[KTRK-TV] Texans Interested in DE Antonio Smith

[nero THE zero]

From checking out the Cardinals board it seems that Smith was a 5th round project that was drafted on raw potential. Over the past couple of seasons he has finally begun to realize that potential, recording 5.5 sacks in '07 and 3.5 in '08. He also came on very strong at the end of the season and in the playoffs. He is a high character, high motor guy, and has a working relationship with Frank Bush.

The match makes a lot of sense, so I wouldn't be surprised (or upset) to see him end up here. He's no Julius Peppers, but I wouldn't mind being the beneficiary of Arizona's developmental work so long as we don't have to pay too much for it.

[gunn]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

but I wouldn't mind being the beneficiary of Arizona's developmental work so long as we don't have to pay too much for it.

I don't know how great that is......

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by gunn

I don't know how great that is......

Why not?

You're getting a "project" post-project. It's like us taking Amobi Okoye in the draft; spending years developing his strength, conditioning, and technique; and then losing him to another team once his rookie contract expires and his production starts matching his potential.

That's not necessarily a bad thing (for the signing team), depending on the contract numbers.

[gunn]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

Why not?

You're getting a "project" post-project. It's like us taking Amobi Okoye in the draft, spending years developing his strength, conditioning, and technique and then losing him to another team once his rookie contract expires and his production starts matching his potential.

That's not necessarily a bad thing, depending on the contract numbers.

Because its the Cardinals..... I'm more or less making a joke about it, but even still, its the CARDINALS!!! I wouldn't trust any sort of "development" that they have made with a player. Players are so system oriented now as well but I'd rather go after Chris Canty if they were looking to go that route. Similar style of player that is a strongside end that could kick inside on 3rd down.

[Arky]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

...... recording 5.5 sacks in '07 and 3.5 in '08......

An avg. of 4.5 per year. That's about 4.5 more than we had been getting from that position. I realize sacks aren't the end-all of DE play but they are a pretty good barometer and sounds like the guy is coming into his prime....

If they pick him up, I'd say they'll go LB in the first round...

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by Arky

An avg. of 4.5 per year. That's about 4.5 more than we had been getting from that position. I realize sacks aren't the end-all of DE play but they are a pretty good barometer.....

If they pick him up, I'd say they'll go LB in the first round...

Sacks is what we need Arky. That's what our defense is missing most of all - sacks, or pressure on the QB as it were.
Jason Babin is a free agent this year, lets just get him back here if this joker is the best we can do. I dunno that Babin couldn't average 3-4 sacks a game
in pass situations ?

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by nero THE zero

He also came on very strong at the end of the season and in the playoffs. He is a high character, high motor guy, and has a working relationship with Frank Bush.

The match makes a lot of sense, so I wouldn't be surprised (or upset) to see him end up here.

On the NFL Network, they had a list of potential FAs on the side of the screen last night. When I saw Antonio's name up there, I came to this conclusion.

1. Plays at a position of need.
2. Playoff experience last season.
3. Worked with Bush in Arizona.
4. Cheaper tier FA potentially.
5. LDE who keeps Mario at RDE.

Sounds like a legit speculation. It would keep the team from feeling forced to draft a DE like Robert Ayers in the 1st round. Perhaps the team is projecting guys like Everette Brown and Brian Orakpo won't be available at #15. Maybe Michael Johnson is too likely to be a bust to take that highly and Maybin is too small to play DE on every down. Signing FAs to address needs is what allows a GM to draft the BPA - which is very important in the 1st round.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by Roy P

Signing FAs to address needs is what allows a GM to draft the BPA - which is very important in the 1st round.

That's the key, Super Bowl appearances tend to drive prices up, but assuming his cap number is lower than Weaver's would have been this year (possible) then they can still go after a DE in the draft. It would probably be less likely that it would be early, but they could be in just as good a position to take one in the first as they were before. It would all depend on the contract.The big names get the pub, but FA's should let you fill your holes before the draft so you don't have to reach, unless you want to, on draft day.

Pancakes could very well be right (and it pains me to say it). The team might not be looking for that light speed rushing RDE like we are....at least not early on.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by Roy P

On the NFL Network, they had a list of potential FAs on the side of the screen last night. When I saw Antonio's name up there, I came to this conclusion.

1. Plays at a position of need.
2. Playoff experience last season.
3. Worked with Bush in Arizona.
4. Cheaper tier FA potentially.
5. LDE who keeps Mario at RDE.

Sounds like a legit speculation. It would keep the team from feeling forced to draft a DE like Robert Ayers in the 1st round. Perhaps the team is projecting guys like Everette Brown and Brian Orakpo won't be available at #15. Maybe Michael Johnson is too likely to be a bust to take that highly and Maybin is too small to play DE on every down. Signing FAs to address needs is what allows a GM to draft the BPA - which is very important in the 1st round.

OR maybe signing a 2 down DE like Antonio opens the door for us to draft a smaller speedy pass rush specialist like Maybin.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by mussop

OR maybe signing a 2 down DE like Antonio opens the door for us to draft a smaller speedy pass rush specialist like Maybin.

When I said, "Maybin is too small to play DE on every down" that was given as a reason to sign Antonio. So, I guess you are agreeing with me.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by Roy P

When I said, "Maybin is too small to play DE on every down" that was given as a reason to sign Antonio. So, I guess you are agreeing with me.

Ok after rereading youre post I see what you are saying. Sorry and yes I agree with you.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Roy P

When I said, "Maybin is too small to play DE on every down" that was given as a reason to sign Antonio. So, I guess you are agreeing with me.

In one mock that I did, I drafted Sidbury to be my rush specialist and then drafted Derek Walker to be my 2 down DE later in the draft.

[Keith]

hmmm... among the teams interested in Smith - the Bucs and Eagles, both of which have more cap room than the Texans.

Anyone want to keep the Peppers fantasy alive, think of this... the Texans only went whole hog in a trade for Matt Schaub after other QB options seemed to fall through (Jake Plummer, etc.). That trade happened like around March 22, 2007.

With Anthony Weaver gone, the team needs a LDE (again, assuming they don't want to play Mario at the position). I'd be interesting in hearing Plan B if Smith isn't signed.

Oh, and anyone thinking Smith will come at some bargain will be sadly mistaken I think.

[Keith]

Cardinals defensive end Antonio Smith should be one of the hottest players in free agency. I've heard that numerous teams are interested, including the Texans, Giants and Seahawks. The Cardinals are hoping that Smith gives them a chance to match an offer, but we all know how those things go.

http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/KentSomers/47207

PFT.com's site is blown, but he apparently listed interested teams as well:

Per a league source, the Buccaneers, Giants, Eagles, Texans, and Falcons have invited defensive end Antonio Smith for a visit.

Smith is in the process of coming up with a priority list of the teams, and then will finalizing arrangements for visits.

http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/...ting-interest/

[popanot]

They just reported on 610 that Smith was on his way to Houston to visit the Texans.