rmartin65 Post-Season Mock

[rmartin65]

I changed it up a little bit from the one I posted in beerlover's thread yesterday, and I like it a bit better. Let me know what you think.

Round 1: Memphis NT Dontari Poe, 6’5” 350 lbs



I just cant decide on a pick here. On the one hand, our D was very good this past season, and we have a huge whole at number 2 WR. On the other hand, I believe that the WRs worth taking here- Blackmon, Wright, Floyd- will be gone, which would leave us either reaching for a player, or grabbing a different position. I think Poe is an upgrade, and one of the few true NTs in the draft. WR can be grabbed later. Poe is a massive, raw talent that, with coaching, can become one of the best NTs in the league. He is huge and strong, yet can move quite well for his size. Putting him out next to Watt would strike fear in opposing offenses.

Round 2: Arizona State ILB Vontaze Burfict, 6’3” 250 lbs



We all know the pluses and minus to Burfict. An incredibly talented player- speed, strength, play recognition, anger- but with one major flaw- he is a headcase. Burfict simply cannot keep his emotions in check, which results in costly unsportsmanlike penalties. However, I think the Texans need backup linebackers, with an eye towards having them start in a year or two. Burfict can play both inside and outside. And hopefully being around professionals like Cushing, Ryans, Joseph, Manning and Watt will temper the young man, and help him focus staying in control. If he is available (a big if- I have him ranked much higher than this, but appear to be one of the few), he is worth the risk. Especially if Wade likes him.

Round 3: Oklahoma WR Ryan Broyles, 5’11” 185 lbs



I know, later than you guys want to see WR taken. But I did not want to reach for a player. Broyles should be long enough removed from his injury to be able to participate in the mini-camps and training camp, and is exactly what one looks for in a number 2 receiver- shiftiness, hands, a feel for the zone, and the ball just seems to find him. Now, a major flaw is that he wont be more than a number 2. He lacks the size and the top end speed required to fill that need. Broyles can also fill the role of returner.

Round 4- Ex-Oregon CB/PR Cliff Harris, 5’11” 170 lbs



JJ needs to go, and it never hurts to take chances on potential shut down corners. As I put it in another thread “Cliff Harris is a CB in the mold of Deon Sanders.

An extraordinary talent, both at CB and at returner. He can blanket a man step for step with his elite agility, speed and acceleration, and can intercept passes with little difficulty.

However, he is like Sanders in the fact that he is not a willing tackler. And even when he does go in for the tackle, it is a very weak with poor form. As with other players who focus on getting interceptions, I have noticed that he sometimes gets caught looking in the backfield. He can be beat on double moves, PA, etc.

In terms of off the field issues, Harris was booted from the team due to accumulating multiple offenses throughout his career. The general pattern seems to be driving too fast (and not wearing a seat belt, and being uninsured), and marijuana.

Round 5- Arizona WR Juron Criner, 6’4” 215 lbs



Criner can be an excellent red zone option. He missed some time during his career due to injury, but he certainly can win those jump balls against DBs. With AJ, Broyles, KW, Jean, Criner and Maehl making up our WR corps, we should look a lot more dangerous.

Round 6- Wake Forest OG Dennis Godfrey, 6’3” 315 lbs



Godfrey is a big guard with rare athleticism for a big guy. He could use some work with his technique (since he recently moved from DT), but I think he could become a contributor for the Texans down the line.

Round 7- Michigan DE Ryan van Bergen, 6’6” 290 lbs
As I described him earlier, a poor man’s Watt. How can you not want that on your team?

[Honoring Earl 34]

I guess my thought is I wouldn't address the defense until the 3rd unless someone dropped who shouldn't be there .

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by Honoring Earl 34

I guess my thought is I wouldn't address the defense until the 3rd unless someone dropped who shouldn't be there .

I cant disagree with this sentiment, but I took the option of trying to build an all-star D, that when coupled with our running game can win games like the Ravens and Steelers used to do/continue to do.

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

I cant disagree with this sentiment, but I took the option of trying to build an all-star D, that when coupled with our running game can win games like the Ravens and Steelers used to do/continue to do.

That's true and if the BPA was clearly a NT , why not .

[TexCanada]

I'd be happy with this draft as long as we got a WR through FA.

I would love to plug a NT like Poe into our D, but it doesn't seem like Wade feels the same way. Great mock though, fantastic work as always.

[beerlover]

1. It's really hard to gauge where Poe will be selected. If he is there fine. Raw, needs a couple years then who knows maybe he's pro-bowl material. High risk-high reward, not sure that's Rick Smith/Gary Kubiak/Wade Phillps MO? Guess he would fall into who you feel Texans should select.

2. Has Burfict stock fallen this low? If so, WOW, thought for sure he was first round material. If there by all means take him, Wade will whip him into shape if not DeMeco & Cushing.

3. No argument on Broyles. I listed him as an option even in the 2nd depending on what other WR's still on board. If Wright goes higher, as expected, in the first I think it will also drive Ryan Broyles stock higher too, very similar, polished WR's.

4. Cliff Harris is on par w/Claiborne in regards to cover skills, despite repeated off field issues would be surprised if he slides end of 4th. Someone will gamble on him, very fluid hips with will excellent ball skills (somewhere 3rd rd.).

5. Criner end of 5th also hard to imagine. Maybe the 4th instead when Harris is off the board. Taking two WR's is a real good idea, plus free agency if there is any cap room left.

6. I'm with you addressing OL late. They will need time anyway to learn the ZBS so long as they possess skill set & have essential measureable in a average class.

7. Ryan van Bergen, has a draftable grade, unlike my own pick. Developmental of course but could prove useful & even if on the practice squad becomes a solid camp body.

[srrono]

I really want the Texans to take a late pick on a change of pace speed back like
Chris Rainey RB Florida 4.36 40time

[kiwitexansfan]

Originally Posted by srrono

I really want the Texans to take a late pick on a change of pace speed back like
Chris Rainey RB Florida 4.36 40time

I really wanted Taiwan Jones last year.

I would take a back in a similar mode this year too.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by srrono

I really want the Texans to take a late pick on a change of pace speed back like
Chris Rainey RB Florida 4.36 40time

Either he or Demps would be cool with me...

[bah007]

I'll take the most talented NT over the biggest every time. Wolverine is right. The obsession with size at that position is ridiculous around here. Like I've been saying all season long, give me Brandon Thompson.

If you think Poe is the best guy, you take him. But you don't take him just because of how big he is, especially when there are better players still out there.