BL Texans Mock Draft post FA

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

First Round: Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 255
Best fit as a 3-4 SOLB, but can play 3-4 ILB as well. thus killing two critical needs with top pick.

First, Hightower measured 6'2" at the combine with 32" arms. Not a good candidate for 3-4 OLB (though there are OLBs who fit that profile). Second, no NFL team will try to teach a rookie 2 different positions. There's just not enough reps to get him ready. So if Hightower is drafted by the Texans, it's likely to be an ILB. And I just don't see them taking an ILB in the 1st round.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Lucky

First, Hightower measured 6'2" at the combine with 32" arms. Not a good candidate for 3-4 OLB (though there are OLBs who fit that profile). Second, no NFL team will try to teach a rookie 2 different positions. There's just not enough reps to get him ready. So if Hightower is drafted by the Texans, it's likely to be an ILB. And I just don't see them taking an ILB in the 1st round.

Not a good candidate for 3-4 OLB? Tell that to Brooks Reed. Point is his primary position will be ILB. His athletic ability & skill set allow Wade to move him around, as he's apt to do sometimes in outside pass rushing situations, just another position he could cover due to injury or unforseen circumstance.

One more thing, don't get stuck on tags. End of first, first of second all pretty much similar talent, wasn't DeMeco in fact the first selection overall of the second round in 2006. Got get over that if you want to draft bpa @ a position of need

[WolverineFan]

Originally Posted by Lucky

First, Hightower measured 6'2" at the combine with 32" arms. Not a good candidate for 3-4 OLB (though there are OLBs who fit that profile). Second, no NFL team will try to teach a rookie 2 different positions. There's just not enough reps to get him ready. So if Hightower is drafted by the Texans, it's likely to be an ILB. And I just don't see them taking an ILB in the 1st round.

I think what BL is saying is he's going to take over at ILB for DeMeco, but instead of coming off the field as much as DeMeco did on 3rd downs and Nickel situations he would be that 3rd pass rushing LB along with Barwin and Reed. He has the skills to do so.

I'm actually warming to the idea of Hightower although I don't see ILB as a huge need. I'm more than comfortable with Sharpton starting and drafting a mid-round guy for depth.

[Yaky]

Hightower has very poor agility, no way he can play as 3-4 OLB. He avoided the agility drills at the combine, and there was a very good reason for that.

At his pro day, his 3-cone was 7.55, short shuttle was 4.68. Very poor agility numbers for a LB. Many OLs had better 3cone and SS at the combine. He will be exposed in man coverage in the NFL.

A LB who cannot play all 3 downs is not worth a first round pick, especially in this pass-happy league.

[TimeKiller]

Like that you went out on a limb for Hightower. I think he makes it into the backend of a solid rotation but I have doubts about him staying on the field for 3rd downs. I like Quick, probably could catch him at the top of the 3rd. Dislike the Martin pick, I think he's a rotational run plugger and not much more, certainly don't believe he's a gap shooter. Much rather have Chapman if available. Hilton is a good pick to replace JJones. The rest are meh, like the kicker though. Fairly realistic mock, good job BL.

[steelbtexan]

Love this mock,

Only pick I disagree with is Quick. Give me Jones in the 2nd or Childs in the 3rd.

I would like to see a LB or CB in the later rds for depth purposes. But cant find a spot to put one. That is a sign that this is a great mock.

I'm going to do a mock after the TT mock. Check it out and tell me what you think.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

Love this mock,

Only pick I disagree with is Quick. Give me Jones in the 2nd or Childs in the 3rd.

I would like to see a LB or CB in the later rds for depth purposes. But cant find a spot to put one. That is a sign that this is a great mock.

I'm going to do a mock after the TT mock. Check it out and tell me what you think.

thanks, big guy, but then you & me tend to think alike

here is Dont'a Hightower official combine page - http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/...wer?id=2533057

this is what I'm sensing in his game as well-

Hightower can do many of the same things that Oakland's Rolando McClain or New England's Brandon Spikes did working as the physical inside presence of a defense. Hightower could be a better fit within a 3-4 scheme, as he has the size to shed big offensive linemen who would work free to block him in the run game.

If there is a better ILB option for the Texans (excluding trading up for Luke Kuechly) then I'm all ears I remain adamant & fastidious that Texans must improve existing gap in middle of this current fine, budding Wade Phillips defense

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by WolverineFan

I think what BL is saying is he's going to take over at ILB for DeMeco, but instead of coming off the field as much as DeMeco did on 3rd downs and Nickel situations he would be that 3rd pass rushing LB along with Barwin and Reed. He has the skills to do so.

I'm actually warming to the idea of Hightower although I don't see ILB as a huge need. I'm more than comfortable with Sharpton starting and drafting a mid-round guy for depth.

yes sir, you nailed it. just added value to the pick & traditionally you like to have a bigger body @ ILB in a 3-4

[beerlover]

The selection order is official, including compensatory picks, per Rob Rang so wanted to include the pick number, should be useful for other users as well. Thanks for all your feedback, made adjustment off combine to Hightower, Quick & Brewster height/weight measurements. Bumped Bullock up to 6th & Paulson down to the 7th. One last note, the 4th rounder acquired in trade with Philadelphia was actually Tampa Bays pick so it's actually top of the 4th instead of the middle (#114). Now back to the draft

First Round (#26): Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 263

Versatility finally swayed my selection for Texans losing both Mario Williams & DeMeco Ryans. Incredible athlete, speed, size and strength are all there – Moves very well laterally in the box – Excellent instincts lead him to the ball very quickly – Reads and reacts with speed – Drops into coverage well, sees routes as they happen in zone – Delivers hits with the best of them – Can shed blocks inside and make the tackle – Dynamic pass-rusher when asked to play on the edge – Best fit as a 3-4 SOLB, but can play 3-4 ILB as well. thus killing two critical needs with top pick.

Second Round (#58): Brian Quick, WR, Appalachian State
Height: 6’4
Weight: 220 lbs.

A big, physical WR… uses his size and physical ability to make plays deep down the field… excellent athlete who has a long stride…he’s able to eat up cushions in zone coverage…Tracks the ball very well over his shoulder…has excellent body control in the air to adjust to balls that are off target…maybe closest to Andre Johnson body type in entire draft.

Third Round (#76): Mike Martin, DT/NT, Michigan
Height: 6’1″ 1/4
Weight: 307

Creates penetration from 3-technique – Battles hard on every play, extremely powerful at point of impact – Great balance, keeps his hips under him and generates a lot of his power – Very strong use of hands – Can simply wear down opposing linemen with his strength, 36 reps combine. Excels in hand to hand combat - wrestling experience serves him well - plays through the whistle which fits Wade Phillips scheme with players like Watt/Reed. Tried out several prospects as possible fits with flip flopped pick acquired from Eagles. Several quality picks to choose from but I kept coming back to a Mike because he has the potential to be a long term anchor inside Wade Phillips 3-4 defense.

Fourth Round (#99): T.Y. Hilton, WR, Florida International
Height: 5’10″
Weight: 183

Hilton is primarily a slot WR, but is used all over the field in a number of different formations – Consistantly creates separation between himself and defenders. One of the best returnmen in the draft, contributes as both a kick and punt returner and has even played Wildcat QB in certain situations – Set Sun Belt record for receiving and all purpose yards. Texans must upgrade special team return game.

Fourth Round (#26): Levy Adcock, OT, Oklahoma State
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 322

Tough - competitive - sound technique -natural athleticism, knee bend and fluid lateral movement to fit ZBS. Played LT for Weeden, OSU. Projects to RT in NFL. Has enough size/strength to kick inside to play either LG or RG adding value with versatility. All-Big 12 Conference First Team. Willing to attack and punches multiple times to finish the play. Quick to pick up edge blitz and shows no panic, easily adjusting angles and resetting his feet. Can recover and reset his anchor. Rarely late off the snap.

Fifth Round (#161): Mike Brewster, OC, Ohio State
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 312

Just want to see the competition between Mike & Mike in practice. Can they co-exist? bottom line what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, thus Texans could wind up with two quality starting interior players out of sheer hate for one another giving Texans the edge in any match-up. Solid, experienced technician, wouldn't mind if Rick Smith traded up to get him either, get er' done Rick.

Sixth Round (#195): Randy Bullock, K, Texas A&M
Height: 5'09"
Weight: 205
(like it matters)

Improved leg strength & accuracy every year (four year starter). Aggie big plus. Can step up & handle pressure next level. Lou Groza Award as college football's top kicker last season. Connected on 25-of-28 fields and 52-54 extra points, both school records. Career-long is a 52-yarder which is right about Neil Rackers max now, with potential to increase leg strength another 5-8 yards.

Seventh Round (#233): David Paulson, TE, Oregon
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 246

Complete all around TE much in the mold of recently departed Joel Dreessen. Plus blocker - good route runner - great hands - All-Pac-12 second team & very good conditioned. improved his results from the Combine in virtually every category, especially the all-important 40-yard dash running 4.66 and 4.71 seconds. He also added an inch in the vertical jump (33") and three inches broad jump (9'5"). Fits Kubiak offense. solid late round value.

[SW H-TOWN]

If we drafted Hightower he could play OLB but he would probably be behind Braman on the depth chart. I think he could fill that role but his primary role would surely be taking Ryans spot.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by SW H-TOWN

If we drafted Hightower he could play OLB but he would probably be behind Braman on the depth chart. I think he could fill that role but his primary role would surely be taking Ryans spot.

Like Braman's length & ability to redirect, change of direction but if Texans go to nickle & use three to rush I would choose Hightower all day!

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by WolverineFan

I think what BL is saying is he's going to take over at ILB for DeMeco, but instead of coming off the field as much as DeMeco did on 3rd downs and Nickel situations he would be that 3rd pass rushing LB along with Barwin and Reed. He has the skills to do so.

So whom is Hightower replacing on 3rd down? Watt? Antonio Smith? Cushing? Hightower is a better pass rusher than these guys? I don't think so.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Lucky

So whom is Hightower replacing on 3rd down? Watt? Antonio Smith? Cushing? Hightower is a better pass rusher than these guys? I don't think so.

You've already forgotten about Mario Williams

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

You've already forgotten about Mario Williams

Huh? Brooks Reed replaced Mario. Hightower is a 3-4 ILB. He has 5 sacks total in his career. His value is on the inside, and he would be replaced by a CB on passing downs. If that's the case, why would the Texans use a 1st round pick on Hightower?

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Huh? Brooks Reed replaced Mario. Hightower is a 3-4 ILB. He has 5 sacks total in his career. His value is on the inside, and he would be replaced by a CB on passing downs. If that's the case, why would the Texans use a 1st round pick on Hightower?

Then who can replace Brooks? Barwin? If one or the other or even both go down? You expect them to play entire 16 game schedule then be fresh for the playoffs? No you need players who can fill in when they can't go without a huge drop-off in level of play. Hence mantra, "next man up".

[Yaky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Then who can replace Brooks? Barwin? If one or the other or even both go down?

Certainly not Hightower and his poor agility. Very good agility is pretty much a requirement to play OLB. Opposing teams will send their TEs and RB into his part of the field every down. Game over.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Then who can replace Brooks? Barwin? If one or the other or even both go down? You expect them to play entire 16 game schedule then be fresh for the playoffs? No you need players who can fill in when they can't go without a huge drop-off in level of play. Hence mantra, "next man up".

I'm not suggesting that the Texan do not draft an OLB. Or a ILB. What I am saying is that they shouldn't be the same player and that Hightower is not that player at OLB. Would he make a good ILB in the Texans base 3-4? Yes. Is that position worth a 1st round pick? No.

[Wolf6151]

I agree with Lucky here, in Wolverine's scenario if Hightower is staying on the field in nickle formation then who in the front 7 is coming off the field?

[TimeKiller]

Nickel:

Barwin - Hightower - Cushing - Reed
-------Smith---------Watt----------

Dime:

------------Cushing-----------
-Barwin- Smith - Watt - Reed - (Hightower could rotate in for Barwin or Reed if they had to play a lot of dime packages, I've seen him listed as a guy who could probably play hand down 4/3 DE)

[WolverineFan]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

I agree with Lucky here, in Wolverine's scenario if Hightower is staying on the field in nickle formation then who in the front 7 is coming off the field?

Hightower would be the 3rd OLB. He would come off the field unless Barwin or Reed need a breather. If they did then one of them would come off the field and he would slide out. Everyone keeps saying we need to draft an OLB for depth...well, here ya' go.

Hightower's measureables are actually pretty comparable to Lamarr Woodley's so I don't know why there's some sort of consensus that he can't rush the passer. Woodley is better in space, hence him being an elite pass rusher at this level. A lot of scouts said Hightower did a better job of stand up rushing in drills at the combine than Courtney Upshaw.