First Edition: rmartin65, badboy, beerlover Texans Mock

[beerlover]

Round 1: Bose State CB Kyle Wilson 5'10" 190
Big upper body, cut & plays physical. Competitive, confident matches up with teams #1 WR in man coverage. Does has some expereince @ FS. Lions staff coached @ the Senior Bowl, would like the tandem of Lous Delmas, FS paired with Kyle Wilson, CB but not if the Texan can take him first. Reminds me alot of Dunta Robinson when he first came into the league, except he seems stronger with position & hands, will jump route, has great intincts & and ball awareness. Wilson is considered the best cover-corner in the Senior Class which also means he's seasoned & mature possilbly more prepared for the NFL than even the top Juniors. Still despite Bosie States lack of national exposure Kyle did make 2nd team All-American & helped his team defeat an excellent TCU team in Tostitos Fiesta Bowl 17-10 (forced fumble, sack & two break-ups, 3 tackles) For his Bronco career Kyle had 159 tackles, 11 Int's, 27 passing break-ups & 959 punt return yards. Texans priority need would be #1 CB going into next season if Dunta Robinson is not re-signed & walks away a free-agent. Luckily the Texans will have a resolution to this situation prior to the draft which is in April.

Round 2: Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6’1” 235
The Texans would have been at least a game better had they had a better short yard running game. Enter Toby Gerhart. A player that rarely (if ever) is stopped in his tracks; he consistently falls forward when getting tackled. Gerhart posses surprising agility for a player of his size, and he uses it to great advantage. One of the reasons Gerhart is so good at yards after contact is he rarely allows the defender to get a good bead on him. Gerhart is also a willing blocker, but could use some work in this area. He has the size and strength to be one of the best at it. Gerhart is a decent as a receiver out of the backfield. He was not asked to do it much, but when given the chance he performed admirably. The biggest concern about Gerhart is ball security. While (I don’t think) he has been charged with a lost fumble, he does occasionally hold the ball a little loosely. We feel that this is a problem that could be easily corrected with proper coaching. The end sum is Gerhart is not just a power back; he is the real deal. A blue collar, hard working football player that will do anything to see his team win.

Round 3: Alabama LG Mike Johnson, 6'5" 306

Address OL same draft slot as last year (C/OG Antoine Caldwell) familarity playing next to each other (most scouts consider Johnson played better last year next to Caldwell). Hence, draft stock has slipped a little & could still be on the board. Excellent pulling guard for ZBS, footwrok & hand placement to engage then seperate in 2nd level. Natural & fluid, struggles to anchor, plays high but with quick feet will work & reset anchor when leverage lost, very active has internal clock to release downfield. Starting OL would look like this- LT Duane Brown, LG Mike Johsnon, C Chris Myers, RG Antoine Caldwell, RT Eric Winston. Should be great camp competition for starting OL positions (Studdard is going to battle to keep his job & Brisel will do the same). A side story may be if Caldwell kicks inside to Center during Fall & pre-season next to his old LG. As expected Pitts moves elsewhere via free agency.

Round 4: East Carolina University DT Linval Joseph, 6'6" 322

Underclassman, no need to worry has been productive since day one, elite size uses bull rush to dominante defender inside usually requiring double team. Space eater with some penetration skills, a stiff diet & workout regime would keep him lean & mean around 315. A two-time All-Conference USA player, Joseph made 60 tackles last season, including a team-high 13 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He totaled 143 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 41 career games. Starting DL would look like this- LDE Antonio Smith, NT Linval Joseph, RDT Amobi Okoye, RDE Mario Williams. This would allow both Smith & Mario to play their natual positions, should also help free Amobi to penetrate more quickly. If the Texans can develop a potent pass rush with only four it allows more freedom to take away routes & mis-matches that have killed Texans in past.

Round 5a: Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes, 6’ 210
Barnes was the leading receiver in the FCS last year, averaging 11.9 receptions a game, that’s 3 more per game than the number 2. Not only does he catch a lot, he gets a lot of TD’s. 16 in the regular season, 3 in the bowl game. Barnes will not put up the sexy measurables that GMs want in a receiver. He is not tall, not overly fast or agile. He just gets separation, and if a ball comes his way, he catches it. We see receiver becoming a potential need in the future. AJ is an 8 year pro, and may (or may not) be leaving the Texans if winning is not done soon. Walter had a rather lackluster year, JJ is still a project (but getting better), and the others are no more than role player. Barnes can become an ideal number 2, and will take full advantage of learning from one of the best in the game.

Round 5b: Iowa ILB Pat Angerer, 6’ 235
As we progress further down in the draft, immediate impact took a backseat to depth and potential. And a place that is startlingly thin is ILB. Behind DeMeco we have…Kevin Bently. Angerer is undersized but does not play like it. He is like a Brian Cushing, if there is contact; he wants a part of it. Angerer gets a bad rap as being unathletic; this simply is not the case. While he is not the athletic freak that some players are, Angerer possesses a suitable amount to be a player in this league for 10-12 years. He is a very smart player, a must from the ILB position. One area of concern is his blitzing, as he was not asked to do that much at Iowa.

Round 6: Clemson OG/C Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310

This Clemson offensive linemen 6'3" 310lbs was rated by Mel Kiper as top senior center for 2010 draft prior to last season. Rated #4 OG by Phil Steele and Lindy's. 3 time offensive lineman of the week in ACC; first time since 1989 when Stacy Long won. 206 career knock downs. While Pouncy and JD Walton seemingly drew more attention last season, Austin quietly returned to starting at OG rather than splitting between center & guard. Pass blocking: "Good initial punch to jar the DT; slides well with knees bent staying square with defender." Run blocking:"Good leg drive and strength to push back defender. Anchors well against bull rush". Negative:often takes a step back before anchoring & therefore impedes runner. This is a training issue but might push him down in the pecking order. Not surprised if he goes before our pick. I like him as eventual replacement for Myers.

Round 7: LSU Returner Trindon Holliday, 5’5” 170 lbs
For our 7th round pick we decided to go with a returner with gamebreaking speed. Called by some the fastest player to ever play college football, Holliday will be our Joshua Cribbs.; Stud returner that sees the field 3-5 times a game on offense to keep the D on their toes. Trindon Holliday is surprisingly agile for a sprinter; watch some of the highlight vids in the thread. His size is what is going to keep him down in the draft. However, I have not seen any sign of him shying away from hits. He will not be asked to run up the middle, just the occasional stretch run or screen. In the NFL, speed kills. And this little guy has enough to be a certified assassin.[/quote][/quote]

[beerlover]

Alright guys went ahead & posted our work. Hope everyone enjoy's

This was a true labor of love & collaborative effort. Thanks to board members rmartin65 & badboy for all their time & tireless effort, this is all about them. Very satisfying expereince, this proves there are great people on this board who are passionate about their Texans. Also thanks to the mods for providing such a wonderful forum, overseeing etiquette & rules of order are followed, you guys don't ever receive enough credit

[theanswer000]

I like Kyle Wilson a lot and I have been talking about him for along time now. But he did really great at the senior bowl and he will probably do some crazy things at the combine. I see him going before we pick. Which is good bc someone worthy of going that high is going to sink. Hopefully it is Brian Price or Dan Williams. I dont like taking Toby that high but I know he is not going to be available when we pick in the 3rd. Mike Johnson would be a great pick up and I like Angerer a lot also. And considering if we do sign Dunta KW will unlikely be our first pick.

Overall it is a great mock.

[infantrycak]

This is merely a quibble with the commentary on Walter and JJ - they were #4 and #5 on highest % receptions when thrown to in the league at 77.9% and 77.1%.

Nice work. I'm not convinced on Gerhart that high. Do y'all have any video links for these guys? That would really help.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

This is merely a quibble with the commentary on Walter and JJ - they were #4 and #5 on highest % receptions when thrown to in the league at 77.9% and 77.1%.

Nice work. I'm not convinced on Gerhart that high. Do y'all have any video links for these guys? That would really help.

Round 1: Bose State WR Kyle Wilson 5'10" 190
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxpdHHWKLiE
Round 2: Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6’1” 235
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbmDmNSLUz8
Round 3: Alabama LG Mike Johnson, 6'5" 306
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0cOWY-ig80
Round 4: East Carolina University DT Linval Joseph, 6'6" 322
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu9sFXqtPUk
Round 5a: Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes, 6’ 210
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aw0a-5xV--w
Round 5b: Iowa ILB Pat Angerer, 6’ 235
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NpRbgzYTY0
Round 6: Clemson OG/C Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrATrcWypLs
Round 7: LSU Returner Trindon Holliday, 5’5” 170 lbs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1Q0vlN6Pe8

[Hardcore Texan]

You guys should really put in more effort, it's like you barely even tried.

Great job! Rep for each of ya.

One thing that stuck out to me is you guys seem to be pretty high on Freddie Barnes, what is making you think he will be there in the 5th round. (I know nothing about him, just going by what I am reading here, and he sounds like a great player by the details y'all gave).

Again, good work

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by Hardcore Texan

You guys should really put in more effort, it's like you barely even tried.

Great job! Rep for each of ya.

One thing that stuck out to me is you guys seem to be pretty high on Freddie Barnes, what is making you think he will be there in the 5th round. (I know nothing about him, just going by what I am reading here, and he sounds like a great player by the details y'all gave).

Again, good work

Barnes will lack the sexy measurables at the combine. I dont see him going before the 4th, but the 5th really is more likely. There are some many good players in this draft, people are going to fall.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Hardcore Texan

One thing that stuck out to me is you guys seem to be pretty high on Freddie Barnes, what is making you think he will be there in the 5th round. (I know nothing about him, just going by what I am reading here, and he sounds like a great player by the details y'all gave).

on a side note Freddie Barnes had 155 receptions last season, 19 TD's & 1,770 receiving yards. That's with a game against Boise State where Kyle Wilson held him to just 4 catches and 26 yards. That folks, is a shutdown corner.

[TimeKiller]

Round 1: Bose State WR Kyle Wilson 5'10" 190

The pick/need make sense but the guy doesn't really fit the CB profile Smithiak targets (6' 200, lanky).
Round 2: Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6’1” 235
Love the pick. Love it.
Round 3: Alabama LG Mike Johnson, 6'5" 306
For as big of a need as S is, or DT it almost feels like this is too early. But then I remember Chris Myers still plays on the team so....
Round 4: East Carolina University DT Linval Joseph, 6'6" 322
sounds like a big mamajama.
Round 5a: Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes, 6’ 210
Not that you can really complain about 5-7 round picks but WR doesn't seem like much of a need to me. Even if Walter doesn't resign.
Round 5b: Iowa ILB Pat Angerer, 6’ 235
Terrible pick. Ya'll didn't even take a late round safety. SAFETY!!!
Round 6: Clemson OG/C Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
Nice
Round 7: LSU Returner Trindon Holliday, 5’5” 170 lbs
Nice flyer pick. Can't be any worse than Alex Brink.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

Round 1: Bose State WR Kyle Wilson 5'10" 190

The pick/need make sense but the guy doesn't really fit the CB profile Smithiak targets (6' 200, lanky).
Round 2: Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6’1” 235
Love the pick. Love it.
Round 3: Alabama LG Mike Johnson, 6'5" 306
For as big of a need as S is, or DT it almost feels like this is too early. But then I remember Chris Myers still plays on the team so....
Round 4: East Carolina University DT Linval Joseph, 6'6" 322
sounds like a big mamajama.
Round 5a: Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes, 6’ 210
Not that you can really complain about 5-7 round picks but WR doesn't seem like much of a need to me. Even if Walter doesn't resign.
Round 5b: Iowa ILB Pat Angerer, 6’ 235
Terrible pick. Ya'll didn't even take a late round safety. SAFETY!!!
Round 6: Clemson OG/C Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
Nice
Round 7: LSU Returner Trindon Holliday, 5’5” 170 lbs
Nice flyer pick. Can't be any worse than Alex Brink.

Brice McCain 5'9" 187 lbs but I think his 4.33 had a lot to do with it.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

Round 1: Bose State WR Kyle Wilson 5'10" 190

The pick/need make sense but the guy doesn't really fit the CB profile Smithiak targets (6' 200, lanky).
Round 2: Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6’1” 235
Love the pick. Love it.
Round 3: Alabama LG Mike Johnson, 6'5" 306
For as big of a need as S is, or DT it almost feels like this is too early. But then I remember Chris Myers still plays on the team so....
Round 4: East Carolina University DT Linval Joseph, 6'6" 322
sounds like a big mamajama.
Round 5a: Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes, 6’ 210
Not that you can really complain about 5-7 round picks but WR doesn't seem like much of a need to me. Even if Walter doesn't resign.
Round 5b: Iowa ILB Pat Angerer, 6’ 235
Terrible pick. Ya'll didn't even take a late round safety. SAFETY!!!
Round 6: Clemson OG/C Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
Nice
Round 7: LSU Returner Trindon Holliday, 5’5” 170 lbs
Nice flyer pick. Can't be any worse than Alex Brink.

thanks for the feedback

[Blake]

Good job guys. Thanks for the in depth info on the players. I really like our 3rd pick, Mike Johnson. Lets get them Bama boys on the Oline this year.

[badboy]

Just a little behind the scene info so you guys can laugh with us. We had to redo our mock many times as one of us would receive info that raised or lowered our expectations. The big thing we had to deal with (other than our individual opinions)was the old "get a similar player, later round." Problem with that is that player could be gone when our turn came. Each of you has seen players like Iupati, Earl Thomas, Pouncy and others moving all over the board depending on who was commenting. We discussed many players and pulled each apart. It is hard to back up from your position on a guy you really want & listen to others opinions. I want to publically thank my two co-drafters on the hours put in on this project. Good work guys! Unfortunately, this mock will only last a short period as new info comes in and the combine begins. Free agency will also play a role. Steve

[Ole Miss Texan]

First off, excellent excellent work by you three. Best most well thought out mock I've seen. Always interesting to see where some guys are projected to fall (often times its wishful thinking)... but you really never can tell. Never thought Adibi would drop to us in the 4th rd... Winston in the 3rd?

Round 1: Bose State CB Kyle Wilson 5'10" 190
Thumbs up. If Dunta walks, starting CB is vital. I like this kid's upside as well as his ability to impact immediately. Could be the #1 CB we always wanted.

Round 2: Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6’1” 235
Supportive of the pick although not overly excited. Of the 'more powerful' backs, I assume Dwyer was long gone... but do yall like Gerhart over Ryan Matthews?

Round 3: Alabama LG Mike Johnson, 6'5" 306
Thumbs up. Great value with him in the 3rd round. Havn't kept up with him lately but it sounds like his stock is dropping. I think he'd be a great LG for us.

Round 4: East Carolina University DT Linval Joseph, 6'6" 322
Thumbs up. I have a feeling Joseph will be getting some interest. I think he'd be a great addition as a 4th who rotates with our other DTs throughout the season.

Round 5a: Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes, 6’ 210
Indifferent. Not familiar with Barnes. Andre and Jacoby are speedy guys. If Walter leaves, we need a possession receiver and this guy sounds like that.

Round 5b: Iowa ILB Pat Angerer, 6’ 235
Thumbs up. Another case of a value pick. I was very impressed with his play (only paid attention to him in the bowl game). Love how he plays.

Round 6: Clemson OG/C Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
Thumbs up. I havn't watched him closely but there's been lots of talk of his ability to fit in this offense. Good value in the 6th round.

Round 7: LSU Returner Trindon Holliday, 5’5” 170 lbs
Thumbs up. I like taking a flyer on a guy like this. With drafting Holliday and Barnes, what WR's do you see leaving? Andre, Walter, Jacoby, Davis, Anderson, Martinez + Barnes, Holliday. Does Davis get cut b/c of his contract and Holliday take over KR duties? Walter leaves through FA? Martinez to the PS?

Again guys, great job. really well thought out and realistic. Takes our needs into account but also addresses value with each selection. Half the guys would make a considerable impact from Week 1.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

First off, excellent excellent work by you three. Best most well thought out mock I've seen. Always interesting to see where some guys are projected to fall (often times its wishful thinking)... but you really never can tell. Never thought Adibi would drop to us in the 4th rd... Winston in the 3rd?

Round 1: Bose State CB Kyle Wilson 5'10" 190
Thumbs up. If Dunta walks, starting CB is vital. I like this kid's upside as well as his ability to impact immediately. Could be the #1 CB we always wanted.

Round 2: Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6’1” 235
Supportive of the pick although not overly excited. Of the 'more powerful' backs, I assume Dwyer was long gone... but do yall like Gerhart over Ryan Matthews?

Round 3: Alabama LG Mike Johnson, 6'5" 306
Thumbs up. Great value with him in the 3rd round. Havn't kept up with him lately but it sounds like his stock is dropping. I think he'd be a great LG for us.

Round 4: East Carolina University DT Linval Joseph, 6'6" 322
Thumbs up. I have a feeling Joseph will be getting some interest. I think he'd be a great addition as a 4th who rotates with our other DTs throughout the season.

Round 5a: Bowling Green WR Freddie Barnes, 6’ 210
Indifferent. Not familiar with Barnes. Andre and Jacoby are speedy guys. If Walter leaves, we need a possession receiver and this guy sounds like that.

Round 5b: Iowa ILB Pat Angerer, 6’ 235
Thumbs up. Another case of a value pick. I was very impressed with his play (only paid attention to him in the bowl game). Love how he plays.

Round 6: Clemson OG/C Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
Thumbs up. I havn't watched him closely but there's been lots of talk of his ability to fit in this offense. Good value in the 6th round.

Round 7: LSU Returner Trindon Holliday, 5’5” 170 lbs
Thumbs up. I like taking a flyer on a guy like this. With drafting Holliday and Barnes, what WR's do you see leaving? Andre, Walter, Jacoby, Davis, Anderson, Martinez + Barnes, Holliday. Does Davis get cut b/c of his contract and Holliday take over KR duties? Walter leaves through FA? Martinez to the PS?

Again guys, great job. really well thought out and realistic. Takes our needs into account but also addresses value with each selection. Half the guys would make a considerable impact from Week 1.

I had Wilson on my board from early season as he just flat out impressed me from last year, but Boise State, you know? I had him ranked just ahead of Jerome Murphy South Florida who is taller and 4.48 to Wilson 4.42 and just behind Perrish Cox. I really like Perrish but he has a discipline issue. He busted curfew twice week before the Senior Bowl game and that spells Knuckle head. He might work thru that but I hesitate to select him in first round. WIlson projects on my board to end of first but expect him to move up after combine. Like the Beatles song "If you want it, here it is. Come and get but it may not last."
Same with Gerhart. I began mock this season pushing Jonathan Dwyer who will go after our pick in first 21-32 probably. I was clobbered for using his last Bowl game to switch 100 % behind Gerhart. RMartin 65 brought him to my attention and the white boy got game. TG just powers every run and seems to avoid direct hits. I worry about his attempts career 671 3522 over 1/2 this last season. He just played stronger as the game progresses. His last game, with his starting QB out everyone watching knew he would have the ball. 32 attempts 135 yds 4.2 avg.in a 4 point loss to OK. The kid stepped up and carried the team. Dwyer is a player and if he lands on Texans, great. Gerhart? A true cut above.

Mike Johnson was a struggle for me. I see him more as a power guard and he blocked well for the HEISMAN RB. I don't see him at our pick but hope I am wrong cause he will grade out as a Pitts type if not better. I was looking at Petrus in third but he had some issues blocking in Seniors.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

Again guys, great job. really well thought out and realistic. Takes our needs into account but also addresses value with each selection. Half the guys would make a considerable impact from Week 1.

I have to agree with OM on this. Y'all did a great job!

Even though I don't know much about some of the players you selected in the later rounds I would be very happy with this draft if that's the way it falls. You hit on most of the needs of the team (except kicker) and they all look like pretty good value. Gerhart may be the only one taken a little too early, though I understand the reason why, and I wouldn't mind getting him even if it is somewhat of a reach. The dude looked like a white Earl Campbell out there running over LBer's and DB's. Anyway, nice job and looking forward to your updates!

[rmartin65]

Thanks everyone. We did our best to be objective and realistic, and it was a great time.

badboy and beerlover- Again, this was great. It was a blast to debate with you two and put this together.

[theanswer000]

It really is a great mock but I just have the worst feeling he is not going to be there. He is known for his extreme athletic ability and at the combine he is going to show that off big time. The Raiders might take him haha.

Talking about Kyle Wilson

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Insideop

I have to agree with OM on this. Y'all did a great job!

Even though I don't know much about some of the players you selected in the later rounds I would be very happy with this draft if that's the way it falls. You hit on most of the needs of the team (except kicker) and they all look like pretty good value. Gerhart may be the only one taken a little too early, though I understand the reason why, and I wouldn't mind getting him even if it is somewhat of a reach. The dude looked like a white Earl Campbell out there running over LBer's and DB's. Anyway, nice job and looking forward to your updates!

IMO, our kickers will remain the same. Brown had his first bad year with Houston. Remember, Pittsburgh dumped him after one bad year and he was lights out for us for years. I think FA will be brought in to compete, in fact a note on another thread had team looking at one or two guys already. Matt Turk is almost eligible for Social Security but had another decent year.

[steelbtexan]

They may draft a P in the later rds of the draft.

If Medlock beats out K.Brown Kubes will probably keep 2 K's.

Kubes is smart enough not to cut one of McNairs favorites.