Why don’t you leave Brian Cushing alone. he is going to be the next Chris Spielman.

While I DO NOT buy into the “Schaub is injury prone” rubbish, as long as cheap shot artists like F*** Jared Allen can legally take the field, a quality backup like Orlovsky is important. Antonio Smith was a nice but expensive signing. Connor Barwin holds promise, and I adore the Caldwell pick (h/t socctty). Orlovsky, though, gives me a certain solace I did not feel last year.

@jahunter: are you talking pre- or post-spinal injury? I’m guessing post-.

lets hope for the team your wrong.

Love A. Johnson and Mario Williams. Thrilled to have Cushing go to you guys in the draft. He’s a beast!

Looking at that video of him boxing reminds me of that video of Mario doing drills last year – the compact technique, the strength, the quickness (of hands) and – most of all – the intensity.

I’m really expecting him to play well this year.

It goes without saying a good signing (not including one year deals) is one that brings both short term impact and long term value, which is why I picked Barwin. Even in the near future, his insane desire to be good could make him exceed expectations in his first year. But no matter what he does in his first year, as TT mentioned it’s the future that’s got me excited.

*Proceeds to drool at thought of him opposite Mario.

Youll come around on Cushing, Tim. Watched USC a lot and the kid takes zero plays ’Off."

But, I picked Connor Barwin. I just believe he is going to be a star.

Coming out of high school he was one of the more sought after LBs in the country and was a 4 year starter and eventual captain at USC on arguably the best defense ever put together in the college game. Usually it takes “system” guys a year or two at least to learn the system, because it’s their knowledge of the system and how they fit in it where they find their niche. He came in as a raw kid out of H.S. on one of the most stacked college teams in the country and his coaches couldn’t keep him off the field to wait for him to learn the system. He’s never even worn pad for the Texans yet so it’s too early to say he’ll be a future star on this team, but he didn’t get to where he is now just by fitting into a system. He worked his butt off and played like a madman on the field for four years, USC’s system didn’t make those crushing hits, Cushing did.

All that said, I like Barwin too. I think with the kind of speed he has, he could play a crucial role on this team as a situational passrusher as early as this season. With Williams, Okoye, and Smith lined up beside him, he’ll be going head to head with the LT and there’s very few tackles with the kind of quickness and footwork needed to keep in front a 4.5-4.6 40 guy coming off the edge. If nothing else it’s likely to force the QB to move around in the pocket more which will cause potentially more sacks by other players.

This is the first offseason in a long time that i believe the hype of the upcoming season. Trust me Texans fans. I know its been a long time coming………………BUT THERE GONNA BE AN EXPLOSION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

they are startin to get a d-line together, so my pick is Quin….i think this year the secondary is goin to take a lot of flac, but i think he is going to be one to step up and do some damage on the field…

Love the guy’s versatility, athleticism, intelligence and strength. I hope the Texans are crafting some plays that will utilize his varied skill set. He can wear so many hats. He can save us a roster spot by playing long snapper. He has the potential to be a short yardage back. He is an excellent receiver and has a great passing arm as well. Lil’ Shanny ought to be adding a few wrinkles called the “Casey Plays”.

Nice work as always, TT.

I voted Barwin, but Caldwell is a close second.

One thing I’m loving about Barwin, is that it appears he’s very clued in to what his weakness as a pass rusher might be – his relatively small stature (for the NFL) – but that he is trying to compensate by having INCREDIBLE hand-speed and he’s absolutely trying to maximize his better attributes.

I originally predicted that he wouldn’t have much an impact until late in the year – but I’m starting to let myself get a little more excited about him… I guess we should all wait until we see him take on Winston/Butler and maybe sometimes Brown in training camp.

Football teams that succeed have GMs that do two things well.

1. They Draft Well

2. They go out and they fill the holes that can’t wait for rookie development with quality FA’s

Before the signing of Antonio Smith the Texans had a big glaring hole where Anthony Weaver for several years pretended to play football. Smithiak patched the hole with a high quality FA signing, that, when compared to the big FA signings of other teams, had the Texans coming out like bandits. I think all Houstonians slept better at night knowing that Antonio was going to be a Texan. He will produce, its practically a guarantee with this guy unlike the rookies, and he’s unlike Orlovsky he is both proven, and an instant starter.

Plus he opened the door to Houston taking guys like Cushing and Barwin in the draft and addressing other positions of need. When reporters were giving their arbitrary FA signing grades most of them gave Houston an A, even though they only signed one new starter and a couple of backups. I think that says a lot about both Smith the end and Smith the GM.

TT are u sure u didnt vote for him that many times to express ur man crush? lol