Okam seems ready to step up in year 2

[HPF Bob]

I agree that switching to a 3-4 is a bad idea and part of my reason is that it is the defense so many teams are switching to - so the talent would be harder to come by on draft day.

The Steelers had success because 3-4 teams switched back to the 4-3 in the late 80s and early 90s to copy the 49ers and Cowboys. The Steelers didn't switch and lapped up all the 3-4 players in the draft who didn't fit the 4-3 mold. Now, teams are trying to copy the Steelers, Ravens and Patriots so they are all rushing back to the 3-4, meaning more 4-3 talent falls to us in the draft.

All that sad, I don't mind if the Texans want to develop a 3-4 look they can toss occasionally at opponents to confuse them - the same concept as the "Wildcat" on offense. You give them a look they aren't prepared for. In that sense, a 3-4 set might be good but, for base defense, we need to stick to the 4-3.

And I agree with the those who say the 3-4 wastes Mario Williams' best asset. In a 3-4, he'd have to line up further inside, take more body blows and find some new rush moves. On the outside, he just needs to beat the tackle who might get help from one extra blocker. Easier duty.

[NBT]

We started out in the 3-4 and didn't seem to be able to get all that many good players. I think it is much harder to draft for a 3-4 than it is for a 4-3. Of course we have a real good GM now that we didn't before!

[HPF Bob]

But (good point, NBT!), Rick Smith has no experience drafting for a 3-4 team.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

But (good point, NBT!), Rick Smith has no experience drafting for a 3-4 team.

Casserly had no experience making rational decisions.