With the Texans hiring Wade Phillips to fix one of the NFL's worst defenses, the focus turns to who will execute his defense. The Texans have the No. 11 overall pick in April's draft, and it is rather likely that they will be seeking a defender in Round One, the way Pro Football Weekly hears it. What's more, the Texans have employed a 4-3 base defense for the last five seasons and will be moving to a 3-4 front with Phillips, a standout defensive coordinator at multiple NFL stops, in charge. How Phillips will use the personnel already on hand remains to be seen but the Texans' top three players in the front seven — SLB Brian Cushing, MLB DeMeco Ryans and DE Mario Williams — would all seem to have skills that would translate to any system while DE Antonio Smith also has experience in the 3-4 and seems a logical fit in the Texans' system, too. Source: Pro Football Weekly
Yeah but they're basically giving up on Okoye in the process, and IMO Williams is much more suited to a 43. Cushing is a much better fit as a 43 OLB than a 34 ILB as well IMO. We'll see.
He plays end IMO, I dont think he's got the legs to hold up well in coverage. I think Cushing will be fine inside, I just think you're wasting him doing so. he'd be a lot better outside in a 43 where he wouldnt have to take on blockers as much, but whatever.
with a wade phillips 34 its different though....mario will play DE in the chris canty role and will attack the QB and mario is not only a much better pass rusher and overall athlete than canty, hes also relentless against the run and easily has the athletisism to stand up and play OLB and just set the edge/rush. NT is a concern but they dont use a tradtional NT but i would expect they would target powe or kendrick lewis in the second to beef up the line. it cant be any worse than it was last year, i kinda like the move since what they have isnt working, even though the foundation of their defense (mario) is better suited for a 43, hes a player that can play pretty much anywhere. hell peppers wanted to be a 34OLB, im sure mario could do it im saying with the first pick they target either heyward or clayborn (prototype 34 ends, with other versatility) or robert quinn (OLB) or if by some chance prince falls they would take him
2 inches and 40 pounds heavier. he will almost certainly play at end most of the time, but he would play a woodley/greg ellis role as an OLB pass rusher. he wont be asked to drop back to much, but he does have insane athletic ability to do both
there's always some growing pains when moving from a 4-3 to a 3-4. however, the texans HAVE talent on defense........ with the right coaching and scheming, they should be better.
