Have You Ever Been LESS Excited About The Texans' First Round Draft Position?

by Tim on Apr 21, 2009 8:00 AM CDT in News Comment 23 comments

I know I haven't. And that's a strange feeling, because I normally look forward to the Texans going on the clock as much as the first game of the season. So what's the reason for my malaise?

Is it the fact that this draft seems as though it's more uncertain at the top than any other in recent memory? Perhaps; I really don't recall a draft of anything resembling recent vintage that seemed to be more fluid. I mean, we all have an idea of what Detroit, St. Louis, and the like might do, but there's nothing approaching any sort of inevitability for the first few picks, so it seems like it's even more of a crapshoot to speculate as to what your Houston Texans will do at 15.

In conjunction with that increased muddiness, I think my relatively even keel about this draft is based on the fact that there is not a single player likely to be there at No. 15 who excites me. Malcolm Jenkins? Unlike my co-blogger here at BRB, I won't be throwing a parade if Jenkins becomes a Texan on Saturday. Clay Matthews III? I like him fine, but I won't breathlessly proclaim him as the missing piece at OLB. That's worlds better than how I feel about Brian Cushing, of course; I might feel stronger about him (read: against him becoming a Texan) than any player who could realistically become a Texan. Sean Smith? Like him quite a bit, but not enough to embrace him at 15 with no reservations. Darius Butler? I'm a fan, sure, yet he doesn't elicit any real fire in my belly right now. The same lack of emotion is present for every other player likely to be there at 15. Oddly enough, I think I'm more excited about the possibilities in Rounds Two through Seven than I am about Round One.

So the question is: Am I nuts? Or are you with me, feeling this strange sense of pensiveness about our first round pick?

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I was thinking the same thing this morning, but reading through your article made me think, am I not excited because no player out there at 15 is a true upgrade at any position for the Texans? I think the Texans will be adding quality depth in this draft, but I am not sure they will find anyone that can step in and start from day one. If Cushing or Mathews were drafted it may be 4 or 5 weeks into the season before they get to start.

In rounds 2-7 we should see another safety added to this team that will be able to start sometime soon, and another running back to go with Slaton that will see a lot of playing time as well.

Unfortunately it seems the value pick for the Texans in the first round won’t pay immediate dividends. Let’s hope that Rick Smith can pull some magic out of his hat and trade down for a 2-3 picks.

by David C on Apr 21, 2009 8:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Excellent Point

And one I hadn’t thought about. We presume that whoever the Texans draft in the first round will immediately start; after all, that’s how it’s always been. Could it be that the franchise has finally reached a point that first-round draftees don’t automatically start?

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Apr 21, 2009 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a problem

I’d like to have.

You know... for kids.

by Jake on Apr 21, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and no, were not close to that problem.

RB2, C, RG, SLB, CB, SS, FS, DT can all use an upgrade. We need a starter in the first 3 or 4 rounds to solidify this team.

If we have a draft like recent years, half of that list will indeed be upgraded, and then next year we will be in much better shape going into the draft.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Apr 21, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree on your point, but...

you’re not going to find upgrades for us at C, RG, CB, or FS in THIS draft.
I also think people are forgetting how good Eugene Wilson was/is at FS. Is he 22 yrs old? No, but That position is NOT a need for us anymore.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Apr 21, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll concede FS is LESS of a need

but this draft has upgrades at all of those positions for us, since you said “OR”. If you are saying we won’t find the 3 or 4 starters in that group, I agree its tough. But did we think OD would be a pro bowler?

So I think there are plenty of players available with potential to win a starting job, and luckily we have a quality squad assembled to pick the diamonds in the rough.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Apr 21, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

3 years ago...

And I’d agree with you. OF COURSE we could find OD late 3 years ago, and he supplant our starter because it was Jeb Fargin’ Putzier. I’m just telling you… In THIS draft, there’s not anyone we’re in a position to draft, in the positions listed that’s better than our current starter at the same position.
I guess that’s a little crazy-talk, so I’ll give you a “maybe, but don’t hold your breath.”

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Apr 22, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

About the same as last year

There were a few players I was hoping for, and none of them dropped to us. But just like last year, the most exciting scenario would be a trade-down.

by Nashmeister on Apr 21, 2009 8:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

the glass is half full

hopefully this is the highest we’ll draft for the next few years, so its working in our favor to have a weak draft this year, at 15, then the stronger drafts the next couple years where we draft 26 and 32, respectfully.

In this case, the talent available fits our draft positions the best.

Smushiak will take us to the playoffs in 2009.

by texanphil on Apr 21, 2009 8:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn’t mind if they traded down almost out of or completely out of the first round.

by John S on Apr 21, 2009 9:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Exacry

This is a drum I will continue to beat until draft day.

When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.

by tehGrindCrusher on Apr 21, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No(t) nuts at all...

I’ve been with you on this point for quite a while now. And honestly, if you take the slight possibility that your boy Orakutan drops to us, I’d bet most everyone jumps on that opinion. Frankly, I don’t really want to be in the first round at all, at this point. If we can pull off a trade that gets us a few extra picks this year and a first next year, AND we get someone like Sintim, Michael Johnson (who apparently has ZERO talent, according to some knob), or Demetrius Butler with our first pick, I’d be ecstatic.
If we trade down to the 20s and get one of those guys (or their equivalent) I’d be happy. If we take one of those guys (or their equivalent) at 15, I’ll be kinda bummed.
I just pray there’s a market for #15.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Apr 21, 2009 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ditto

Trade. That is all.

So you're saying that now I have to think of some witty Sig that will be applicable across all the SBN sites? Go Texan Horn Stros!

by Shake on Apr 21, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stop With All This Agreeing, Beef

People will talk.

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Apr 21, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

dude...

You like the horns, so they already do.
I’m thure you’re uthed to that, though, thilly panth!

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Apr 21, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's just not enough talent

for someone to fall to us, or for someone to want to trade up to get. Puke, I say, on the 15th pick. Puke.

by ~Buck on Apr 21, 2009 1:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It's a very nice feeling...

to not have to be praying, Please draft our savior. Because this Texans team, although there is room for improvement, is not one with glaring holes that a rookie would be a major upgrade.

GO TEXANS!!!!

www.houstonsportsrule.blogspot.com

by Texanmaniac on Apr 21, 2009 3:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You're right...

The recent free agent signings have really helped our mental well-being, going into this weekend. That said, I’ll gladly take another Mario Williams, if anyone’s handing one out.
Good stuff, maniac.

Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.

by beefy on Apr 21, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel you bro', and our position screams for a trade down even to the bottom of the first round

if it means adding a #3 because the strength of this draft is the depth of talent at some our need positions in rounds 2 – 4. Smithiak have shown they can transform a #3 or #4 pick into an instant contributor. With our picks in the 1st 4 rounds, I can see us adding a pass rushing DE who will crack the starting rotation of ~8, an OLB who will challenge for a starting slot, a CB/S who will play special teams and push for playing time at the nickel/dime (future starter), a C/G who will add depth (future starter) and a RB who can share the load with Super Steve this year. If we add a #3 with a trade down, then that just means another quality player at DT or OT.

Maybe the anticipation of the 1st round is not as high as in years past, but I am excited about this draft particularly because we already have 5 picks in the 1st 4 rounds and are likely looking to add a 6th. That could make for a very productive haul.

by oiler-texan diehard on Apr 21, 2009 8:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs