bfd's First Take at the 53-Man Roster

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 6:31 PM CDT in News

Great discussion last week on the possible composition of the 53-man roster started by Texans-Brocos. Here's my take with a little bit of background.

Last year, the Texans' opening roster consisted of:

2 QBs
3 RBs
1 FB
5 WRs
3 TEs
5 OTs
5 Gs (1 C/G)
1 C
3 Special Teamers (P, K, LS)
6 DEs
5 DTs
6 LBs
4 CBs
5 Ss

I think it's reasonable to believe the 2009 roster will be similarly composed. After last night's game, here's my guess as to how the 53-man is shaping up:

2 QBs: Matt Schaub and Dan Orlovsky
3 RBs: Steve Slaton, Chris Brown, Ryan Moats (depending on his injury)
1 FB: Vonta "Human Coke Machine" Leach
5 WRs: Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Andre Davis, David Anderson, Jacoby Jones (almost by default)
3 TEs: Owen Daniels, James Casey, Anthony Hill (no Joel Dreessen, which is our loss)
4 OTs: Duane Brown, Cliff Washburn, Eric Winston, Rashad Butler
5 OGs: Antoine Caldwell, Chester Pitts, Kasey Studdard, Mike Brisiel, Chris White. Last year, there were 5 OTs and 4 OGs.
1 C: Chris Myers (depending on his health, obviously)
3 Special Teamers: P - Matt Turk, K - Kris Brown, LS - Clark Harris
5 DEs: Antonio Smith, Mario Williams, Connor Barwin, Tim Bulman, Jesse Nading
5 DTs: Amobi Okoye, DelJuan Robinson, Frank Okam, Shaun Cody, Jeff Zgonina (no Travis Johnson)
6 LBs: Zac Diles, Xavier Adibi, DeMeco Ryans, Brian Cushing, Buster Davis (depending on Cato June's health), Kevin Bentley
5 CBs: Jacques Reeves, Fred Bennett, Brice McCain, Glover Quin, Antwaun Molden (no Dunta Robinson...just in case)
4 Ss: Dominique Barber, Eugene Wilson, Nick Ferguson, John Busing

Several differences from last year, though nothing crazy. Last year, we carried 6 DEs and 5 DTs, whereas I have us carrying 5 DEs this year. Sadly, I still have us carrying Jeff Zgonina as I just don't see anybody on the roster otherwise. There's the difference in OGs and OTs, and I have us keeping 5 CBs and 4 Ss, where that was swapped last year.

Also, and I doubt you noticed, but I have listed only 52 players for 2009. If Dunta signs, I do believe we'll keep 6 CBs on the roster as I believe the Texans, rightly so, would be afraid to release either McCain or Molden, who are the two I believe to be most on the bubble. I also believe that one of the CBs will be in line for a position change to S.

One guy who really intrigues me is Glenn Martinez, as he was the most "on" last night. He can return punts and kickoffs and looks like an excellent gunner on special teams. As I said in the game thread, he reminds me of Steve Tasker in the way he plays. There's a chance he overtakes Jones, but because we're carrying extra CBs, it'll make it tougher for Martinez to win a job.

What do y'all think?

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Comments

so...

i would say thats mostly right…only a few changes i would do…

If i were coach i would not necessarily do it, but if i had to guess, i think the texans keep dreesen. With that said i believe zgonia…

i really think we should keep guys like foster, martinez on the team but oh well…
will foster and martinez be on practice sqaud?

also i always thought brandon harrison would be a nice player in our secondary for our future, i guess i was wrong as he really hasnt shown us much…

by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 23, 2009 7:27 PM CDT reply actions

edit

i can also see the texans cutting clark harris not wanting to waste a spot on just a long snapper and instead go with casey there…in that case i think dreesen has to make the team…Or another FB?

by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 23, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Dreessen was signed for 3.6 mil this offseason

I think he’ll make it. Is he injured or something and I missed it?

by WhiskeyR on Aug 23, 2009 7:39 PM CDT reply actions

Depends on how much is guaranteed

Of our 2009 draft picks, though, I’d say it’s Casey who’s the most likely to be cut.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions

to keep dreessen

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions

I disagree

I’d say Hill get’s cut before Casey. Casey is their leverage with OD, and he’s played better as well. I’d be shocked if Casey gets cut.

You know... for kids.

by Jake on Aug 23, 2009 8:00 PM CDT up reply actions

you might be right

depends on how much crow they want to eat for taking Hill first. BUT, we have another year to address the OD issue, and Hill was taken to fulfill a very specific purpose (as DHC mentioned).

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I think we (as fans) tend to undervalue Dreessen

And probably over value our draft picks (like Casey and Hill, though Casey has looked quite good, he’s still a rookie). I think Dreessen is the second best TE on our team, he just doesn’t get any press.

by WhiskeyR on Aug 23, 2009 8:19 PM CDT up reply actions

yeah

I think you’re dead-on right. As much as I disliked the Cushing pick from the beginning, it was Hill who perplexed me. Cushing at least fills a role in a “macro” kind of way while Hill is a five play/game guy?

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know about Hill.

I could see us having 4 TEs though. I think we’ve done that before?

I think Cushing should make an immediate impact. I’d guess most would agree on that, whether you like the pick or not its an upgrade.

I really hope you’re right about TJ.

by WhiskeyR on Aug 23, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Definitely yes

Cushing is an upgrade.

I don’t know about the 4 TEs, but Harris’ “other” role is TE, which would make it 5.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Let ne add...

I like the Cushing pick FAAARRRRR more than the Hill pick.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 9:04 PM CDT up reply actions

hmmm

What makes you think Travis Johnson will be cut in favor of Zgonina (or whoever)?

by killtacular on Aug 23, 2009 8:24 PM CDT reply actions

Health is a skill

And it’s still Travis Johnson.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 8:27 PM CDT up reply actions

tru

by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 23, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions

so is "age" a skill as well?

Zgonina is like 40 years old. Unless TJ is “injured” to the point where he won’t play for a big portion of the season, I really, really don’t see the Texans cutting him in favor of grandpa.

by killtacular on Aug 24, 2009 2:23 AM CDT up reply actions

true

Also, we can PUP TJ as he was on Reserve PUP.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 24, 2009 7:35 AM CDT up reply actions

I think you are a little heavy at O-line

These guys don’t rotate like the d line with a lot of situational changes. For that reason I think you just need less total backup on the O. If you think you can slide some of those guys to the practice squad then all the better.

As to the Casey thing, I watched closely his blocking last night and I like him as well if not better then Hill blocking. I took one linebacker 20 yards out of a play and pushed him around like a toy. that said Hill did a good reliable job when he was in and Joel did a great job even getting a very nice little catch. I think they keep 4 TE’s. Also Joel had the majority of Long snaps last night. I think Joel gets moved to the LS job and they keep all 4 TE’s.

by Texans-Brocos on Aug 23, 2009 9:23 PM CDT reply actions

x

I have us with 10 this year, and we had 11 last year. Generally, I don’t think this is abby normal.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Good list

I keep trying to think of who is in, if Jacoby is out, but can’t name the name.

I like Busing at safety, especially with his performance on special teams.

I have a feeling TJ will be the guy that takes a spot away from Zgonina, only because, long-term, Zgonina has no life.

Agree, there is a spot for Dunta and he is probably number 53.

Buster has to be the guy with June’s injury.

The guys you named are the guys they either have to have or the guys that have played their way in. Harris is a guy they have to have, because no one has shown they can long snap, yet. Things can still change because of injuries or if someone plays there way in or out. Still time for things to happen.

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Aug 23, 2009 9:27 PM CDT reply actions

true

TJ vs. Zgonina is a tough call. Course, it’s still like choosing cyanide enema vs. sex with me.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions

sex with you would last longer

so I’ll take that…

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Aug 23, 2009 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I answered that kinda quickly

shoulda thought about it a little longer, damage done…

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Aug 23, 2009 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Martinez

When I was watching the game last night, I had two thoughts about Martinez.

1.) Who the hell is that?

and

2.) That guy is playing like he deserves to make the team. Unfortunately, its just such a deep position.

I feel bad for him, playing as good as he did and probably all for naught. I hope someone picks him up. From what I saw, he looks to have a lot of talent.

by WhiskeyR on Aug 23, 2009 9:32 PM CDT reply actions

He and Pittman

I felt so badly for Pittman last night.

Note to self: Insert something witty here.

by bigfatdrunk on Aug 23, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions

I hate to say it

but watching that horrible performance last night made me miss Travis Johnson (cringe). We can hate him all we want but he is still probably better than Okam at this point. I think we have to go w/ 4 TE’s as well (OD, Dreesen, Hill, and Casey) Hill was brought here to block and he will have to be important on this team in the redzone this year. Busing is a guy that I will be disappointed if gets cut as well, not many players in our secondary looking better than him thus far. We shall find out soon enough.

by wasteph on Aug 24, 2009 1:01 AM CDT reply actions

reason i think we go 4 te's

is bcz both rookie TE’s are versatile…Hill is a great blcoking TE and i believe he can play both T and G. Casey as we all know can play LS, FB, Special Teams, TE heck, im sure he can play LB if we needed him too :)

by EveryHoustonTeamRox! on Aug 24, 2009 7:09 AM CDT up reply actions

For All His Faults

TJ wouldn’t have been slapped around like Okam and Okoye

by kozanack on Aug 24, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions

The roster is wide open...

After Saturday’s debacle, I’m debating trying out. I’m POSITIVE I could have put 40 or 50 yards on that D Line…..IN A WHEELCHAIR.

Ok, that aside, here is my review of your roster:

Glenn Martinez is a talented guy but he will NOT make the team. We are just too deep at WR and he hasn’t gotten any 1st team playing time. I also don’t believe we will keep 5 recievers. I think we go with 4 this year to make room for a fourth Tight End.

I have serious doubts about Jacoby making the team as well. I believe we will keep Joel Dreesen and release Jacoby Jones. Jacoby Jones has done nothing special in camp or pre-season. Dreesen gives us another TE AND he can also long snap.

Four TE’s may seem like alot until you realize that James Casey will also be the backup Fullback and Dreesen will likely be long snapping.

Defensive Tackles….you’re close but Travis Johnson WILL be on this team. The reality is that the coaches like TJ. I’m with McClain on this one. Johnson ties up two lineman, which is what he is supposed to do. He will never have huge numbers, but in this system, he isn’t likely to.

Other than that I agree with the rest of your roster. Time will tell…..

"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."

by TexansForever on Aug 24, 2009 9:44 AM CDT reply actions

i tell you what, it’s a hell of a lot easier cutting guys after a LOSS, than a win. i dont think anyone is necessarily safe (those NOT under contract) and i think a lot of guys are gonna be surprised when they are visited by the “turk” and not the punter! but whatya gonna do? we need help desperately in the secondary, but we are very, very, VERY thin. we also need help in special teams. As much as i like Casey, besides that one tackle in KC he hasnt done a THING on special teams since, matter fact, he whiffed on that TD run. but that’s why they pay those guys the big bucks… to make those decisions. regardless who makes the team, hopefully we will be ready to go, come gametime.

by chrisd21 on Aug 24, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions

With Casey though, you have to consider that the coaches are very excited about him as the backup Fullback in addition to TE duties. They are big on his athleticism and he will make the team because Smithiak believes he can be developed into a strong player.

"An open mind is like a fortress with it's gates unbarred and unguarded."

by TexansForever on Aug 24, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Okay, with only 4 WR's

Who is the punt returner? I don’t think I have seen that guy returning any in preseason…

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Aug 24, 2009 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions

More than likely if Jones gets cut & McCain can make the team, look to see him taking over the kick and/or punt return spot

I would challenge you to a battle of wits, but you appear to be unarmed.

by The Night Owl on Aug 26, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Has McCain auditioned? Can't remember.

It will happen

by Rip Jersey on Aug 26, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions

4 WR's

sounds about right. If Jacoby doesn’t show that he belongs to this team, I think we’re only gonna carry four receivers this season. From what I remember, didn’t GQ have return duties when he was in college? Too lazy to look it up.

4 TE’s with either Casey or Dressen assuming LS responsibilities. No way we’re gonna cut Hill which was drafted higher than crazy(our offense is trying to improve red-zone success) and there’s just no way we’re gonna cut Casey because the coaches are too “high” on him because of his athleticism and versatility which is well deserved by the way. I remember the last time our coaches were very “high” on a player and that was Chris Taylor and it took us a while to dump his injured ass. If Dressen wasn’t cut when he was an unproven FA signing, why would he be cut now when he’s been given a new contract?

Us carrying a sixth DT seems very likely to me. I dont think we’re gonna cut TJ(I can’t believe im saying that) because there’s a possibility he’ll play well to show other teams that he’s worth a decent amount of money. And Zgonina is a valuable asset in the locker room for our young DT’s.

by Jordann on Aug 25, 2009 12:22 AM CDT reply actions