Zac Woodfin, we hardly knew ye
Jul 24, 2007 Batman, Preview, RB free-for-all, Ron Dayne likes pie, Training camp 2007, Undrafted Free Agent watch list
Remember way back on July 10th, when the Texans–to much fanfare, I might add–signed LB Zac Woodfin? Nevermind, kid. Woodfin was released Monday along with FB Cory Anderson, G Atlas Herrion, C Enoka Lucas, CB Derrick Roberson, RB Darius Walker, and P Eric Wilbur. (Herrion was also with the team less than two weeks.)
Of these, I suppose the only true surprise is Walker, if only because we kinda sorta actively pursued him. Walker was close to signing with the Bears before, depending on who you ask, he either couldn’t come to terms with the Super Bowl losers or we swooped in and signed him first.
Then again, I don’t know that you can even call his release a surprise. As of right now, you have Batman and Cartman occupying spots one and two. That leaves Lundy, Taylor, and Gado fighting for two spots (assuming we keep 4 RB like last year). Surely Walker–and, more importantly, his agent Drew Rosenhaus–are smart enough to realize he is not likely to supplant TWO guys who have shown flashes of talent in the NFL (a description that applies to all three). It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he asked to be released.
Lucas, Anderson, Roberson, and Wilbur were all part of the herd of undrafted free agents we brought in back in May.
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As to news of additions, it seems we brought in P Matt Turk. Which I am sure has the guys at BRB thinking of happy, Stanley-free days.
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Amobi Watch: Still no news.
UPDATE: Someone who would have occasion to know such things echoes the sentiment that Walker probably asked to be released, but adds “Walker’s not good, but you’re right [in thinking] he asked to be released. That said, I would be shocked if he made a roster, let alone play a down in the NFL.”
The same person also said that both Manchild and JJ will sign before camp, but “it could be as late as Thursday.”
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July 24th, 2007 at 10:16 am
I also read that the Texans have moved Jon Abbate (undrafted LB out of Wake Forest, my alma mater) to fullback. The same story, from scout.com, quoted a “source” as saying there’s a strong belief that Abbate could be the top FB backup this year. Which means he’d be better than Cook or Leach after having never played the position before. Maybe the source confused ‘top backup’ with ‘cheaper backup’, as I (even through my WF colored glasses) couldn’t see him beating out an NFL vet on ability alone. Interesting though.
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July 24th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Very interesting. There is no way we carry three FBs, so you have to wonder how this would play out. I am 99% sure Leach is the guy, since we bothered to keep him away from the Giants. So can Abbate beat out Cook? That would be really surprising (especially since Cook is a fairly decent receiver out of the backfield).
God, I am so ready for camp to start.
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July 29th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Charlie, Wake Alum? I am too. Don’t feel like there are too many of us in Houston. I’m excited to have Abbate on the team. Too bad about Skip. - Phil