1st Quarter Texans Mock Draft

[rmartin65]

I know this is early, but I dont feel like doing my Russian homework right now.

This mock draft/wish list does take early entry players into account. I think the Texans will be picking around slot 10, and here. we. go.

1) Florida CB Joe Haden, 5'11" 190
This is a terrible spot to be in. I dont really like any of the players available here, that are really worth the 10th pick. The elite talent should be gone by now. I settled on Haden because the Texans have an atrocious defensive backfield. Haden has the athleticism to make plays at the next level.

2) Duke DT Vince Oghobaase, 6'5" 305
Oghobaase has first round talent, but will fall because he plays for Duke, and he needs some technique work. He could be the run stuffer this team needs.

3) Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6'1" 235
Gerhart may be my favorite player in the draft, and he is easily my favorite RB for the Texans. He might not last this long, but I am hoping that his pedestrian forty time will drop him. make no mistake though, Gerhart can ball. He has the size, underrated speed and the confidence you want to see from starters. I urge you all to get on the bandwagon now. Do it.

4) Auburn OG Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
I am really impressed with Austin. I did not have him rated to highly in the pre-season, but he is looking dominant this season. He would be a backup for 2 years, maybe able to start by the third.

5) Baylor FS Jordan Lake, 6'1" 215

5) Florida Atlantic QB Rusty Smith, 6'5" 230

6) Murray State DE Austin Lane, 6'6" 258

7) Oklahoma OLB Keenan Clayton, 6'1" 221 lbs

The sizes are off of CBS Sportsline.

Please critique

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

I know this is early, but I dont feel like doing my Russian homework right now.

This mock draft/wish list does take early entry players into account. I think the Texans will be picking around slot 10, and here. we. go.

1) Florida CB Joe Haden, 5'11" 190
This is a terrible spot to be in. I dont really like any of the players available here, that are really worth the 10th pick. The elite talent should be gone by now. I settled on Haden because the Texans have an atrocious defensive backfield. Haden has the athleticism to make plays at the next level.

2) Duke DT Vince Oghobaase, 6'5" 305
Oghobaase has first round talent, but will fall because he plays for Duke, and he needs some technique work. He could be the run stuffer this team needs.

3) Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6'1" 235
Gerhart may be my favorite player in the draft, and he is easily my favorite RB for the Texans. He might not last this long, but I am hoping that his pedestrian forty time will drop him. make no mistake though, Gerhart can ball. He has the size, underrated speed and the confidence you want to see from starters. I urge you all to get on the bandwagon now. Do it.

4) Auburn OG Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
I am really impressed with Austin. I did not have him rated to highly in the pre-season, but he is looking dominant this season. He would be a backup for 2 years, maybe able to start by the third.

5) Baylor FS Jordan Lake, 6'1" 215

5) Florida Atlantic QB Rusty Smith, 6'5" 230

6) Murray State DE Austin Lane, 6'6" 258

7) Oklahoma OLB Keenan Clayton, 6'1" 221 lbs

The sizes are off of CBS Sportsline.

Please critique

I really like your mock. I would be happy if the Texans were to pick up these guys in the draft.

I will put what i would draft for conversations sake but first I will critique.

1. Haden love the pick. I also like P. Robinson but Haden seemsto be the better all around DB
2. I like Oghobaase his height worries me for a DT see (Okam) but he's a good player. I hope they fill the DT need in FA (Hampton would be my choice)
3. Gerhart the thumper the Texans have been looking for
4. Austin is a value pick. I dont think he will fall this far after the Combine.
5. Lake Good value pick there are other FS-SS that I like better that should be available
5. Smith I dont think they need a project QB at this point and time.
6. Lane I dont know anything about him.
7. Clayton Love this pick, hard hitter that I think can make the transition to SS.

[steelbtexan]

Here's what my mock would look like at this point in the season for comparisons sake.

1.Joe Haden Fla. best all around CB in the draft. He would immediately be the best CB on the team.
2. Chad Jones S LSU big, fast hard hitting S that would be the most atheletic S the Texans have ever had.
3. Byars C-G USC Byars is taylor made for the ZBS. 2nd choice would be Ulatoski UT I believe Winston would be great as a ZBS OG and Ulatoski would play RT.
4. Dan Williams DT Ten. Williams is a battle tested run stopping DT that played in the tough SEC. Martin I didn't put as big a priority on DT as you did because I hope they fill the DT need in FA (Hampton or Seymour would fill this need in a big way) Spend the money Uncle BoB.
5.Keiland Williams RB LSU Williams is a big RB that is fast and runs with power. He is currently splitting time with C.Scott. Williams also has good hands.
5. Roderick Brinkley CB UH Brinkley is a good cover CB he has great speed and breaks on the ball well. Brinkley needs to get with the S&C coach and add some weight but the skills are there.
6.Keenan Clayton DB OU Clayton is a big hitter that is fast enough to make the transition from LB to SS. Clayton is a playmaker. Great ST guy
7. Al Woods DT LSU Woods is an underachiever who has alot of talent and maybe Kollar can get it out of him. Woods is worth taking a chance on at this point in the draft. IMO

Martin or anybody else please feel to critique.

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

Here's what my mock would look like at this point in the season for comparisons sake.

1.Joe Haden Fla. best all around CB in the draft. He would immediately be the best CB on the team.
2. Chad Jones S LSU big, fast hard hitting S that would be the most atheletic S the Texans have ever had.
3. Byars C-G USC Byars is taylor made for the ZBS. 2nd choice would be Ulatoski UT I believe Winston would be great as a ZBS OG and Ulatoski would play RT.
4. Dan Williams DT Ten. Williams is a battle tested run stopping DT that played in the tough SEC. Martin I didn't put as big a priority on DT as you did because I hope they fill the DT need in FA (Hampton or Seymour would fill this need in a big way) Spend the money Uncle BoB.
5.Keiland Williams RB LSU Williams is a big RB that is fast and runs with power. He is currently splitting time with C.Scott. Williams also has good hands.
5. Roderick Brinkley CB UH Brinkley is a good cover CB he has great speed and breaks on the ball well. Brinkley needs to get with the S&C coach and add some weight but the skills are there.
6.Keenan Clayton DB OU Clayton is a big hitter that is fast enough to make the transition from LB to SS. Clayton is a playmaker. Great ST guy
7. Al Woods DT LSU Woods is an underachiever who has alot of talent and maybe Kollar can get it out of him. Woods is worth taking a chance on at this point in the draft. IMO

Martin or anybody else please feel to critique.

This draft would have the rmartin65 Seal of Approval, providing the Texans do make a move for a good DT in the off-season.
My responses:
1) We agree, no need for further discussion.
2) I do feel that safety is a big need, I just good not find a good place to put one. I really wanted a DT high (fixed in this scenario). I will try to watch Jones some more, but to tell you the truth I have not been impressed with any of the LSU players this year.
3) Not bad, but I still want my Gerhart here. I cant fault the pick though.
4) I dont know alot about Williams, but if he is taking carries away form Scott he must be pretty decent. Is he power or what? What I said about LSU still applies here though.
5) I like Brinkely, I just dont see us taking two CB's in back to back years.
6) Clayton, legit, no arguments.
7) Eh, its the 7th. I normally like to take projects in the 7th, or guys that I know will contribute on special teams.

Nice draft

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

This draft would have the rmartin65 Seal of Approval, providing the Texans do make a move for a good DT in the off-season.
My responses:
1) We agree, no need for further discussion.
2) I do feel that safety is a big need, I just good not find a good place to put one. I really wanted a DT high (fixed in this scenario). I will try to watch Jones some more, but to tell you the truth I have not been impressed with any of the LSU players this year.
3) Not bad, but I still want my Gerhart here. I cant fault the pick though.
4) I dont know alot about Williams, but if he is taking carries away form Scott he must be pretty decent. Is he power or what? What I said about LSU still applies here though.
5) I like Brinkely, I just dont see us taking two CB's in back to back years.
6) Clayton, legit, no arguments.
7) Eh, its the 7th. I normally like to take projects in the 7th, or guys that I know will contribute on special teams.

Nice draft

Thanks for the response

2. Jones is legit but if Burnett were there I would take him over Jones
4. Williams has power and speed. He was highly rated coming out of high school. Scott beat him out his freshman year because he was better at blitz pickup. Obviously Williams has improved that part of his game because Miles lets him play on 3rd downs alot. I do love Gerhart but Smithiak will improve the OL before they draft a RB (see 09 draft) Pitts is a FA and Myers needs to be upgraded. (Caldwell in 10 I hope)

5. They need to take two CB's IMO with Dunta being a FA unless they tag him again. Bennett has lost his edge and I dont think he's going to get it back. Brinkley has potential. I'm sure you could find a small school guy that's as good as Brinklet.

7. I agree with you finding a small school guy who could serve as an understudy/ST guy. Take BPA IMO

[steelbtexan]

Martin being a OU fan what rd do you think Granger will be taken in and do you think he would fit in with the Texans?

If McNair would let the chior boy thing go.

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

Martin being a OU fan what rd do you think Granger will be taken in and do you think he would fit in with the Texans?

If McNair would let the chior boy thing go.

Its a tough year to be an OU fan, but we persevere. Granger could go in the 3rd, he looked very good before his injury last year. He would fit with the Texans, he is very sturdy against the run. I only worry that he succeeds because he is playing next to McCoy.

[badboy]

I have Texans @ 14th & selecting Taylor Mays FS/SS 6'3" 235. He might be there at 14 but your CB will not.
2. Tony Gerhart should be there for Texans but gone by our pick in 3rd. No other back interests me. I think Dwyer drank 2 bottles of champagne and got DWI. He is a maybe but we'll see how season progresses.
3. Jerome Murphy South Florida CB/FS/KR 6'1"185 4.48 better value and we have now plugged three major holes.
4. Thomas Austin OG that sets like an anchor.
5. Eric Olsen LG listed as a center for Notre Dame but played all 12 games in 2008 at LG before being moved to Center. May be Pitss replacement.

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by badboy

I have Texans @ 14th & selecting Taylor Mays FS/SS 6'3" 235. He might be there at 14 but your CB will not.
2. Tony Gerhart should be there for Texans but gone by our pick in 3rd. No other back interests me. I think Dwyer drank 2 bottles of champagne and got DWI. He is a maybe but we'll see how season progresses.
3. Jerome Murphy South Florida CB/FS/KR 6'1"185 4.48 better value and we have now plugged three major holes.
4. Thomas Austin OG that sets like an anchor.
5. Eric Olsen LG listed as a center for Notre Dame but played all 12 games in 2008 at LG before being moved to Center. May be Pitss replacement.

You think Mays wont be picked by 14? He is top 10, without a doubt.

I agree with you on Gerhart, it as wishful thinking on my part.

I dont know about Murphy. He seems like a jack of all trades, master of none. Just a depth player.

I do like Austin, he would be solid.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

You think Mays wont be picked by 14? He is top 10, without a doubt.
I agree with you on Gerhart, it as wishful thinking on my part.

I dont know about Murphy. He seems like a jack of all trades, master of none. Just a depth player.

I do like Austin, he would be solid.

I am using Malcom Jenkins for my reasoning. This guy was labeled as the best CB two years ago but decided not to come out of college. Many considered him the best CB before the 2009 draft. 6 foot 204 4.51 that some, including me, projected to FS. Jenkins slipped to #14 to Saints. Yes, I do expect Mays to go top 10 just as I expected Jenkins to do so. It is reasonable to have him at #14. I'd keep him at FS and my 3rd round pick would be a fast Corner in Jerome Murphy. Dunta has shown me no reason to count him in next season and Reeves is coming off a second injury. Our corners are leaving me with a twisted knot in my stomach. Sunday probably will not make me feel better.

[badboy]

What I like about Thomas Austin is he is solid at G but I'd look at him for center. Will not say Caldwell is a bust but the way his fans vociferously touted him as a day 1 starter that would blow Myers and White away...well has not worked out their way. Austin at 6'3" is not too tall to cause line of vision problems for our QBs and he is heavier than our first two centers and same as Caldwell. His 5.16 suggests good upfield burst but I realize not that important for linemen. I am not surprised by Caldwell not starting but am surprised he is not pushing the leaders. Our front line could do with an upgrade or at least have more sound backups.

In the 5th round with the San Diego pick received for TJ I look at Eric Olsen who started 12 games at LG for N.Dame. He is center now but his 6'4" 305 lb 5.26 has me projecting him to Pitts spot. I may be wrong that TJ will do enough to upgrade from 6th round.

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

I know this is early, but I dont feel like doing my Russian homework right now.

This mock draft/wish list does take early entry players into account. I think the Texans will be picking around slot 10, and here. we. go.

1) Florida CB Joe Haden, 5'11" 190
This is a terrible spot to be in. I dont really like any of the players available here, that are really worth the 10th pick. The elite talent should be gone by now. I settled on Haden because the Texans have an atrocious defensive backfield. Haden has the athleticism to make plays at the next level.

2) Duke DT Vince Oghobaase, 6'5" 305
Oghobaase has first round talent, but will fall because he plays for Duke, and he needs some technique work. He could be the run stuffer this team needs.

3) Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6'1" 235
Gerhart may be my favorite player in the draft, and he is easily my favorite RB for the Texans. He might not last this long, but I am hoping that his pedestrian forty time will drop him. make no mistake though, Gerhart can ball. He has the size, underrated speed and the confidence you want to see from starters. I urge you all to get on the bandwagon now. Do it.

4) Auburn OG Thomas Austin, 6'3" 310
I am really impressed with Austin. I did not have him rated to highly in the pre-season, but he is looking dominant this season. He would be a backup for 2 years, maybe able to start by the third.

5) Baylor FS Jordan Lake, 6'1" 215

5) Florida Atlantic QB Rusty Smith, 6'5" 230

6) Murray State DE Austin Lane, 6'6" 258

7) Oklahoma OLB Keenan Clayton, 6'1" 221 lbs

The sizes are off of CBS Sportsline.

Please critique

1. Joe Haden, good pick him or Trevard Lindley whoever tests out and plays better. Dunta will probably be gone and CB should be our top priority.

2. Vince Oghobaase, good player, I do like him but I'd rather the Texans try to address DT in FA. Our track record of picking DT's in the draft sucks. If Reshad Jones-SS is still available pick him, if not then I'd rather go O-line here Mike Johnson-OG or Sergio Render-OG.

3. Toby Gerhart, ehhhhh pick, I've seen the films and we've got bigger holes to fill than backup RB. Myron Rolle-SS would be my pick here if we didn't get Reshad Jones in the 2nd.

4. Thomas Austin, good pick and value at this point. I like his size and picked him a month ago in an incredibly early mock. He goes to Clemson though not Auburn.

5. Jordan Lake, good pick no arguments here.

5. Rusty Smith, I don't know anything about him but I don't see it as a current need. We'll probably trade Grossman just prior to the draft and keep Orlovsky for another year. Al Woods-DT would be my choice.

6. Austin Lane, I don't know anything about this guy but why would we pick up a DE here when we just picked up Antonio Smith and Connor Barwin. I'd go for depth at OT here, Ed Wang-OT from VT.

7. Keenan Clayton, don't know anything about him and in the 7th round it really doesn't matter they stand little chance of making the team or practice squad, we've got quality and depth at LB so I'd take Zoltan Mesko-P from Michigan. Mesko would be much cheaper and younger than Turk.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

This mock draft/wish list does take early entry players into account. I think the Texans will be picking around slot 10, and here. we. go.

If the Texans pick around slot 10 I'm not sure if Kubiak gets extension.

Would expect Texans pick to be in low 20's. This would change mock dramatically.

I'll tell you what I would do & thats effort to trade up for Suh Ndamukong or just KONG for short. He would be worth 2010 & 2011 1st

[badboy]

Originally Posted by beerlover

If the Texans pick around slot 10 I'm not sure if Kubiak gets extension.

Would expect Texans pick to be in low 20's. This would change mock dramatically.

I'll tell you what I would do & thats effort to trade up for Suh Ndamukong or just KONG for short. He would be worth 2010 & 2011 1st

Convince me this 300 pounder solves our run stopping problem? Is he that much better than Okoye in his rookie year? Guess I just feel burned.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by beerlover

If the Texans pick around slot 10 I'm not sure if Kubiak gets extension.

Would expect Texans pick to be in low 20's. This would change mock dramatically.

I'll tell you what I would do & thats effort to trade up for Suh Ndamukong or just KONG for short. He would be worth 2010 & 2011 1st

I believe we will be picking in the top ten. I predict us to go 6 and 10 or 7 and 9 at best. Kubiack will be gone. Hope Im wrong but that is what I have geared myself up for. Im even looking at the draft and considering that we could be switching to the 3/4. Seems like alot of the coaches available are 3/4 guys.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by badboy

Convince me this 300 pounder solves our run stopping problem? Is he that much better than Okoye in his rookie year? Guess I just feel burned.

Watch him play and youre question will be answered. Its unlikely we have any chance of getting him because he is most likely the top pick in the draft. I could see him going no later than #3.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by badboy

I am using Malcom Jenkins for my reasoning. This guy was labeled as the best CB two years ago but decided not to come out of college. Many considered him the best CB before the 2009 draft. 6 foot 204 4.51 that some, including me, projected to FS. Jenkins slipped to #14 to Saints. Yes, I do expect Mays to go top 10 just as I expected Jenkins to do so. It is reasonable to have him at #14. I'd keep him at FS and my 3rd round pick would be a fast Corner in Jerome Murphy. Dunta has shown me no reason to count him in next season and Reeves is coming off a second injury. Our corners are leaving me with a twisted knot in my stomach. Sunday probably will not make me feel better.

Cant imagine him getting past Al Davis.

USC's Mays has skills to pull of an NFL first
By Bucky Brooks | NFL.com
Analyst
USC's Taylor Mays could be the top overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and the first safety ever drafted that high.

Scouts leaving USC's campus are shaking their heads in amazement after viewing safety Taylor Mays' sensational skills in person. Mays' game is so unique, even the most astute evaluators are awestruck by his immense talent.

Given the rarity of such a talent manning the position, many scouts are pondering a question: Can Mays become the first safety ever drafted with the top overall pick?

Mays, a four-year starter and two-time All-American, has earned rave reviews for his outstanding playmaking ability as a pass defender and as a teeth-rattling hitter. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, he brings the intimidating presence that most defensive coordinators crave in the middle of the field. His blazing speed (reportedly runs a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash) makes him a rare athlete at the position. Mays' combination of skills and measurables have been the buzz in scouting circles for the past few years.

Safeties with the ability to play effectively against the run and pass are rare commodities, and those who also bring exceptional size to the position earn regal status in the draft. While no safety has ever been plucked with the No. 1 overall pick, several "big" safeties have come off the board within the top 10 selections. Eric Turner (No. 2 by the Browns in 1991), Roy Williams (No. 8 by the Cowboys in 2002) and Sean Taylor (No. 5 by the Redskins in 2004) were all top-10 picks.

That exceptional trio amassed a number of Pro Bowl appearances during their respective careers. Bigger safeties often have a tougher time matching up in space and are routinely exploited when forced to cover receivers in one-on-one situations. Therefore, most are restricted to serving as "box-area" defenders in most schemes.

However, Mays' superior skill has even the most cynical of evaluators trumpeting his potential as an instant impact player as a pro and has defensive coordinators salivating at the possibilitiy of adding such a unique talent to the mix.

Whether that results in Mays emerging as the No. 1 overall pick is unknown, but he has definitely thrust himself into the conversation as a viable candidate.

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by beerlover

I'll tell you what I would do & thats effort to trade up for Suh Ndamukong or just KONG for short. He would be worth 2010 & 2011 1st

This with. In my mind, there are two players worth us trading up for in the first round: Suh and Berry. Both those guys are going to be stars for a long, long time.

[rmartin65]

My first wish is to trade up for Suh, Berry or Mays, in that order. If that could not happen, a trade down to get some more picks. I am also hoping the FO signs a veteran DT. For the purpose of this mock, there is no trading. However, the Texans do sign a startable DT.

1) Florida CB Joe Haden, 5’11” 190
Haden will be an immediate upgrade to this defense. He has the speed and ball skills necessary to be a good corner in this league for a long time. He would provide an impact immediately, even if it only is at the nickel spot. My main concern is that he is not a wrap up tackler.

2) Stanford RB Toby Gerhart, 6’1” 235
You all know I am a fan of Gerhart, notably because of his power, and the fact that he is very consistent. After seeing the team fail time and time again in short yardage situations, power back is a priority.

3) Florida State SS Myron Rolle, 6’2” 223
Rolle took a year off from football to further his education. This will hurt his stock, and make some team very happy next April. Rolle has all the attributes to make him a starting safety.

4) Clemson OG Thomas Austin, 6’3” 310
Austin is my favorite interior lineman on the board at this point. He has experience playing the C as well.

5) Notre Dame S Kyle McCarthy, 6’ 210
McCarthy plays SS at Notre Dame, but he has been a ball hawk all year. He is a very solid tackler, and a blue collar work ethic kind of guy.

5) Oklahoma DT DeMarcus Granger, 6’2” 327
Granger is a hard player to place. He plays next to one of the best DTs in college, so that makes him look better. However, he is a monster that is very strong at the point of attack. Granger has the potential to be a dominant run stopper. He suffered a pretty bad injury last year, it should be looked at.

6) Hillsdale OT Jared Veldheer, 6’8” 321
An athletic freak that has been dominating D2. Definitely a project pick, but with a very high ceiling.

7) Kansas QB Todd Reesing, 5’10” 205
I know, he is too small. He throws a pretty ball though, and posses above average mobility. I think he can be groomed for a couple years. Hopefully Grossman gets the axe after this.

[Wolf6151]

1. Joe Haden, no argument here great choice.
2. Toby Gerhart, You've got an obvious man crush going on here. I disagree with RB being a high priority and would like to see the Texans take the best available OG here. Fix the O-line and the running game will come around. My pick is Mike Johnson-Alabama or Sergio Render-VT.
3. Myron Rolle, this pick is very dependent on how he does at the combine next year but a good choice. Low risk, high reward.
4. Thomas Austin, good pick and excellent value if he's still around in the 4th round. Great position picked as well, we'll need multiple O-line picks next year.
5. Kyle McCarthy, I don't know anything about this guy though I like the position choice. My pick would be Kam Chancellor, Jordan Lake, or Nate Allen if he falls a little.
5. DeMarcus Granger, I like the position you chose but don't think that Granger will fall this far. I also question the weight he's listed at, another site has him listed at 303 lbs. Not sure who I'd pick here, maybe Al Woods or Dan Williams.
6. Jared Veldheer, I don't know anything about him but I like the position you chose, we need depth at OT.
7. Todd Reesing, way to short and a 7th round QB stands a snowballs chance in hell of ever playing in the NFL. My choice would be Zoltan Mesko-P, he'd be much younger and cheaper than Turk and would make the team thus not wasting a 7th round pick. Also how many chances are you going to get to draft a guy named Zoltan.