4th Round Selection Garrett Graham Agrees to Terms

Just two more to go now.

With the Texans announcing that they have agreed on a four year contract with 4th round selection Garrett Graham, all eyes are now on 2nd rounder Ben Tate and the 20th overall pick Kareem Jackson.

Graham’s deal is worth $2.59 Million with a signing bonus of about $800k. Not bad for a 4th rounder, right? If he makes the team, as expected, he will have stiff competition with the glut of tight ends on the Texans current roster. Including dueling with fellow Wisconsin alumni Owen Daniels who will be out to prove he is worth a multi-year deal.

No news yet on the Ben Tate front. Last week there were reports that the front office was in negotiations with Kareem Jackson trying to get a deal done before camp. With Devin McCourty, who was the 23rd overall pick in the draft and the next corner taken after Jackson signing yesterday I would expect a deal to get done relatively soon. First rounders can be tricky if the guy in front of them has yet to sign. But it’s never been a problem for the Texans to get their players signed. I doubt this year will be any different.

Hey, did you guys hear the news? Camp starts tomorrow!

Tags: Ben Tate, Devin McCourty, Garrett Graham, Kareem Jackson, Owen Daniels, Wisconsin Badgers

Is Bob McNair Being Unfair to Mario?

His morning on local sports radio, the primary Texans discussion was that of team owner Bob McNair. In a recent interview with every Texan fans favorite Houston Chronicle sports writer, Bob said some things about the teams current roster that have received mixed reactions from fans, to say the least.

First he talked about how much he liked DeMeco Ryans. Also Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. What owner wouldn’t like those guys? He also said he loved what Antonio Smith and fan favorite Bernard Pollard have brought to the defense. But, apparently, he loves Brian Cushing like a first born son.

“There’s not anybody on that field more intense than Brian, and the players know that,” McNair said. “When he’s off the field, he’s sort of mild-mannered and very nice. He steps on that field, and he’s a different person. He’s a tiger. Even when he comes off the field sometimes, other players will try to joke with him, and he’s about to ready to attack them. He cares that much about it. He pays the price. He works hard. That’s the kind of intensity I think is good. Pollard brings that kind of intensity, too. You have to have it on defense. Defense is emotional. I’m hoping it’ll rub off on Mario. If Mario could develop that kind of intensity with his athletic ability, oh my goodness.”

He also said kind of the same thing about Amobi Okoke, but everyone knows where I stand on him. But the end of the quote, that part about Mario, is what has some fans in an uproar. But it got me to thinking. It’s not like he said Mario was crap, right? I mean, almost all of us are happy with Mario, but believe that he still hasn’t hit his ceiling yet. Or am I alone in this belief?

The casual NFL fan will look at Mario Williams stats from last year and see “only” nine sacks last season. Then, maybe, they’ll notice that his numbers did drop off in every category. But, what the stat sheet doesn’t tell you is things like how Mario was completely dominant against the run in 2009. He also was supposedly playing through injury all year. But, fans demand results. Which is fine by me. I’m simply saying you should do your homework before looking at a guys stats for the year and saying he was a disappointment because he didn’t register 15+ sacks.

I have no problems with challenging a player to be better. And if you have to do that through the media to get it done, fine by me. A lot of fans and critics, including myself, have accused Bob McNair of not caring enough about winning. At least not as much as about how much profits line his already deep pockets. But I’m good with this move. In all truth, I don’t think the point of his interview was to motivate Mario. I think it was simply to praise Brian Cushing, who will be under serious scrutiny for the rest of his NFL career because of his four game suspension for violating the NFL’s steroid abuse policy. Knowing that the owner is behind him should be a boost to Cushing’s confidence.

That’s all this interview was, in my opinion. But the people who are still dead set on the 2006 Draft and if Houston made the right pick (for god sakes, yes they did. Let it go all ready…) or not, any Mario criticisms are met with some kind of reaction from fans. Be it positive or negative.

So, like I said, I’m fine with what Bob McNair said. If he thinks Mario still has room to improve his game, well then he and I are in total agreement there. It doesn’t mean he thinks Mario is a bust. The guy is a multiple pro bowler who has totaled 35 sacks in the last three seasons while being double teamed and having virtually no pass rush help on the line with him. The guy is far from a disappointment. This team has way larger glaring issues that should be met with those critiques.

But, hey…at least we’re talking about football again in Houston. And that’s always a good thing.

Tags: Amobi Okoye, Andre Johnson, Antonio Smith, Bernard Pollard, Bob McNair, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans, Matt Schaub

Texans to Hold Free Open Practices

It’s getting closer…

The long, dark offseason is one step closer to ending as the team announced its open practice dates this past week. The events are free, but require a ticket. Which you can retrieve easily at the teams official site right now.

The dates are July 30th & 31st, then August 1st, 2nd, 5th and 7th. They are all morning practices except for the 5th which is in the evening.

I have already procured my tickets to the August 5th one and would love to meet some of you guys if you decide to go. Hop on over to Houstontexans.com and register for your free tickets before they’re gone!

Texas Sign 7th Round Draft Pick Dorin Dockerson

First, many apologies for my lack of updates lately. Honestly, there hasn’t been too much to talk about. Well, not anything to talk about, really. But it’s also been nuts covering free agency for the NBA and the Rockets the past two weeks. But with training camp less than three weeks away, expect almost daily updates from me again soon.

A small tidbit of news hit this morning that the team had agreed to terms on a contract for 7th round steal Dorin Dickerson out of Pitt. The exact terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but Dickerson’s four-year deal is believed to be worth more than $1.84 million dollars.

Yes, I know, very small update. But it’s all I got for you right now. This is the calm before the storm. News is about to pick up real soon. And you know I’ll have you covered every step of the way as Houston hopefully can meet all the offseason hype they’re starting to gather from the national media.

Stay tuned, my friends. The long offseason is almost over.

Tags: Dorin Dickerson, Houston Rockets, Pittsburgh Panthers

An Update…of Sorts…

I just wanted to drop you guys an update to tell you that there really isn’t much to update. We are venturing into that time of year where there is going to be virtually no news at all.

Mini-camp just came to an end and the only real news out of it was that Arian Forster was at the top of the running back depth chart. Again, not surprising with Tate being a rookie and coming off of a hamstring injury and Steve Slaton still wearing a red jersey. As much as I like Arian Foster, I just don’t see it.

No, about the only thing you’ll be hearing out of Texans camp over the next few weeks is possibly Gary Kubiak addressing the media after he cuts some more guys, which is expected to happen before training camp takes place.

Time to build up your strength for another season of tailgating, beer and hopefully not too much of that gut-wrenching depression the boys left us with last year. Hang tough guys, I’ll update if anything worthwhile happens.

Tags: Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Gary Kubiak, Steve Slaton

Texans Cut Six Players, Add Two More…

I'm just waiting for the Longhorn fans fallout where they accuse Gary Kubiak of cutting Ulatoski because he's an Aggie. Laugh all you want, but some still say that's why he didn't pick Vince Young in 2006.

When the Chronicle posted a story yesterday morning about former Longhorn Adam Ulatoski and his hopes of sticking in the NFL with the Texans, who signed him as an undrafted free agent, I thought that my prediction would come true. I said a couple of days after the draft was over that Ulatoski was my pick of the most likely to earn a final roster spot out of all the undrafted free agents that were signed. Well, later that afternoon, that prediction as well as the feature in the Chronicle was moot. Ulatoski was waived as well as five other undrafted free agents.

Joining Ulatoski on the streets is former Bowling Green standout QB Tyler Sheehan. Again, not shocking, but I thought he would get a chance to compete with Booty and Orlovsky. But I think the money tied up in Dan-O had this competition over before it started.

TE Michael Gaines, WR London Crawford, OG Kristian Matte, LB Will Patterson, and FB Jack Corcoran were all also cut yesterday. The team then signed RB/FB Justin Griffith formerly of the Seahawks & TE Derek Fine who recently played for the Rams. Yep, another Tight End. Shocking, huh? But with Owen Daniels, Anthony Hill and James Casey all in recovery right now, the signing is strictly for another camp body. Not sure what was wrong with Michael Gaines there, but whatever. I don’t pretend to understand this coaching staff when it comes to tight ends.

So, with mini-camp now in progress, I wouldn’t be surprised to see little roster moves like this all week. I’ll keep you posted.

Tags: Adam Ulatoski, Anthony Hill, Dan Orlovsky, Derek Fine, Jack Corcoran, James Casey, Justin Griffith, Kristain Matte, London Crawford, Michael Gaines, Owen Daniels, Tyler Sheehan, Will Patterson

Ryan Moats Cut, Rookies Sign & Brown vs Rackers

I apologize for the brief hiatus, my friends. Last week was just out of control for me. But, several news tidbits from Texans camp are trickling in the past four or five days.

First, and probably the biggest news out of all of this is that RB Ryan Moats is no longer with the team. He was given his outright release Thursday afternoon after practice. I have to mention that I did predict this when Moats signed his 1 year deal back in April. But I will also say that I am shocked Ryan was the first of the six running backs in camp to go. I figured for sure either Chris Henry or Jeremiah Johnson would snag that duty.

Ryan Moats shouldn't have a hard time finding work...

The consensus amongst Texans fans is that the team cut Moats first so he would have enough time to find another team before the NFL preseason begins. Kind of a silver lining if you’re Ryan Moats, but he is a classy dude with pro-level talent. He’ll pick up someplace else sooner rather than later. He isn’t a bad player, just a victim of an overcrowded backfield. As soon as the team drafted Ben Tate, I knew Moats days as a Texan were limited.

In some other roster moves, the team came to terms on rookie contracts with third rounder Earl Mitchell, fourth rounder Darryl Sharpton and fifth rounder Sherrick McManis. This leaves Kareem Jackson, Ben Tate, Garrett Graham, and Dorin Dickerson as the only draftees yet to sign. I don’t foresee any of them being a problem. First rounders always take a little bit if the guys drafted before them have yet to sign. But it’s never been a problem here and I don’t see it starting with Kareem.

Finally is the continuing battle between the final original Texan Kris Brown and Neil Rackers for the right to kick (and hopefully not miss) field goals for Houston in 2010. The earliest reports are that Kris Brown is looking better, but it depends on who you ask. I’ve heard conflicting reports thus far. But, this one isn’t going to be decided in OTA’s and mini-camp. This one will be decided in the preseason.

I’ve always liked KB, but I think he may have shanked his way out of Houston with his performance last year. The guy has been about as automatic as a fan could ask for previously. But when the kicks mattered and there was significant pressure on him, Kris just melted down last year. Not someone you want to hang your playoff hopes on again. Especially if it is really playoffs or you’re fired, like many are saying about Gary Kubiak.

So, lots of minor stories going on and that’s to be expected in OTA’s. And with mini-camp on deck and Kubiak giving most of the veterans the time off, I don’t expect to hear too much news coming out of the practice bubble. But if there is, you can read about it here and expect to hear a new podcast shortly thereafter.

Tags: Ben Tate, Chris Henry, Darryl Sharpton, Dorin Dickerson, Earl Mitchell, Garrett Graham, Gary Kubiak, Jeremiah Johnson, Kareem Jackson, Kris Brown, Neil Rackers, Ryan Moats, Sherrick McManis

Episode #3 of “Luv Ya Steel Blue” is Available Now

In this weeks edition of Luv Ya Steel Blue, Mike Kerns discusses position battles at OTA’s, free agent possibilities and the war of words between David Anderson and Richard Justice.

You can find the new episode by clicking HERE

Thanks for listening!

Tags: David Anderson, Luv Ya Steel Blue: Texans Radio With Mike Kerns, Richard Justice

The Future of Owen Daniels as a Texan is Cloudy

Last year when Owen Daniels make a ridiculous one handed touchdown grab against the Bengals in Cincinnati, I said to myself that the guy was about to get paid. He had made it quite vocal in the preseason that he was unhappy with his contract and it was a very messy public ordeal. But, he eventually signed his one year tender and joined the team. Then, through the first seven games of the 2009 campaign, Owen was putting up All-Pro Wes Whelker type numbers and was well on his way to getting the contract he thought he so rightly deserved. And I wasn’t one to argue. But then Week 8 in Buffalo happened.

It looked like a regular hit, In fact, I had seen OD get up from much more punishing hits than this one. But it doesn’t matter how hard you fall. It’s how you bend when you fall. And Owen’s knee didn’t bend. It broke.

It's a long recovery, but OD has been there before...

With his season over with another ACL injury (his third such occurrence dating back to college), it appeared his hopes for a big contract were dashed. Then, add to that that Houston drafted Garrett Graham in the 4th round of this years draft. Graham, who looks to be an Owen Daniels clone, is highly regarded amongst Texans fans as “Owen Daniel’s insurance.” Graham even played at the same college as Daniels and had similar numbers in his career there. You can read my post draft analysis on him here.

This, combined with the serious depth at Tight End, has me wondering if Daniels days as a Texan are numbered. He hasn’t participated in any drills with the team other than stretching in OTA’s. He still has yet to sign his tender and has to do so by June 15th. If he doesn’t, the Texans can re-issue a new tender for 110% of his 2009 base salary and still retain his exclusive rights. Yeah, it can get messy.

But every indication I can see, The Texans are looking to move forward in regards to Owen Daniels. They have enough Tight Ends to start a flag football team and Jason LaCanfora said on his Twitter that the team plans to wait and see if OD is  fully recovered from his injury before they enter into any long term deal. Which to me says they are skeptical and are making future plans for him not to be here.

If I’m right, it’s just plain bad luck for Owen. He was well on his way to getting paid and had become a fantasy owners dream at tight end. I do know that the guy is a hard worker and if anyone can come back from this, it’s him. But does the team really plan to tie up multi-year dollars on a player who is recovering from his third ACL tear surgery?

These are the decisions I am glad that I don’t have to make.

Tags: Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, Garrett Graham, Jason LaCanfora, Owen Daniels, Wes Whelker

Is Fred Bennett The Next Petey Faggins?

When Fred Bennett had a breakout rookie season in 2007 for the Houston Texans, many of us figured the secondary problem was well on its way to being fixed. Dunta Robinson had become a lockdown corner (which is funny to say now, but he was before his injury) and Bennett seemed well on his way to shoring up the other side of the field. Of course, this isn’t the way it happened. Fred really didn’t get a full-time shot until Dunta went down with the season ending injury in Oakland. But, wow, did he ever fill in well. He recorded three interceptions, 14 passes defended and 55 tackles in 14 games. So, what happened?

Fred Bennett has never been able to match the success he had as a rookie in 2007 for Houston.

Bennett was considered a bit of a reach by many when he was taken in the 4th round by the Texans out of South Carolina. But with Houston’s great need for solid cornerback play, most were okay with it. Especially after he seemed to exceed expectations that rookie season. But he did seem to hit that sophomore slump in 2008. He had a horrifically slow start and actually became a lot of opposing quarterbacks “target.” Which eventually led to him getting benched. Then he was basically in the doghouse for the entire 2009 season.

It happens. Players lose “it” overnight. It’s a sad truth to professional sports. Doesn’t make it any less sad, but it happens.

So what’s next for Fred Bennett? Does he become the next Petey Faggins and basically just become another camp body that won’t make the final roster? With the drafting of Kareem Jackson and Sherrick McManis, I really don’t know what his chances are. Even if he shows a lot in camp, it just may be too late and the team looks to be going in another direction. He’s getting no reps in OTA’s and doesn’t look like he will be anytime soon. Still, he’s handling it about the best anyone could expect him to.

“I don’t feel pressure,” Bennett said to the media at OTA’s. “I’m just going to go out there and let my play on the field speak for itself. Whatever happens happens. If I’m here, I’m here; if I’m not, I’m not. My thing is getting better. If I’m here, I’m going to do what I can to help this team, whether it’s special teams or on defense. I’ll always put team first and myself second.”

It’s a good attitude, but who knows if it will be enough. Camp could be a long one this year for Fred Bennett.

Tags: Dunta Robinson, Fred Bennett, Kareem Jackson, Oakland Raiders, Petey Faggins, Sherrick McManis, South Carolina Gamecocks