Tryptophan N' Tequila Holiday mock

[awtysst]

Ok, I did not plan to do a mock, but after a lot of tryptophan and holiday drink, your old friend does bizarre, things. While some people become rambunctious, others become funny. This loser thinks about the NFL draft!

So, for your amusement (and likely bemusement), here it is.

1. Earl Thomas-FS Texas
Thomas is an underclassman and may not declare, but he has also had an outstanding season (currently 126 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, and 10 ints) that will be hard for him to duplicate next year. Last year he finished with 70 tackles and 2 ints, so this has clearly been a big jump. If he comes out now, he can be a first rounder. If he goes back and “only” gets 5-6 Ints for the year, it will be viewed as a regression and will hurt his draft stock. So, coming out now, may be the best move for him. If here he would provide the type of FS ballhawk we need to compliment Mr. Pollard.

2. Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
I think we can all agree we have a problem with the running game. Is it our RBs or is it our Oline? I think part of the problem is the O-line. What we need is a fleet footed bulldozer that can create holes for the running game and block in the passing game. I believe this guy could start day 1 on either OG side. And he is Samoan. Every team needs a Samoan on the team! If I had my way, I would stick him in at the LG position next to Brown. Then I would slide Caldwell over to Center. Brown-Iupati-Caldwell would be a good 3/5 of an Oline that could utilize Zone or power schemes! Versatility!

3. Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama
Wait, did I just lose my mind and draft ANOTHER OG?! Possibly and Yes. Possibly I have lost my mind, but yes I did draft another OG. Simply put I do not think that Studdard, Brisel, or Myers should be starting anywhere on the Oline. I think Caldwell is the future Center and Johnson could be a great RG. Place him next to Winston and we have a stout O-line. He should be able to start immediately and will benefit from being next to former teammate Caldwell.

4. Lamarr Houston, DT Texas
I have disclosed numerous times I am a Texas fan, but this is not a homer pick, look at his numbers. He has 37 tackles, 13.5 TFL and five sacks in 11 games. Plus if you watch UT games, you will see him constantly pushing forward and getting in the backfield.

5. Javarris James, RB Miami
THE U! Yeah. Ok. Edge’s little cousin would be a solid choice. I think Slaton needs to drop a little weight (maybe get back to 207 or so). This would get him back to last year’s speed. It seems the extra weight has slowed him down a touch. JJ would be a good back to compliment and keep Slaton fresh. JJ is a 215 lbs who can hit the hole and go forward.

6. Zane Beadles, OT Utah
A solid OT that can be used for depth.

6. Jermaine Cunningham, DE Florida
A high energy motor high that just doesn’t give up. A guy that busts his butt on every play while a more talented higher rated teammate takes plays off. He isn’t a star but with time may be able to become part of our DL rotation.

7. Leigh Tiffin-PK, Alabama
Yeah, I know. I might get grief for this, but the fact is that KB has been having the yips with his kicking. I say lets bring in Graham Geno from the USFL and let him try out. But we may as well draft a kicker and see if we can get some solid competition. KB has made some big kicks for us over the years and I thank him for all he has done, but football is a business. And quite frankly, he is no longer a good investment.

[LonerATO]

Originally Posted by awtysst

Ok, I did not plan to do a mock, but after a lot of tryptophan and holiday drink, your old friend does bizarre, things. While some people become rambunctious, others become funny. This loser thinks about the NFL draft!

So, for your amusement (and likely bemusement), here it is.

1. Earl Thomas-FS Texas
Thomas is an underclassman and may not declare, but he has also had an outstanding season (currently 126 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, and 10 ints) that will be hard for him to duplicate next year. Last year he finished with 70 tackles and 2 ints, so this has clearly been a big jump. If he comes out now, he can be a first rounder. If he goes back and “only” gets 5-6 Ints for the year, it will be viewed as a regression and will hurt his draft stock. So, coming out now, may be the best move for him. If here he would provide the type of FS ballhawk we need to compliment Mr. Pollard.

2. Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
I think we can all agree we have a problem with the running game. Is it our RBs or is it our Oline? I think part of the problem is the O-line. What we need is a fleet footed bulldozer that can create holes for the running game and block in the passing game. I believe this guy could start day 1 on either OG side. And he is Samoan. Every team needs a Samoan on the team! If I had my way, I would stick him in at the LG position next to Brown. Then I would slide Caldwell over to Center. Brown-Iupati-Caldwell would be a good 3/5 of an Oline that could utilize Zone or power schemes! Versatility!

3. Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama
Wait, did I just lose my mind and draft ANOTHER OG?! Possibly and Yes. Possibly I have lost my mind, but yes I did draft another OG. Simply put I do not think that Studdard, Brisel, or Myers should be starting anywhere on the Oline. I think Caldwell is the future Center and Johnson could be a great RG. Place him next to Winston and we have a stout O-line. He should be able to start immediately and will benefit from being next to former teammate Caldwell.

4. Lamarr Houston, DT Texas
I have disclosed numerous times I am a Texas fan, but this is not a homer pick, look at his numbers. He has 37 tackles, 13.5 TFL and five sacks in 11 games. Plus if you watch UT games, you will see him constantly pushing forward and getting in the backfield.

5. Javarris James, RB Miami
THE U! Yeah. Ok. Edge’s little cousin would be a solid choice. I think Slaton needs to drop a little weight (maybe get back to 207 or so). This would get him back to last year’s speed. It seems the extra weight has slowed him down a touch. JJ would be a good back to compliment and keep Slaton fresh. JJ is a 215 lbs who can hit the hole and go forward.

6. Zane Beadles, OT Utah
A solid OT that can be used for depth.

6. Jermaine Cunningham, DE Florida
A high energy motor high that just doesn’t give up. A guy that busts his butt on every play while a more talented higher rated teammate takes plays off. He isn’t a star but with time may be able to become part of our DL rotation.

7. Leigh Tiffin-PK, Alabama
Yeah, I know. I might get grief for this, but the fact is that KB has been having the yips with his kicking. I say lets bring in Graham Geno from the USFL and let him try out. But we may as well draft a kicker and see if we can get some solid competition. KB has made some big kicks for us over the years and I thank him for all he has done, but football is a business. And quite frankly, he is no longer a good investment.

Been screaming for that the last few KB post and I like the rest of your draft picks. I already want the Texans to snag Kellen Moore in two years to replace MS.

[beerlover]

I'm thinking your thinking too many but I like it

I'm not sure about Caldwell taking over @ Center? If he had mad skills snapping, calling assignments & dominating the point why isn't he in there?

I've watched Justin Walton, Center, Baylor, own his competition. I would guess leave Caldwell @ RG & draft him in the 3rd instead of Johnson & it just might work.

thanks for the mock, nice job.

[rmartin65]

You did a good job there, I cant find anything at fault. You cover secondary and Oline, and get some solid depth on the Dline. I like the pick of a kicker. Only thing, I would agree with Beerlover and take Walton instead of Johnson.

Nice draft!

[awtysst]

Originally Posted by LonerATO

Been screaming for that the last few KB post and I like the rest of your draft picks. I already want the Texans to snag Kellen Moore in two years to replace MS.

Yeah, i mean, sometimes you need to go in another direction. That's not a knock on KB, its simply a statement that our franchise is here to win and nobody is irreplaceable.

[awtysst]

Originally Posted by beerlover

I'm thinking your thinking too many but I like it

I'm not sure about Caldwell taking over @ Center? If he had mad skills snapping, calling assignments & dominating the point why isn't he in there?

I've watched Justin Walton, Center, Baylor, own his competition. I would guess leave Caldwell @ RG & draft him in the 3rd instead of Johnson & it just might work.

thanks for the mock, nice job.

Thanks BL!

The thing about Caldwell is that Kubes LOVES Myers. And we all know how Kubes does not like to give 3rd round or lower picks a real shot in season 1 unless a major injury happens. I mean poor Zach Diles could not even get on the field in his first year even though we all knew he was the best LB not named Demeco. I think it is the same thing with Caldwell. Kubes is old school and he wants non 3rd round and below to "earn" their spot.

Then again, you may be right. Perhaps, Caldwell is better suited as a OG. Either way, I think its time Kubes sticks him there full time and we find out.

[awtysst]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

You did a good job there, I cant find anything at fault. You cover secondary and Oline, and get some solid depth on the Dline. I like the pick of a kicker. Only thing, I would agree with Beerlover and take Walton instead of Johnson.

Nice draft!

Thanks RM!
Yeah, I still think that Caldwell can be a center, but I think its time Kubes sticks him in somewhere as a starter(C or RG) and we find out. Either way, I think he can nail down one of the positions. Seeing Myers and/or White on the Oline makes a D-line salivate!

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by beerlover

I'm thinking your thinking too many but I like it

I'm not sure about Caldwell taking over @ Center? If he had mad skills snapping, calling assignments & dominating the point why isn't he in there?

.

Because Kubiak has a history of not playing rookies at key spots and regretting it later. Kubiak would rather have Meyers who has the mental understanding of what they are trying to do play over the bigger stronger rookie.

BTW I am all for drafting more guys who play OC or OG. The more that can do both the better.

[Wolf6151]

1. Earl Thomas, if he declares I could live with this pick, definitely fills a need. Good pick.
2. Mike Iupati, I've never seen this guy play but he is a very highly rated OG, I like the position selection but not the player selected. I don't think his size fits Kubiak/Gibbs idea of a ZBS OG. I'd take Jon Asamoah-OG who's also a very highly rated OG and already plays in a ZBS system and his size fits their idea of size and quickness.
3. Mike Johnson, Another very good pick if he still available in the 3rd round, his size fits the Kubiak/Gibbs idea of a ZBS OG.
4. Lamar Houston, I don't know anything about him but I'm very leery of UT players and I think their are bigger needs at CB and RB.
5. Javariss James, I don't know alot about this guy but I like players from the U and it's a definite need. Good pick.
6. Zane Beadles, I like the fact that you addressed OT here but I doubt seriously if he'll be available in the 6th, I think he most likely go in the 3rd or 4th round and I've seen some mocks moving him to OG. He'd be valuable as a utility O-lineman that can play more than one position.
6. Jermaine Cunningham, I don't know anything about him and I don't think we need another DE we just got Smith and Barwin last year.
7. Leigh Tiffin, I don't know anything about this guy and I'm not ready to give up on Kris Brown yet though bringing in some training camp competition isn't a bad idea. I'd rather have a punter to replace Turk.

Overall it's a good draft, I like the positions and order in which you filled them but I'd change a couple players.

[bah007]

I would love this draft awtysst.

But those are Earl Thomas' career stats. If those were his numbers for the season he would be getting Heisman hype.

His actual numbers this year are still pretty damn impressive though:
57 tackles
4.5 TFL
8 INTs (2 returned for TDs)
9 passes defended (17 total counting INTs)
1 forced fumble

[badboy]

Originally Posted by awtysst

Ok, I did not plan to do a mock, but after a lot of tryptophan and holiday drink, your old friend does bizarre, things. While some people become rambunctious, others become funny. This loser thinks about the NFL draft!

So, for your amusement (and likely bemusement), here it is.

1. Earl Thomas-FS Texas
Thomas is an underclassman and may not declare, but he has also had an outstanding season (currently 126 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, and 10 ints) that will be hard for him to duplicate next year. Last year he finished with 70 tackles and 2 ints, so this has clearly been a big jump. If he comes out now, he can be a first rounder. If he goes back and “only” gets 5-6 Ints for the year, it will be viewed as a regression and will hurt his draft stock. So, coming out now, may be the best move for him. If here he would provide the type of FS ballhawk we need to compliment Mr. Pollard.

2. Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho
I think we can all agree we have a problem with the running game. Is it our RBs or is it our Oline? I think part of the problem is the O-line. What we need is a fleet footed bulldozer that can create holes for the running game and block in the passing game. I believe this guy could start day 1 on either OG side. And he is Samoan. Every team needs a Samoan on the team! If I had my way, I would stick him in at the LG position next to Brown. Then I would slide Caldwell over to Center. Brown-Iupati-Caldwell would be a good 3/5 of an Oline that could utilize Zone or power schemes! Versatility!

3. Mike Johnson, OG, Alabama
Wait, did I just lose my mind and draft ANOTHER OG?! Possibly and Yes. Possibly I have lost my mind, but yes I did draft another OG. Simply put I do not think that Studdard, Brisel, or Myers should be starting anywhere on the Oline. I think Caldwell is the future Center and Johnson could be a great RG. Place him next to Winston and we have a stout O-line. He should be able to start immediately and will benefit from being next to former teammate Caldwell.

4. Lamarr Houston, DT Texas
I have disclosed numerous times I am a Texas fan, but this is not a homer pick, look at his numbers. He has 37 tackles, 13.5 TFL and five sacks in 11 games. Plus if you watch UT games, you will see him constantly pushing forward and getting in the backfield.

5. Javarris James, RB Miami
THE U! Yeah. Ok. Edge’s little cousin would be a solid choice. I think Slaton needs to drop a little weight (maybe get back to 207 or so). This would get him back to last year’s speed. It seems the extra weight has slowed him down a touch. JJ would be a good back to compliment and keep Slaton fresh. JJ is a 215 lbs who can hit the hole and go forward.

6. Zane Beadles, OT Utah
A solid OT that can be used for depth.

6. Jermaine Cunningham, DE Florida
A high energy motor high that just doesn’t give up. A guy that busts his butt on every play while a more talented higher rated teammate takes plays off. He isn’t a star but with time may be able to become part of our DL rotation.

7. Leigh Tiffin-PK, Alabama
Yeah, I know. I might get grief for this, but the fact is that KB has been having the yips with his kicking. I say lets bring in Graham Geno from the USFL and let him try out. But we may as well draft a kicker and see if we can get some solid competition. KB has made some big kicks for us over the years and I thank him for all he has done, but football is a business. And quite frankly, he is no longer a good investment.

I really like Thomas but I have a different priority than most. I am also concerned about your guard and his ability to play in ZBS which may or not be the O next season if Kubes is gone. If ZBS is gone, I like your guy, if not I agree with other poster that Asomoah is better pick. As I was on vacation during our two most recent humiliations, I have had to adjust where Texans fall from #22 (what was I thinking?) to about #15. I would be all over a trade down but doubt that would occur.