BRB From The NFL Combine: Rick Smith's Presser
by riversmccown on Feb 26, 2010 12:06 PM CST
in News
75 comments
I'm gonna go with the bulletpoints here since I don't want to spend too much time slacking off and missing interviews:
- Smith said that they were "evaluating" LaDainian Tomlinson, aka the normal stock answer, but when pressed by McClain, also said that "we do want young players," but that there are cases where "a veteran adds value." In other words, we're going around in circles.
- The Texans will meet with Owen Daniels' and DeMeco Ryans' representatives tonight. Smith added that his team would be approaching contracts as "business as usual" and that the potential of uncapped years and lockouts would not alter the way they go about structuring the contracts.
- The decision to get rid of Dunta Robinson was made with "level of play, level of compensation," as well as "how (we) felt about other players at that position." He went on to praise Glover Quin as doing an excellent job, and said he was comfortable with him going forward at cornerback. He also repeated the Kubiak quote about Quin getting a lot more attention if not for Brian Cushing. "We are not depleted at the position," he added. Smith also said that with Jacques Reeves being a former starter and Fred Bennett being a former starter that they think they have the experience to not feel pressured to pick a cornerback.
-The Texans would like to have Kevin Walter back, but at the same time, "with the way free agency is, you can't keep everybody."
-Smith sounded like he fully expected free agency to slow down this year with how many more RFAs there are. "I don't know how much movement you'll see." He went on to say that picks are at a premium, and are valued moreso than they were five years ago. Obviously if a player is productive, he'll get the highest tender, therefore he "doesn't know whether teams will be forthcoming," about restricted free agency.
-After he just answered a question about not dealing with hypotheticals (what if Owen Daniels was healthy the whole season?), McClain asked him what kind of attributes his ideal back would have. Smith replied: "Jim Brown." McClain: "Would he fit in your system?" Smith: "Yes, he would."
-Asked about running backs in the draft, he gave a deflective answer and said that there were "elements of both power, bruising backs...as well as speed, edge runners," and that teams would have choices either way.
-On defensive improvement last year: "We thought that with (Antonio) Smith, (Brian) Cushing, and (Bernard) Pollard, we were able to improve on each level."
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Good stuff, Rivers
I hope you punched Pancakes.
While I love that we know tonight is a good night for negotiations, I feel a bit disappointed that there was no mention of Pollard and new deal.
Seriously, I hate Pancakes.
It was really hard to even hear what he said
Luckily for McClain, keyboards speak louder than words.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 26, 2010 12:19 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Pancakes likes to hear himself talk
I enjoy his stories of days gone by, no matter how much he embellishes them with half-truths. Although it is getting so that I have heard of some of them more than once or twice.
Great report Rivers!
I actually like how Smith handles these issues. I don’t mind getting pat answers. In the end we will know how the negotiations go. We can’t be in on it every step of the way. But, great stuff! Maybe, some of the other sound-horns there will give you some juicy stuff. Keep your ears perked up when someone from the Raiders talks! LOL!
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Oh and
He did mention that he’d spoken to Pollards representatives already
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 26, 2010 12:25 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Now that's what I like to hear!
I also did like his reasoning on the Dunta move. Smith’s good about his “poker face” answers, but it’s nice to hear some reasoning from him.
It’s refreshing to have a good GM.
From Pancakes twitter blog
11:55 McClain_on_NFL: Texans GM Rick Smith just told us he’s met with agents representing Owen Daniels, Kevin Walter and Bernard Pollard.
Friday February 26, 2010 11:55 McClain_on_NFL
11:57 McClain_on_NFL: Smith is meeting with the reps for DeMeco Ryans tonight. They’re trying to lay groundwork for new deals, but don’t expect anything soon.
Don’t like the “expect anything soon” with Capt. Meco…
$30M+ Guaranteed
will not come before the season.
If he will take less, or if he was a UFA, I’d be expecting a deal sooner.
Meco will play a few games before we see a deal, in my opinion.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
I dont know about that. In the past, the FO has said they dont like doing contracts during the season and prefer to only do them during the offseason. So if few equals another season then maybe. IMO one will be done before training camp.
Miss-placed Houstonian living and going to school in the wilderness of Wyoming. Fresno St. 28 - Wyoming 35 (2 OT)!!! Hands down best game I have ever been to.
I hope you're right
Meco locked up would be stellar.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
I imagine they'll see how much they spend on
some of the other guys and then any free agents and rookies before handing a whooping great pay check to Ryans.
I partially suspect it is Dunta’s fault that OD and Ryans did not receive a long term deal last year, Because they couldn’t come to a long term deal with him, they had to take a 10 million cap hit last year. Then there was the possibility that Dunta would have come back really well and played his ass off. Then we would have had to have the cash to pay him this year too.
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Feb 26, 2010 4:25 PM CST up reply actions
I'm dreadfully afraid of him
by riversmccown on Feb 26, 2010 11:41 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
One more thing I'd forgotten from my notes
“we expect exponential improvement from Connor Barwin,” after going through all the offseason workouts and a full training camp
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 26, 2010 12:32 PM CST via mobile reply actions
I would hope so....
Love that guy too
by AllenOU on Feb 26, 2010 12:35 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Yes,
He needs to be on the field more than he was last year and he needs to make an impact THIS season, or else using a number 2 on him was wasteful.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
Cheerio-shitter
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Feb 26, 2010 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I remember Fozzie Bear getting a huge pay rise on the Muppet Show
“I’ll give you ten times what you’re making now!!!”
“Yeahhhh!!!”
“Oh wait, ten times nothing is……. nothing”
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Feb 26, 2010 4:26 PM CST up reply actions
which could mean
we’re gonna draft a DE in the first round, and this is a diversion.
Of course, that makes zero sense. I hope its not true, just possible.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
Two points
Pollard. Let’s not forget we got him off the scrap heap. He was great for us, but I would like to see some more of him before commiting to a long term deal. He will get the first round tender I would think and he should be happy to play for that. Hopefully all is well and he gets a longterm deal soon. LOVE HIM
and I might be in the minority, but Bennett is gonna come back from the dead and be a big part of the post dunta secondary. BOOK IT
by AllenOU on Feb 26, 2010 12:33 PM CST via mobile reply actions
return of Freddy Bennett
thats going to be like “panda bears that like to fuck” kind of minority.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
by DaGoaT on Feb 26, 2010 12:39 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Yeowch.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 26, 2010 12:41 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Well, that is the kind of pressure that either ignites a fire under your ass or does you in
Bennett will have to perform, and that is all. The pressure is on. The vacancy is there for him to fill. Bennett will be one of the best stories of the season if he steps it up.
I suppose if all of the stars, moons and planets align it could be possible, but what are the chances of that?
I have no reason to think so
It’s just a gut feeling. I think he will see the big oppurtunity with dunta gone.
Let’s hope for our sake I’m right. Even if he is just a nickel. He could be a great TE coverage guy. Fingers crossed.
Maybe he needs a white pocket pussy to motivate him
by AllenOU on Feb 26, 2010 12:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Well mine does too
But after the he died in balls of fury I got another one. I named him kris brown
by AllenOU on Feb 26, 2010 12:53 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Im glad we are so confident about our CBs when we just got rid of a starter.
To all Houston sports fans, Houston is the 4th biggest city in America, there will be traffic on the way to your respective sports game. Come Early, Be Loud, Stay Late.
by TexasHoosier on Feb 26, 2010 3:27 PM CST up reply actions
You should be glad we cut bait on a shitty fucking player.
Who happened to be a complete dicknose.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
by beefy on Feb 26, 2010 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Personally I am confident in Quinn and Reeves, way moreso then I was with Dunta, and I wouldn’t mind seeing Mccain getting more reps. Hell, I would feel as confident with another 4th rounder this year as our nickel as I would if it was Dunta.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
I'm curious
Did you feel the same way when we traded Travis Johnson to the Chargers?
Because he was a starter, and I’m just following your “logic” for such a scenario.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Exactly my point
Here, let me replace a single word in TH’s statement (and add 1 apostrophe)….and then we’ll pretend he typed it 6 months ago:
I’m glad we are so confident about our DTs when we just got rid of a starter.
If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?
Dunta
sounds like Rick is not even gonna negotiate with Dunta, saying “letting him go” because of “lack of play.”
So if nobody wants him, I guess we don’t either.
Was this already established? I just heard that we wouldn’t tag him, not that he for sure would not be back, even for a significant cut in pay.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
Apparently the reports said...
the Texans didn’t even talk to Dunta’s people. That bringing him back wasn’t really much of a discussion.
not released yet
right?
so theoretically still possible, up until the FA period?
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
still possible but I dont see anything changing in the next 10 days or so. March 5th is the day, if I remember correctly, that he would become a FA.
Miss-placed Houstonian living and going to school in the wilderness of Wyoming. Fresno St. 28 - Wyoming 35 (2 OT)!!! Hands down best game I have ever been to.
That's certainly the impression he left on the ground
The whole conference should go up on the official site soon. The tone of the answer referred to Dunta as the past.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 26, 2010 2:21 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
so our evaluators
watch him the most, and the public word is, he’s not goo’d enough to play for us.
This should cost him at least a little money. Good tactic if we want to re-enter the bidding at a more reasonable level.
But to call him out as not good enough, then to have him play for you, might not be the best strategy, either.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
he wants to leave, its pretty damn obvious. He’s already said public goodbyes to the city, this is before FA has even started. I think Smith and company have resigned to the fact he isnt interested in a deal with the Texans, he wants to go on the market.
Be judgmental about the actions of the past, be hopeful about the actions of the future. -The Homers Creed
The loss of Walter
gives me the vapors. We don’t have another WR that has the same understanding of the Zone scheme and their role in it, especially as it pertains to blocking. Hopefully my general pessimism will be wrong on this one.
I think its cost
If its too high, JJ showed promise at the end of the year, and all year as a playmaker.
If JJ had a bad year, I think Walter would have been retained already.
Either way, I bet we take a WR in the draft at some point, as insurance for JJ.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
What about that Gonzales kid who sat on the bench most of the year? If I remember correctly he had ok hands and could run routes fairly well.
Miss-placed Houstonian living and going to school in the wilderness of Wyoming. Fresno St. 28 - Wyoming 35 (2 OT)!!! Hands down best game I have ever been to.
I hate the idea of losing Walter. The only thing that helps me through it is that the draft seems to be hugely deep in WRs:
http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=12&yr=2010&nid=83&lnid=124&rc=4&pid=16
There are guys 20-25 spots down this list that seem like they could help a team. If the Texans can fill any of their other needs through free agency, they can afford to spend a 3rd rounder or so on what could be a solid WR.
my view is
both sides of the ball need playmakers.
Our CBs and Safeties don’t get a tremendous amount of picks. Our offense moves the ball, but has trouble punching it in.
First couple rounds lets fill some needs, the middle lets make big plays.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
Now much would the f tag be
For walter?
by AllenOU on Feb 26, 2010 3:30 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Oh dear....
You don’t want no part of that. He’d make more than Andre, and that just won’t fly.
Bacon tastes good... Pork chops taste good.
Incredibly good move.
I’m hard pressed to think of people who should earn more than Andre. And by that I mean Schaub…and if we had a monster LT him (to protect Schaub), but that’s about it.
Surely you're forgetting Patrick Willis
Although actually it is irrelevant what he makes as he creates all the world’s money.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter
by riversmccown on Feb 26, 2010 4:03 PM CST up reply actions
It goes without saying that Willis...
should be the highest paid athlete in the entire sporting world.
I'm thinking way off today
I was thinking the average of the top five #2 receivers. I am a moron
yeah can’t franchise him.
Its Friday so I get my one free dumb comment
by AllenOU on Feb 26, 2010 4:04 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
Here is another link to the Rick Smith Presser
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcsouth
Click on the link from there.
A Texas Wannabe, born and raised in New Zealand. Currently located 7539 miles South west of Houston.
by distant_texans_fan on Feb 26, 2010 10:23 PM CST reply actions 2 recs
ok so the ESPN guy didn't have more to report about Rick's comments
He just linked back to Rivers’ article. Cool!
by BattleRedFan on Feb 27, 2010 11:01 PM CST up reply actions
i think Maurkice Pouncey should be in the consideration with our first pick.. “Pouncey has been really good in the team interviews at indy” – And center is a big need for us..
Die hard Texan fan from the heart of Denmark!
I'm going to keep saying it untill the draft
Weatherspoon, Weatherspoon, Weatherspoon
It started off as innocent curiosity and has grown into a bull blown man-crush. If Weatherspoon is available at pick #20 I will be shouting Weatherspoon! at my TV set.
who did you want
last year in the first?
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
let me guess
Raji, since you realize our system calls for a dominating NT, right?
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
he's more of a
weakside NT, who can stay with the OLs when they run pass routes.
Dunta's weightspeed was too low
If they take anyone out of the pool of Weatherspoon, most any CB, Dan Williams or Terrance Cody, or Ilaputa I’ll be ecstatic. Smithiak has shown themselves to have a pretty good eye for talent.
Rudimentary creatures of flesh and blood, you touch my mind, fumbling in ignorance, incapable of understanding.
Any combination sounds good...
Cushing – Ryans – Weatherspoon
Williams – Okoye – Williams/Cody – Smith/Barwin
Ghee/Wilson – Wilson – Pollard – Quin
Brown – Iupati – Someone not named Ragdoll – Caldwell – Winston
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