A Simple Question About Impact

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by idymoe

I've never heard a center described as a play-maker

And I've not heard of an OLT described as a "play-maker" either, but there's probably no position on a team that has more impact in terms of contributing
to its success (or failure) than that of an OLT, after QB of course. Just look at where they are drafted to measure their value (or "impact").
Its unusual for centers to be taken in the first found, but even more unusual to have a first round without an OT taken. As a matter of fact, I dunno if its ever happened ?
Somebody like a Maybin or a MacClin truly has the "potential" (but not the promise) to have an impact on the Texans this year.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

And I've not heard of an OLT described as a "play-maker" either, but there's probably no position on a team that has more impact in terms of contributing
to its success (or failure) than that of an OLT, after QB of course.

Somebody like a Maybin or a MacClin truly has the "potential" (but not the promise) to have an impact on the Texans this year.

So would you entertain the idea of drafting Michael Oher?

What is the difference betweeen "potential" and promise? I would like you to clarify your definition here.

[Roy P]

Looking back at the 2006 draft the Miami Dolphins had a need in the Secondary and already had a very good RB in Ronnie Brown. So, at #16 they selected Jason Allen who could play CB or at worst play FS. They did not draft DeAngelo Williams (drafted #27), who I might say would have had a bigger impact on the team. That is why a NEED can't be the main reason to select a player.

In 2004, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted WR Michael Clayton #15 overall allowing the Patriots to draft DT Vince Wilfork #21. Now, the Bucs had a pretty good defense and needed to add some offensive weapons. However, that just looks like a bad decision based upon strengths and weaknesses of the team's roster. We are talking about the same thing here, just on opposite sides of the ball.

Now I realize our offense moved the ball pretty well and our WR's and Slaton are pretty good. So, taking an offensive player isn't a priority. Therefore, if Maclin or a good RB is on the board, we should strive to trade down. That way, if we draft Matthews with the 19th pick, we should get some compensation (like a 3rd round pick and less guaranteed money) that reduces the risk. Remember when we traded down and could not draft Derrick Johnson?

I don't know if they wanted him, but I think they did not. By trading down, they were able to acquire Eric Winston. Now, I'm not sure if Travis Johnson + Eric Winston => Derrick Johnson, but at least they didn't "reach" for TJ without a safety net simply because they wanted a DT more than a LB.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by Roy P

So would you entertain the idea of drafting Michael Oher?

What is the difference betweeen "potential" and promise? I would like you to clarify your definition here.

You're right, "promise" was not a good word to use in this context. "Guarantee" would have been a better choice for me to make my point. So then to restate, IMO either of the players I mentioned would have the potential to make a real impact for the Texans but there is no guarantee that picking one of them would achieve that desired result. Especially with a Maybin (or a Micahel Johnson or even an Brian Orakpo), who is probably one of the players in this Draft who has the biggest boom-bust/potential-risk/upside-downside range of any player out there. But the maximum potential for the Texans could be breathtaking - what if we were to get an edge-rusher with the "impact" of a Dwight Freeney ? And how much even more would that make Mario ? Hey man, I can dream can't I ? And I think a AJ-MacClin combo might have the same kind of "potential" impact that a Mario-Maybin would have, but perhaps with less uncertainty ?
Re Oher, if he were somehow still on the Board at 15 I think Rick Smith would have to think about a whole bunch of things very quickly, so hopefully he's taking care of that possible scenario in his Draft preparations now.
With OT Brown being out first-rounder last year and a brand new contract recently being consummated with our other starting OT, Eric Winston, it
may not seem like a very good time to put a lot of bucks in a third OLineman ? But aren't we going to have to be doing just that 'bout this time
next year if we want to retain Chesters services who will then be 30 years old while Miachael Oher will only be 23 ?