Over The Bar

Two weeks from now the Texans start training camp - it's about time!

July 24, that's the day the Texans report to camp, and the day the drought of life without football will finally be over.  We'll actually be able to hear about position battles that are settled on the field, as opposed to imagined scenarios on sports pages and websites.  We'll hear what rookies are impressing coaches, and what second-year players have made the biggest leap from their first year in the league.  I can't wait.  This is a hungry football team with many players just beginning to scratch the surface of their prime.

Where to start?  That's a tough call because I'm excited about both sides of the ball.  This team went 8-8 last season while suffering an unprecedented rash of injuries.  Who knows what they're capable of given a relatively clean bill of health?  It's also important to remember that this is Kubiak's third season as head coach, and he's the first to admit he's learned a lot form the previous two.  Still, it's going to be nice for Kubes to be able to lean on new assistant head coach and offensive line guru Alex Gibb's wealth of experience.  Kubiak and Gibbs have a history that goes back to Denver where Gibbs was so successful in implementing his zone-blocking scheme.  Kubiak also added coaching experience on the defensive side of the ball in the form of Ray Rhodes.  Rhodes, a former head coach who made his name in Philadelphia, will be coaching the defensive backs - an admitted weakness of this team.  It's nice to know that with all the young talent being stockpiled on this team, there will be some veteran coaches here to refine that raw ability.

The first look on the offensive side of the ball reveals a myriad of unknowns.  These unknowns are mostly a result of what could have been.  Imagine what Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Ahman Green could have done last year if they'd all stayed healthy?  The three produced beautifully together on the rare occasion that they appeared on the field simultaneously.  Alas, that would only be for a few games.  Obviously health is the big issue here.  Matt Schaub was injured for the better part of 7 games, but still passed for well over 2,000 yards.  Andre Johnson missed 8 games and just fell short of the Pro Bowl.  Ahman Green...well, let's just say he'd better be healthy this year, or that will be it for him as a Texan.  So with the past aside, every player on this side of the ball is healthy going into training camp. Here's a quick look by position and what the key concerns are for each:

QB  -  Matt Schaub is the starter and if he can manage to stay healthy most pundits around the NFL believe he will be a productive passer.  He should improve upon his touchdown to interception ratio in his second year, and if he is injured Sage Rosenfels has proven himself to be a very productive backup.  Houston does not plan on being a pass-first team, so as long as the QB position is filled by one of these two, they'll always be in a spot to win the game.

WR  -  Andre Johnson is a stud, plain and simple.  Hopefully last season was just a fluke and 'Dre won't miss much playing time in 2008.  If that's the case, then this offense could finish inside the top ten in the league for the first time.  He makes the other guys around him that much better.  Kevin Walter is a capable slot receiver who had a quality year filling in for #80.  Andre Davis stretches the field with above average deep speed, and he makes highlight-reel catches.  Jacoby Jones is a second year player who showed flashes of star quality last season, but disappeared far too often.  He needs to fight for playing time, and prove that he belongs among the starters.  Owen Daniels is the rare tight end who can make plays downfield.  Although he isn't much of a blocker, he runs precise routes and makes spectacular catches.  He does have to work on holding onto the football as he has a tendency to fumble, but he has that nose for the endzone that all coaches look for.

RB -  Last season Ahman Green looked good to start the season, but the wheels fell off after the first few games.  He says he has healed and is ready to go.  If not, Houston brought in ex-Titan Chris Brown to pick up the slack.  Brown has had injury problems of his own, but has proven that he can be a successful back in this league when he's on the field.  Chris Taylor is another back who is coming off an injury.  He tore his ACL at the beginning of camp last year, but before that he had caught the eye of the coaching staff with his ability to fit into the ZBS.  Also, rookie third-down back Steve Slaton is expected to bring excitement to Reliant with his elusive running style.  Many fantasy experts are high on him as sleeper candidate.  Lastly, if all three of the above stay relatively healthy Darius Walker will not make this team.

OL  -  The line did an unexpectedly good job last season in protecting the QB.  They gave up the fewest sacks in team history on their way to developing into a cohesive unit.  The Texans brought in Alex Gibbs to install his trademarked version of the ZBS, and he was rewarded with the Texans #1 overall draft pick, left tackle Duane Brown.  Gibbs had scouted Brown, and believes that he's a smooth fit into his system.  Right tackle Eric Winston is the best lineman on the team, and might have a chance at the Pro Bowl this season.  When all is said and done, the play of the offensive line will determine whether or not this team can make the playoffs.  If they can block against the Colts, Titans, Jags, and Steelers, then Houston will be a very good football team.

...Because it's been lonely on this blog for far too long.

...Coming up next time, The Raging Bull Defense of your Houston Texans.

What now?

After by far the longest drought between posts, I apologize to anyone who takes the time to continue reading.  I have given up on the Astros being playoff contenders this year.  Sorry, but it happened on Sunday, June 8th.   The game was against the Cardinals, and I left disappointed in the effort given by the home team.  After that, I just couldn't bring myself to care about the team anymore.  Don't get me wrong, I still hope they win.  I'll still go to games, and I'll probably experience a few more ups and downs with them this season.  It's just that I won't live or die by the results of an Astros game the way I have for the last 10 seasons or so.  I can't help it, it's just the way I feel.  Damn, we've still got a ways to go before the All-Star break - sad.  I guess I'll just have to keep an eye on Lance Berkman and his amazing season.  Seeing the Big Puma hit is about the only reason left to go to the park.

However, I'm already stoked about football season.  I know it's early, but what else is there?  The Texans have seemingly found the edge-rusher they've been looking for in the form of free agent Roosevelt Colvin.  This signing is huge for a number of reasons.  Colvin was seriously courted by the Colts and Jets before signing with Houston.  He's from Indiana, so for him to come here says a lot about our GM Rick Smith.  More importantly, Smith didn't overpay to get him.  Colvin has a very Texan friendly deal, with the only guaranteed money being rewarded if he has a good first season.  The incentive for him to stay healthy and be the player he once was is there.  Colvin has been on two of the best defensive units in the NFL in his impressive career.  He led the Bears in sacks twice, and also led the Patriots in sacks as he picked up two Super Bowl rings for Belichick's boys.  It's his playoff experience that should really help this young corp of defensive talent.  He's had huge success getting to Peyton Manning in the past, and I expect him to get together with the players and coaches when it comes time to play the Colts.  If anything, he can give some insight into how New England has had so much success against Indy the last few years.  Of course, we all know the answer to that.  You have to cheat.  Oh, and you also have to have Tom Brady.  Just kidding, but yeah, I'm really looking forward to the first winning football season in Houston in over a decade. 

...Ana Ivanovic, the hottest professional athlete in the world, and the #1 ranked tennis player.

Do the Astros care?

That is an almost taboo question to ask a ballplayer, and it's certainly not a question I point to any particular Astro.  It's just that as a whole I wonder if they care as much about winning as other teams.  That's the question I took home with me when I left Minute Maid Park today.  Where to start?  Do I point fingers at the horrible defense played today, or do I second guess the coaching decisions that handcuffed this team's offense?  Do I commend Wandy Rodriguez for giving 6+ innings of excellent pitching, or complain that he faltered so badly in the 7th?  He had 7 k's against 1 BB, he didn't give up an earned run, and his era dipped to 1.99 after today.  However, he did hit 2 batters after starting them both off with a 1-2 count, and he also threw a costly wild pitch in that disastrous 7th inning.  What started off as a tiny snowball turned into an avalanche because this team doesn't do the little things it takes to win.

I have to think that Cecil Cooper is about to lose his mind.  He has to ask himself if his players want to win.  Well, do they?  Who knows?  What's so odd about today's game is that it started off so well.  It looked like a classic pitchers duel with Wandy prepared to battle Kyle Lohse of the Cardinals.  In fact, when Lance Berkman hit his gargantuan 460' HR I thought for sure that it would be the difference in the game.  Add to that the good fortune of my buddy John D. catching a foul ball right beside me, and it was looking like a perfect day at the park.  That was until the 5th inning, when Lance Berkman thought he was Michael Bourn and tried to drop down a bunt.  What?  I know, I can't understand it either?  The best hitter in baseball just gift wrapped an out to St. Louis.  He looked foolish as he popped up that horrible effort to the pitcher.  Ironically, Bourn later thought he was Berkman. Instead of just trying to move the runners over to 2nd and 3rd with only one out, he tried to hit a HR to left.  Remember Bourn, your job is to not hit the ball in the air.  Also Bourn, if you're going to run over into RF to catch a fly ball, then catch the ball!  Oh, and Hunter Pence, if you're not going to catch the ball, then get out of the way!  I won't get too mad about Ty Wigginton's two-out error, because errors happen, but he sure picked an unfortunate time to choke.

Still, after all the pathetic play in the field, we had a chance to tie the game in the 8th.  With Reggie Abercrombie pinch running for Carlos Lee we had speed on 1st base.  With two outs, he's running on contact, so anything that goes to the wall scores a run, right?  Uh, not with Ed Romero coaching 3rd base.  Darrin Erstad came through with a huge clutch double, but Romero decided it was best to not send the pinch runner home on a double.  What?  Yeah, Coop put Abercrombie in to run, but Romero didn't even give us a chance for a play at the plate.  Again, do they want to win?  At least make the Cards put a throw on the money and hold on as Abercrombie smashes into the catcher.  If he was hoping for a timely hit from our CF, it didn't happen.  Bourn flied out again to left, killing the rally.  Their play was so pathetic that I got up and left.  I've never been more sick to my stomach watching a ballgame.  The Astros stink so bad right now I wonder if their heads are even in the game.  I wonder if they even care.  If the season continues on like this, I won't. 

But I do care about friends like this...

Astros in steep decline & MMA news.

The wheels have fallen off of our 'Stros wagon.  They can't hit, and they sure as hell can't pitch.  Oh, and they're defense is lousy right now, too.  Shawn Chacon struck out the first two batters he faced on Sunday, only to then let the Brewers bat around while scoring four runs.  I won't beat them up too much, but currently they are a hard team to watch.  For the first time this year I didn't finish the last two games.  They get a day off tomorrow before starting a three game set in Pittsburgh.  As it stands they're 30-28, and the season isn't lost, but they'd better start winning again - soon.

It was a big weekend for the world of mixed-martial arts.  Kimbo Slice headlined a card on CBS that featured the first broadcast TV airing of MMA.  That's too bad, because the show in New Jersey was only so-so.  Still, they say no publicity is bad publicity.  It just seemed too much like a WWF-style show to me, and I think the promotion favors its one meal ticket too much.  James Thompson exposed Slice for what he really is:  A hell of a brawler, who at 34 is really inexperienced.  He's strong as a bull, but he is in NO way a top 15 heavyweight in MMA.  Who knows?  Maybe some day he will be, but not any time soon.

The exciting MMA event this weekend was the WEC in Sacremento.  The main event featured 145 lb. champ Urijah Faber vs. Jens Lil' Evil Pulver, and was the fight of the year thus far for me.  These guys battled through five grueling rounds of non-stop action with Faber winning a unanimous decision.  That fight absolutely rocked.  These two guys fought their hearts out, and through the entire process of trying to KO each other, they maintained a sense of sportsmanship.  If you can get a chance to YouTube the fight, you'll see a classic battle that features all the best aspects of MMA.  Remember the name Urijah Faber.  The California Kid is going to be a star. 

And if I could only wish upon a star...

Astros need to win this series in St. Louis

It's been a while since I've cranked out a blog entry, but with just the 'Stros playing right now the pickings are a little slim.  I know it seems a little silly to say the Astros need to win a series in May, but they've already lost the first two this season to the Cards.  With St. Louis being a game ahead of Houston, it would really benefit this club to make up that game this week.  I certainly believe it's possible.  The lineup is firing on almost all cylinders, and we'll throw Shawn Chacon, Wandy Rodriguez, and Roy Oswalt at them.  If there was ever a chance to make a statement in the division, it's now. 

The Texans pick back up with OTA's this week.  That means more chances for the rookies to make an impression on the coaching staff.  From what I've heard, the new guys have all fit right in.  Although, I can't verify that.  I just listen to the radio, read the paper, and scour the NFL websites to glean as much info as I can. What does that really mean?  I just get the news they want us to hear.  If there was an actual problem with any of the players, we probably wouldn't hear about it.  Still, with Ray Rhodes and Alex Gibbs bringing a solid veteran coaching presence to this team, I believe the players will benefit more from these OTA's than any in the past.  They haven't put the pads on yet, so they aren't even playing football, but I'm into it.  If Amobi makes any where near the same jump that Mario made last season, then this defense is going to be good.  That will be nice. 

You know what else is nice?  Hunter Pence's girlfriend.

Astros hang on in Arlington, and finish their road trip 7-3.

After getting bashed on Friday and Saturday, the 'Stros rallied Sunday afternoon to finish their road trip with a win.  Brandon Backe threw 6 1/3 strong innings before succumbing to the 95+ degree heat, not to mention the bats of Milton Bradley and David Murphy.  Brandon did what Shawn Chacon and Roy Oswalt could not do, and that was to limit the Rangers to a mere handful of runs.  It may have helped that he didn't have to face the MLB leader in RBI's, Josh Hamilton.  Speaking of MLB leaders, we've got one of our own in Lance "Big Puma" Berkman.  He leads all of baseball with 16 home runs, is second in RBI's, and second in batting average.  By the way, take a quick look at how Lance is dominating fantasy baseball, he is currently the man.  http://houafbl.baseball.sportsline.com/stats/sortable/all:C:1B:2B:3B:SS:OF:DH/ytd:p/standard

The Cubs come into town tomorrow, and the Astros will have every opportunity to catch and pass them.  However, as much as the Cubs will have to watch out for the Puma cat, the 'Stros will have to watch out for Alfonso Soriano - who is also on fire.  Hey, a 7-3 road trip is great, and if they can keep up their winning ways at home, then this season will be very interesting. 

And speaking of interesting...

Astros on Fire. Texans wrap up Mini-camp.

What a comeback on Sunday!  Mother may I, this pink-bat laden comeback was the most improbable victory of a young season already chock full of comeback victories.  The 'Stros went from being no-hit well into 7 innings to rallying for 8 runs in a little more than 2 innings.  It was absolutely amazing.  I watched the game with my dad, and I was almost resigned to them losing after the 6th.  I thought they just ran into some great pitching in the form of Hiroki Kuroda.  The deceptive righthander from Japan was really on Sunday.  He officially went 6 and 2/3, with only one earned run.  That's stout.  In fact, that almost always equates to a win, but not against the better-late-than-never Houston Astros.  Still, Shawn Chacon cannot catch a break.  He put up another QS (6+ innings, -3 runs) and he has yet to factor in to a decision this season.  Don't let that fool you, this guy is more than doing his job.  The guys in the clubhouse have the utmost respect for Chacon, and he continues to impress.  Hunter Pence also impressed, as he was the star of the day.  He only went 3-4, with 2R, 2 RBI, 2B, BB, and he broke up the no-no in the seventh.  Oh, and he drove in the go-ahead run.  Michael Bourn also came up big with an amazing Sports Center-worthy catch as he crashed into the wall in centerfield.  Finally, Lance Berkman drove in a run during the big rally, but looked a little uneasy as he entered the dugout.  He extended his hitting streak to 10 games, but hardly looked like a happy Puma when he scored the go ahead run.  Let's all cross our fingers, and hope the Puma-cat is healthy.  I don't even want to think about him being injured.  Look out Giants, we'll be there to take some names tomorrow night at 9.  Roy's on the hill...we're looking tuff !!

Here's just a few quick thoughts about the Texans Mini-camp held this past weekend: 

1)  How well Duane Brown handles Mario Williams when they put the pads on will determine if he protects Matt Schaub's blindside opening day in Pittsburgh. Initially, I think we all expect #90 to whip the rookie up and down the field, but hopefully, as pre-season progresses Brown will begin to hold his own. I feel pretty confident in saying that if Duane Brown is not ready to start by week one, then he will back up Ephraim Salaam until he is ready. Coach Kubiak will not risk Schaub's health in order to get his #1 pick playing time.

2)  It's sad to hear that Steve Slaton is already fumbling the ball. He had 2 fumbles this weekend.  It doesn't matter how fast he is, or how well he fits into the ZBS, if he can't hold on to the ball then he won't make the team.

3)  Why do people have to remind DT Frank Okam to play hard? If he possesses half of the intelligence that everyone says he has, then it should be blatantly obvious to him that 23 year-olds inside the NFL make more money than 23 year-olds outside the NFL. He can be a lawyer, a doctor, a magician, or whatever the hell he wants to be - after this brief window of athletic opportunity closes.  If he pans out, an athletic 340 lb. run stuffer in the 5th round would be solid gold.

4)  I'm not worried about Antwaun Molden catching on at CB. He's got the physical tools, and Ray Rhodes will turn him into a player. Two years from now we'll have three good CB's. 

Why not?

Eight Belles, the racehorse who gave it her all.

I'm WAY too late to a topic of conversation that literally hits home to me.  My father raises Arabian horses, and takes the utmost pride in how well he treats his animals.  In fact, they are like family members to him.  He develops 15+ year bonds with these equines, and in some instances he has relationships with bloodlines that go back almost four decades.  That means he knew and rode the great-great-great-great-grandfather of one of his colts.

I said all that to say this; my father is appalled at what happened at Churchill Downs this past weekend.  He believes that the fallen filly Eight Belles was "nerved" by one of her trainers.  The term "nerved" means that a psuedo-vet burnt off the nerve endings in a wounded horse's leg with a laser.  It effectively eliminates any pain in the leg of an injured animal.  The horse can then fulfill the race it was intended to run, and the owner can still collect the payday he was in line for.  The animal cannot feel the damage it is incurring as it rounds the track at an already dangerous limit.  This practice is despicable, and thankfully very few owners or trainers will deploy this sadistic method.  The Thoroughbred is already a breed pushed too the excess.  It is 1,300 pounds of rippling muscle on a long, lean, and lanky frame.  It isn't the same sturdy equine that comes from the genes that make up a Quarter Horse or a Clydesdale.  These sprinters are made up of thin bones packed with high-density muscle, no doubt a recipe for disaster.

Still, there's hope yet for Horse Racing.  Synthetic tracks are on their way.  Fairly soon you'll no longer hear the distinct sound of hooves clopping down the dirt track straight-aways in Triple Crown events.  Those rock hard surfaces are fast, but also very unforgiving.  It's only a matter of time before the hard pan is replaced by the softer, albeit slower, rubberized surface.  The newer make up is already being run on in California.  In fact, there'll be colts in next year's Kentucky Derby who've never run on dirt.  The track may change, but a fast horse will always be a fast horse.  The synthetic tracks are better for the animal's feet, joints, bones, and just about every other part of their bodies.  It's the right thing to do, and within five years it will be everywhere.  I love seeing these beautiful animals do what they are bred to do, and if we as humans can take every precautionary step available to ensure their health, then I believe we can all watch the racehorse display its power and grace for years to come. 

Now, this could also be construed as grace and power.

It's a brand new season for the Astros.

They're 16-16, but more importantly, they've got a full healthy lineup on the field for the first time.  Ty Wigginton, Kaz Matsui, and J.R. Towles all started for the 'Stros this weekend in the sweep of the Brewers.  It may not seem like much, but it means that Cecil Cooper finally has his full complement of bench players to work with game in and game out.  Do I think that the lineup puzzle being finished had a whole lot to do with Sunday's crazy comeback?  No, not really.  I think Hunter Pence hitting three HR's in three games, and Lance Berkman continuing to mash the baseball are what sparked this team.  They're definitely hitting well right now, and they're still playing good defense, but to really make a deep charge for the post-season they've got to find some pitching.  Wandy Rodriguez was pitching deep into ballgames before he got hurt, so it will benefit the team when he comes off the DL.  Brandon Backe and Chris Sampson have been gutting it out, but they'll have to improve for this club to beat the elite teams.  The schedule gets easier for the next couple of weeks, but if they can't find some live arms from somewhere they will eventually be in trouble.  I don't know where Ed Wade will find his pitching, but he'd better find it somewhere.

One quick thing about the Rockets.  They played very hard against a Utah team that had them severely out-manned.  Without Yao Ming, Carl Landry and Luis Scola were not nearly as effective under the basket.  Without Yao Ming, Rafer Alston's and Shane Battier's three point shots were not nearly as uncontested.  Without Yao Ming, the Rockets' long rebounds didn't find their way into the big hands of the 7'5" center.  Most importantly, without Yao Ming, Tracy McGady was forced to carry the load alone.  Tracy played hard, but in the 4th quarter there was no big man to throw the ball down to.  I know - if, if, if.  Maybe next season both our stars will remain healthy, but if they don't, this team will be nothing more than an ongoing participant in the NBA post season.  It wouldn't hurt for Darryl Morey to look for some more talent, but that's easier said than done. 

Speaking of talent...

Texans draft results and grade.

As far as the Texans draft went, I think I'll give them a "C" - as in we'll have to wait and "C". However, I'll make a quick initial breakdown of who we came away with.  As far as the trade that we made to move back from 18 to 26, it was the prudent thing to do.  Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome had a glut of picks after his deal with the Jaguars, and every team in the league wanted one of those 3rd rounders.  Thank Rick Smith for not only getting an extra 3rd, but also pulling off the additional 6th.  Now, what they did with those picks - I'm still scratching my head over.  If you think I'm sugarcoating the Texans' draft weekend, then read this article from the Dallas Morning News http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D909SSLG0.html

1)  T - Duane Brown, Virginia Tech - If indeed he was one of the tackles Alex Gibbs said would fit into his Zone Blocking System (and we'll never know if that was really said), then we got the player we wanted.  Not only that, but we got the player we wanted, AND we'll only have to pay him 26th pick money versus 18th pick money.  Not only that, but we also picked up a 3rd and a 6th out of the deal.  He's a project, but if Gibbs says he can coach him up, then I guess we'll have to take his word.  He was the fastest tackle at the Combine, and as a converted tight end and basketball player he's got the agility to be successful.  As the draft got nearer and nearer he started shooting up draft boards, and he went at the correct spot.  Don't let anyone tell you we "reached" for him, it's just not true.

3A)  CB - Antwaun Molden, E. Kentucky - I don't know anything about him other than what I've read about his outstanding performance at the combine.  Oh, and Richard Smith said on www.houstontexans.com that he heard somebody somewhere say that Molden beat Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in 6 out of 7 footraces.  I don't know what specific meets these races were in, what distances they were for, or if they even happened.  Richard Smith didn't either.  He obviously comes from a small school and will have to adjust to passers like Peyton Manning, but apparently Ray Rhodes is going to coach him up.  He is definitely the prototype CB, though.  He's tall, strong, and quick.  He could be very good if he catches on.

3B)  RB - Steve Slaton, W. Virginia - Well, he came as a part of the deal with Baltimore, so I won't be too critical...but, he's undersized and he has a severe fumbling problem.  Oh yeah, and he can't stay healthy.  This is the kind of player who would never be drafted by the Patriots or the Colts.  He'll make some exciting plays IF he makes the team, but IF he makes the team, he'll let you down at the most crucial time.  He was replaced by an even smaller back (Noel Devine) at West Virginia, and they continued on just fine without him.  This is a pick they could have used on a pass rusher.  No, this is a pick they should have used on a pass rusher.  He does have very good hands out of the backfield, so he can be used as a change of pace back, and for third and long passing situations.  This pick smells like it's got Kyle Shannahan all over it.  I hope I'm wrong about this pick.

4)  LB - Xavier Adibi, Virginia Tech - I feel like this is a great value pick.  He's by far the most impressive selection as it correlates to draft position for the Texans.  Adibi is a smart athletic OLB who'll funnel the ball carrier back inside to Demeco Ryans.  He's already accustomed to working in a talented LB corp, so he should fit right in.  He may play initially on special teams, but he'll be starting before Dunta Robinson gets back.  I'm shocked he lasted this long, and that's why the Texans jumped on him.  He is just too good of a player to pass on in the 4th round.  While he doesn't fill a dire need, like DE, he will be an upgrade for this defense.

5)  DT - Frank Okam, Texas - What can I say, he's big.  Definitely another project.  He can't play special teams, so he either finds his way into the rotation at tackle, or he gets cut.  It seems as if the pickings were very slim at this point.  He had better be able to anchor against the run if he wants to continue to play football in Texas.

6)  S - Dominique Barber, Minnesota - So, we got our defensive back named Dominique after all.  This was another one of the picks we received from Baltimore, and another pick I think we wasted.  I know that finding a starter in the 6th is rare, especially as a team improves, but they should've taken a flier on a pass-rusher.  I can only imagine that if this guy was any good everybody in America would know about him.  His brother is Marion Barber III, after all.  Marion's a pretty popular player who just so happens to have made the Pro-Bowl last year.  I'm supposed to believe that he's got a brother coming out of the same school (no coincidence), and nobody's heard of him?  Um, I'm not swallowing that BS.  I seriously, seriously doubt he survives the initial cut.  I mean, if this guy could play ESPN would've been all over this story.

7)  QB - Alex Brink, Washington St. - Project QB?  Why?  Hopefully Kubiak can groom this kid on the practice squad to eventually be our third-string QB behind Quinn Gray.  Thus, allowing the Texans to move Sage Rosenfels for the highest pick possible.  Kubiak is reminding me a little of John Gruden by hording QB's.  The chances of this working are only slightly slimmer than a 7th round pick making your team, so I say no big deal.

The first four picks all fit needs, especially the first two and the fourth.  The truth is, Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak have really turned this ship around, so they deserve the benefit of the doubt.  These guys are a bunch of projects, but it seems like we have the coaches in place to get the most out of them.  We won't know for a few years on most, but maybe one or two will prove valuable this coming season. 

You know what certainly is valuable?