Alejandro - Houston, TX, US: Do you think the Texans might add depth at linebacker in free agencie say like maybe cato june? And How are things going on with Owen Daniels
Brooke Bentley:
Alright, this is my last question for the day. Thanks again for all your emails. Be sure to join me again next Tuesday at 1:30 pm.
Hi Alejandro,
The Texans are looking to add depth at linebacker during free agency. They brought in Kevin Burnett who played in Dallas for four years. Cato June, who played for the Bucs, had a visit with the Bills last week. June is 6-0, 235 pounds and many consider him to be a tad small to play strong-side linebacker in some 4-3 schemes, but he's got great mobility. As for OD, the Texans are working to get him locked into a long-term contract. He wants to be in Houston and the Texans want him here.
jermaine - bryan, TX, US: did the texans go after lamont jordan or derrick ward before they signed and are they still looking for a rb in free agency?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Texans fans. Thanks for all the emails! Time is winding down, so I'm going to take two more questions.
Hi Jermaine,
The Texans didn't aggressively pursue Jordan or Ward during free agency. I heard that Ward had his heart set on playing in Tampa and negotiations with the Bucs began right away. As for Jordan, he is 30 years old and missed time last year because of a calf injury. I don't think the Texans wanted a running back with injury problems and a short shelf life.
Brandon - Houston, TX, US: Heyyyy Brooke, How you doing? Anyways I want to ask about the Kevin Burnett Free Agency talks. Are we still talking to him and if so, then how are the talks progressing? He is a player with potential especially given the chance to play. Thank you BB. lol. Also as a bonus question, were the texans the least bit interested in the veteran marvin harrison?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Brandon,
The Texans brough Kevin Burnett in because they liked the depth he could give them at linebacker. Burnett played both inside and outside linebacker for the Cowboys and he was a big contributor on special teams. He has been talking with other teams to see what he can get, but he hasn't signed with anyone. As for Harrison, the Texans don't really need to spend valuable cap money on him. They are loaded at wide receiver and have more holes to fill on defense.
Ross Polk - Lubbock, TX, US: With the addition of Smith at DE and the young linebacker core looking bettter than ever, what steps do you see the Texans making in regards to their secondary? We are all anticipating Robinson back at corner and Bennett and Molden to really step up this year so that really isn't a concern. My concern would be the lack of depth at the safety position since, after all, an overly aggressive safety can be the difference maker on just about any team (This year was testament to that fact with Palomalu anchoring his team to the Super Bowl). They have released C.C. Brown and Will Demps. What might we do to address this integral position?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Ross,
I couldn't agree with you more about the Texans needing a physical safety. Look at what big-hitting safeties like Palomalu or Bob Sanders have done for their teams. General manager Rick Smith told me in an interview before free agency that the Texans will look to upgrade at that position. Of course, they re-signed Eugene Wilson at free safety. But to upgrade, they will need a big hitter at strong safety. Smith believes in building a team through the draft, so that might be the best place to find one.
doug - houston, TX, US: Will the Texans take another receiver...seeing how shaky Jacoby Jones was last year?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Doug,
The Texans are loaded at wide receiver with Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, André Davis and David Anderson. Jacoby mainly was used as a punt returner. They didn't really need him on offense, but they could use another player as insurance for punt returns. JJ's fumbled too many last season.
Wayne Liebl - Austin, TX, US: Do you see the Texans going past 8-8 and making the playoffs this coming season?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Wayne,
I do think the Texans will be at least 9-7 next season. First of all, they should have an easier schedule. Last year, they began with three road games against the Steelers, Titans and Jaguars. Second of all, they should have more talent on both sides of the ball, especially after the draft. Some pundits are calling the Texans "next year's Cardinals." I'm not saying they are going to the Super Bowl, but they could surprise some people.
Jairo Portillo - Pasadena, TX, US: Hello Brooke, The Texans now have gotten the attention they deserve. If they stay healthy they should make the playoffs. What if Rey Maualuga is still on the board when the Texans are up, would you take him?? I would even though are linebackers are ok.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Jairo,
The Texans definitely made waves last season with their offense consistently in the top five in the NFL. A few pundits are calling the Texans "next season's Cardinals." But they have to improve their defense to go deep in the playoffs. I like Rey Maualuga and got to cover him at USC. He plays hard and hits even harder. But he's a middle linebacker and the Texans don't plan on moving DeMeco Ryans. That makes him a tough fit in Houston. The Texans need more help on the outside.
jermaine - bryan, TX, US: how did the visit with kevin burnett go?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Jermaine,
Linebacker Kevin Burnett met with the Texans last week. He didn't get much playing time during his four years in Dallas, but he can play both the inside and outside linebacker positions. Plus, he's a special teams guy. The Texans liked Burnett because he would give them depth at the position. Burnett has been visiting other teams but hasn't signed a deal.
Chess White - Houston, TX, US: Are the Texans interested in signing any more FA's or are they completely focused on the draft right now?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Chess,
The Texans may have made their biggest moves in free agency right away (defensive end Antonio Smith and quarterback Dan Orlovsky), but that doesn't mean they are done looking. They are still looking for a running back to back up Steve Slaton, an outside linebacker and more depth in the secondary and on the defensive line.
Shane Tidwell - Rockport, TX, US: I am so glad to see Bruce Matthews coaching for the Texans. He was one of my favorite players. What type of impact is going to make for the offensive line and what do the players think of him coaching? Also, are the Texans looking in the draft for a defensive back such as a safety? I think that the Texans could use some good help in the secondary.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Shane,
Bruce Matthews has to be one of the nicest, most down-to-earth guys, but he sure knew how to flip a switch on the field. They players respect that and I think they are excited to learn from him. Matthews primarily will be working with Alex Gibbs on run blocking and will assist in drawing up running plays. He also might help teach some technique. As for the upgrading the secondary, the Texans could use a physical safety. They re-signed free safety Eugene Wilson and like the progress they saw from Dominique Barber, but they need a big hitter back there. And they could look to the draft to find just that.
Chess White - Houston, TX, US: Hey Brooke, is there a possibility that the Texans could draft a CB in the 1st round and a safety in the 2nd? Since we got Antonio Smith we need to upgrade the secondary, and getting a new CB and SS would help our D a lot.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Chess,
The Texans are feeling better about their group of cornerbacks after using the franchise tag on Dunta Robinson. They have Jaq Reeves, Fred Bennett and Antwaun Molden returning. Of course, it never hurts to upgrade, but there are other positions of need that might merit a first-round pick (ie: linebacker or defensive tackle). The Texans do want a physical safety to play opposite of free safety Eugene Wilson, who they re-signed in free agency. They like how Dominique Barber has progressed, but they'll look to add depth at the position.
Nick - Cypress, TX, US: Hey Brooke, Since the Texans picked up Antonio Smith to play opposite Mario Williams, I have seen a lot of Mock Drafts showing the Texans picking a WR in the first round instead of another defensive need such as Safety or Defensive Tackle. What are the chances the Texans use that 15th overall pick on an Offensive need over a Defensive need? Thanks!
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Nick,
I was just looking at Steve Wyche's mock draft on NFL.com, and he has the Texans taking running back Chris "Beanie" Wells with the 15th pick. General manager Rick Smith has made all indications that the Texans are looking to improve their defense in the draft, and that would start with their first-round selection. The Texans are loaded at wide receiver. They could use a running back to back up Steve Slaton, but they could find that in later rounds. Remember, Slaton was a third-round pick. I don't think the chances are high that the Texans go offense in the first round.
nick hartnett - galveston, TX, US: so since the texans finally solved there defensive end issue, what are we going to use the first round draft pick on? Defensive Tackle? Cornerback? Running back?
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Nick,
Here's my take on how the Texans will approach the first round of the draft. In my opinion, there are only two defensive tackles worthy of a first-round pick: B.J. Raji (Boston College) and Peria Jerry (Mississippi). Raji probably will be gone by the time the Texans pick at 15. Jerry is 6-1, 295 and is a quick tackle who would excel in a Tampa 2 defense. The Texans are feeling pretty good at cornerback after using the franchise tag on Dunta Robinson. They also have their starting running back in Steve Slaton, and it looks like there could be good running back available in later rounds. I was most impressed with the group of outside linebackers at the combine. A lot them will be coming off the draft board quickly.
nakiabrowning - bessemer, AL, US: Whats the deal on de Earl Cochran we have not signed him/? Very good player all over the field. We need him back. He really can put an exciting performance on the field.Happy to know his turf toe is well.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Nakia,
Earl Cochran was having the best season of his career last year before he hurt his toe in November. The defensive end finished the year with two sacks. Cochran has been rehabbing at Reliant Stadium, but the front office will want to make sure he is close to being healthy before they re-sign him. Cochran is a restricted free agent and two weeks ago the Texans tendered him an offer to retain his rights, but they haven't signed him to a contract for next season.
ric - Houston, TX, US: It seems that other are mainly concerned about a defensive end. what about defensive tackle. do you see the texans taking a dt at number fifteen. thank for your time
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Ric,
The Texans are much less concerned about getting a defensive end after signing Antonio Smith during free agency. Smith will start opposite Mario Williams on the left side. You are right, the Texans could a defensive tackle who can clog the middle and hold two blockers. In my opinion, there are only two defensive tackles worthy of a first-round pick: B.J. Raji (Boston College) and Peria Jerry (Mississippi). Raji is a beast and will be gone by the time the Texans pick at 15. Jerry is 6-1, 295 and he's a quick tackle who would excel in a Tampa 2 defense. The deepest position group in the draft this year is outside linebacker.
chris Howard - college station, TX, US: So when Frank Bush says more aggressive defense, does he mean the actual style of play? basically , were the players just not getting to the qb or was the style of play the reason. I'm a DIE HARD FAN since day one and I would like to tell Mr. MC Nair and and the whole Texan staff they have done a great job of having one the most classiest teams in the NFL.
Brooke Bentley:
Hi Texans fans! Thanks for joining our weekly Live Chat. Things have slowed down for the Texans during the second week of free agency, but we still have a lot to discuss. The team could look to make moves in free agency. Also, there is a new coach in town and he happens to be a Hall of Famer. Monday was the first day of work for Bruce Matthews, a legend with the Oilers. Here's the link to an interview I did with him about his settling into his new job: /news/Story.asp?storyid=5181. OK, let the emailing begin!
Hi Chris,
Defensive coordinator Frank Bush keeps talking about installing a more aggressive, attacking style of defense. I talked to him about how he plans to achieve that, and he said he wants the defensive line to play off the ball more and go after the quarterback. Last season, the defensive line played more of a side-to-side game and they didn't put enough pressure on the passer. Bush also wants more defensive players that can make plays on the ball and cause turnovers. He already has one addition: Defensive end Antonio Smith will line up on the left side and rush the passer opposite Mario Williams. And I have a feeling Bush wouldn't mind getting some playmakers at linebacker and safety. Thanks for being a die hard. That's the best kind of fan!
