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RE: AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

ytraM — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:39:48 GMT

[quote][b]the village (4/27/2008)[/b][hr]I'll hide this in here rather than a self serving thread. There was a poster years ago named Neo (I believe) who posted, mostly on the Sideline. It was during the throes of religious and political discussions with the likes of The Real Joker, Displaced Jag, Loki, CiCi, Danfina and a few others I can't recall. Anyway, Neo posted one day that the board was bringing out the worst in him and that since he was working towards seminary he felt it best to leave. Thanks to everyone who made this board fun over the past 10 years. My personal epiphany happened Saturday. Between taking my daughter to The Jack for the Let Us Play run, then coaching her soccer team and finally being the draft board guy at our Spring Fling, I realized this wasn't fun anymore. The posing...the animosity...the message board courage. It isn't that I'm down on those who like it. I used to engage in good natured smack but between the irrational Matt Jones Fan and the arrogance between, for example, pro and con TMD (much like Jagroar and Dexter on TU) it simply quit being fun or edifying. Maybe a message board is also a young mans game. The RFC and D6 folk are few and far between. Heck, I don't even see Bullseye that much anymore. Football is entertainment and I'm missing from this medium. I hope this board continues to serve our fans and opposing fans in a positive way. This really is more a means of saying goodbye to old board friends and thanks for years of posting that was fun and educational. I'm off to focus more on actually moving from Pop Warner and FCSA coach to possibly something at a High School level.

[/quote]

Been there, done that. I'm older than you are.

I ignore message boards when we lose, I read and post avidly when we win. Try that approach. Absorb what gives you pleasure, and filter out what aggravates you. After a few days off, you'll be back. It's an addiction, but not an unhealthy one.

RE: AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

wadsworth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:39:11 GMT

Drafts should be graded a few years later. It's quite possible, for example, that Harvey and Groves are the two best players selected by any AFC South team this year. They could be the bookends for Jags for years to come. Or they could both be busts which would make this draft the worst in Jags history. Only time will tell.

But overall I like Jags and Texans drafts the best, then the Clots, then the tacks for whatever that's worth. Ask me again in 3-4 years.

RE: AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

Carr Bombed — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:52:37 GMT

[quote][b]the village (4/27/2008)[/b][hr]GRADE: C+
• Houston Texans: Needed RB but couldn't let the OT situation go unaddressed. But they traded down and then took Virginia Tech left tackle Duane Brown. Bit of a head-scratcher here. He has played both sides so that gives them flexibility. Went RB with Steve Slaton, who has outside burst but might not be big enough to bull through the middle. Fits their one-cut scheme but size will play into his durability. Xavier Adibi plays better than he runs but did the Texans really need a LB?[/quote]

Once again the national media doesn't know crap about what Houston is trying to do.

First of all, Duane Brown wasn't a reach, he was screaming up the draft boards, many mocks had him in that area, and Houston was in love with him..........his athleticism + Alex Gibbs = perfect fit in their system. (converted TE that will get to the second level and block downfield) Alex Gibbs takes these kinda LTs and turns them into probowlers

second Steve Slaton (I guess this writer is mad we passed on Rashard Mendenhall.) He isn't being asked to be the everydown guy..........this is a Denver system.....really did this guy see what Denver did with Selvin Young or what, newsflash Steve Slaton is > than Selvin Young , Steve Slaton will be their Tatum Bell, but with better receiver skills......the guy has alot of upside. The fact that the writer admits that "he fits their one-cut scheme" is all you need to know.

Third the comment from the writer that says "but did the Texans really need a LB?" shows me he really doesn't know what the hell he's talking about........yes Houston NEEDED a LB, outside of DeMeco they had Morlon Greenwood who is average at best and EXTREMELY OVERPAID. Xavier Adibi is undersized, but was the leader of his team defensively (DeMeco Ryans) and is a hellava playmaker, the dude does nothing but make plays (DeMeco Ryans) Gary Kubiak blushed when he was asked about him on the local draft recap tonight.

Also a poster above said he doesn't like the Frank Okam pick........I disagree, and it's not because Houston drafted him......I was waiting to see which team was smart enough to draft this guy. Dlineman at Texas for whatever reason never fully develop, do not live up to the billing, call it coaching or whatever, but once they make it to the NFL and get quality coaching blossom (trust me, I'm a Texas fan and have been frustrated with the great talent we bring in, but lack of production)

http://www.onnetworks.com/videos/draftguys-tv/profile--frank-okam---dt

Frank Okam at one time was projected to be a top 10 pick, this is a 340 pounder that can move, you pair that with the pass rushing of Amobi Okoye and it spells trouble...........Okam is going to swallow blockers and clog up lanes.

Houston from top to bottom addressed all their needs outside of another DE to compliment Mario Williams. I'm happy with the LBer......he brings nothing but havok and is excellent in coverage.

I'm happy with Steve Slaton, he'll thrive in this west coast offense and compliment our other backs nicely.

I'm extremely happy with Frank Okam, this guy is the real deal, he just needs a little fire shot up his a.. and Jethro Franklin brings that. (remember people also questioned Mario's motor....Franklin is no nonsense.)

Hell I'm even happy with the corner we took, looks like another Fred Bennett who could really pay off. http://www.onnetworks.com/videos/draftguys-tv/profile---antwaun-molden---cb

RE: AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

the village idiot — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:38:13 GMT

I'll hide this in here rather than a self serving thread. There was a poster years ago named Neo (I believe) who posted, mostly on the Sideline. It was during the throes of religious and political discussions with the likes of The Real Joker, Displaced Jag, Loki, CiCi, Danfina and a few others I can't recall. Anyway, Neo posted one day that the board was bringing out the worst in him and that since he was working towards seminary he felt it best to leave. Thanks to everyone who made this board fun over the past 10 years. My personal epiphany happened Saturday. Between taking my daughter to The Jack for the Let Us Play run, then coaching her soccer team and finally being the draft board guy at our Spring Fling, I realized this wasn't fun anymore. The posing...the animosity...the message board courage. It isn't that I'm down on those who like it. I used to engage in good natured smack but between the irrational Matt Jones Fan and the arrogance between, for example, pro and con TMD (much like Jagroar and Dexter on TU) it simply quit being fun or edifying. Maybe a message board is also a young mans game. The RFC and D6 folk are few and far between. Heck, I don't even see Bullseye that much anymore. Football is entertainment and I'm missing from this medium. I hope this board continues to serve our fans and opposing fans in a positive way. This really is more a means of saying goodbye to old board friends and thanks for years of posting that was fun and educational. I'm off to focus more on actually moving from Pop Warner and FCSA coach to possibly something at a High School level.

I failed at this more times than I should have...it is just opinion on something that is entertainment. Try to be respectful.

RE: AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

rfc17 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 23:27:21 GMT

Slaton could end up being that nice change of pace back. But I think MJD is significantly better. he'll run over somebody just as easily run by them.

My problem with Slaton is that he isnt all that big. was always battling some kind of injury at West Virginia so ya wonder how he'll hold up in the NFL. and he isnt ever going to be the pound it between the tackles type. so he is essentially a 3rd down only back. and he may end up doing that very well. but we'll see.

I do think he'll have a better chance playing behind a zone blocking team. i believe they used a similar technique in west virginias spread. IMO Slaton would be a disaster going in the middle of the line, looking for holes, trying to change direction in tight spaces, etc... I think he needs to find a lane to cut and then go.

RE: AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

the village idiot — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:55:16 GMT

Couldn't you see Slaton being a MJD type player? He doesn't run as hard but he has good hands and really expands a solid Texans passing attack.

The thing I like about Harvey is his age. He isn't as complete as a Kearse or a Freeney at this stage of his development but I do see incredible upside with this kid. He took more double teams this past year and my hope is that he is free'd up a bit more. If we do see more blitzing schemes, at the very least Harvey should allow our LBs and DBs to make plays on passing downs. Harvey wasn't going past pick 13 and after him I just don't think you get any upside from the remaining DEs as speed rushers. But that is only speculative on what we know now.

RE: AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

rfc17 — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:47:44 GMT

I think the Jags and Colts had the best two drafts.

Colts got good players throughout. Mike Pollack, Phillip Wheeler, Marcus Howard, Steve Justice, Jacob Tamme, etc... all good players. and good value for the most part.

Im a big fan of Trae Williams so I like that pick. Thomas Williams at worst should be another good addition to the special teams unit. Chauncey Washington isnt a bad player and should push Terry for the last RB spot. Im not 100% sold Harvey will be what we all want but I think we got the better end of the actual trade. and to come out of this draft with both harvey and groves is impressive i think. we werent sure we'd get any pass rusher of that quality let alone two.

I do not like the Texans draft. Duane Brown was a huge reach imo. he was borderline 2nd round at best. but they take him in the 1st!? thats crazy. I dont know enough about Molden but thats generally where he was supposed to go. I never thought Slaton was a great pro prospect. Adibi was a solid pick. Okam doesnt try hard. the other guys are developmental.

the titans draft I thought was awful. i like chris johnson but that was a reach. not as much as duane brown though. jason jones is fine in the 2nd but we got Groves, who i think is a significantly better prospect, only two picks ahead. so that must have been disappointing for them. craig stevens i think was a solid pick. william hayes in the 4th is laughable. Hawkins was a solid pick in that spot. the other guys i dont know much about.

RE: AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

the village idiot — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:42:13 GMT

A USA Today Opinion

GRADE: B+
• Indianapolis Colts: Dealt away their No. 1 a year ago and picked OT Tony Ugoh, who stepped in as a starter. That influences this grade. Needed some LB depth and got it in third round with Philip Wheeler, who can run and rush the passer from the edge. Also got some insurance in C Mike Pollak, heir apparent to Jeff Saturday in a scheme that prizes movement over drive.

GRADE: B
• Jacksonville Jaguars: They never hid their desire for DE Derrick Harvey and moved aggressively from 26th spot in first round to eighth to get him. Harvey looks like the most complete of the DEs, so this pick, even at the cost, ought to be success. Same idea in moving up to get Quentin Groves. Want to knock off the Colts? Then find a way to rush Peyton Manning, no matter the price.

GRADE: C+
• Houston Texans: Needed RB but couldn't let the OT situation go unaddressed. But they traded down and then took Virginia Tech left tackle Duane Brown. Bit of a head-scratcher here. He has played both sides so that gives them flexibility. Went RB with Steve Slaton, who has outside burst but might not be big enough to bull through the middle. Fits their one-cut scheme but size will play into his durability. Xavier Adibi plays better than he runs but did the Texans really need a LB?

GRADE: D+
• Tennessee Titans: If they plan on running the wishbone, boost the grade. RB Chris Johnson ran the fastest times in the 40-yard dash at the combine and then ran right into the first round with a team that keeps drafting at this position (LenDale White, Chris Henry) and pays too little attention to its WRs and the holes along the d-line. No team had fewer TD catches last year than the Titans' nine and the Titans did not do enough here to help QB Vince Young.

AFC South Grades...A Non-Arrogant Perspective

the village idiot — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:24:37 GMT

In order of finish last year. And let me add, I have seen probably 15% of any of these guys on a consistent basis so my opinion as a whole, sadly, is research on other's opinions. For entertainment purposes only and not some arrogant means of asserting my self appointed master draft knowledge.

Colts B
Love the Mike Hart pick late in the draft. The Colts did a nice job of going for offensive depth w\some solid TEs but appear to be more suited as pass catchers than blockers. The Colts have the benefit of a great deal of talent and not much need. Since most picks were mid to late draft there were no apparent stand outs.

Jags B-
I like the Harvey\Groves picks and the depth that Thomas Williams provides. Harvey may have been a bit of a reach but not that significant. I think Merling falling was a surprise and that may make the Harvey trade look even worse but that is hindsight and Harvey is a quality DE. If our DC is what we hope he is, Harvey and Groves will flourish. For that it grades out high. But after that the players appear to be fillers. I don't care what the FO says, there was talent in rounds 3 and 4 and at least one pick would've benefitted the team's depth. I know these guys went round 6 but Geno Hays or Barry Richardson may have been better options. You can't, in one breath, say competition makes players better and then claim there was nothing in rounds 3 and 4 that we could have acquired to give competition at other positions.

Titans D
If what Fisher said was true about scouts being high on William Hayes this grade could be off. RB in round 1 is confusing. No true speed WR to help VY. If the TE is more of a blocker and outlet for VY, how does that really help him? One of those drafts where you look at the history of the FO and either put faith in them or assume they've missed this time.

Texans A-
I really like this draft. Brown represents an athlete w\size. The Texans may have finally hit gold on the o-line. Slaton is a size victim (MJD) but should excel in the Texans offense. Adibi adds depth to a nice LB corps. I don't like Okham at all and really is the only pox. If I had to choose between Red Bryant or Adibi, Bryant may have been the choice while grabbing a LB in rd 5; maybe Goff or Williams.

Nothing personal folks...simply a discussion piece for all fans. If you think I'm wrong I can assure you I can't see the future and hence I can be swayed.