Texans Path to the Draft: Post NFL Combine

A lot has been going down on with those boys on Kirby. With the Texans resigning Arian Foster and the NFL Combine now over there are some names that we can now take a harder look at for the Texans first round choice. Most people agree that the Texans have no glaring holes except at a legit number two wide receiver. Lets take a look at who's still on the Texans watch who can fall to them at 26 overall.

1. Stephen Hill Georgia Tech
Some people will say who? Stephen Hill?
Hill is now the buzz for the wide receiver class of 2012 after going to the combine and running a 4.36 40yd dash and a 11ft 1in broad jump which ranked first out of the receivers and while standing at 6'4 catching everything that touched his hands at the gauntlet he really jumped his draft stock. Hill held his Pro Day this morning and more than 50 NFL scouts and GMs where there to see him preform as he caught every pass in every route he ran. Hill is now projected to go 30th overall now to the 49ers but i seriously doubt Houston would pass him up. If he is on the board Houston will take the 6'4 4.3 speed freak to really compliment opposite Andre, imagine that size and speed combo lining up on either side.

2. Alshon Jeffery South Carolina
First off the only reason i have Alshon at number two even though he is my favorite WR in the draft is solely because he did not run the 40 at the combine or participate in combine drills, he has the best hands on tape and is reported to be able to run a 4.4-4.5 40 and being 6-4 220 lbs being overweight is no longer a concern for all those people who for no reason where all worked up about him being possibly overweight. Alshon has the best and measured with the biggest hands at the combine, he is a true psychical mismatch to all those corners and just dominates alone with his size and hands. Alshon is scheduled to have his Pro day on the 27th this month where he will preform drills, run routes and run his 40 yd for everyone. Until he has a official 40 time i have him at number two even though he is my favorite in the draft. If he is still on the board when the Texans are on the clock it will be a hard pick between him and Stephen Hill. If he runs a 4.4 or 4.5 he will go be ranked higher on the board than Hill.

3. Rueben Randle LSU

Showing up at the combine by running a 4.55 40yd dash he jumped his draft stock up. Randle the 6-4 208 lbs receiver did not see much action from LSU last year as Jordan Jefferson seemed to struggle in the passing game sometimes. Randle by some is looked to be taken 26th by the Texans if Alshon and Hill are already taken. I honestly do not think Randle will be taken in the first round but i do see the Texans might try steal him with a 2nd round pick because i think he will still be available. The Texans like him as Rick Smith and Coach Kubiak went up to him individually to express interest in him. Randle would love to play for the Texans to be able to mentor under the best in the league Andre Johnson. I do like Randle a lot but i think i would lose sleep over the fact if the Texans end up using a first round pick on him. Randle can put himself in the 1st round and answer my unanswered questions in his Pro Day which is still to come later in the month.

4. Jeff Fuller Texas A&M

My favorite dark horse pick in the WR class, after a disappointing senior season due to nagging injury and a not impressive Senior Bowl Jeff Fuller is looked as a 4th-5th round steal of a draft pick. Fuller ran 4.42 and a 4.52 40yd dash which really kept him as a possible top 100 prospect. The Texans defiantly want him as they shown interest in him before the draft and during the draft interviewing him. When healthy Fuller can be a incredible big bodied solid receiver and the Texans know this, his pro day is coming soon and don't be surprised if a big number of scouts show up because he has questions to answer with his hands. Fuller will definitely be on the Texans board to be taken in the 4th or 5th round. Fuller has a lot to prove but don't be mistaken because he has A grade potential.

I will be posting updates on the Texans path to the draft as pro days happen throughout the month and update my draft picks based on pro day performances.

Note: i did not include Kendal Wright from Baylor because i am confident he will not be available.

Check tomorrows post about Peyton Manning as the Colts will announce sometime tomorrow that he will be released as we take a look on his next potential landing spot for the 2012 season.

Arian Foster brought back for 5 years

Arian Foster, the Houston Texans running back has been given a five year contract today worth $43.5 million, including $20.75 million guaranteed. Foster was not included in the Texans cap these past two years because out of the 55 man roster his contract was not in the top 51. Past two years since Foster has been a starter he has made $525,000, the most underpaid player in the NFL.

In 2010 his first year as a starter and break out year he won the triple crown by leading the NFL in rushing yards:1,616,rushing touchdowns:16 and receiving yards:604. His 2010 1,616 yards are the most by any undrafted player in the history in the NFL. Thats right everyone knows by now that arguably the best running back in the NFL went undrafted. He followed up in 2011 by rushing 1,224 yards with 10 rushing touchdowns while catching 617 yards through the air all while missing the first three games to a hamstring injury. Foster would've had more in each category if the incredible back up Ben Tate didn't get so many carries for 942 yards, pretty good back up right? Best running back tandem in the history of the NFL. Back to Foster if you just put his 2010 numbers plus his 2011 numbers and you do that to all the other running backs in the NFL using their 2010 and 2011 numbers Foster leads the league in the triple crown as well so thats what arguably makes him the best in the NFL. Thats right, all his numbers since he has been a starter in 2010 have been better in every category beat Adrian Peterson,Chris Johnson,Lesean McCoy (insert any running back name here). Foster has been a Pro Bowler the past two years, and during the 2012 Playoffs Foster rushed over 100 yards in both games and set a record by most yards by a running back in their first 2 playoff games with 285, a record previously held by Duane Thomas since 1970 with 278.

The Houston Texans will now have this historic running back part of their team for the next five years but since he has been given the multi year deal it is almost certain Mario Williams will be let go. It is agreed that Arian Foster is a play maker and anytime he touches the ball he has the ability to take it all the way, he is such a key part of the offense and will help for the Super Bowl run over the next years to come. Well fans are you happy and relieved we have Foster locked in? Or did you want Mario? who makes more of a difference? A top 5 defense without Mario now adding Mario or a Top 5 offense with Arian. I am pretty sure Arian plays a bigger role, but thats just my take whats yours?

The Saints: the most disgusting team in the NFL

It has just been confirmed by the NFL and now in full steam ahead to punish the New Orleans Saints who where just discovered running a bounty payoff program administered by Saints defensive staff.

There was a leak in 2009 the Saints Super Bowl season that they where running a bounty to take out players but the man that leaked it went back and retracted what he said. Coaching staff had a 50 thousand dollar pot paying out players 1K for knocking out a player 2K for getting a opposing player carted off the field. During the 2009 playoffs the Saints where paying their players double for knocking out opposing players out of the game. It is reported anywhere that 22-27 Saints defensive players where involved in the bounty payoff process and at least one defensive coach. Investigation in now in full effect and NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is planning to issue full punishments which could include but not limited to suspensions,fines and revoke draft picks. A player approached the NFL in 2009 but took his statement back even though there where so many obvious unnecessary roughness calls against Brett Favre and Kurt Warner in the playoffs where there was reportedly a 10 grand bounty to knock out each player.

Whats sickening is that this is the year when they won the Super Bowl and im happy it will be discussed and in question by the NFL over the next few days. When a organization involving the players,coaches and player staff where encouraging this i hope they all get fully punished and suspended and should be all dismissed from the NFL and show this can not ever be slightly tolerated. Oh do not count Sean Payton out as i write this it was just discovered he knew the whole time and encouraged this whole thing, including the owner and GM. Some punishments that sound right to me is dismiss the everyone involved, forfeit the Super Bowl win, prosecute them all in court for criminal charges for conspiracy, aiding and abetting felonious assault, yea those all sound about right.

A look at Kareem Jackson after 2 seasons.

Listening to the local Houston sports station it is very obvious how many Texan 'fans' just hate the 2010 1st round draft pick Kareem Jackson. Any time people lay out their solution they all include cutting Kareem Jackson just coming off a much improved second year. These 'fans' give up on this 1st round talent pick out of Alabama and already start to call him a bust, if you have that opinion of Kareem then let me point out a few things on why i have faith in Kareem and also a big fan of.

Coming in the Combine scouts would call Kareem a very aggressive corner that has speed and quick feet, everyone also agreed the guy could hit in the back field and disrupt passes pretty well but could use improvement in watching for the ball and go for the pick. When Houston drafted him many fans where really uncertain about Kareem and did not really know of him well. They decided since the success of Rick Smith in the 2006 draft fans had faith in Rick and not so much Kareem. The 2010 rookie season was far from pretty. It was obvious teams would target the rookie starting corner and burn him every game at least once or twice on big plays. Everyone agrees on that, but what i do not understand is why don't fans ask the question 'why was Kareem immune to being benched?'. It seemed obvious and understandable Kareem would lose confidence after getting lit up so much he would start to just try stay with the receiver and tackle him than look to try disrupt the pass or go for a interception. Kareem has the potential and true fans who look at him understand that and true scouts and coaches know that. The problem was he never got groomed up and slowly let into the games he was expected to start day one. It's beyond me why he was not just coached more and used later once he looked ready and caught up to NFL speed. Well after his rookie season Rick Smith brought in Jonathan Joseph to help the 2010 NFL's 32 ranked pass defense, and help be a vet and coach up Kareem. The 2011 Kareem saw much improvement and if you disagree then you where probably not watching the 2011 season and where accidentally watching 2010 reruns.

Kareem had some very solid moments in 2011 and sparks of light that made me feel so happy and proud of him, a way of him telling the 'fans' and media "forget the haters". Kareem had a great pick in the Atlanta game as well as having a game clinching pass defended in the end zone. Kareem looked totally different and more confident, when addressing some media that actually took notice he told them "i got my swagger back". Kareem Jackson's 2011 season was much improved after a year under his belt and thanks to the coaching of Wade Philips and Vance Joseph, along with the added vet help of Jonathan Joseph. His improvement in the secondary help keep the Texans throughout the season as a top 5 defense in the NFL.

In the end Kareem still has a little improvement he needs to do but hey thats what a full offseason with Wade Philips is for. Give every rookie four years to show their best idea for their max potential Kareem is now going into his fourth, so before you call him a bust you have to slow down and take a look and see he is improving and will develop more because trust me there is plenty more of potential Kareem has to offer. Keep a eye on him in training camp this year and don't be afraid to be impressed. Plus a true fan would cheer him on and hope he works out for the best and take him in and make him feel wanted here in Houston, not just bash him all day on the radio crying that he is the reason we lose a game. If you want to free up cap space for Mario dump Jason Allen he won't be needed anymore with Kareem and Brandon Harris taking over plus he is going to want starter money anyways, thats what a smart fan would really say to make a effort to keep Mario.

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.