Draft needs: Texans - Texans draft needs: It's mostly about the D

The Houston Texans are switching from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense in 2011.
Here's the switch they need to make: From awful to average.
The Texans were explosive on offense last season, but a woeful defense, a unit that finished 29th in points allowed, kept them from having a chance to make their first playoff appearance.
If they can just upgrade that unit say 10-15 spots under first-year defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, the Texans might have a chance to sneak into the playoffs. That's how good the offense was last season.
With Matt Schaub once again putting up big numbers in the passing game and Arian Foster surprisingly leading the NFL in rushing, the offense did its part. Too bad it wasn't good enough.

Five possibilities: Texans

Aldon Smith, OLB, Missouri: He can rush the passer from a 3-4 spot. He will transition from down end at Missouri. Robert Quinn, OLB, North Carolina: He didn't play last season, and he was an end in college, but scouts think he's a perfect 3-4 rush player. Cameron Jordan, DE, California: If they opt for a down end, he would make sense. Prince Amukumara, CB, Nebraska: The Texans took a corner in the first round last year, but they need more help. He likely won't fall to them, but he could. Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky: It's time they get Andre Johnson some help. Cobb might be that guy.

Brinson: Texans offseason checkup Team Needs: All 32 teams

The defense was horrible. The Texans were 30th in yards per game, 32nd in yards passing per game and 31st in yards per play.
Offenses did as they wanted to the Texans defense. It didn't help that star end Mario Williams fought through a sports hernia most of the season before being put on injured reserve late.
That meant little pass rush and big plays given up in the back end. Opposing offenses played pitch-and-catch against the Houston defense.
That has to change or all that offense they roll up won't matter.
Look for a heavy dose of defense in this draft, including in the first round. They have to improve or coach Gary Kubiak might be looking for a job next year.
Phillips has to change the defensive culture. The question is whether he has the players to do so.
QB: Schaub had a second consecutive big season. The key was he stayed on the field, starting all 16 games. He threw for 4,370 yards and 24 touchdowns. But his yards-per-attempt number was under 8.0 for the first time since 2007. He did enough to get the Texans to the playoffs. The backups are Dan Orlovsky and Matt Leinart. Neither player threw a pass last season. Both are decent backups. This is not a position of concern.
RB: When the season opened, the Texans weren't sure who their top back would be. Foster answered that question quickly. He was perfect for their system, a cutback runner who led the NFL in rushing yards. Foster has to show he wasn't a one-hit wonder. It's hard to imagine that he will be after the season he had in 2010. Steve Slaton, a former starter, and Ben Tate, who is coming off a broken ankle, should be the backups. Derrick Ward filled that role last season and signed a one-year deal to return. Fullback Vonta Leach is one of the best in the NFL. He is a dominant blocker.
WR: Andre Johnson is the best receiver in football. He missed three games and still caught 86 passes. Johnson is big and fast, a bad combination for defensive backs. He does all of his work while drawing a lot of double teams. Kevin Walter is a solid No. 3, but he doesn't have the speed to threaten down the field. Jacoby Jones has the speed, but he doesn't play to it all the time. David Anderson is a decent backup. It's time they get Johnson some help. Too much of the coverage rolls his way, and yet he's still effective. Imagine what he could do with a better group around him?
TE: Owen Daniels missed time last season with injuries but finished strong and the Texans signed him to a new deal this spring. When he's on the field, he's a good pass-catching tight end in an offense that features that position. He is helped by all the attention Johnson gets. Joel Dreessen stepped in when Daniels was down. He isn't in that same class, but he did a decent job. James Casey is a pass-catching tight end who has ability, while Anthony Hill is the blocker of the group. If Daniels is back healthy, this is a solid group.
OL: The line is a coming off a good season. Right tackle Eric Winston is close to being a Pro Bowl player. He was the team's best lineman. Duane Brown struggles at times at left tackle, but he has ability and he's young. Wade Smith played well at left guard and Chris Myers is decent at center. The right guard spot is up for grabs. Mike Brisiel opened the season as the starter, but he went down and Antoine Caldwell, a former college center, played well in his place. Kasey Studdard and Rashad Butler offer good backup potential. If Brown can improve some -- especially in pass protection -- this will be a really good unit.
DL: The biggest issue here is how Williams transitions from a 4-3 end to a down 3-4 end. Phillips has compared him favorably to Bruce Smith, who excelled as a pass-rusher in the 3-4. Williams ended last season on IR, playing through a sports hernia to get 8½ sacks before the injury ended his season. Antonio Smith, who played well last season, should be the other starting end. He played in a 3-4 before in Arizona. Amobi Okoye should be in the mix at end as well. Earl Mitchell would seem to be perfect as a 3-4 nose in Phillips' scheme if he can add some bulk. Veterans Shaun Cody and Damione Lewis also will get consideration on the nose. Both could also play end.
LB: Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans, one of the best defenders on the roster, suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in the seventh week and was lost for the season. Without him, the defense really struggled. Brian Cushing, who was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009, was suspended for the first four games of the season for violating the league's drug policy and he didn't play as well when he returned. But in Ryans and Cushing, the Texans have two good players on this unit. Both will have to adjust some in the 3-4. Ryans will have to be more physical as a 3-4 inside backer, while Cushing would seem the perfect fit for a 3-4 outside rusher. But the Texans' first plan is to play him inside. Darryl Sharpton was the other starter and he impressed as well last season. He will be in the mix inside. Zac Diles and Xavier Adibi are two good backups. Connor Barwin is expected to be a starting outside 'backer, moving from down end. He seems to have the tool set for the job, but he is coming off a season missed because of injury. Jesse Nading and Mark Anderson, a former end, will also be in the mix.
DB: The secondary was a disaster. Opposing quarterbacks picked this unit to shreds. They struggled to cover on the corner and the safeties weren't good enough to help them. That spelled big problems. First-round pick Kareem Jackson struggled as a rookie, but he has the talent to be a solid starter. Glover Quin played OK on the other corner, but there is talk he could be moved to safety. Jason Allen, picked up from the Dolphins during the season, was their best secondary player by the end of the season. Safety Bernard Pollard is a good tackler but he lacks range. He is also a free agent. Eugene Wilson was released. That leaves Troy Nolan as the starter at free safety for now. He flashed at times when he played last season. They need help back here in the worst way. Look for picks at both spots throughout the draft.

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Breaking down some of UNC's talented, troubled prospects

The 2010 college football season began with nearly unprecedented promise for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
They entered the season ranked No. 18 by the Associated Press and were the trendy pick to contend for the ACC crown and even the national championship.
Butch Davis assembled a virtual all-star team on the defensive side of the ball, with seniors Marvin Austin (defensive tackle), Bruce Carter (outside linebacker), Quan Sturdivant (inside linebacker), Kendric Burney (cornerback) and Deunta Williams (free safety) ranked among the elite NFL prospects at their respective positions.
Senior wide receiver Greg Little also looked more than capable of being the Tar Heels' big-play threat of the offensive side of the ball. He had flashed toughness and playmaking ability similar to former teammates Hakeem Nicks and Brandon Tate. He was given the second-highest grade of any senior receiver by National Football Scouting entering the 2010 season.

Kendric Burney (top) may have less-than-ideal size and Bruce Carter has to overcome injuries. (US Presswire)

Even better, the future was bright. Robert Quinn was viewed as the crown jewel of the group. The 6-5, 270-pound true junior was coming off a season in which he placed second in the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year voting (behind only Tennessee Titans' first-round pick Derrick Morgan) with 19 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. The comparisons to former Tar Heel great Julius Peppers were becoming almost cliche.
But something happened on the way to the Carolina coronation.
An NCAA investigation turned up evidence that several North Carolina players accepted improper benefits from agents. Further investigation resulted in charges of academic misconduct involving a tutor. Austin was kicked off the team. Little and Quinn were declared "permanently ineligible." In all, 13 UNC players were suspended for at least one game. Carter (torn ACL) and Williams (broken leg) suffered ugly season-ending injuries.
The Tar Heels' class of 2011 was on the precipice of what appeared to be a season of destiny. Instead, it became a season of dread.
But what impact will the investigation, suspensions and injury have on their NFL draft stock? Representatives from three NFL teams were asked to weigh in on the subject. The sources requested anonymity, but come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from a regional scout to a front office executive.
Each was asked to describe what he liked about North Carolina's top prospects and what concerns clubs might have about drafting them.
(Players are listed by position with current/preseason rankings)
DT Marvin Austin
6-2/312/4.96, No. 8 DT, 64th overall (No. 1 DT, fourth overall preseason)
What Scouts Like: "(Austin's) best fit would be as a three-technique defensive tackle in the four-man front. He has great initial quickness and a closing burst on the quarterback. He is a legitimate athlete that opponents have to prepare for due to his interior rushing prowess."
Concerns: "It was a wise move for him to play at the East-West Shrine Game. By playing in that game, it refreshed scouts' memories of the athleticism we'd seen on tape. Now, don't get me wrong, he wasn't in great football shape, but no one expected him to be. But he played well and in my opinion, probably helped himself in interviews. He's a likeable kid who knows he's made some mistakes. There are enough things in his background that some teams are going to wonder if they can trust him, though and that will impact where he ends up going in the draft."
CB Kendric Burney
5-9/181/4.47, No. 19 CB, 159th overall (No. 8 CB, 51st overall)
What Scouts Like: "A very good football player. He's short, obviously, but he's a good athlete with quick feet. He plays with his eyes. He understands the game and learns on the fly. I know he impressed some of the coaches at the Senior Bowl. Probably is too short to play outside, but I think he's one of the better nickel corners in this draft."
Concerns: "Height, of course, but in terms of off-field stuff, he's cleaner than some of the other guys. He was suspended for a few games, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of concern about him off the field from their staff."
OLB Bruce Carter
6-3/235/4.57, No. 6 OLB, 68th overall (No. 1 OLB, sixth overall)
What Scouts Like: "Pure athleticism. Prior to the injury, at least, he had great speed and overall athletic ability. It may take some time, but you're always hopeful that he'll get that back. Carter is not the most instinctive or most physical player, but if you cover him up and protect him a little bit, he's got the stuff you can't coach."
Concerns: "There isn't the off-field stuff with Carter that there is on some of the other guys. The knee injury, of course, is a big concern. He was nicked up early on with a shoulder and now has the knee. How the knee is taking the rehab is going to determine a lot about where he'll go."

Greg Little missed North Carolina's bowl game and will need a strong combine to boost his stock. (Getty Images)

WR Greg Little
6-2/220/4.56, No. 13 WR, 117th overall (No. 1 WR, 31st overall)
What Scouts Like: "(Little) is a strong, possession receiver with good-after-the-catch ability. You can see that he was a former running back with the way he moves once he has the ball secured. He isn't afraid to go over the middle. Not a special player, but some legitimate upside."
Concerns: "Unlike the defensive tackle (Austin), Little wasn't at a bowl game so most NFL evaluators haven't seen this kid since '09. He's a guy who needs a strong Combine to get back on the radar. He needs to be mature and composed in his interviews. He's got a lot riding on his performance this week."
DE Robert Quinn
6-5/268/4.64, No. 2 DE, sixth overall (Unranked overall but was top-rated DE)
What Scouts Like: "Quinn's pass rush skills are his greatest asset. I like him better as a right defensive end in the 4-3 but believe he has the athleticism and bend to be a rush linebacker in the 3-4, so you have to like the versatility. He has good first step quickness. The ability to bend. Has good long speed. Has good length. Has a lot of upside to him. He's got some growth potential. There is a lot to like about him."
Concerns: "He's supposed to be a very good kid. Usually when a player is suspended for the entire year, people in the program will knock the player pretty good. The guys at UNC say he's not malicious or a bad guy at all, but one who just got caught up in something."
ILB Quan Sturdivant
6-2/230/4.63, No. 3 ILB, 89th overall (No. 2 ILB, 41st overall)
What Scouts Like: "Tough kid. Not a lot of upside. He doesn't have a lot of the special traits of some of their [North Carolina's] other players, but he might be the most reliable. Instinctive. Physical. Good football player."
Concerns: "He wasn't suspended for the agent or academic stuff, but there are some red flags, including an arrest before this season." Editor's note: Sturdivant was arrested for one count of possession of marijuana in July. The charges were ultimately dismissed after Sturdivant entered a deferred prosecution agreement)
FS Deunta Williams
6-1/215/4.53, No. 7 FS, 139th overall (No. 1 FS, 43rd overall)
What Scouts Like: "He's athletic and has some coverage skills. Good lateral agility and straight-line speed. Good awareness and ball skills."
Concerns: "The injury will definitely affect him. That's why the Combine is really so important. It isn't the workouts. It is the medical for a player like Williams. The medical guys will give us an idea as to when we can expect Williams would be back on the field. Is he going to be ready for training camp? Or is he a guy you're going to draft and know you're putting him on the shelf for a year?"
Rob Rang is Senior Analyst for NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange. Email him at rrang@nfldraftscout.com. Follow him on Twitter at @RobRang.

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Prince ready to run and show he's top-10 worthy

If Prince Amukamara feels burdened by the weight of lofty expectations, you'd never know it.
Well before he entered the 2010 season ranked as the country's top senior prospect by National Football Scouting, Amukamara had grown accustomed to the idea that greatness wasn't a standard to be attained, it was an expectation to live up to.

Prince Amukamara says he has no doubts about his speed. (US Presswire)

Having the first name 'Prince' will do that to a guy -- especially when the name is more than window dressing.
Prince Amukamara is bona fide royalty -- not just of the Playboy All-American variety.
His grandfather was the king of the Awo Omamma in Nigeria. His father, Romanus, took the title of "chief," so when he and his wife Christie had a son, "Prince" was the natural progression. Even more interesting to NFL scouts than Amukamara's royal bloodlines are his athletic bloodlines.
Romanus was an elite soccer player in Nigeria. Christie was a sprinter for Nigeria in the 1984 Olympics.
Prince will get his shot at the NFL-version of the Olympics in less than two weeks when he and roughly 300 other college prospects venture to Indianapolis for the annual Scouting Combine.
Amukamara did almost everything he could to confirm the faith of National Football Scouting by playing to the level projected in the top 2010 preseason grade. He was a consensus All-American despite recording zero interceptions. But Amukamara declined an invitation to attend the Senior Bowl. He has been preparing for the Combine at Athletes Performance in Tempe, Ariz.
"I'm not going to lie to you -- these past few weeks have been an emotional and physical grind, but that is part of the process," Amukamara explained. "I am very much looking forward to that opportunity (to work out at the Combine), especially due to the fact that I didn't play at the Senior Bowl."
Like the other highly touted prospects in Tempe -- a list that includes likely first-round picks Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert, Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green and Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus -- Amukamara came to API to improve in all areas of his game. This isn't to say he isn't putting extra emphasis on honing certain skills; just not necessarily the ones you might expect.
"I've been working a lot on my lateral agility, which is going to help in the 5-10-5 drill for the Combine, but more importantly for improving my explosiveness out of breaks when in coverage," Amukamara said. "I've also been working improving my ball skills so that I turn more of these PBUs into INTs."
There are many key traits most top cornerbacks share -- agility and the ability to come up with takeaways are chief among them. Perhaps most important, however, is pure speed.
Amukamara's stopwatch speed has been questioned by some scouts since Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon caught five passes against the vaunted Cornhuskers' secondary for 157 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard bomb, on Oct. 23. The Huskers won the game. Blackmon won the Biletnikof Award as the nation's best receiver as a redshirt sophomore, and the scouting thesis following that game in the scouting community was that Amukamara's speed was suddenly a concern.
Media members began to publicly wonder if his play was enhanced by Nebraska's pass rush. Some questioned whether Amukamara lacked the wheels to remain at cornerback, suggesting a position change to safety in the NFL.
"I am a bit surprised to hear some questioning my speed," Amukamara admitted. "I've never had any of my coaches or scouts question that part of my game.
"I certainly realize the importance of the 40, I just don't anticipate any problems in that area. My speed has never been an issue before and I don't expect that it will be now either."
If Amukamara sounds confident about his speed, that's because he's used to being the fastest athlete on the field.
Nebraska did not allow scouts to time its prospects in the 40-yard dash before the 2010 season, meaning next week's Scouting Combine will be their first chance to clock him.
One front office executive who asked not to be identified as his team could be in the market for a cornerback, offered this about Amukamara and questions about his speed.
"Our area scout had him estimated at a 4.45, which I would agree with based on my cross-check. He may not be a true blazer, but he can run and has size and a good track record of success despite having only played the position a few years," the source said. "There is still some upside there, as he's gotten away with just being an athlete and has some technical flaws that need to be ironed out. He's a pretty good player right now and I think he'll be an even better one soon. I can't see him getting out of the top 20, maybe even the top 10."
Perhaps another reason that Amukamara and scouts don't seem worried about his speed is his background. His mother's sprinting pedigree was clearly inherited by her son, who won the Arizona state Class 4A titles in both the 100- and 200-meter dash in 2007. His times in the 100 (10.78) and 200 (21.91) were both the fastest in the state.
Speed wasn't the issue -- so what happened against Blackmon?
"We were in a Cover-4 scheme, and I was expecting safety help over the top initially. Now our safeties are taught to come up to support the run aggressively and on this play, it was a flea-flicker, so they were coming up hard. Blackmon ran a great route, completely catching me by surprise. He came off the line slow and then accelerated past me. I caught up to him, but he got out of my tackle. It was good planning and execution on their (Oklahoma State's) part and I just didn't make the play when I had the opportunity."
Short of that blip, Amukamara made plays when given the chance. He's confident teams consider him a top-flight cornerback prospect. The other player in that category, LSU junior Patrick Peterson, is also considered a reasonable lock to be a top-10 draft pick.
Amukamara didn't intercept a pass in 2010, but he did snatch five in 2009 and broke up 27 passes in his career. At 6 feet, 205 pounds, he has the bulk and strength to protect the edge in the running game, racking up 123 tackles the past two seasons, when teams often elected not to throw to his side of the field.
Nevertheless, if a team drafts him with a move to safety in mind, Amukamara will take on the challenge of switching positions just as he did at Nebraska. He signed with the Huskers as a highly touted prep running back, and Amukamara initially bristled at the idea of switching to the defensive side of the ball, even considering transferring.
"That was tough. I didn't want to be a selfish player, but the success that I'd had to that point had mostly come by playing offense," he said.
"It tested my faith a little. I spent a lot of time with the team chaplain and asked coach (Bo) Pelini straight out if I could stay on offense. He told me, 'Yeah, I have no problem with that, but I've been coaching for a long time and I think you could play for a long time in the league and earn yourself some money by making the move to cornerback.' I just trusted that God knew where he wanted me and the experience of my coach and the rest is history, as they say.
"I expect to play cornerback in the NFL, but if a team wants me to play elsewhere, I think my past shows that I'm an athlete who can adapt to whatever role is needed."
extracted from cbssports.com

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