My mock

[rarazz00]

1) Andre Branch-OLB-Clemson
1B) Kendall Reyes-DE-Connecticut
2) Bobby Massie-OT-Ole Miss
3) Tank Carder-ILB-TCU
4) Tony Bergstrom-OG-Utah
4) Greg Childs-WR-Arkansas
5) Travis Benjamin-WR-Miami(slot guy)
6) Sean Richardson-SS-Vanderbilt
7) Isaiah Frey-CB-Nevada

I know alot of you would want wide outs earlier...but these two recievers are blazing quick and will stretch the field helping AJ out tremendously...yes THEY CAN CATCH THE BALL!!!

[TimeKiller]

Branch is a reach IMO, I'd rather have Reyes of the 2. Check out Keyshawn Martin if you're interested in a late round PR/slot guy, I think he's similar but more polished than Benjamin. Don't know much about the last 2 DBs but I think I'd like to see a K or some more offensive help, I think the DB class is pretty weak this year. Quality prospects probably taken up by the 5th at the latest.

[rarazz00]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

Branch is a reach IMO, I'd rather have Reyes of the 2. Check out Keyshawn Martin if you're interested in a late round PR/slot guy, I think he's similar but more polished than Benjamin. Don't know much about the last 2 DBs but I think I'd like to see a K or some more offensive help, I think the DB class is pretty weak this year. Quality prospects probably taken up by the 5th at the latest.

Branch WOULD be a reach..though we did reach for Brown(OT) in the first round a few years back..but I'm receiving ya on the Kendall Reyes pick..I'll check out Martin in a bit..I think we may snag a kicker, fullback and TE as UFA's...
Just checked out Keyshawn Martin...nice hands..he did good at the combine...Mike Mayock has him about 4-5 players below Travis Benjamin...

[Insideop]

I like some of the players you've got here (Branch, Reyes, Massie, and Childs) and you have some key areas filled, but I think you're missing some positions that I believe the Texans will be drafting. One is QB. I don't see a lot of people putting this in their mocks but I can't imagine how we could go to camp with just 2 QB's. I'm about 99% sure Kubes will draft another QB, probably in the late rounds for development. After last year I don't think he will take the chance of just having 2 QB's on the roster, especially with Schaub's past injury issues.

Secondly, I think they look for depth at NT. I know we went a whole year with only Cody and Mitchell last season but I really think they will try to get a NT/DT in the Draft. Besides, Cody is almost 29 and coming up on a contract year, and Mitchell is probably best suited for DE IMO. Also, if they get another NT to rotate with Cody and move Mitchell to DE, he (Mitchell) could always move back to DT if they get in a bind with injuries during a game.

Thirdly, and this hinges on Rackers coming back or not, they may draft a Kicker (For the 1st time ever!) in the 6th or 7th.

Anyway, just some thoughts to throw out there.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by rarazz00

1) Andre Branch-OLB-Clemson
1B) Kendall Reyes-DE-Connecticut
2) Bobby Massie-OT-Ole Miss
3) Tank Carder-ILB-TCU
4) Tony Bergstrom-OG-Utah
4) Greg Childs-WR-Arkansas
5) Travis Benjamin-WR-Miami(slot guy)
6) Sean Richardson-SS-Vanderbilt
7) Isaiah Frey-CB-Nevada

I know alot of you would want wide outs earlier...but these two recievers are blazing quick and will stretch the field helping AJ out tremendously...yes THEY CAN CATCH THE BALL!!!

first thing I would ask myself is Andre Branch a Wade Phillips guy? I don't think so, maybe Reyes but DE is a pretty solid group on the team to spend a first on.
really like your second pick however, very good RT candidate, might even beat out one year rental Rashad Butler after that the job would be his for sure.
like position you address in the 3rd as well, ILB Carder is a little small for Phillips 3-4 but has the kind of motor Wade likes so it's a push, pure guts wins out.
solid guard prospect out of Utah, hard to go wrong there.
don't like Childs hands, plays fast, all out needs more finesse in his game but has size & game breaking ability if he could play under control.
5-7 are all kinda of risks, but they do address needs you are targeting, just don't know if any are but PS material?

overall darn good job, like how you focused on the Texans needs

[mussop]

Originally Posted by beerlover

first thing I would ask myself is Andre Branch a Wade Phillips guy? I don't think so, maybe Reyes but DE is a pretty solid group on the team to spend a first on.

I don't see why Phillips wouldn't like Branch. He supposedly had Aldon Smith as his number one choice in the first round last year. Guess which one of these is Branch and which is Smith.


6'4" HEIGHT
35 3/8" ARM LENGTH
263LBS. WEIGHT
9 3/4" HANDS
4.78 SEC 40 DASH
20 REPS BENCH PRESS
34.0 INCH VERT JUMP
118.0 INCH BROAD JUMP
7.19 SEC 3 CONE
4.50 SEC 20 YARD SHUTTLE

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS has outstanding height and length to go along with good speed. Very smooth athlete for his size. Can get to the passer with a variety of moves, impressive agility, and fast hands. Can be disruptive against the run when he gets into the backfield. Has the range to make plays on the backside.

WEAKNESSES Needs to add some bulk but has the frame to do so. Really needs to watch his pad level. Must improve his ability to anchor at the point of attack. Does not possesses elite initial burst for an edge player. Would like to see more sustained effort in run pursuit.

6'4" HEIGHT
34" ARM LENGTH
259LBS. WEIGHT
9" HANDS
4.70 SEC 40 DASH
19 REPS BENCH PRESS
32.5 INCH VERT JUMP
120.0 INCH BROAD JUMP
7.19 SEC 3 CONE
4.25 SEC 20 YARD SHUTTLE

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Big, athletic, uses his flexibility to dip around linemen and reach the backfield. He has an uncanny knack for beating blocks and moving past linemen, and has the burst to close once he's there. He uses his hands well and sets the edge nicely against the run, but his skill at rushing the passer represents his primary value to NFL teams.

WEAKNESSES is less effective against the run than the pass. He will play high at times, and can be overpowered by two blockers, deficiencies that will likely encourage pro teams to make him a linebacker.

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by rarazz00

1) Andre Branch-OLB-Clemson
1B) Kendall Reyes-DE-Connecticut
2) Bobby Massie-OT-Ole Miss
3) Tank Carder-ILB-TCU
4) Tony Bergstrom-OG-Utah
4) Greg Childs-WR-Arkansas
5) Travis Benjamin-WR-Miami(slot guy)
6) Sean Richardson-SS-Vanderbilt
7) Isaiah Frey-CB-Nevada

I know alot of you would want wide outs earlier...but these two recievers are blazing quick and will stretch the field helping AJ out tremendously...yes THEY CAN CATCH THE BALL!!!

1. I like both Branch and Reyes but if I'm going OLB in the 1st I'd prefer Nick Perry. I've been considering Reyes as well and of the 2 he'd probably be my pick. He'd be a great 3-4 DE and could take over for Antonio Smith in 2013 when I think Smith is released as a salary cap casualty.
2. Massie, I love this pick but doubt his availability, remember we're drafting near the bottom of each round. If available I'd run to the podium with his name.
3. Carder, I like the player and think he'd be great for the Texans but I think he could easily be had in the 4th, seems a little early for Carder.
4a. Bergstrom, I don't know anything about him but OG depth is always a good thing.
4b. Childs, I don't think he's available down here, probably goes in the 3rd, but if he is I'd jump on this pick.
5. Benjamin, I don't know much about him but it seems a little early for him.
6 & 7. I don't know anything about these guys but I agree with TK this is a weak secondary draft and all the good/decent guys will be gone by the 4th.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by mussop

I don't see why Phillips wouldn't like Branch. He supposedly had Aldon Smith as his number one choice in the first round last year. Guess which one of these is Branch and which is Smith.

A players measureables are not transparent. Could be the most gifted athlete in the draft but if can't process the game with intelligence all the talent in the world won't help him, in other words Andre Branch will look lost in translation. His best bet is to play in a 4-3 as DE with his hand in the dirt & simplify his game plan as much as possible to take advantage of his god given talents. I really want to like this guy but his head's just not on straight. If typifies the type of talent @ North Carolina that led to multiple NCAA infractions. He doesn't fit in a Texans uniform plain and simple.

Drafting players is not just about comparing a players measureable profile, its about what drives them, how they respond in specific situations & process concepts intellectually as well as the physical tool set to impact the game.

I've stated I like "My Mock" & provided positive feedback so rarazz00 can make his adjustment or not depending on who or what drives him.

[rarazz00]

Originally Posted by Insideop

I like some of the players you've got here (Branch, Reyes, Massie, and Childs) and you have some key areas filled, but I think you're missing some positions that I believe the Texans will be drafting. One is QB. I don't see a lot of people putting this in their mocks but I can't imagine how we could go to camp with just 2 QB's. I'm about 99% sure Kubes will draft another QB, probably in the late rounds for development. After last year I don't think he will take the chance of just having 2 QB's on the roster, especially with Schaub's past injury issues.

Secondly, I think they look for depth at NT. I know we went a whole year with only Cody and Mitchell last season but I really think they will try to get a NT/DT in the Draft. Besides, Cody is almost 29 and coming up on a contract year, and Mitchell is probably best suited for DE IMO. Also, if they get another NT to rotate with Cody and move Mitchell to DE, he (Mitchell) could always move back to DT if they get in a bind with injuries during a game.

Thirdly, and this hinges on Rackers coming back or not, they may draft a Kicker (For the 1st time ever!) in the 6th or 7th.

Anyway, just some thoughts to throw out there.

yes I do agree on all your thoughts...I feel that QB..may be addressed in FA...Kubes' likes TJ and may be grooming him to eventually be the starter when Schaub gets hurt or is no longer productive..I never felt like you have to draft a 1st round QB to make it to the promised land and I know you're not suggesting that, but we may just grab Delhomme or Garcia again or another QB in FA thats knows the terminology of Kube's offense
NT, I cant argue with that. Wade runs a 3-4 that looks as a 4-3..so its hard to say what Wade will look at.
Kicker...yes we do need one...just feel we may grab one as an UFA

[rarazz00]

Originally Posted by beerlover

first thing I would ask myself is Andre Branch a Wade Phillips guy? I don't think so, maybe Reyes but DE is a pretty solid group on the team to spend a first on.
really like your second pick however, very good RT candidate, might even beat out one year rental Rashad Butler after that the job would be his for sure.
like position you address in the 3rd as well, ILB Carder is a little small for Phillips 3-4 but has the kind of motor Wade likes so it's a push, pure guts wins out.
solid guard prospect out of Utah, hard to go wrong there.
don't like Childs hands, plays fast, all out needs more finesse in his game but has size & game breaking ability if he could play under control.
5-7 are all kinda of risks, but they do address needs you are targeting, just don't know if any are but PS material?

overall darn good job, like how you focused on the Texans needs

Tank Carder, ILB/OLB, TCU
Height: 6-2. Weight: 236.
40 Time: 4.56.
Bench: 19.
Vertical: 34.5. Broad: 10-1.
Arm: 31 1/2. Hand: 9.
Projected Round (2012): 3.
3/20/12: Carder had a phenomenal Combine and pro day where he showed off more speed than many gave Carder credit for. With those two performances, he illustrated his speed to cover a lot of ground in the NFL.

Tank isn't that small Beer Lover

Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
Height: 6-3. Weight: 219.
40 Time: 4.39.
Vertical: 36.5.
Broad: 10-5.
Hand: 10 1/8.
Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
4/4/12: At his pro day, Childs burned a fast 40 at 4.39. He wasn't as fast at the Combine (4.55), but Childs is gradually showing that he is improving from his knee injury. That recovery is definitely going to help his stock.

as always thanks for the feedback Beer Lover..you always give a good perspective

[rarazz00]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

1. I like both Branch and Reyes but if I'm going OLB in the 1st I'd prefer Nick Perry. I've been considering Reyes as well and of the 2 he'd probably be my pick. He'd be a great 3-4 DE and could take over for Antonio Smith in 2013 when I think Smith is released as a salary cap casualty.
2. Massie, I love this pick but doubt his availability, remember we're drafting near the bottom of each round. If available I'd run to the podium with his name.
3. Carder, I like the player and think he'd be great for the Texans but I think he could easily be had in the 4th, seems a little early for Carder.
4a. Bergstrom, I don't know anything about him but OG depth is always a good thing.
4b. Childs, I don't think he's available down here, probably goes in the 3rd, but if he is I'd jump on this pick.
5. Benjamin, I don't know much about him but it seems a little early for him.
6 & 7. I don't know anything about these guys but I agree with TK this is a weak secondary draft and all the good/decent guys will be gone by the 4th.

Hey Wolf!!!...I like Perry too..just dont know if he would be available at 26
and on Massie..you may be right on him being snagged up before our pick in the 2nd round(but i be hopin' he falls to us)

Benjamin is a freakin burner and Mike Mayock has him in the 5th. He and other players got caught receiving gifts from Shappiro in that scandle that Andre Johnson had to address..so Travis Benjamine was suspened a game...AJ will put both he and Childs under his wing..

these are my DB prospects:

Isaiah Frey, CB, Nevada
Height: 6-0. Weight: 190.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2012): 5-6.
3/29/12: Frey had a good senior season. He totaled five interceptions with 37 tackles and 16 passes broken up this season. Frey is a quality sleeper prospect who could be developed at the NFL level for a year or two. He did not receive an invite to the Combine.

Sean Richardson, SS, Vanderbilt
Height: 6-2. Weight: 216.
40 Time: 4.47.
Vertical: 38.5. Broad: 10-8.
Arm: 32 5/8.
Projected Round (2012): 4-6.
3/29/12: Richardson had a good Combine performance with a faster than expected 40-yard dash. As a senior, in 2011, he had 63 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss, one interception and three passes broken up. Richardson had nice production as a junior with 99 tackles, seven tackles for a loss and five passes broken up. In his first year as as starter, he totaled 84 tackles as a sophomore

I appreciate your insight and your reply Wolf...again thanks

[mussop]

Originally Posted by beerlover

A players measureables are not transparent. Could be the most gifted athlete in the draft but if can't process the game with intelligence all the talent in the world won't help him, in other words Andre Branch will look lost in translation.

I guess you came to this conclusion following your intense interview process with him huh?

Originally Posted by beerlover

His best bet is to play in a 4-3 as DE with his hand in the dirt & simplify his game plan as much as possible to take advantage of his god given talents. I really want to like this guy but his head's just not on straight. If typifies the type of talent @ North Carolina that led to multiple NCAA infractions. He doesn't fit in a Texans uniform plain and simple.

He didn't go to North Carolina! And there are lots of scouts out there that think his best position will be OLB in a 3/4. On top of that weak OLB in our 3/4 may be the easiest position on the team to learn.

Originally Posted by beerlover

Drafting players is not just about comparing a players measureable profile, its about what drives them, how they respond in specific situations & process concepts intellectually as well as the physical tool set to impact the game.

Which is determined in personal meetings with each individual player and information that we as draftnicks are for the most part not privy to. Occasionally when a player is really not all there upstairs it will become public knowledge. I have read nor heard anything to the contrary concerning Branch.

[beerlover]

I must admit my mistake. Was thinking of Zach Brown, North Carolina. My bad!

Andre Brown, Clemson is a different story. Looks like a 4-3 end to me but a lot of people think he could also fit in a 3-4 @ OLB. Not a bad selection at all, maybe if the Texans trade out of the first? I've seen him ranked early 2nd by most with Carolina a popular destination.

Shea McCellen has risen up draft boards just ahead of Andre Brown, Clemson, because of his versatility to play inside linebacker as well in a 3-4. He could kill two birds with one stone, kinda of a flip with Dont'a Hightower, Alabama (now I have to be sure I get my schools/prospects straight) but not as athletically gifted.

[rarazz00]

Originally Posted by mussop

I guess you came to this conclusion following your intense interview process with him huh?




He didn't go to North Carolina! And there are lots of scouts out there that think his best position will be OLB in a 3/4. On top of that weak OLB in our 3/4 may be the easiest position on the team to learn.



Which is determined in personal meetings with each individual player and information that we as draftnicks are for the most part not privy to. Occasionally when a player is really not all there upstairs it will become public knowledge. I have read nor heard anything to the contrary concerning Branch.

just thought I'd put Andre Branch's profile up:

Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson
Height: 6-4. Weight: 259.
40 Time: 4.62. 10-Yd Split: 1.56.
Vertical: 32.5. Broad: 10-0.
Arm: 34.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
3/20/12: Branch turned in an impressive Combine performance. It wasn't surprising as he looked like a fabulous athlete and speed player at Clemson. Branch is said to have performed well at his pro day too. His best fit in the NFL may be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Branch had a strong senior season. In 2011, he made 77 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Branch played well against Auburn in the third game of the year. He didn't fare well against Florida State left tackle Andrew Datko.

Wade Phillips did say you can never have enough...so this guy may be our Huckleberry...

[mussop]

Originally Posted by beerlover

I must admit my mistake. Was thinking of Zach Brown, North Carolina. My bad!

Andre Brown, Clemson is a different story. Looks like a 4-3 end to me but a lot of people think he could also fit in a 3-4 @ OLB. Not a bad selection at all, maybe if the Texans trade out of the first? I've seen him ranked early 2nd by most with Carolina a popular destination.

Shea McCellen has risen up draft boards just ahead of Andre Brown, Clemson, because of his versatility to play inside linebacker as well in a 3-4. He could kill two birds with one stone, kinda of a flip with Dont'a Hightower, Alabama (now I have to be sure I get my schools/prospects straight) but not as athletically gifted.

Hell for some reason I kept getting Cox and Branch mixed up earlier on in the process. There is a lot players to keep up with and when people like us who know most of them rely on our memory its going to happen.

I have been debating wether or not to add McClellen to my list of 4 first round favs. He played all over the place at Boise. I have no doubts he could play fill the role you suggested for us. Don't be surprised if New England draft him in the first round. Maybe we could trade away next years first and a late pick for their first and take him.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by rarazz00

just thought I'd put Andre Branch's profile up:

Andre Branch, DE/OLB, Clemson
Height: 6-4. Weight: 259.
40 Time: 4.62. 10-Yd Split: 1.56.
Vertical: 32.5. Broad: 10-0.
Arm: 34.
Projected Round (2012): 1-2.
3/20/12: Branch turned in an impressive Combine performance. It wasn't surprising as he looked like a fabulous athlete and speed player at Clemson. Branch is said to have performed well at his pro day too. His best fit in the NFL may be as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

Branch had a strong senior season. In 2011, he made 77 tackles with 17 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks and one forced fumble. Branch played well against Auburn in the third game of the year. He didn't fare well against Florida State left tackle Andrew Datko.

Wade Phillips did say you can never have enough...so this guy may be our Huckleberry...

One of us has his forty wrong.

6'4" HEIGHT
34" ARM LENGTH
259LBS. WEIGHT
9" HANDS
4.70 SEC 40 DASH
19 REPS BENCH PRESS
32.5 INCH VERT JUMP
120.0 INCH BROAD JUMP
7.19 SEC 3 CONE
4.25 SEC 20 YARD SHUTTLE

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Big, athletic, uses his flexibility to dip around linemen and reach the backfield. He has an uncanny knack for beating blocks and moving past linemen, and has the burst to close once he's there. He uses his hands well and sets the edge nicely against the run, but his skill at rushing the passer represents his primary value to NFL teams.

WEAKNESSES is less effective against the run than the pass. He will play high at times, and can be overpowered by two blockers, deficiencies that will likely encourage pro teams to make him a linebacker.[/quote]

[rarazz00]

Originally Posted by mussop

One of us has his forty wrong.

6'4" HEIGHT
34" ARM LENGTH
259LBS. WEIGHT
9" HANDS
4.70 SEC 40 DASH
19 REPS BENCH PRESS
32.5 INCH VERT JUMP
120.0 INCH BROAD JUMP
7.19 SEC 3 CONE
4.25 SEC 20 YARD SHUTTLE

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Big, athletic, uses his flexibility to dip around linemen and reach the backfield. He has an uncanny knack for beating blocks and moving past linemen, and has the burst to close once he's there. He uses his hands well and sets the edge nicely against the run, but his skill at rushing the passer represents his primary value to NFL teams.

WEAKNESSES is less effective against the run than the pass. He will play high at times, and can be overpowered by two blockers, deficiencies that will likely encourage pro teams to make him a linebacker.

[/quote]

I got my breakdown from Walter Football(40)

[mussop]

I got my breakdown from Walter Football(40)[/quote]

I got mine straight form the combine website. He didn't run at his pro day so I believe NFL combines numbers over Walter.

[rarazz00]

Originally Posted by mussop

I got my breakdown from Walter Football(40)

I got mine straight form the combine website. He didn't run at his pro day so I believe NFL combines numbers over Walter.[/quote]

roger that...i'll do some diggin on it and see if i come up with anything else definative