Snake Jazz said:
MelvinUdall said:
I don't mind resigning Schultz if the money is right if the goal is to take a high end TE prospect in the draft.
Outside of Brock Bowers, there really aren't any tight ends in the draft who are expected to be difference makers right away. I'm not crazy about Schultz, but it will probably make sense to resign him as long as the money isn't stupid. He is a decent possession receiver, although I really wish we could add a tight end who would make a difference in the run game.
Texans NEED to upgrade their running game, but that is easier said than done. They are committed to Laremy Tunsil, who doesn't do much in the run game. They're paying Tytus Howard who rotates between being injured or not very effective. Shaq Mason is ok. As for left guard and center, they've spent high picks on Kenyon Green and Juice Scruggs and need them to step up, but early results for both have been inconsistent at best. They need to sign some vets to compete on the interior OL...nobody who will break the bank as a guaranteed starter, but someone who will make their young linemen earn it.
Need a running back, too, but the draft is weak for running backs. Barkley likely to get franchised. Not crazy about Jacobs. Derrick Henry on a short deal might actually make a lot of sense.
I'll be disappointed if they don't sign a big free agent on the defensive side. I want Chris Jones. I know he is older and he is going to cost a lot, but he is one of the best players in the NFL and will immediately change your defense. Why not Patrick Queen, too? We actually can afford it. Adding both of those guys to your defense will likely turn your defense into an elite one as Anderson, Stingley and Harris continue to mature.
I think moving forward Scruggs and Patterson will be solid pieces at center and LG, depending on if Green ever comes back. If Howard can stay healthy and put in the time at RT we could see a large improvement next year. I like how they bolstered the o-line this year, we just got the short end of the stick on the injury bug across the line. So I wouldn't be apposed to the same approach next year.
I'm not too worried about running back, hopefully we can resign Singletary to a moderate RB contract, then pick up another journeyman veteran. While this offense can really go high octane with a top line RB (San Fran), it can also run at a high level with journeymen (look at Mostert in Miami).
I think we would be good handing out big money to Chris Jones on a 3 year deal, with an option on the 4th. He could be a great cornerstone during CJ's rookie window. While he could work, I don't think Queen is a good fit for the amount of money he would command. DeMeco's focus on top line talent will be the lines, which takes a ton of pressure off of positions like LBer. Look at Cashman last year.
From comments that Nic, DeMeco, and Texan pundits have said, I'm guessing top line talent acquisition priorities in both free agency and the draft will be like this:
Defense: D-Line -> -> -> -> Corner -> Safety -> LBer
Offense: O-Line -> -> -> WR -> -> TE -> RB
