Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/mock-draft-version-1

20. Houston Texans* -- Earl Thomas, CB/S, Texas: Capable of playing either safety or cornerback, Thomas is a local guy who can fill a pressing need for the Texans. A first-team All-American and a Thorpe Award finalist, Thomas manned the middle for the Longhorns' top-ranked defense. Houston got some good contributions from Bernard Pollard and John Busing in November and December, but could use top-notch young talent at safety to go with their star-studded front 7.

51. Houston Texans -- Ryan Mathews, RB, Fresno State

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

We do have a starting FS in Eugene Wilson. If DR is gone, we need a strong candidate to replace him. Kyle Wilson is the second best CB in draft. I like Quin but not sure he is ready for starter role & I would not put Reeves against the best WR opponent. I really, really like Thomas but as a CB, I have to move him behind Haden, Wilson and maybe Perrish Cox. Earl can play two key positions, but I am unsure if his hip swivel is where it needs to be. How fast is Mathews?

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

Fan Spot projects him at about a 4.46.

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsiEY7ilKcU

Does this guy even last to our 2nd pick?

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

Has our safety play been so bad in this franchise's short history that we think Eugene "I played half the season" Wilson is the answer at FS? Wilson is serviceable, but if Thomas is there then he's a great value pick plus a possible ballhawk (which we've never had at safety) in the secondary.

Its very similar to the Cushing pick last year. Diles was a solid SAM, but he was also coming off a broken leg and even if healthy Cushing provided an upgrade. Wilson's a solid FS but he's not getting any younger and even if he's healthy I don't see him being better than Thomas.

Not to mention the fact that we'd actually have some quality depth in the secondary considering both Wilson and Thomas can play CB if needed. Plus, against the Colts three wides it would be useful to have 2 solid cover safeties that can play some CB against Indy's weapons.

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

It´s all depending on whether DR stays or goes. If he is gone we have a gaping hole at CB. If he stays, we are serviceable at CB and a little weak at FS. I´d go with best player available here, probably in that order:

1. Dan Williams
2. Earl Thomas
3. Kyle Wilson

I hope that Dunta signs a reasonable contract and stays, so that we can adress our other weaknesses. With a rookie as CB1, and an injury prone FS that is "only" alright, not only Peyton would have a field day against us. Add to that a weakness in the middle and our defense would probably be worse than last year.

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

I don't disagree with anything you say but...can we compare Eugene Wilson to Schaub? Both missed games their first two years, both looked pretty good when they played healthy. When able to stay on field 16 games in his third season, Shaub did very well. I think Thomas would eventually beat out Wilson, but I am hoping DR is gone & Kyle Wilson can fill that role, rookie or not. I will not cry if we get either. In fact, FS THomas was my 1st round choice all year & everyone kept telling me he'd be gone. I also think WIlson pays FS as well as DR plays CB, so if you are willing to upgrade FS, using your own arguement, you should be willing to upgrade CB. IMO Thomas is not a better CB than Wilson but if we get Thomas I hope I am poved wrong.

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

The only weakness in the middle is pressuring the QB. Maybe we need to get a bit more from our DEs Smith and Williams?

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

I doubt it, but if he's there he would be a great pick.

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

We should try and get someone from the FA. If (probably not gonna' happen) we could get Nick Collins from the Packers and or get a veteran CB it would help us out a lot on opening day without having to play a rookie as a starter at CB or S.

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

I'm not against the Thomas Pick. He's a high end prospect at a need position. And he's going to grow. However doesn't the weight bother anyone besides me ? One hundred and ninety pounds. Some of you have golf bags that weigh more than that. There's no doubt the guy can flat out cover some territory in the middle of the field.

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

That's what I was trying to get at the other day also. Ordick reminds me of Znoginia. And they love the Z man. But I think it's a push as to what extra Ordick, as good as he is, will bring to the pass rush. He'll flat out wear people out with his motor. But any more than the Z man did when he rotated in ?

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

Sign me up.

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

Just going from information on NFL.com and the Longhorns official site...

Earl Thomas; 5'10" 197 pounds

Compared to...

Ed Reed; 5'11" 200 pounds

Is Ed Reed to small? :)

Re: Fox Sports Mock Draft 1.0
 

There is a hell of a lot more to be okay with at the CB position (Even if DR leaves) than there is at the FS position, especially if Wilson goes down again. I cannot be sad about a pick that keeps Busing off the field as much as possible.