BL Texans Mock Draft post FA

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Interesting point, most are short crossing routes. Is this because Schaub can't throw the fade pass or Kubiak doesn't incorporate into his offense?

I really think it's Kubiak. Schaub's at his best when he's putting touch on the ball and dropping it in on a WR downfield. I couldn't believe that he's unable to make that pass of 10-20 yards with accuracy. We have seen guys like Manning, Sanchez and even Orlovsky do this to the Texans. Those 1 on 1 matchups on the outside when inside the 10 yardline should be where AJ makes a lot of his TDs, but he just doesn't get the call very much. The Texans certainly use him like that between the 20's on longer routes, but not near the goal line. I have always thought this was a glaring hole in Kubiak's playbook.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

I really think it's Kubiak. Schaub's at his best when he's putting touch on the ball and dropping it in on a WR downfield. I couldn't believe that he's unable to make that pass of 10-20 yards with accuracy. We have seen guys like Manning, Sanchez and even Orlovsky do this to the Texans. Those 1 on 1 matchups on the outside when inside the 10 yardline should be where AJ makes a lot of his TDs, but he just doesn't get the call very much. The Texans certainly use him like that between the 20's on longer routes, but not near the goal line. I have always thought this was a glaring hole in Kubiak's playbook.

I think it's more Schaub than Kubiak.


Schaub has not been a very good Red Zone passer.

As a matter of fact, before we got Arian we were always talking about how well we moved the ball in between the 20's but couldn't punch it into the EZ.

Arian is MR. Redzone. Schaub isn't and really never has been.

[beerlover]

wow, two totally different responses from respected members

suggesting to me, its a combination of both. Kubiak gets too conservative in his playcalling with such classic meltdown post drama affects from failed trick plays in past, which even are too painful for me to detail & Schaub is just not accurate in the red zone under pressure.

does that pretty much sum it up? If so what the Texans really need is a new offensive coordinator & QB. Speaking of which I would really like to include one in my mock draft. But due to the fact there is such value later @ both WR & OL positions combined with Texans needing both I did not include one but always a good discussion see last year TJ Yates.

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

I really think it's Kubiak. Schaub's at his best when he's putting touch on the ball and dropping it in on a WR downfield. I couldn't believe that he's unable to make that pass of 10-20 yards with accuracy. We have seen guys like Manning, Sanchez and even Orlovsky do this to the Texans. Those 1 on 1 matchups on the outside when inside the 10 yardline should be where AJ makes a lot of his TDs, but he just doesn't get the call very much. The Texans certainly use him like that between the 20's on longer routes, but not near the goal line. I have always thought this was a glaring hole in Kubiak's playbook.

While great the jump ball isn't AJ's game.

This could be one of the holes in Garys playcalling/game management. But I really dont think any of the Texans WR's are good at the fade route. JJ would probably be the best, but Gary doesn't trust him. (Do you blame him, LOL)

I dont blame Gary for this hole in his playbook. Unless you want to blame him for not adding adding a WR that's good at running the fade. This is what BL's mock adds to the team.

Like I said in another post, I'm not that sold on Quick and I really cant tell you why. I just think there are better options out there. Maybe it's because of the JJ failed small school experiment.

[Yaky]

Originally Posted by Rey

Arian is MR. Redzone. Schaub isn't and really never has been.

A guy like Fleener 6'6" with 37"vert would help any redzone struggling QB.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by Yaky

A guy like Fleener 6'6" with 37"vert would help any redzone struggling QB.

Probably.

We don't have that type of TE....

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

While great the jump ball isn't AJ's game.

Do you think that because he is incapable of doing it, or that Kubiak doesn't use that play? I think it's the latter of the two, as I have seen him get jump balls all over the field, though they weren't intended to be that way all the time.

This could be one of the holes in Garys playcalling/game management. But I really dont think any of the Texans WR's are good at the fade route. JJ would probably be the best, but Gary doesn't trust him. (Do you blame him, LOL)

I dont blame Gary for this hole in his playbook. Unless you want to blame him for not adding adding a WR that's good at running the fade. This is what BL's mock adds to the team.

Like I said in another post, I'm not that sold on Quick and I really cant tell you why. I just think there are better options out there. Maybe it's because of the JJ failed small school experiment.

I think AJ is capable of doing it, but I don't know that Schaub is capable of consistently making that throw because I never see him attempt it. Although, I see Schaub make a lot of similar throws, which is what leads me to think it's a Kubiak thing.

The Quick comparison was due to someone mentioning that Quick would be a great red zone target. I'm just commenting that we don't really use AJ as a red zone target, so I don't see why getting Quick would make an impact in that regard.

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by Rey

I think it's more Schaub than Kubiak.


Schaub has not been a very good Red Zone passer.

As a matter of fact, before we got Arian we were always talking about how well we moved the ball in between the 20's but couldn't punch it into the EZ.

Arian is MR. Redzone. Schaub isn't and really never has been.

I know highlight reels aren't the best way to evaluate, but these were entertaining to watch while looking at Schaub's throws and AJ's ability to go get the ball. The second video does show two end zone catches by AJ that appear to be fade routes. I think these two are capable of doing it, it just doesn't happen that much for whatever reason.

Matt Schaub Houston Texans Highlights

Top 100 Players of 2011 - Andre Johnson (#7)

[steelbtexan]

I think you're right there wasn't even 1 fade route in any of those highlights.

Did you notice Schaub was very accurate throwing between the hashes? But was late and usually short throwing outside the hashes more than 20 yds down the field?

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

I think you're right there wasn't even 1 fade route in any of those highlights.

The only one I saw after a re-watch was against the Titans around the 3:10 mark. It looks like a fade, but it could have been a slant. I think the ball was around the 15 or so. I thought there was a second one, but I didn't see it on my second view.

Did you notice Schaub was very accurate throwing between the hashes? But was late and usually short throwing outside the hashes more than 20 yds down the field?

Well, I'm not even sure he's all that accurate to begin with. I think that AJ may be covering up his average accuracy by going up and fighting for the ball. I have never been that high on Schaub to begin with, but nearly all of his big throws seem to hang in the air and float to the area of the WR. I never see him make a long perfect pass like Stafford to CJ, or Brees shooting bullets at Graham and Colston. They seem to be floaters in the area that get picked up by the WR. I'm kind of thinking we will need to go QB high in this draft or next.


And just to reiterate, Andre is AWESOME!

[Rey]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

I know highlight reels aren't the best way to evaluate, but these were entertaining to watch while looking at Schaub's throws and AJ's ability to go get the ball. The second video does show two end zone catches by AJ that appear to be fade routes. I think these two are capable of doing it, it just doesn't happen that much for whatever reason.

Matt Schaub Houston Texans Highlights

Top 100 Players of 2011 - Andre Johnson (#7)

I don't think Schaub has the gun that is needed to consistently throw the ball on a line.

I think that's why a lot of his long passes hang and I think that is why he struggles to throw in the redzone when windows get tighter. And then when he does try to gun his throws in sometimes he ends up throwing them at the receivers feet.

I like Schaub a lot, but he has his warts. I just can't imagine Kubiak not taking advantage of something so potent as a fade route if he thought that we could execute it consistently.

[badboy]

I would much rather we did not pass the ball to anyone in the RZ.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by badboy

I would much rather we did not pass the ball to anyone in the RZ.

You can't just pound it in every time.(thats what she said!) eventually teams would load up and then what?

Good topic and one I have thought about a lot, hence my last mock. I have us taking Fleener because of his red zone potential.

[beerlover]

Texans Defense:

DE-JJ Watt (6'5 288) NT- Shaun Cody (6'4 301) DE- Antonio Smith (6-4 280)

OLB/DE- Brooks Reed (6-2 250) ILB - Brian Cushing (6'3 259) ILB- Dont'a Hightower (6'2 258) OLB- Connor Barwin (6'4 264)

CB- Kareem Jackson (5'10 188) CB- Johnathan Joseph (5'11 191) FS- Glover Quinn (6'0 209) SS- Danieal Manning (5'11 209)

Adding starting potential depth @ NT in Mike Martin. Notice the similarity in sizes for position making both draft picks near ideal comparable.

Texans Offense:

OT- Duane Brown (6'4 320) LG- Wade Smith (6'4 310) C-Chris Myers (6-4 289) RG Levy Adcock (6'4 318) RT Rashad Butler (6'4 317)

WR- Andre Johnson (6'3 226) TE- Owen Daniels (6'3 247) WR Brian Quick (6-4 220)

RB- Arian Foster (6'1 229) QB Matt Schaub (6'5 241) FB James Casey (6'3 243)

Special Teams Kicker- Randy Bullock (5'09 205)
Punter- Donnie Jones (6'2 220)
Returner- T.Y. Hilton (5'10 183)

Also added depth @ Center in Michael Brewster (love that name) well as TE in Paulson who is every bit the prospect of Joel Dresseen, very similar players. Based off my projections, which I try & be realistic, this draft would produce solid depth @ a low cost plus count them in bold..... 5 potential starters early on. I mean that may be a little brash & bold but yeah it is

[ObsiWan]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

I know highlight reels aren't the best way to evaluate, but these were entertaining to watch while looking at Schaub's throws and AJ's ability to go get the ball. The second video does show two end zone catches by AJ that appear to be fade routes. I think these two are capable of doing it, it just doesn't happen that much for whatever reason.

Matt Schaub Houston Texans Highlights

Top 100 Players of 2011 - Andre Johnson (#7)

there must be some mistake here...

I could swear there were some Jacoby Jones highlights in that Schaub collection...

[beerlover]

Here is my latest update. Didn't change my 1st, 2nd, 6th & 7th rd. selections. Moved OT need higher & dropped NT one round later well as OT/OG prospect (that didn't change). Switched WR prospects in 4th & dropped Center prospect. Go ahead & rip it

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): Tom Compton, OT, North Dakota
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 315

Upgraded OT need with importance of keeping Schaub clean & Rashad Butlers injury history. Arm Length 34" 10" hands. Could start RT as rookie if needed. Will be drafted higher than expected (bit unknown from small school) hard worker with nasty edge, quick off the snap, good using angles, cut blocking ability. He can position and does a good job of not letting his man get behind him which was a weakness of good ole Eric. Athletic enough to get second level quickly, 5 sec forty guy, technically sound pass pro smooth footwork.

Fourth Round (#99): Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
Height: 5’10″
Weight: 192

Pro-Day set for tomorrow (will update). Will directly impact his final draft grade which as of now hinges on how well he runs (torn ACL may limit his already average straight-line speed and raise concerns about his durability). Although of smaller stature, he finds seems in space, breaks off crisp routes & has excellent body control to go with his above average hands/concentration. In addition brings fearless punt return all around game without high turnover ratios.

Fourth Round (#126): Marcus Forston, DT/NT, Miami
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 301

What is a Texan draft without a Hurricane? Love his motor & tenacity much like Martin but gets in the backfield more often. Limited game experience & injurys along with coming out early as Junior Marcus has much higher potential than most big interior nose guard prospects. Has frame to add weight, already naturally strong (35 reps) with good arm length (33"). Upside, rotational nose who will get on a fast track with NFL coaching in a system that utilizes a quicker run stopper.

Fifth Round (#161): Levy Adcock, OT/OG, 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 OG/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.

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. Who could double like Casey @ FB.

[pbat488]

I like the update a lot. slowly coming around to hightower, especially looking at other players that will most likely be available here.

[beerlover]

26. Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech, 6040 215
Texans settle on a tall, fast downfield weapon to compliment Andre Johnson. Clean on & off the field, good work ethic, fundamentally sound/willing blocker ability to stretch a defense to tempting for Kubiak who wants to keep the box from compressing & running lanes open up for Foster/Tate.

58. Chandler Jones, DE/OLB, Syracuse, 6053 266
Wade Phillips replacement for Mario Williams. Big, long who has a quick first step & could project in Phillips defense as OLB. Could also add 30 lbs to his long, rangy frame & develop into a 3-4 end. However my wager is he wants to develop his pass rushing ability into a Mario Williams clone.

76. Amini Silatolu, OG, Midwestern State, 6035 311
RT starter day one, forget about Caldwell being anything but quality depth behind Myers & this guy Amini Silatolu (say that fast three times). Aggressive, nasty attitude to clear holes in running game for Foster/Tate. Also has LT experience so decent in pass pro as well. A beast!

99. Josh Norman, CB/FS, Coastal Carolina, 6002 197
Has the size Texans like, talented physical player to replace departed free agent Jason Allen. Josh is a ballhawk with great intincts. Could wind up being a steller FS behind Manning & will learn from playing with him that should help raise consistency in all phases of his game.

121. Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma, 6054 312
Ideal tackle prospect who is athletically gifted, ran a sub 5.0 sec forty (4.94). Replaces Butler as Texan swing tackle as Rashad moves to starting RT. Both him & Duane Brown will be free agents next year so getting a quality OT prospect to develop now a must after also losing Eric Winston. No telling if Butler can last a whole 16 game schedule after missing entire season last year.

161.Chris Owusu, WR/KR, Stanford, 6001 196
Could be a steal here if he medically checks out from assorted concussions he suffered during season. Has blazing speed, with exceptional return skills thus filling two positions. He ran a 4.36 @ the combine which is the same as #1 pick Stephen Hill. Was Andrew Lucks favorite target before taken out for the season & the Stanford Cardinals lost a key element to what was their explosive offense, ability to stretch the field.

195. Bradie Ewing, FB, Wisconsin, 5116 240
Got to have me some Badger in this mock. Well coahced & schooled in blocking schemes, excellent in pass pro. If you want to spend a draft pick on a lead blocker for Foster this is your guy, can penetrate the hole quickly, paved way for one of the most impressive RB's I've saw last year in Montee Ball. Foster would really like this pick, protect your investment.

233. David Paulson, TE, Oregon, 6032 246
In the mold of Joel Dreessen, a blocking TE with reliable hands who keeps plays alive downfield with his smarts & willingness to sacrifice his body. He is a plug & play guy who fits perfectly in Kubiak system. Think I've had him in every mock I've done (by myself) so hoping somebody in Texans reads this?

[beerlover]

• Hill, starting WR opposite Andre Johnson
• Jones, rotational OLB, w/starter ability provides insurance in case of injury
• Silatolu, compete for starting RG position
• Norman, adds secondary talent & depth
• Stephenson, can play both LT or RT, new developmental swing tackle
• Owusu, WR who can stretch field, return kicks
• Ewing, lead blocker Foster/Tate
• Paulson, replaces Dreessen, TE & special teams player

[bckey]

Originally Posted by pbat488

I like the update a lot. slowly coming around to hightower, especially looking at other players that will most likely be available here.

I think Hightower will be gone by the time the Texans draft. Pittsburgh picks just ahead of us.