Mock Draft from a German ;-)

[LikeMike]

Hi guys,

this is my first post, so a little something about me: I´m Mike, 28 years old from Germany. I´ve been a football fan for over 10 years, but a basketball fan for all my life. I´ve became a Rockets fan in the "heart of a champion" era. In the clutchfans forums I´ve also read in the Texans section, and since it`s always more exciting if you follow a certain team I just kinda decided to make that team the Texans... after following them the whole season, that seemed to be a bad decision ;-). Just kidding, but some of these losses were really heartbreaking. It seems like the team always tried to find a way to loose.

Well, although I hardly follow College Football at all, I am always really excited about the draft. So I´ve been reading a lot of Mock drafts so far... I really don`t know any of those guys, besides Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow and perhaps a handfull of other guys, so my Mock Draft will be based solely on what I´ve read. That makes it difficult especially in the later rounds. Oh, and this mock assumes, that we resign our major FAs.Here it is:

1. Round: Earl Thomas (S) Texas
This team desperately needs big plays on defense. We didn`t produce a lot of turnovers, and this guy seems to be a real ball hog. Someone like him would also allow our corners to play a little more aggressive, and thus help the pass rush, since the WR won`t be open at the beginning of a play. If Thomas is there when we pick I am pretty sure that he is the guy that can have the biggest impact on our team.

2. Round: Jon Asamoah (OG) Illinois
Seems like we are always trying to get the running game going. In 2008 we didn`t have any injuries on the O-Line and seemed to hit the jackpot with Slaton. Last year we had some key injuries, and Slaton started to fumble the ball. Someone like Asamoah fits perfectly in our Zone Blocking Scheme (that`s what I´ve read at least, I still am not sure what exactly a Zone Blocking Scheme is...), and should help to open up some holes. I`d still like to get a good FA here, but Asamoah would be a great start!

3. Round Toby Gerhart (RB) Stanford
He may not be here when we pick, but if he is we should be all over him. I´m sure I was not the only one who cringed every time we had a 3d and short... we need a power back to get those short yardage situations. I wouldn`t want to spend a higher pick for a 3d down back when we still have the other glaring holes at FS and the O-Line, but he`d be great value in the 3d round.

4. Cam Thomas (NT) North Carolina
We need help at DT. I´d prefer us to get a proven veteran here via free agency, but if we can`t, I´d take a guy here. Thomas seems to be a natrual space eater and run stopper. He can open up holes for the other guys.

5. Trevard Lindley (CB) Kentucky
This is a "low risk - high reward" pick. He could`ve been a first rounder last year, but his stock really fell lately. He is not the fastest corner but has a lot of potential... could be a steal, could be a bust. But if you ask me he is definetly worth to spend a 5th on him!

5. Sergio Render (OG) Virgina Teck
A big and nasty guy. He is not perfect for the ZBS, but he can move bodies. Would be perfect in short yardage situations. And he is a tough guy that played through some injuries...

6. Aaron Pettrey (K) Ohio State
A lot of people are against drafting kickers as high as the 6th round, but I disagree. Brown cost us 1-3 games last year and desperately needs competition. For me, a kicker is too important to play it safe, so I would try to get a franchise kicker here! Pettrey seems to be that guy!

7. Zoltan Mesko (P) Michigan
Like kickers, people are not too high drafting punters. Turk is old and we need to start to think about a replacement. Field position is huge in todays NFL, so I wouldn`t want to ignore that here.

So here it is, a mock draft by a guy, who hasn`t seen any of those players actually play (well I have seen some of them play, but didn`t really pay attention to them). Some of the guys I selected might not be there when we pick, some other great talents may fall and we should take them. But overall, I would be very satisfied with this draft. If we can get a DT, G and possibly CB vie free agency I don`t see how we miss the playoffs again!

Mike

[badboy]

Originally Posted by LikeMike

Hi guys,

this is my first post, so a little something about me: I´m Mike, 28 years old from Germany. I´ve been a football fan for over 10 years, but a basketball fan for all my life. I´ve became a Rockets fan in the "heart of a champion" era. In the clutchfans forums I´ve also read in the Texans section, and since it`s always more exciting if you follow a certain team I just kinda decided to make that team the Texans... after following them the whole season, that seemed to be a bad decision ;-). Just kidding, but some of these losses were really heartbreaking. It seems like the team always tried to find a way to loose.

Well, although I hardly follow College Football at all, I am always really excited about the draft. So I´ve been reading a lot of Mock drafts so far... I really don`t know any of those guys, besides Colt McCoy and Tim Tebow and perhaps a handfull of other guys, so my Mock Draft will be based solely on what I´ve read. That makes it difficult especially in the later rounds. Oh, and this mock assumes, that we resign our major FAs.Here it is:

1. Round: Earl Thomas (S) Texas
This team desperately needs big plays on defense. We didn`t produce a lot of turnovers, and this guy seems to be a real ball hog. Someone like him would also allow our corners to play a little more aggressive, and thus help the pass rush, since the WR won`t be open at the beginning of a play. If Thomas is there when we pick I am pretty sure that he is the guy that can have the biggest impact on our team.

2. Round: Jon Asamoah (OG) Illinois
Seems like we are always trying to get the running game going. In 2008 we didn`t have any injuries on the O-Line and seemed to hit the jackpot with Slaton. Last year we had some key injuries, and Slaton started to fumble the ball. Someone like Asamoah fits perfectly in our Zone Blocking Scheme (that`s what I´ve read at least, I still am not sure what exactly a Zone Blocking Scheme is...), and should help to open up some holes. I`d still like to get a good FA here, but Asamoah would be a great start!

3. Round Toby Gerhart (RB) Stanford
He may not be here when we pick, but if he is we should be all over him. I´m sure I was not the only one who cringed every time we had a 3d and short... we need a power back to get those short yardage situations. I wouldn`t want to spend a higher pick for a 3d down back when we still have the other glaring holes at FS and the O-Line, but he`d be great value in the 3d round.

4. Cam Thomas (NT) North Carolina
We need help at DT. I´d prefer us to get a proven veteran here via free agency, but if we can`t, I´d take a guy here. Thomas seems to be a natrual space eater and run stopper. He can open up holes for the other guys.

5. Trevard Lindley (CB) Kentucky
This is a "low risk - high reward" pick. He could`ve been a first rounder last year, but his stock really fell lately. He is not the fastest corner but has a lot of potential... could be a steal, could be a bust. But if you ask me he is definetly worth to spend a 5th on him!

5. Sergio Render (OG) Virgina Teck
A big and nasty guy. He is not perfect for the ZBS, but he can move bodies. Would be perfect in short yardage situations. And he is a tough guy that played through some injuries...

6. Aaron Pettrey (K) Ohio State
A lot of people are against drafting kickers as high as the 6th round, but I disagree. Brown cost us 1-3 games last year and desperately needs competition. For me, a kicker is too important to play it safe, so I would try to get a franchise kicker here! Pettrey seems to be that guy!

7. Zoltan Mesko (P) Michigan
Like kickers, people are not too high drafting punters. Turk is old and we need to start to think about a replacement. Field position is huge in todays NFL, so I wouldn`t want to ignore that here.

So here it is, a mock draft by a guy, who hasn`t seen any of those players actually play (well I have seen some of them play, but didn`t really pay attention to them). Some of the guys I selected might not be there when we pick, some other great talents may fall and we should take them. But overall, I would be very satisfied with this draft. If we can get a DT, G and possibly CB vie free agency I don`t see how we miss the playoffs again!

Mike

First Mike, welcome!. What attracted you to the Texans?

I think you are on target with your positions. I suggest if you want to continue mocking, search engine for NFL draft sites. Most are just guys like you and me offering their opinions by watching college games. Others really review film and dig deep and then some like Mel Kiper get big bucks to do what you & I do, guess. That is all it is, but it is fun. Although I don't like it when I can't shut my mind off at night and get no sleep. That is pretty bad.

Walterfootball.com and nfldraftscout.com are decent sources that are free for part of year.

[beerlover]

German accuracy, very thorough addressing needs, players slotted very close to ratings, thoughtful explanation. I would consider it a pleasure to give you 1st rep, well done

[Blake]

Great post and Texans mock Mike. Sounds like you know what you are talking about and hit our needs with those players.

As far as the zone blocking thing, here is a good website to get the general idea if you are interested.

Overview
If anybody ever asks you what zone blocking is, the shortest possible answer you can give is that the linemen block zones rather than block defenders. Digging a little deeper, what this really means is that the linemen are looking for specific areas of the field to block; if a defender happens to be there, they block the defender in such a way as to control the spot. If a defender isn't there, they continue toward that spot, offering double-team assistance only if it's convenient. Once they control a zone, if they're not fully engaged, the linemen can then look to the "second level" for somebody in the defensive backfield to block (on run plays).

Check out this LINK for more zone blocking information.

[rmartin65]

Damn thats a nice draft!

You hit on every pick, I would be pumped if that happened. I especially like Cam Thomas, he is shooting up draft boards.

[Corrosion]

I'd be thrilled with that draft -

I just dont think Earl Thomas will be there when the Texans pick. I suspect SF or Pittsburgh will take him.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Corrosion

I'd be thrilled with that draft -

I just dont think Earl Thomas will be there when the Texans pick. I suspect SF or Pittsburgh will take him.

Agreed , but slide Kyle Wilson CB in there and replace Lindley with some one else like Thomas Austin who plays all Oline spots & we have a "target rich" draft.

[HuttoKarl]

That's the second mock I've seen from Texans fans drafting Zoltan.

After seeing the first, I have been on the Zoltan bandwagon...now I'm going to take bandwagon driving lessons.

I really like the first half of that mock though....hits on so many of our needs.

[bah007]

If we can get Lindley in the fifth round I will crap my pants. That would be a huge steal.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by bah007

If we can get Lindley in the fifth round I will crap my pants. That would be a huge steal.

I think he easily last until the 5th round after his Senior Bowl performance.

[Texan in Japan]

Mike,

Welcome, great first mock. I lived in Ramstein-Mesienbach, Germany from 2006-08. Loved your country and the beer/wein!

[Blake]

Originally Posted by bah007

If we can get Lindley in the fifth round I will crap my pants. That would be a huge steal.

lol Lets all hope we do not draft him then.

[bah007]

I know the guy got blown up at the Senior Bowl but I still like him. He has a proven track record in the SEC. I wouldn't want to risk a high pick on him but if he is there in the 5th round and we still have not addressed CB then I would be all for it.

[scourge]

Originally Posted by HuttoKarl

That's the second mock I've seen from Texans fans drafting Zoltan.

After seeing the first, I have been on the Zoltan bandwagon...now I'm going to take bandwagon driving lessons.

I really like the first half of that mock though....hits on so many of our needs.

I'd rather draft Zoltar. That way Kubiak can wish for more wins.




*edit* fyi, in case anyone didn't catch it, the Zoltar reference is from the movie, Big.

[GermanTexan]

Herzlich Willkommen an Board Mike

Nice Mock... I think Thomas would be a nice first round choice... And the other additons are well, too... If thats so we need to keep DRob, or get a CB in Free agency...

[threetoedpete]

Originally Posted by GermanTexan

Herzlich Willkommen an Board Mike

Nice Mock... I think Thomas would be a nice first round choice... And the other additons are well, too... If thats so we need to keep DRob, or get a CB in Free agency...

Nice mock welcome aboard.