Tuesday, May 21, 2002

ProFootballWeekly.com asks personnel expert Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on the hottest topics in football. 

Walker limps out of training session

The base of Houston’s 3-4 was weakened when DT Gary Walker — drafted along with Seth Payne from Jacksonville via the expansion bonanza to play nose tackle — suffered what appears to be a major groin injury that could require surgery. While the team has yet to establish a timetable for Walker’s return, they aren’t ruling out a lost season should Walker opt to go under the knife.

Buchsbaum: The Houston Texans may have suffered a major blow during an offseason workout when DT Gary Walker suffered a severe groin injury that looks like it may require surgery. If Walker needs an operation, he will miss the preseason and could miss some or all of the regular season. Walker was playing at a Pro Bowl-level in Jacksonville last year, but the Jaguars let him go because of the salary cap. The Texans were counting on Walker to be the leader of the defensive line and constantly draw double-teams to free up the linebackers. If Walker comes back, they will probably use him outside in the 3-4 instead of the nose because there are more demands on the nose tackle with blockers coming at all angles.

Roman model soldier at tackle

Roman Oben isn’t going to be confused with the great tackles in the NFL, but having started for the Giants and Browns in his five-year career, Oben is nothing short of serviceable. His quick feet and light frame are perfect for the West Coast offense that new head coach Jon Gruden is installing and Oben’s addition gives Tampa Bay the depth it so richly desires. Oben could start at either tackle or be a top-notch backup.

Buchsbaum: The Bucs made a very good move in picking up OLT Roman Oben. Oben gives Tampa Bay a fallback option if Kenyatta Walker continues to struggle. If Oben has a good camp, even if Walker doesn’t struggle, the Bucs will move Walker back to right tackle and start Oben or Jerry Wunsch at left tackle. That would give Tampa Bay two of the quickest tackles in the game, which Jon Gruden’s offense calls for.

Leaf turned over again

QB Ryan Leaf has played for three teams in 15 months and is searching for a fourth after the Cowboys cut ties with the former No. 2 overall draft pick. Seattle and the Giants are said to be interested, and Leaf reportedly entered Dallas minicamp in the best shape of his NFL career, fully recovered from a wrist injury that hampered him the last two seasons. A major reclamation project, Leaf still has natural ability if he can find the right frame of mind and teacher.

Buchsbaum: It is no surprise that the Cowboys cut QB Ryan Leaf. The writing was on the wall when Dallas picked up Chad Hutchinson. The only reason Dallas held onto Leaf was that owner and team president Jerry Jones was trying to draw a decent draft pick in a trade for Leaf. When that didn’t come to fruition, Jones realized it was best to cut his losses now rather than carry him into training camp where if Leaf suffered an injury the Cowboys would have to pay him on injured reserve.

Brookins axed by Ravens

"Overweight" and "malcontent" were words used to describe RB Jason Brookins in his brief stint with Baltimore. A starter at times in his rookie season, Brookins rushed for 551 yards and five touchdowns, including a two-touchdown game vs. Jacksonville in Week 11. But weight and focus have been difficult for Brookins to balance, leading head coach Brian Billick to head in a different direction.

Buchsbaum: Some players never learn, and it appears Brookins is one of them. Brookins, constantly in coach Brian Billick’s doghouse for not knowing his playbook and missing blitz pickups, reported to Ravens’ minicamp fat and out of shape and the Ravens responded by handing him a pink slip. Maybe that will wake Brookins up. By cutting Brookins, Baltimore was able to bring back CB James Trapp, who isn’t a great player, but fills a positional need as a veteran and should compete for a starting job in the Ravens’ secondary.

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2001 - 2002 Season