Aug 3, 2009
First out-of-nowhere-RB to discuss
You’ll notice in the preseason, I’ll check in here with mostly quick-hitters, since I’m busy reviewing and writing content on the site, and I have my first one of the preseason. In Houston, undrafted RB Arian Foster is making some noise, and he needs to be on the radar. It’s clear that starter Steve Slaton wore down late last season, so they really need someone to step up and handle some of the load, preferably a bigger back. Chris Brown is perfect, but he was hurt coming out of the womb. Last year, it was supposed to be Brown and Ahman Green, and since we all know those two have MAJOR durability issues, Slaton needed to be on the radar, and he was on our radar very early.
The same thing applies this year with Foster, who is a bigger back like Brown. Since they need someone to handle some of the load for Slaton, and since Brown is as fragile as they come, Foster is officially on our radar.
Here’s his player profile from the site, courtesy of my buddy Tony Pauline of TFYdraft.com. Keep in mind the guy was undrafted, so it’s not like he deserves a ringing in endorsement. But if a light has turned on, he’s someone to watch.
School: Tennessee I Ht: 6-0.5 I Wt: 226 I 40: 4.55 I Year: 5Sr
Positives: Physically gifted ball carrier who struggled with an inconsistent career in college. Runs with good balance, body control, and is strong in his lower body. Plays with an aggressive style, keeps his feet driving on contact, and picks up the difficult yardage. Solid one-cut runner who finds the opening lanes and quickly gets through them. Terrific receiver out of the backfield who extends and then makes the reception away from his frame. Negatives: Shows a lot of hesitation in his game, and does not always play smart football. Has had fumbling problems throughout his career. Cannot run to daylight in the open field.
Analysis: Foster looked like a superstar early in his Tennessee career, yet he has been playing with inconsistency ever since. He does not show consistent fire on the field, which could be his downfall at the next level. Foster possesses the physical skills to play at the next level, yet he will be nothing but a journeyman unless the light goes on.
Having watched Foster throughout his UT career I believe he became more lackadaisical each year. Has talent; and provided with a steadfast/serious mentor, he could become a valuable contributor.
Jackson Carter
Allardt, TN 38504
The one guy I really like as the sleeper of all sleepers (and who had an utterly sensational year in College last year where he basically was the offense), is Curtis Brinkley, who was signed as a UDFA by the Chargers.
I’ve seen enough of him to think that if he gets a chance, he’ll do some damage. He’s very similar to MJD.
Just to add, that’s if he’s fine to go this year after his shooting incident.
Like Jackson Carter, I watched Foster every weekend with UT. (I’m a huge Vols fan.) He had his moments, to be sure, but he lacks a burst and is slow as molasses. I hope he makes it, but I’m skeptical . . .
For the record, we’re moving him “way up there” to #81 at RB, and even that may be a stretch.
Slaton seems like the real deal and I would love to have in in any of my drafts. Oh no, I think I have a “Man Crush.”
Went to Texans camp yesterday. Slaton looked amazing, head and shoulders above every other RB. Chris Brown was running with the 2’s along with Moats. Brown lacked burst and was running between the tackle plays. Moats was running the same plays as Slaton, and appears to be the handcuff to Slaton. Foster and Jeremiah Johnson both looked very good, and showed burst and power. My best guess, Brown is squeezed out. The offense called for a bunch of stretch plays and screens for Slaton. Lots of crossing routes for AJ, looking to give him space. Walter and AJ were turning the DBs around and having them trailing all practice. Schaub had some issues with some of the screen and short routes on pulling the trigger, but the LBs looked very fast and were giving the offense fits within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage. Owen Daniels was making lots of catches in traffic.
If you have any other questions, i’ll do my best. By the way, Grossman looked awful.
By the way, went Saturday and Sunday…
Nice info Mggoilers.
I will agree that Houston uses an additional larger back this year to keep Slaton fresh towards the end of the year and maybe even the playoffs. I am going to have to disagree with “It’s clear that starter Steve Slaton wore down late last season”. Even if you average in that 4 carry clunker against Baltimore, Slaton averaged a little over 5 ypc and just under 10 yards per catch in the second half of the season last year on 21 touches a game. If anything, they gave him the ball more towards the end of the year.
just my thoughts.
mlobur
That may be true, but the numbers can be inflated by a few long runs. It is a fact that he wore down, anyone close to the team will admit that.
Any thought that Kubiak may pick up scraps that are jettisoned from Denver…for instance if Knowhown signs…and Buck / L Jordan look okay as big backs…could we see R Torrain traded or cut and picked up by Houston? I have a hard time believing that C Brown and Foster are the best that Houston can do to back up Slaton.
Also what about the kid backing up C Benson?
How about Backups for J Lewis?
Any talent behind J Jones (not counting Duckett other than as goal line, which is fine).
He got some dead legs and was rested mid-season for game, but he seemed to finish strong. In seeing them over the weekend, he appeared to be the smallest guy on the field. Anything over 250 carries would be pushing it, but it sounds like 275 total touches appears to be optimistic. I hope he holds up, but Chris Brown is not the answer. It’s going to be tough, because he’s a big time threat.
With the talk of LT being “back”, is he someone that I consider at say pick 2 or 3? Or is that too early?
Slaton “wearing down” produced these numbers over the last 5 games of the year
Rush/Rec
21-130-2 2-52-0
26-120-0 3-40-0
24-100-0 3-15
18-66-0 5-36
20-92-1 5-36
Still pretty dang good anyway you look at it
Quick one for you
In a dynasty PPR league..who would you take of the following?
A Foster, James davis, Gatrell Johnson and Tashard Choice??
Thanks
FYI for Savant – with Moreno still unsigned, Torrain has been getting a significant number of carries with the 1st team offense and has been getting rave reviews. It’s been all of one week, but that’s something to keep an eye on.