I’m guessing that you’re about 80% right, with one or two players coming out of nowhere to win starting jobs, either becuase they outplayed the incumbent or the incumbent got hurt. But I’m no Kreskin, and I can’t forecast who they are.

Also, it never gets old to watch those highlights from the Broncos game.

At least what Franklin said in a recent radio interview, they think Weaver is going to have a better year this year. Last year, he was coming off of two offseason surgeries, including one to his shoulder. Having a working shoulder is pretty handy for a DE. Franklin says that Weaver is 100% and they are expecting a big season from him. Hard to say how accurate that is because usually the public statements the Texans give about injuries are fairly rosy.

Here’s the Franklin interview and my summary of it:

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2008/04/15/texans-defensive-line-coach-talks-about-mario-and-more/

“Expect big things from Anthony Weaver this year, there’s no doubt about it.”

Of course, given Weaver’s cap numbers, they have to make him work.

As for who is going to start on defense, I don’t think the coaches even know that yet. I really believe that the coaches want to see how the players battle in practice and what sort of condition they are in.

DeMeco, Mario & Amobi are locks.

If Weaver is in better shape, and I hope he is, then I look forward to getting some return on our hefty investment in him. I agree with your David Carr analogy as Anthony has been a major disappointment numbers wise. On the other hand, he apparently has played hurt for much of the past 2 seasons, and I do not recall him complaining and using his injuries as a justification for his subpar play. That shows great character. It is nice to have Cochran, Kalu for depth. Both played well last year, and Franklin/Bush like to go with an (at least) 8 man rotation up front and I like that strategy.

I think Travis made a huge mistake by having his nuptials preclude him from getting a head start this year. Last year was the only of his 3 seasons in which he came anywhere close to playing like a 16th pick. Kubes had some choice words about him about this time last year (something like “I don’t care if someone was a 1st round pick, if he doesn’t perform then he won’t have a spot on our roster”) and he showed improvement, but is by no means a lock to start. Maddox and Zgonia provide some depth, but I too hope that Okam can prove that the 31 teams who passed on him made a huge mistake.

There will be competition at both OLB spots. That was targeted during free agency, and X-man was drafted in the 4th round. For what it’s worth ESPN lists Morlon and Chaun Thompson as the starters, with X, Zac (MLB) and Kevin Bentley 2nd string. I really liked what little we saw of Zac late last season. I agree with kozanack that Greenwood gives up too much ground. I know nothing of Chaun Thompson & Kevin Bentley’s abilities, but if Rick Smith signed them, and he says they improve speed on the defense then I know they are in the mix. Hopefully one of the OLB’s can become the speed rusher in passing situations we would like to have opposite Mario. I like your Zac pick, and hope someone new can replace Morlon-maan. As in the DL, depth appears to be an asset.

Reeves and Bennett are definitely the starting CBs as of now. I hope/expect Molden to win the nickel, with Faggins or Fletcher at the dime. I think the safeties are our weakness. Demps and CC are 1st string right now. I hope someone new Dominique Barber, Nick Ferguson or someone old Earl or one of the 2 Brandon’s can provide some playmaking ability.

As good as the Astros are playing right now, a winning Texans team would be more satisfying. Not because I am a season ticket holder, but because H-town is a football first city; always has been, always will be. No disrespect to the Rockets & Dynamo. I grow more confident that Smithiak can finish what those who came before him (referring to Bum, Earl etc, not Casserly-Capers-Carr) started. It is a steep climb from 8-8 to the playoffs, and then to the top of the heap, but we will get there. GO TEXANS!!!!!!!!!!!