joe - clear lake, TX, US: hi brook, in some of the latest mock drafts i have look at, they have texans picking up osu cb malcolm jenkins. if he does fall to 15 do you think it would be a safe pick or good pick for the texans because he has the size to play safety and skill set to play corner. just wondering what you think because they can get lb in latter rounds just like {ryans}. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, YOU DO GREAT JOB. THANKS
Brooke Bentley:
We have come to our last question. Thanks again for all your emails. Don't forget to check out our first mock draft. We'll be updating it weekly. /news/2009MockDraft.asp
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the shout out! I talked to Malcolm Jenkins at the combine and he said that he wants to come out as a corner. Just looking at him, he has the appearance of a safety. But he'll play where coaches tell him to play. If he does drop, it would be hard to pass him up. But it's not out of the realm, that the Texans trade down to get an outside linebacker or d-lineman that still will be available. That's the thing about the first round - it's so fluid.
John - Saskatchewan, CA: Brooke, It would seem with some of the signings the Texans have made that the defensive line will not be a priority in the first round. With the likelihood of Malcolm Jenkins being gone by our selection, and questions surrounding players like Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews, would the Texans be better to select an offensive playmaker like Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin? It would seem that adding playmakers like that would take some pressure off of Andre Johnson, and give us the threat of someone who can take it to the house at any moment.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi John,
The Texans had the leading receiving tandem in the league with Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter. Walter quietly had 899 receiving yards and 8 TDs. I can't see the Texans using a first-round pick on a receiver, especially when they have André Davis signed to a deal as their third guy. I think it's defense early on in the draft.
david - houston, TX, US: is it still looking like a linebacker in the draft or is it possible that right before they pick - there might be a quarterback avail. that another team will want- and trade down to get extra pick ??? any rumors ???? thxz for time
Brooke Bentley:
Hi David,
I don't see the Texans drafting a quarterback in the first round. Matt Schaub is their starter and they signed Dan Orlovsky to back him up. The Texans need help on defense, especially at linebacker and defensive back.
Sergio - Houston, TX, US: Brooke ,why is it that Travis Johnson is still considered as a starter? His job is to get after the quarterback, and from the many games I've seen, he doesn't seem to do that. Don't we have DT's better than him on our team who can start in his place? And with the potential signing of Shaun Cody, who do you think our starting D-line will be for the 2009 season?
Brooke Bentley:
Alright, I'm going to take a couple more emails....
Hi Sergio,
I think Travis Johnson is going to have his work cut out for him this season, proving himself as a starter. His primary function on the line changed when the Texans drafted Amobi Okoye. Johnson became more of a nose tackle, who needed to hold two blockers so that Okoye could get to the QB. That didn't happen enough, and Johnson didn't clog up the middle. If the Texans sign Cody, he and DelJuan Robinson will compete for starting duties. New defensive line coach Bill Kollar is beyond intense and he will demand a better performance from Johnson, or he'll bench him. Plus, the Texans still will look for talent in the draft.
Kyle Neal - West Columbia, TX, US: What seems to be the team's attitude coming into the '09 season? Thanks
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Kyle,
It's playoffs or bust for the Texans. When I talk to the players, that's all they can say about next season. They know they have to make the playoffs to turn the corner. On offense, most of the guys feel like the key is protecting the QB and holding on to the ball. They had way too many turnovers last year. On defense, the team has to improve its pass rush and cause more turnovers. The Texans are looking to do that by drafting faster, more athletic players.
Ryan - Odessa, TX, US: Any news on Dunta Robinson? Is there something being done to resolve the situation?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Ryan,
There's no news on Dunta Robinson. He's been in training at a facility on the East Coast and he's talked to a lot of the players. He wants to come into offseason workouts in the best shape possible. The Texans still want to work out a long-term contract with him.
Robert - houston, TX, US: With that being said (about Reeves), will the coaches be able to improve on this issue and should we see an increase in pass defense this year?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Robert,
I have talked to some of the players about new defensive backs coach David Gibbs, and they said he's a lot like his father (assistant head coach Alex Gibbs). He's intense and pushes his players. David Gibbs is going to force Reeves to get better in coverage. He's also charged with bringing along Fred Bennett and Antwaun Molden. Bennett is a bigger, more physical corner who could be a great complement to right corner Dunta Robinson. The two haven't played much together because of Robinson's injuries.
Sergio - Houston, TX, US: Brooke, On your draft mock board, you have us going with Brian Cushing, instead of Clay Matthews. I think Clay Matthews would help us out much more. And also, who would the Texan players rather us draft on draft day?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Sergio,
The beauty of a mock draft is that you can change things! I do like Matthews. He's got great closing speed. He's a worker. He can play special teams. And he's got excellent blood lines (his uncle, Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews is an offensive assistant for the team now). He's the type of player who could be available later in the first round that the Texans could trade down for. Cushing has higher stock right now because he has more experience as a starter.
Paul - Houston, TX, US: Hi Brooke, What primary moves do you see the Texans making in the draft? I know we need to bolstoer our defensive backs, but what else?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Paul,
The Texans have to go defense in the early rounds of the draft because they have so many holes. They could use a physical safety, but right now there's not one that looks worthy of a first-round pick. There is a really deep class of outside linebackers: Aaron Curry (Wake Forest), Brian Cushing (USC), Clay Matthews (USC). Those guys could start right away and make a difference on just about any defense. The Texans also could use a run-stuffing defensive tackle. B.J. Raji out of Boston College would be ideal, but he will be long gone by the time the Texans pick at 15. I know I keep linking to this, but I can't help myself. Here's our mock draft: /news/2009MockDraft.asp
Kyle Neal - West Columbia, TX, US: Do you think Kubiak will be on the chopping block if he does not have at least a 8-8 or a winning season?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Kyle,
There's no doubt that coach Gary Kubiak is under a lot of pressure this season. Last season was hard to assess because Hurricane Ike disrupted things. Still, owner Bob McNair wasn't afraid to fire defensive coordinator Richard Smith, despite the improvements the defense made at the end of the season. I don't think anyone is safe if the Texans don't make the playoffs this year.
Freddy Galdamez - houston, TX, US: if the texans dont get wat they want in the draft which i think is a definite pass rusher on the opposite side of mario, i havent really heard much of antonio smith except when the texans signed him..if the texans dont get another OLB to replace greenwood, wat do u think the texans will pick?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Freddy,
The Texans definitely need an outside linebacker, but the first round of the draft is very fluid. If a defensive tackle like B.J. Raji fell and the Texans could get him, it would be hard to pass him up. I do think that the Texans have found their starter on the defensive line in Antontio Smith. He can get to the quarterback (he had two sacks in the playoffs last year) and he will keep teams from double-teaming Mario. Here's our first mock draft, which we came up with last week: /news/2009MockDraft.asp
Robert - Houston, TX, US: Do you think if Reeves just turned a little faster his interception numbers would improve? It seems like he was always there, he was just a second or two off.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Robert,
That's the thing about Reeves. He is really freaking fast and he can stay with just about any receiver in the league. If he turned his head a little earlier, he couldn't help but get more picks. He actually had four INTs last season, which is pretty darn good.
Michael - Spring, TX, US: When will the NFL release the entire schedule? Do you think the TEXANS will have any home prime time games?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Michael,
The entire NFL schedule doesn't come out until April, but the league released a handful of games yesterday, including the Monday night doubleheader. Here's what the Texans do know. They won't play Dallas in the preseason this year because of the Cowboys' scheduling conflicts involving their new stadium in Arlington. The Saints most likely will spend almost a week in Houston practicing against the Texans before playing a preseason game. And the Texans will play the Bucs again in the preseason. A lot of signs seem to point to the Texans getting a prime-time game. They've played on national TV for the last two years and performed lights out. I could see games against the Colts, Titans or Pats airing on prime time.
Norm - Austin, TX, US: I think the Texans will go CB or LB in 1st pick......what do you think their 2nd and 3rd rd picks will address?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Norm,
It's so hard to talk about the second round, because you never know who will fall out of the first. But the Texans do need a physical safety and a running back to back up Steve Slaton. They got Slaton in the third round last year, and it looks like there could be several pounding running backs who will be available in later rounds.
Norm - Austin, TX, US: do u tk they will take a CB or LB 1st pick?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Norm,
I have been most impressed with the outside linebackers in this draft. I think the Texans could trade down from 15 and still get a starter. The two best corners are Malcolm Jenkins and Vontae Davis. Jenkins probably will go by 15. Here's the mock draft we came up with, including the Texans pick, OLB Brian Cushing (USC). /news/2009MockDraft.asp
Wayne Liebl - Austin, TX, US: How do you think the Texans are going to fare this year? What areas do the Texans need to improve on? Thx. Wayne
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Wayne,
The Texans have to improve their defense if they want to make the playoffs next season. They signed defensive end Antonio Smith to rush the passer opposite Mario Williams. They also could use an outside linebacker to play next to DeMeco Ryans and a physical safety. The Texans run defense ranked 23rd in the NFL last year. They have to get better at stopping the run, and next season they will face premier running backs like Marshawn Lynch (Bills), Chris Johnson (Titans) and Ronnie Brown (Dolphins).
Dorothy Warren - Bessemeer, Alabama, AL, US: Are the Texans going to sign Earl Cochran back on the team?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Dorothy,
It wasn't easy for the Texans to release defensive end Earl Cochran. He had a productive year last season (2 sacks) and he was popular in the locker room. Houston is still trying to make deals during free agency, so you can't rule anything out.
Kyle Neal - West Columbia, TX, US: Do you think trading Sage is/ was the best move? I mean he had his faults last year, but I believe it was from him trying to prove he should have been the starter not Matt. I really was hoping he was our starter. Would be like Tenn. Look how great they did last year with their back-up. Thanks Kyle
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Kyle,
I do think trading Sage Rosenfels was the best move for all parties. Sage wanted to be a starting quarterback and he probably tried too hard and forced too many passes trying to prove that he could be the starter. There's no denying that Matt Schaub outperformed Sage last season. What the Texans needed was a quarterback who could compete with Schaub and push him, but also knew that he would be coming in as the backup. That's why Dan Orlovsky is a perfect fit for the team. He said he wanted to play for the Texans to learn under coach Gary Kubiak, but he is good enough to start if Schaub does go down.
Mack - Houston, TX, US: Is anyone drilling into Jacques Reeves head, to turn his head and look back in coverage. He was burned many times last year because he didn't look back. Solve this problem or draft a shutdown cornerback or move one of the younger cornerbacks up.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Mack,
Jac Reeves got burned several times (and most notably by Reggie Wayne in Week 5) because he kept his head facing his receiver. But Reeves actually performed better than a lot people give him credit for. He was thrown at 109 times and he only allowed 53 completions. Regardless, defensive backs coach David Gibbs will be all over Reeves next season about breaking that habit. Remember, the Texans still have Fred Bennett, who led the team in interceptions in 2007, and Antwaun Molden.
Wolfgang Eder - Vienna, AU: Hey Brooke, How do you think will the recent signing of Shaun Cody influence the approach of the Texans towards the draft? Will they now more likely go OLB in the first round?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Wolfgang,
Here's the latest on defensive tackle Shaun Cody: He hasn't signed on the dotted line. Although ESPN and the Houston Chronicle are reporting he will sign, nothing is official. If he does sign, he will compete with DelJuan Robinson and Travis Johnson for a starting spot. Signing him would give the Texans some freedom going into the draft because they wouldn't feel as pressed to sign a d-tackle in the early rounds.
mike palmer - houston, TX, US: Hi Brooke, In your opion, what do you think is the most pressing need for the team right now before the draft takes place. They've always gone for defense and still haven't gotten to the quarterback .You HAVE to put pressure on the all the time to get ahead of your oppenent to beat them.During the season We need to start strong and take care of business during the regular season to get home-field in the playoffs. I'd like to hear your comments on this. Thanks, Mike Palmer
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Mike,
The Texans signed defensive end Antonio Smith to play opposite Mario Williams and improve their pass rush. Smith can get to the passer and he will help prevent teams from double-teaming Williams. The Texans also need more production from their nose tackle. They need someone who can hold two blockers and help tackle Amobi Okoye rush the quarterback. Really, the Texans have a lot of defensive needs going into the draft. I like this year's class of outside linebackers. I think the Texans could get a high-motor guy in the first round who right away could play next to DeMeco Ryans. The Texans also need a physical safety and a running back to back up Steve Slaton, but there could be talent at those positions available in later rounds.
Cody - deer park, TX, US: What is the latest signing news on Owen Daniels?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Cody,
I talked O.D. a couple of weeks ago about his contract and nothing really has changed since then (/news/Story.asp?storyid=5185). He received the highest tender possible from the Texans and the team is working on getting him a long-term deal. But the bottom line is he wants to stay with the Texans, and they want to make sure he is on their roster for a long time.
Matt - Dallas, TX, US: Brooke, I have zero confidence in Chris Brown to not wind up on the IR. Are the Texans looking at RBs in the draft at all? Shonn Greene or James Davis would be a nice surprise. Also, what ever happened with the non-contact contact drills? Are we in the clear on that "unpleasantness?"
Brooke Bentley:
Hi, Texans fans! Welcome back to our Live Chat. We are about a month away from the draft (check out our first mock draft: /news/2009MockDraft.asp) and the Texans still are looking to make moves in free agency. So we have lots to chat about. Let the emails begin!
Hi Matt,
You make a point on running back Chris Brown. Most of his NFL seasons have been cut short by injuries, but physically he is the type of back that would complement Steve Slaton. Brown is big and he runs up the gut, which would give defenses a different look. That being said, the Texans most definitely are looking at other backs. They drafted Slaton in the third round last year, and I think there will be a lot of good backs available in later rounds. Shonn Greene was a physical running back at Iowa. He didn't have a great combine, but I heard he improved his draft stock at the Pro Day and now is considered a second-round guy. Clemson's James Davis is about to have his pro day. About those non-contact drills, they still are being reviewed by the league.
