the combine doesn't start till next week so i will give you some guys to look out for, and the guys that the Texans will sure be watching.
There are some firsts this year for the Texans front office, one major first is having the 26th overall pick after making the divisional round of the playoffs comes a lower pick, but another first is the Texans are so well balanced arguably the most balanced in the NFL and are pretty deep in talent at every position. With that being addressed the Texans for the first time don't need to draft a guy to come in to make a immediate impact as a starter, they can be groomed up and slowly be played in the line up (something that should've been done with 2010 1st round pick Kareem Jackson). The Texans can simply draft 'the best player available at any given position. With that said they will be targeting a wide receiver in the first round, within the first three rounds they will take 2 wide receivers and 1 defensive tackle. The wide receiver being stressed the most because if there is one thing we can take from last season is our depth at wide receiver has a major drop off after Andre Johnson, the Texans need a legit number two receiver to throw to who can take some coverage off Andre, also needs to be one thats going to be groomed by Andre to eventually become number one when the best wide receiver in the NFL decides to retire. so lets take a look at some of the receivers that we will watch in the combine that will be available in the draft.

1. Alshon Jeffery WR 6-4 229 lbs South Carolina
The first thing is his size is the kind of size scouts drool over, being a complete mismatch to all the defensive backs, he has great hands (numerous one handed catches throughout his college career) and great arm length to just simply reach up and just be bigger and stronger to get the ball, has a great leaping ability, his 2010 numbers catching 88 passes for 1,517 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2011 he saw a decline after a quarterback change after the junior starter was kicked off the team. Who ever your pick is for reading a mock draft is simply irrelevant until he runs his 40, its widely accepted he will fall in the late in the first round which perfect for the Texans, when he shows up at the combine next week just watch his 40, if he runs a 4.5 ish you can bet your house the Texans are getting him, if not he goes earlier. he is my personal 1st round favorite.

2.Kendall Wright WR 5-10 190 lbs Baylor
he does not have the size the Texans want to eventually become the next Andre but the guy is rated as the best WR under 6 foot. Why? Speed. Simply this guy can walk in and take the speed slot from Jacoby Jones easily and he can return punts and kicks, the guy unofficially clocks a high of a 4.4 40 and a low of a 4.34, the guy has speed to scorch and burn secondary's in the NFL, something the Texans definitely want after they will be looking to replace veteran Jacoby Jones slot for speed. Wright holds 10 Baylor records including single season catches with 108 last year for 1,663 yards and a whopping 14 touchdowns, the guy was a go to guy for RG3. The Texans will have him on their board but most think he will go to early  some think he will be right in our alley but keep a eye on him and watch some highlights or games for yourself real explosive runner who gets plenty of yards after the catch.

3. Mohamed Sanu WR 6-2 215 Rutgers
Sanu has the size the Texans are looking for that prototypical size you want in a receiver, he has great hands and put up great numbers while never having a real QB. He has great speed so much in fact they would run the wildcat with him and just let him run with it. With most draft experts having him fall 30th overall if not early second it would be hard for the Texans to turn him down. His size combined with his 4.4-4.5 speed is something that the Texans will really want if he walks in and officially does a 4.4 on the combine he will jump to the top of the Texans board right next to Alshon. He holds multiple Big East records and has a promising career in the NFL, this guy is often overlooked by a lot of draft experts, definitely check him out for yourself and you'll have a hard time choosing who you want.

Those are the WRs i know the Texans will draft for sure they are on their board and each of them have one little thing to prove in the combine the sleeper of the draft is a 3rd round pick because they will take two WR and one DT there 3rd sleeper WR is Jeff Fuller 6-4 220, people will shut this one down but Fuller had a horrible performance at senior bowl, dropping a lot of passes and couldn't break away he has a lot to prove at the combine mainly at the ball gauntlet, he has to catch EVERYTHING, Kubiak being a Aggie kept a eye on him and when Fuller was working out on the Texans practice field for the Meineke Car Care Bowl at Reliant Kubiak had almost a 3 hour talk with this guy he loves him, the guy carried A&M in the passing attack every year with a slight decline in his senior year. Put it this way if he would've forgone his senior year he would've been a first round pick in the 2011 draft, he is my sleeper pick and im pretty sure the Texans are going to take a chance on him because they know he's worth it in the 3rd-4th round they know he has great potential and he has great hands and great speed and ability to pull in those tough catches check out some footage of him and see what you think.

Keep in mind coming into training camp the Texans will have Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones competing for their jobs with the new draft picks coming in and the practice squad members Jeff Maehl and Lestar Jean all have great potential and now have a legitimate shot to prove themselves to take a active roster spot.

Next blog will take a look at the other Texan need at a space eating Defensive Tackle in the draft.