Dec. Mock

[TimeKiller]

1- Eric Reid, S, LSU

2- Kyle Long, RT, Oregon

3a- Nico Johnson, ILB, Alabama

3b- Trey Millard, FB, Oklahoma

4- Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas

5a- Cornelius Washington, OLB, Georgia

5b- Cody Hoffman, WR, BYU

6a- Cody Grissom, DT, South Florida

6b- Sean Renfree, QB, Duke

7- Ryan Allen, P, La. Tech


Just a start. Basically just found some prospects I liked and fit them together as best I could. Eric Reid should be highly considered at the end of the 1st round, it's a good value for top flight safety and could boost the secondary over the top. I think this adds two more quality OL prospects to continue the rebuild. Refill on front 7 depth. Couple late round flyers on skill positions and a punter.

[Wolf6151]

JMO:

1. Reid, I don't know much about him but this pick only works if we lose Quin in FA. I just don't see Safety being a 1st round need and I don't think the Texans do either.
2. Long, this is a very good pick but have you given up on Newton at RT, if so great pick, if not I can't see a guy this good on the bench as a swing tackle.
3a. Johnson, great size for the position and good pick.
3b. Millard, I think this is a reach and can't see the Texans ever taking a FB this early. We use a FB so seldom in our system.
4. Bailey, if he's still available it's a great pick, but I think he's long gone by the end of the 4th round.
5a. Washington, I don't know anything about him, I'll just have to trust you here.
5b. Hoffman, not familiar with him either, but I like his size for the position.
6a. Grissom, I've never seen him play but read good things about him in a limited sample, health issues though. Love the size for the position.
6b. Renfree, why another QB, everything I've heard is that Kubiak loves Keenum.
7. Allen, if still available I really like this pick.

I'd flip flop the positions in rd. 1 and 6a, take a NT early and then a Safety for depth.

[TimeKiller]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

JMO:

1. Reid, I don't know much about him but this pick only works if we lose Quin in FA. I just don't see Safety being a 1st round need and I don't think the Texans do either.

I disagree, the Texans moved way up the charts by introducing bigtime players into the secondary and they need to do it again very, very soon. The depth there is lacking and there's no such thing as too many guys who can cover.

2. Long, this is a very good pick but have you given up on Newton at RT, if so great pick, if not I can't see a guy this good on the bench as a swing tackle.

Yeah pretty much. Journeyman Ryan Harris has all but taken his spot.

3a. Johnson, great size for the position and good pick.
3b. Millard, I think this is a reach and can't see the Texans ever taking a FB this early. We use a FB so seldom in our system.

First off, the Texans use a 2nd back (Casey) all the friggin time. Secondly, I'm drafting an athlete and fitting him in wherever I need a matchup advantage, much like they use Casey. I think this guy can do anything from lining up in the slot to taking handoffs to blocking. I'm not going to let a silly thing like position stop me from taking a talented baller.

4. Bailey, if he's still available it's a great pick, but I think he's long gone by the end of the 4th round.

I kinda got that feeling too but he's one to keep an eye on for sure.

5a. Washington, I don't know anything about him, I'll just have to trust you here.
5b. Hoffman, not familiar with him either, but I like his size for the position.
6a. Grissom, I've never seen him play but read good things about him in a limited sample, health issues though. Love the size for the position.

Couple of size/speed prospects to fill up depth.

6b. Renfree, why another QB, everything I've heard is that Kubiak loves Keenum.
7. Allen, if still available I really like this pick.

Just got a good vibe from his profiles and definitely think QB is something worth taking flyers on.

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

1- Eric Reid, S, LSU

2- Kyle Long, RT, Oregon

3a- Nico Johnson, ILB, Alabama

3b- Trey Millard, FB, Oklahoma

4- Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas

5a- Cornelius Washington, OLB, Georgia

5b- Cody Hoffman, WR, BYU

6a- Cody Grissom, DT, South Florida

6b- Sean Renfree, QB, Duke

7- Ryan Allen, P, La. Tech


Just a start. Basically just found some prospects I liked and fit them together as best I could. Eric Reid should be highly considered at the end of the 1st round, it's a good value for top flight safety and could boost the secondary over the top. I think this adds two more quality OL prospects to continue the rebuild. Refill on front 7 depth. Couple late round flyers on skill positions and a punter.

Reid- I like his athleticism, but I worry about his mental game. I would not dislike the pick, but I would be nervous about his tendency of taking penalties. However, if he can fix those, then this could be a great pick. I assume this pick means Quin is gone?

Long- At RT, I like it.

Johnson- Meh. I like going ILB, but something does not sit right with me. I cant explain it, so I cant critique the pick.

Millard- Heck yea! Weapon for the offense. Run a 3 back set with Foster/Thor/Millard, and the D is screwed.

Bailey- I like the pick, though to be honest I have not watched of Arkansas. Seems like an athletic big man, so I am a fan.

Washington- If he is here, grab him. He has all the tools, just needs to put them together.

Hoffman- not familiar with this guy. Internet says he is a big bodied receiver, but only a junior. Would he declare if he was projected this late? Could you elaborate on what kind of receiver he is, strengths/weaknesses?

Grissom- good sized NT prospect. Has looked good, though not spectacular.

Renfree- Huge fan of this kid. Prototypical arm/size. Could be a steal.

Allen- nice pick.

[steelbtexan]

1. Reid, good player and pickif Quin walks. Even if Quin walks Wade/Gary/Rick will never pick a S in the 1st rd. They didn't even when S position consisted of Wilson/Nolan.
2. Long, Great pick, he has the athletic ability to be the best OL in this draft.
3. Johnson, Solid pick, reminds me of Sharpton. Give me one of the Iowa St. LB's Klien or Knott.
3.Millard, great player, Thor must be leaving in FA. When has Gary ever picked a FB, much less this high.
4. Bailey, Big athletic OG, somewhat of an under achiever, he's got talent though.
5.Washington, elite talent, will light up the combine, 10 cent brain
5.Hoffman, I know nothing about him.
6. Grissom, one of my sleeper picks, stout at the point of attack, I would pick Grissom in the 4th rd.
6. Renfree, best late rd developmental guy Gary will have picked.
7.Allen, top notch P, I dont understand why people are wanting to replace D.Jones, He's doing a great job. IMHO

[Rey]

I disagree that we wouldn't take a safety early. Especially if that safety was such a good player that we just couldn't pass.


And we play 3 safeties a bunch. Demps sees a bunch of snaps in our three safety package.

Adding another strong safety in mocks at this point makes a bunch of sense. You don't know who will be here AND we play our safeties quite a bit...

I even saw Keo in the game on a blitz last game...

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by Rey

I disagree that we wouldn't take a safety early. Especially if that safety was such a good player that we just couldn't pass.


And we play 3 safeties a bunch. Demps sees a bunch of snaps in our three safety package.

Adding another strong safety in mocks at this point makes a bunch of sense. You don't know who will be here AND we play our safeties quite a bit...

I even saw Keo in the game on a blitz last game...

Agreed, and Reid would be perfect for this defense. Especially if Quin walks.

However, what's the highest pick Wade/Rick/Gary have ever spent on a S. The only S I can remember Wade picking in the 1st rd was Steve Atwater and Reeves made that pick.

[beerlover]

I find it ironic several posts, sites, members project Long to OT. How many have watched tape of his games? He is still raw & learning LG position since converting from a 5-tech DE. Does he have the size 6-6 320lbs? Check. Does he have quick feet? Check. Is he athletic enough to swing outside? Check. Bloodlines? Check. But he is a contact player, nasty & explosive off the snap. Not saying he could not be developed to learn OT position but why when he is ready to come in & dominate LG position like a Logan Mankins or Steve Hutchinson? Put him next to Brown & Texans left side is set for the next 10 years.

Having said all that he would most surely be worth Texans 2nd rd. selection where ever he lines up Sundays & don't call him Shirley

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by beerlover

I find it ironic several posts, sites, members project Long to OT. How many have watched tape of his games? He is still raw & learning LG position since converting from a 5-tech DE. Does he have the size 6-6 320lbs? Check. Does he have quick feet? Check. Is he athletic enough to swing outside? Check. Bloodlines? Check. But he is a contact player, nasty & explosive off the snap. Not saying he could not be developed to learn OT position but why when he is ready to come in & dominate LG position like a Logan Mankins or Steve Hutchinson? Put him next to Brown & Texans left side is set for the next 10 years.

Having said all that he would most surely be worth Texans 2nd rd. selection where ever he lines up Sundays & don't call him Shirley

Because his frame is better suited to play outside, and furthermore, he has the ability to play outside just as well as he can play inside. And seeing as OT is a more valued position than OG...

I dont know how much more time it would take for him to be NFL ready at RT compared to LG. But I dont think it would be a drastic difference.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

Because his frame is better suited to play outside, and furthermore, he has the ability to play outside just as well as he can play inside. And seeing as OT is a more valued position than OG...

I dont know how much more time it would take for him to be NFL ready at RT compared to LG. But I dont think it would be a drastic difference.

If he was a better Tackle than Guard one would think he would play position in College? Oregon likes to run the ball, like Texans, opening running lanes inside the tackle box.

[infantrycak]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Oregon likes to run the ball, like Texans, opening running lanes inside the tackle box.

Houston runs more to the outside than any other NFL team.

[TimeKiller]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

Agreed, and Reid would be perfect for this defense. Especially if Quin walks. Call me crazy but I think he would be perfect for this defense whether GQ walks or not. He's got the right attitude for sure, he and Cushing would be lighting fires on the field.

However, what's the highest pick Wade/Rick/Gary have ever spent on a S. The only S I can remember Wade picking in the 1st rd was Steve Atwater and Reeves made that pick.

5th for Shiloh Keo, right? All the more reason to invest in quality talent imo. Besides, if you want to go draft tendencies I think the Texans have pretty well established that they want high caliber defensive athletes, which Eric Reid most certainly is. I believe the late 1st round holds value for certain positions that the earlier picks don't. QBs, OL and the people who stop them CBs and DEs are the value until about 20. Mix in a few top flight players at other positions (WR, RB) and a freak athlete or two and that's basically that. Then you have the end of the first where positions like S, interior OL become more valuable. For instance, picking 32nd probably nets you the 4th or 5th best CB but maybe the 1st or 2nd best S. I'll take the top shelf S, especially when S depth is underwhelming and CB depth has been addressed recently. Oh AND GQ might not return.

Originally Posted by beerlover

I find it ironic several posts, sites, members project Long to OT. How many have watched tape of his games? He is still raw & learning LG position since converting from a 5-tech DE. Does he have the size 6-6 320lbs? Check. Does he have quick feet? Check. Is he athletic enough to swing outside? Check. Bloodlines? Check. But he is a contact player, nasty & explosive off the snap. Not saying he could not be developed to learn OT position but why when he is ready to come in & dominate LG position like a Logan Mankins or Steve Hutchinson? Put him next to Brown & Texans left side is set for the next 10 years.

Having said all that he would most surely be worth Texans 2nd rd. selection where ever he lines up Sundays & don't call him Shirley

I think OT is more about athleticism than interior positions so that's probably the biggest factor for internet GMs like us. Frankly, I say get the talent in here, THEN figure out what to do with it. Kinda like the Millard pick.

Originally Posted by rmartin65

Because his frame is better suited to play outside, and furthermore, he has the ability to play outside just as well as he can play inside. And seeing as OT is a more valued position than OG...

I dont know how much more time it would take for him to be NFL ready at RT compared to LG. But I dont think it would be a drastic difference.

Just felt like this could be repeated.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by infantrycak

Houston runs more to the outside than any other NFL team.

ZBS is supposed to produce one cut downhill holes created by shifts to one side then decisive cut-back to other, ideally center of field. plays get stretched out when either defense does not bite on shift or linemen is unable to seal off inside lanes. your comment suggests to me there is more need than even I calculated to do better job creating those holes with current OL (not attempting to single out blame) however maybe reason Fosters yards per carry is down to 3.9 from 4.4 & 4.9 respectively as running lanes stretch more sideline to sideline.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

A
However, what's the highest pick Wade/Rick/Gary have ever spent on a S. The only S I can remember Wade picking in the 1st rd was Steve Atwater and Reeves made that pick.

You can say the same thing about a bunch of positions...

I wouldn't put much stock into that. Almost every year they are taking positions in rounds where they previously hadn't.

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by Rey

You can say the same thing about a bunch of positions...

I wouldn't put much stock into that. Almost every year they are taking positions in rounds where they previously hadn't.

Agreed, and I also agree with TK's philosophy.

However, I dont think Rick/Gary/Wade agree with TK's philosophy. If Quin walks S becomes the #1 need. IMHO Because of the way Wade uses S in his defense. Reid would be a perfect replacement for Quin. Their games are alot alike.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

I disagree, the Texans moved way up the charts by introducing bigtime players into the secondary and they need to do it again very, very soon. The depth there is lacking and there's no such thing as too many guys who can cover.


Yeah pretty much. Journeyman Ryan Harris has all but taken his spot.First off, the Texans use a 2nd back (Casey) all the friggin time. Secondly, I'm drafting an athlete and fitting him in wherever I need a matchup advantage, much like they use Casey. I think this guy can do anything from lining up in the slot to taking handoffs to blocking. I'm not going to let a silly thing like position stop me from taking a talented baller.

I kinda got that feeling too but he's one to keep an eye on for sure.

Couple of size/speed prospects to fill up depth.


Just got a good vibe from his profiles and definitely think QB is something worth taking flyers on.

Whoah big fella slow that ambulance right down. You make a statement like bolded you gonna have to back it with facts. I am ok with Harris but Newton is playing way more & if Harris was better how come he did not start until Newton went out with injury in Lions game? Texan do get about half a yard more when running to right with Harris over Newton but that's like saying Forset can take over for Foster becaus his avg is higher than Arian's.

This is from October 26th Nick Scurfield

Second-year pro Derek Newton has started every game at right tackle, rotating every third or fourth series with fifth-year pro Ryan Harris since Week 3.....Harris has played about 35 percent of the Texans’ offensive snaps since Week 3.


http://www.houstontexans.com/news/ar...f-cc9c869b16ca


Another statistic is Texans were fourth in running to right in NFL until fairly recently. Not sure where they are now but sure be close

[TimeKiller]

I was unaware of the injury. I guess I just the chalked the change up to numerous penalties and giving up too much pressure. Gardner actually looked decent in a few snaps for Brown. Maybe they should rotate him in to the right side?

[thunderkyss]

Other than Ed Reed, is there a safety playing in the league today worthy of a first round grade?

Please don't say Polamalu. He hasn't played at that level in years.

[TimeKiller]

Originally Posted by Fiddler

Other than Ed Reed, is there a safety playing in the league today worthy of a first round grade?

Please don't say Polamalu. He hasn't played at that level in years.

Thomas/Chancellor for seattle both are pretty good, the guy from the 49ers i can't think of starts with a G I think, Woodson even though he's old, Wilson, Manning has made a difference in our own secondary. And yeah, when he's able to go Polamalu is and has always been a difference maker.

I think a second top flight safety to stick next to Manning or for use in 3 S sets would be excellent. Can't have enough DB talent in today's game and that includes S to me. As much as Wade likes to man up, he needs top flight guys who can cover.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

I was unaware of the injury. I guess I just the chalked the change up to numerous penalties and giving up too much pressure. Gardner actually looked decent in a few snaps for Brown. Maybe they should rotate him in to the right side?

IIRC Gardner got some snaps at RT last night against Pats and did no worse than Harris. I see a second day pick for OT to compete with these two and shore up the swing. IMO Harris is getting opportunity to show he belongs. Not doing so well. Wish I knew more about status of his back.