The more I think about it, the more I lean in this direction too. They let Clement go and don't seem to be in any particular hurry to sign a RT. And you know, I think it would be a good pick. A new, young, talented RT to put on the line with Mangold and Brick. Greatly improve the run game AND build an Oline for years to come.
Poor running skills? Name those poor running skills. Houston actually has good running skills, thats one of the reasons I like him. Low to the ground, feet always moving. It usually takes more then one person to get him down. Is he reliable? No. He's not, he's an unproven young back which is why we brought in Thomas Jones. Do I think he's going to get a chance to carry the ball behind Thomas Jones at times next year? Yes I do.
houston is always hurt. he's the chad pennington of running backs. except, he isnt a game manager. he sucks.
He has no initial burst, no explosiveness... he has good mechanics and always gives a great effort, but a RB that has both those things and still can't break 3.5 yards a carry is not a good RB. Curtis didn't have the speed aspect either, but he had tremendous vision and footwork. Houston doesn't have either of those. He's an average backup. He's a good #2 if you have an elite RB, otherwise you'd prefer he be your #3... which is what he'll be here.
The other big + regarding Blalock is he could play G as well. That's alot of flexibility going into the later rds of the draft and the surprise training camp cuts.
Fighting for extra yards? That must be some other Barnes. This guy has had exactly 5 carries in 5 years and they all came 2004.
thats because he runs like a wrecking ball. he doesnt shy away from contact. which is good and a bad thing. its good because he always gets that extra yard but its bad cause its gonna cut his career short.
I like Houston but IMO running too high is his biggest problem and is causing him to take too many big hits. That is a recipe for disaster for a RB....
It depends on what else the FO does. If they don't draft or sign another RT, then he will be a OT. If they get someone else, but still draft Blalock, he will a RG and displace Moore. Personally I would like to see him play RT, because he would be an improvement over Clement. And if he doesn't work out, move him to RG (giving Moore the boot) and sign/draft a RT next year. Any way you look at it, drafting him makes alot of sense for a still rebuilding young Oline. The more I think about it, the more I think that is what the FO is going to do.
Moore will be our starting RG next year.. the jets like him and think he is cheap. atleast thats according to one of our beatwriters
I've had a soft spot for Houston, but he's not all the impressive. He runs hard, theres no doubt about that. But his footwork is bordering on "plodding" to me, its not close to NFL average at all. He really leaves himself open to alot of hits, and his game speed is terrible. Basically, he's (at best) a 3rd RB in my mind. I don't even like him enough as a player to consider him the big back in a speed/power duo. Sucks.
I'm not sure what the FO's opinion is of Moore (you're probably right though). One thing the guy has got to do is cut his penalties (holds and offsides). He always claims to be misidentified for the flag, but he had to the most penalized OL on the Jets last year. Maybe he needs to run more laps next TC.
lol lets put it like this if houston has to be a feature our season is most likely over anyway.houston is a wrecking ball he is good for 3-5 carries he will get you 15-20 yards. especially late in a game and defense's are tired. they dont want to deal with that style of running.but like you said he is a plodder. so he takes hard hits.
Hmm...Houston being looked at like an explosive...good when there're weak foundations, and only good for a single big shot. I guess that sort of makes sense.
I must admit, the idea is growing on me, but I still prefer a defensive playmaker if available. I'm curious what other moves they make before the draft as Mr. T. keeps preaching he wants all the holes filled prior to the draft so they can be flexible. Easier said than done....
Well than you're going by stats and not by how he plays... He runs very hard, has a good burst and hits the hole hard. He always gets those tough extra yards and even has some good moves. If people are saying he sucks, not you 10Pennington10, than they really are looking way too much into his stats.
