Top 10 Texans Draft Busts - #6: Vernand Morency

by bigfatdrunk on Apr 8, 2011 2:00 PM CDT in News

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From 2004 through 2008, your Houston Texans had only one 2nd Round pick, some guy named DeMeco Ryans or something. So, if it seems like I've been picking on 3rd Round picks so far, you're right. Here's a scouting report on Vernand Morency.

Maybe it's just me, but during the early years of the franchise, we seemed to flail about, looking for a running back who could take some of the pressure off Domanick Williams after the inaugural season. Vernand Morency was one of those bodies we tossed out there, to painful effect.

Watching Morency at Oklahoma State University, where he regularly tore apart the University of Texas defense, I actually liked this 3rd Round pick back in 2005. But Morency struggled his rookie season and was dinged repeatedly for his inability to pick up the blitz. His performance, as well, wasn't overly promising, but the Texans were happy to just get 4.0 yards/rush from anybody. On September 13, 2006, Morency was surprisingly traded to the Green Bay Packers for Samkon Gado, who had gone undrafted in 2005.

Gado put up Morency-like numbers after the deal, while Morency put up 4.6 yards/rush in Green Bay and doubled Gado's production. Morency was finished after the 2007 season, while Gado managed to hang on until 2009.

That the team gave up so quickly on Morency is a huge negative. Worst of all, it was yet another failed experiment to handcuff a helper to Williams, who would play his final season in 2005 after knee surgery. Finding a competent second fiddle for Williams could've had a strongly positive impact for Williams' career and the Texans' offense.

Next three picks after Morency: Justin Tuck, New York Giants; Eric Green, Arizona Cardinals, Karl Paymah, Denver Broncos.

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Comments

man would i have liked to have justin tuck

i know frank bush wasnt draft eligible, but him and travis johnson would be my biggest busts of all time.

by AllenOU on Apr 8, 2011 2:03 PM CDT reply actions

You just made me think of something

Too bad this is “Draft” Busts, or Frank Bush would top the list.

by WhiskeyR on Apr 8, 2011 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions

Little known fact

bfd and I share a mind. Did the lights dim just now when you read that?

Good No. 6, if I might say so myself. And, if I’m not mistaken, Vernand also came to the Texans with a couple extra years on him. Do I remember that correctly? Wasn’t he already 25 when he was a rookie? I think he played baseball in the minors for a few years. And, did he have trouble holding onto the ball? Seems I remember a few untimely fumbles. I thought he had a funny running style, like he was going to fall over.

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 2:12 PM CDT reply actions

Kudos for the prediction

nicely played….what’s your call for #5?

If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?

by Shake on Apr 8, 2011 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions

if you share a mind

its 80% BFD and 20% RJ

just sayin

by AllenOU on Apr 8, 2011 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Its a toss-up between two more 3rd rounders

I see Dave Ragone and Seth Wand coming up. Flip a coin as to who is worse, but for me… who should I pick…. I’ll go with Dave Ragone. He started two games for the Texans and he always appeared inept. Somehow, by some miracle he went to NFL Europe and garnered MVP there, but whatever he did right there never transferred over to the NFL. So, he’s next. Seth Wand gets 4th worst bust status.

But, if someone wanted to put Ragone higher up on the list than Wand, I would not complain, as Ragone is now the WRs Coach for the BESFs.

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions

This is going to get scary

Because I think you are dead on with this one also.

If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?

by Shake on Apr 8, 2011 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Nope

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Apr 8, 2011 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Don't be an ass

Now you’re just changing your picks to throw off Rip.

I still believe that the entire 2005 Draft should rate as #1. It’s uglier than a mud wrestling match between Rosanne Barr & Oprah.

If the Treasury Secretary doesn't have to pay taxes, then why do I?

by Shake on Apr 8, 2011 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

bfd could be mixing it up on us

Maybe he’s going to shock us and put last year’s #1 in the top three……

Shocker!

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, I am

Because Shake is 100% correct in that the 2005 should be nominated en masse for an award.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Apr 8, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Oops

And I tried to mix it up just a little.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Apr 8, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions

So

Sounds like you might be starting up another aspect of what determines a bust. Is it too soon to call a player a bust after just one season? Hmmm?

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Since we're making predictions.... and that's all they are

because even though we share a mind, bfd has it for the next two weeks, whereupon, I will get it for the following two weeks.

I will say that the top three are #1 Travis Johnson, #2 Babin, and #3 Joppru with the theory that the worst of the busts have to be 1st rounders. Joppru will be the worst rated 2nd rounder.

Spencer doesn’t make the list because he was a stud for the small amount of time that he was able-bodied.

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

I had to bite my tongue when you mentioned Morency

Also, great point in his age already being up there.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Apr 8, 2011 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

I received a point towards a t-shirt for Molden

What do I get for Morency?

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions

temporary rights to Samkon Gado

by Cut Block on Apr 10, 2011 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Depression.

I am a visionary, I am a genius, and now I am angry! Now help me find my pants!

I have a plan, and it's so cunning you can brush your teeth with it!

by UprootedTexan on Apr 10, 2011 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

predictions

5 – Peek
4 – Joppru
3 – Spencer
2 – Babin
1 – Travis Johnson

by AllenOU on Apr 8, 2011 2:32 PM CDT reply actions

TBH

I still haven’t decided between Babin and Travis for #1. Opinion?

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Apr 8, 2011 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I would give #1 to Johnson on the basis of effort

Johnson had expectation and abilities, but he just didn’t make the effort to get better. Babin, I do believe, made the effort. Johnson hung on with the Texans longer, but I think that’s because there was no one else there. Babin became expendable when the D-scheme was changing. Did I hit the timing of his departure right?

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Babin is still 3rd all-time in sacks for the Texans.

I think we gave up on him too early when we transitoned to the 4-3. He was still a good situational pass rusher and was better than Anthony Weaver as a pass rusher.

by Drill Sarge on Apr 8, 2011 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions

and has anyone ever looked at Benny Joppru's career numbers?

OUCH!!! 0 TD’S 0 YARDS 0 CATCHES in 7 NFL seasons. he played in 1 game in 3 years fot the Texans. He does have 6 career tackles though for Seattle, so he’s got that working for him. 9th pick of the second round and we picked him instead of Witten. . .

by Drill Sarge on Apr 8, 2011 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions

OUCH!

No WONDER I don’t remember ever hearing of him.

Just my $.02
Even duct tape can't fix stupid

by txknight on Apr 8, 2011 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Also

Peek was pretty good in 2005 as he had a season far better than anybody listed here so far.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Apr 8, 2011 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

Yep

Doesn’t make my list. You got it right.

And, right now, we’re really scaring the children….

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

For me it would be Babin

At not just for his draft position. It still pains me to think of what we gave up to move up for him. And didn’t Travis ~~play~~ get on the field more often?

by BleachBum on Apr 8, 2011 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

They were both starters

But, their position as starters was probably a combination of their draft status/expectations and who was going to take their place?

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions

performance wise Babin looks better

And he was a later pick (27th vs 16th) but we gave up a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and traded 5th rounders for him. Directly after what would have been our second round pick, Denver grabbed Tatum Bell. Randy Starks and most notably, Matt Schaub were available for what would have been our 3rd round pick.

by BleachBum on Apr 8, 2011 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions

It's a toss up for me

Since TJ was 16th, even though we gave up picks to move up for babin, I would lean him

But man do I hate babin, what a douche.

You can’t go wrong with either, but I think honestly they ate 1 and 1A, with no one at 2

by AllenOU on Apr 8, 2011 3:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

My choice of Babin

Is more emotionally than factually based.

by BleachBum on Apr 8, 2011 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

If we had drafted Schaub in the third round

That would be the single best Texans pick ever.

by WhiskeyR on Apr 8, 2011 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't know about that

Our coaching staff at that time might have ruined him before Kubiak got here

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid

by The Night Owl on Apr 9, 2011 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions

I think he said he is leaving Charles Spencer alone.

I would tend to agree with it.

by WhiskeyR on Apr 8, 2011 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Charles Hill ought to be there before Peek, IMO.

Dream Texans Draft:
1. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin
2. Sam Acho, OLB, Texas
3. Sione Fua, NT, Stanford
4. Tyler Sash, S, Iowa
5. Chykie Brown, CB, Texas
6. Jerrod Johnson, QB, Texas A&M
7. Chas Henry, P, Florida

by krkenney on Apr 9, 2011 2:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Justin Tuck was picked after VM.....

That makes me sick. Tuck is one of my favorite players.

"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.

by bone31crusher on Apr 8, 2011 3:06 PM CDT reply actions

God I remember Morency

Pretty sure I cut or traded him every time I started a new Madden Franchise.

Nationwide Writer for SBNation's Nascar Ranting & Raving (www.4ever3blog.com)
"A ringing single for David Eckstein who, in my view, is the perfect size for an American male." -Bob Costas
Now on Twitter: @RockstarTroy

by Troy J. on Apr 8, 2011 3:53 PM CDT reply actions

I remember being baffled

When he ran the ball – he seemed to never quite get going. With the Texans anyways.

My name is Barry - I am from Texas

by Barryfromtexas on Apr 8, 2011 3:56 PM CDT reply actions

Same at Oklahoma state

One year wonder and should have been a sixth rounder

by AllenOU on Apr 8, 2011 4:25 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Please excuse my CRS...

But, who was the second round RB pick we made in the supplemental draft? That was a huge bust, I think he should be in the top 10.

by Alphabull on Apr 8, 2011 5:18 PM CDT reply actions

Got it...

Tony Hollings!

by Alphabull on Apr 8, 2011 5:21 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Welcome, Alphabull!

Yep, you got one only a couple of people have mentioned.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Apr 8, 2011 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Supplemental? That doesn't count!

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Yes it does

You burn an April pick when you do the Supplemental pick

"Lord, beer me strength."

by TexansDC on Apr 8, 2011 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks BFD...

I’ve been been lurking for a couple months now, since I found this site. But I just had to speak up on this one. Its hard to get good Taxans news here in Louisiana.

by Alphabull on Apr 8, 2011 5:30 PM CDT reply actions

Wait!

You can’t get BRB in LA? Or, BRB isn’t good Texans news? What is it you’re trying to say and try to lose that backwoods cajun accent when you type it, please….

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Apr 8, 2011 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions

sha...

“good Texans news” is an oxymoron…

by Cut Block on Apr 10, 2011 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

You guys

Are a frickin’ riot. Its hard to find a good source for “bad news” about the Texans. At least here I can have some humor to drowned my sorrow in. All the TV and radio stations here talk about the Aints. I’ve been lucky to NFL Sunday Ticket and Sports 610 on my iPhone to stay up to date.

by Alphabull on Apr 12, 2011 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions