Texans Pick up Shaun Cody - 2-year deal

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by jppaul

I think Smith has done pretty well with these mid level free agents. Ferguson was solid last year, Wilson was solid, Andre Davis, Ryan Moats, etc.

Seems like another one of those signings to me.

Looking back at my notes. THR had Travis Johnson as the 11th best prospect in that draft and Shaun Cody was ranked 19th. Conversely, Mike Patterson was 40th, Chris Canty was 48th, and Luis Castillo was 59th. None of those 4 participated at the Combine, while Castillo was busted for Steroid use.

Now, these players have had different careers starting off, to say the least. However, we may be getting a talented player in Cody. Unlike Roosevelt Colvin and Ahman Green, he should still have something in the tank. I'm not going to say that this is a home run, but the risk appears to be low and the potential benefit is high.

We definitely needed to replace Zgonina and perhaps it would be nice to part ways with TJ. I think he's a bit of a loose cannon from what I see.

So, I'm on board with this signing.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by Roy P

Looking back at my notes. THR had Travis Johnson as the 11th best prospect in that draft and Shaun Cody was ranked 19th.

I think Travis and Cody are similar type players... and I realize this statement will make some people hate him right off the bat. They have both both been mis-used as NT's and had similar combine numbers. Neither is big or strong enough to consistently tie up two blockers and push the pile from NT. I guess one possibility is they ask him to lose weight and play a similar role to Bullman as a hybrid DT/DE. Of course the obvious possibility is that he is TJ's competition. I don't think that the front office is looking to get rid of TJ anywhere near as much as the Fans are though. Cody's young enough where he still might blossom in the right situation/system, so it's a solid signing...not taking into account the contract.

We definitely needed to replace Zgonina and perhaps it would be nice to part ways with TJ. I think he's a bit of a loose cannon from what I see.

So, I'm on board with this signing.

What do you see in TJ that makes you think he's a loose cannon, and in what way do you mean. He's never been in trouble off the field that I can remember. I've never heard of any locker room problems with him. Kubiak called him out as needing to work a little harder when he first got here...and then followed that up with praise when TJ gave him what he asked for. He had a the personal fouls that one year, but a couple of them were bogus IMO. I just see an average to below average 3 technique who has been asked to play NT and who,for the last few of years, has played with a pretty high motor.

His spot needs to be upgraded. I won't argue that at all, but where does the "loose cannon" part come in?

[kravix]

He may even be an upgrade over TJ. His production is about the same across their carrers, his numbers were slightly better last year, and TJ has been a starter for 3 years where Cody hasnt. And Cody has played on a much more talented line.

They have both had 4 years, each with most of one lost to injuries. At this point I am hoping one of them shines, but at this point I would rather see us find some better starting talent.

At worst he is a good DL rotaion guy that can play either side.

The biggest question mark here is will that NT be played the way they have been or is Bush going to play them in a manner that better suits a light in the but NT.

[papabear]

Originally Posted by kravix

He may even be an upgrade over TJ. His production is about the same across their carrers, his numbers were slightly better last year, and TJ has been a starter for 3 years where Cody hasnt. And Cody has played on a much more talented line.

They have both had 4 years, each with most of one lost to injuries. At this point I am hoping one of them shines, but at this point I would rather see us find some better starting talent.

At worst he is a good DL rotaion guy that can play either side.

The biggest question mark here is will that NT be played the way they have been or is Bush going to play them in a manner that better suits a light in the but NT.

Remember that Cody's best year in College came as a DE...they could look to use him in a similar way to Bullman.

[Warren]

Coming out of USC the report on Cody was that he was a quick, explosive DT who was best at shooting the gaps and struggled when he had to take on blocks, especially double teams -- very similar to Bulman's, although Cody was considered a much better prospect. I'm not sure how the Lions used Cody but he seemed like he'd be a perfect fit as the undertackle in Marinelli's defense. Obviously from the lack of production that didn't quite pan out.

As far as playing him much at DE, his short arms would probably make him a bad match up against NFL OTs. He'd probably have to do a lot of stunting and moving to keep them from getting their hands on him and neutralizing him.

[Roy P]

Cody should be able to play some DT to keep Okoye fresh. Taking a look at my favorite defense, the Eagles have Brodrick Bunkley and Mike Patterson, but drafted Trevor Laws to rotate into the mix. Obviously, there is no Bunkley in this draft, so we have to fill the DT rotation with bodies. If Okoye is Patterson, then Cody could be our Laws. Cody only had 4 start but was able to register 25 Tackles. Here's the stats....

Cody - 25 tackles, 4 GS
Okoye - 24 tackles, 12 GS
T. Johnson - 28 tackles, 14 GS

Bunkley - 47 tackles (34 Solo), 16 GS
Patterson - 42 tackles (28 Solo), 16 GS
Laws - 12 tackles, 0 GS

Can you see where I'm going with this?

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by Roy P

Can you see where I'm going with this?

We signed an upgrade at playing the run? (Upgrade of Zgonina at least). Maybe we are going to get serious about stopping run by attaching the backfield on 1st and 2nd down?