Texans may go WR in 1st.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by badboy

My thought:
Bowe and Chiefs reportedly working on long term deal, Miami possibly willing to shell out major bucks for another target for Tannehill and Jenning's injury history + not a field stretcher, Texans' options in FA may be dwindling.

The Texans had no shot at any of those FAs. The good news is that a team that signs a big name free agent WR probably won't draft another wideout in the 1st round. Pushing a better WR down the draft board towards the Texans.

[TejasTom]

From Rotoworld: NFL Combine Risers


I've seen mentioned several times here.

2. Tennessee WR Justin Hunter -- Hunter weighed in at a relatively slight 6-foot-4, 196 in an effort to improve his workout measurables. It worked. Hunter's 4.44 forty was outdone by only eight of the 35 receivers who ran, and all by wideouts at least an inch and a half shorter than Hunter. Even more impressive were Hunter's vertical (39 1/2") and broad jump (11-foot-4), which each either ranked first or tied Hunter for first in his position group. Despite disappointing 2012 game film coming off an ACL tear, Hunter has vaulted himself back into the first-round discussion.

Realistic Landing Spots: Texans at No. 27, Patriots at No. 29, Jets at No. 39.

[Wolf6151]

Hunter at #27 is a risky pick, but once in a while you have to try for the homerun by swinging for the fences. This is the reason Rick gets paid the big bucks.

[Scooter]

i'm watching highlights of justin hunter and would like to get a response from those with more video. every catch i see, even those that get into his body, are all hands. i dont see any that hit his chest or forearms, no cradles in the belly or shoulder or elbow, it's all hands every time - very different from the highlights i'm seeing of others like rogers, patterson, allen, and woods who show more explosive plays. the way hunter catches the ball in the videos i'm seeing is very reminiscent of marvin harrison ... not a "go get it" like larry fitzgerald, but gently plucks the ball however it comes at him.

at 6'4" with wheels, i'm starting to lean towards hunter as who i think we should be targeting.

[aussie_texan]

Originally Posted by Scooter

i'm watching highlights of justin hunter and would like to get a response from those with more video. every catch i see, even those that get into his body, are all hands. i dont see any that hit his chest or forearms, no cradles in the belly or shoulder or elbow, it's all hands every time - very different from the highlights i'm seeing of others like rogers, patterson, allen, and woods who show more explosive plays. the way hunter catches the ball in the videos i'm seeing is very reminiscent of marvin harrison ... not a "go get it" like larry fitzgerald, but gently plucks the ball however it comes at him.

at 6'4" with wheels, i'm starting to lean towards hunter as who i think we should be targeting.

im a big fan on hunter who i think has the biggest upside to his game out of all the receivers. if it wasnt for the acl injury he would be a top 15 pick.

his a quite lean so his mostly a deep threat but if he can develop some more muscle and mental ability to go over the middle he will be a stud

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by Scooter

i'm watching highlights of justin hunter and would like to get a response from those with more video. every catch i see, even those that get into his body, are all hands. i dont see any that hit his chest or forearms, no cradles in the belly or shoulder or elbow, it's all hands every time - very different from the highlights i'm seeing of others like rogers, patterson, allen, and woods who show more explosive plays. the way hunter catches the ball in the videos i'm seeing is very reminiscent of marvin harrison ... not a "go get it" like larry fitzgerald, but gently plucks the ball however it comes at him.

at 6'4" with wheels, i'm starting to lean towards hunter as who i think we should be targeting.

From what I have watched, Hunter does use his hands quite well & not his body to catch the ball. Which is as you stated not necessarily the same case w/ the others you have mentioned. I also like how Hunter does not always go down after 1st contact. He isn't arm tackled that often & he breaks or eludes tackles for YAC despite his slender build. He also seemed to go over the middle w/out issues such as shortarming a catch anticipating a hit. The other players that I saw displayed similar qualities were Hopkins & Dobson out of Marshall. Dobson isnt getting much love as 1st round talent, but he seems to have real good hands from what I've seen. I wouldn't mind Hopkins or Hunter in the 1st.

[Insideop]

To me I see the Texans doing 1 of 2 things:

1. They see a player they like in the 1st round that can step in and play right away, like Hopkins, who is more pro ready than someone, like Hunter, who may have more upside.

2. They don't see anyone there at #27 they like and believe can help them right away so they pick another position (ILB, OLB, NT, etc.), and wait until the 2nd round to get a WR. In this scenario they may have to move up to get Patton, Hunter, Woods, Williams etc.. The problem with this scenario is twofold. 1st, you will probably have to trade up (losing pick or picks), and 2nd, these players will probably take some time to develop, so they will not help you immediately, similar to last year's WR picks.

My hope is they go with option #1 and get Hopkins or Allen, then start looking to fill the ILB or NT position in the 2nd.

I guess there is a 3rd option, which involves trading back from the 1st into the 2nd round, and this could play out depending on what happens in FA and how the Texans grade the WR's in the Draft.

[Playoffs]

McGinn gauges WR class with quotes from various NFL Scouts:

Included is each player's height, weight, 40-yard dash time and projected round.

1. TAVON AUSTIN, West Virginia (5-8 ½, 173, 4.30, 1) - Most exciting player in the draft. "He's a 'Holy (expletive)' player," one scout said. "I don't like little guys, but I love that guy. He can do the same stuff that (Randall) Cobb did in the slot. And he's never missed a game." Moved to RB against Oklahoma on Nov. 17 and rushed for 344 yards in a 50-49 defeat. "You throw that game on, you think you're looking at Reggie Bush," another scout said. "More exciting. I think he's the best player in the draft. Very soft-spoken but he's football-minded. Well-built. It's not like he's some miniature guy." Finished with 288 receptions for 3,413 yards (11.9 average) and 29 touchdowns. Also rushed for 1,031 (9.5) and six TDs. Native of Baltimore. "He is (better than Cobb)," a third scout said. "He'll carry the ball, run reverses, play in the slot and try to match against a slow corner on the outside. You're trying to give him the ability to make one or two really big plays a game. Whether he can hold up is the $64,000 question."

2. CORDARRELLE PATTERSON, Tennessee (6-2, 217, 4.34, 1) - Junior-college transfer from Rock Hill, S.C. "Really competitive, really athletic, really raw," one scout said. "When he catches the ball he never gives up on a run. He might drive people crazy because he will back up, he will run laterally, he will do whatever. I thought he caught it well." Played just one season of major-college football before declaring a year early. Caught 46 passes for 778 yards (16.9) and five TDs. "No, heavens no," exclaimed another scout when asked if Patterson was as good as Dez Bryant. "I don't know that he's not as athletic as Dez, but Dez is freakish strength-wise. He could be really good but he's not very smart." Should be a threat returning kickoffs while learning how to play on offense. "He's the best returner I've seen since Devin Hester," a third scout said. "He's got a background that's a little bit scary but, boy, is he explosive."

3. KEENAN ALLEN, California (6-2, 210, 4.55, 1-2) - Third-year junior from Greensboro, N.C. "Not as dynamic as Hakeem Nicks but he's a good player," one scout said. "He's big, catches the ball and is smart. Not a big-play threat by any stretch, which is what Hakeem gives you." Golden Bears' all-time reception leader with 205. Gained 2,570 yards (12.5) and scored 17 TDs. "Very smooth for a big man," another scout said. "Good hands. Good athlete." Suffered a posterior cruciate knee ligament injury in November and, in a workout April 9, ran 40 yards in just 4.71. "Complete player," a third scout said. "His half-brother (Zach Maynard) was the quarterback and he sucked. Just an awful player. It probably cost him six or seven touchdowns and 30 more receptions. He compares to Michael Floyd from a year ago."

4. ROBERT WOODS, Southern California (6-0 ½, 200, 4.45, 1-2) - Third-year junior set the Trojans' record for receptions with 252. "He and Patterson are probably the two best after the catch," one scout said. Gained 2,930 yards (11.6) and scored 32 TDs. "He was limited by comparison because of (Marqise) Lee," another scout said. "Good avoiding bump. Gets on the cornerback quickly. Quick out of his cuts. Lays out well. He's a speed and quick guy." USC coach Lane Kiffin compared his playing style to all-time great Jerry Rice. "Seems to me everything he does has been manufactured," a third scout said. "There's something missing with him." From Carson, Calif.

5. DeANDRE HOPKINS, Clemson (6-1, 212, 4.54, 2) - Third-year junior rewrote the Tigers' record book. "Real natural receiver," one scout said. "Great ball skills. Natural route runner. Competes in a crowd. Got size, got quickness. He makes himself easy to throw to. He can make plays with the ball. Not the best tester in the world." Finished with 206 catches for 3,020 yards (14.7) and 27 TDs. "Possession guy all the way," another scout said. "But he's got damn good hands, he's big and he's a great kid." Concentrated on basketball in high school, even playing seven games for Clemson in 2010-'11 season. From Central, S.C. "I'm not entirely sold on his hands," a third scout said. "Pretty good route runner. Not a speed burner. Not special."

6. JUSTIN HUNTER, Tennessee (6-4, 198, 4.40, 2) - Third-year junior. "Probably the most physically gifted of any of the receivers," one scout said. "You go back and look at sophomore film, he's special. Long arms. Lean body. Ripped up. He's really got good hands, too, but didn't show it as well this year." Blew out an ACL in Game 3 of 2011 and wasn't as good in '12. "From a skill set, he's probably the No. 1 (WR)," another scout said. "He just drops the ball a little bit too much. At the end of the day, Hunter could be the best receiver in that class if he can put it all together." Finished with 106 catches for 1,812 yards (17.1) and 18 TDs. "He short-arms balls in traffic at times," a third scout said. "Straight-line speed. Long strider. I question his strength and aggressiveness as a receiver and blocker. He appears to have deep speed but he wasn't explosive." Out of Virginia Beach, Va. Exceptional vertical jump (40 ½ inches) and broad jump (11-6).

7. TERRANCE WILLIAMS, Baylor (6-2, 207, 4.50, 2-3) - Spent five years in Waco, redshirting in 2008 and starting his final three seasons. "Coming out of that offense all those guys are behind because they haven't run a lot of different routes," one scout said. "Really strong. His 40 isn't as great as some other guys' but they talk about carrying your pads. That's him. Guys put their hands on him and he's still running as fast. He's just really raw." Caught 201 passes for 3,294 yards (16.4) and 27 TDs. "I don't like him as much as the guy from there last year (Kendall Wright)," said another scout. "He's a deep threat outside the numbers." Calls Dallas home.

8. QUINTON PATTON, Louisiana Tech (6-0, 202, 4.49, 2-3) - Ex-junior college player with whopping production in two seasons for Bulldogs. "Real good player," one scout said. "He's tough, competitive, productive and knows how to play." Two-year numbers were 183 receptions for 2,594 yards (14.2) and 24 TDs. "There's a lot more to him than just being a spread receiver that caught 100-plus passes," another scout said. "He's got the balance and the run-after-catch ability. Good strength. And he's competitive." Carries himself with a swagger. Out of La Vergne, Tenn.

9. STEDMAN BAILEY, West Virginia (5-10, 196, 4.53, 3) - Played in the shadows of Austin and surprised some scouts by declaring as a fourth-year junior. "He's a very smooth, fluid guy," one scout said. "Good sure-handed receiver. I thought he would run better and elevate himself into at least a top second-round pick. Good kid." Finished with 210 receptions for 3,218 yards (15.3) and 41 TDs. Long arms (32 ¾) and large hands (9 7/8). "He's a little stiff and not a real tough guy and not true speed," another scout said. "But he's not a bad player." From Miami.

10. DA'RICK ROGERS, Tennessee Tech (6-2 ½, 219, 4.53, 3) - Dismissed by coach Derek Dooley eight days before the first game for repeated violations of the school's substance-abuse policy. At least one team has removed him from its board. "Talent-wise, he is a first-round pick," one scout said. "Complete disaster off the field." Rated as Volunteers' No. 1 WR in 2011. Enrolled almost immediately at Tennessee Tech and started 11 games last fall. The combined stats for the third-year junior were 139 catches for 2,100 yards (15.1) and 21 TDs. "He's got some Brandon Marshall in him," another scout said. "He's got some self-entitlement, some things that kept Brandon from being drafted high. He is a very good football player." Out of Calhoun, Tenn.

11. MARKUS WHEATON, Oregon State (5-11, 187, 4.43, 3) - Set the Beavers' school record with 227 catches. "He has a chance to be a really solid No. 2," said Phil Savage, the Senior Bowl executive director and former personnel man for Cleveland and Baltimore. "He's got the innate body quickness and good hands, and there's not a drop-off from his 40 time to his play speed." Finished with 2,994 yards (13.2) and 16 TDs. "Good pattern runner," another scout said. "Good after the catch." From Chandler, Ariz.

12. CHRIS HARPER, Kansas State (6-0 ½, 232, 4.50, 3-4) - Spent the first five games of his true freshman year at Oregon playing QB before transferring to be closer to home (Wichita, Kan.). Moved into the lineup in 2010. "More a physical than an explosive player," one scout said. "Most catches are in traffic. Does not play as fast as his 40 time. Good in the red zone. He's not a quick guy." Finished with 123 catches for 1,734 yards (14.1) and 12 TDs. "He's kind of different," one scout said, comparing his build and style of play somewhat to Sterling Sharpe. "Some people think he might end up being a tight end. He's got ability." Paced the top WRs on the Wonderlic intelligence test with 33.

OTHERS: Aaron Dobson, Marshall; Marquise Goodwin, Texas; Ace Sanders, South Carolina; Josh Boyce, Texas Christian; Ryan Swope, Texas A&M; Corey Fuller, Virginia Tech; Aaron Mellette, Elon; Marcus Davis, Virginia Tech; Tavarres King, Georgia; Kenny Stills, Oklahoma; Marquess Wilson, Washington State; Denard Robinson, Michigan; T.J. Moe, Missouri; Rodney Smith, Florida State; Ryan Spadola, Lehigh; Cobi Hamilton, Arkansas.

[badboy]

thanks for posting.

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by Playoffs

McGinn gauges WR class with quotes from various NFL Scouts:

Good info. I just cannot understand why Aaron Dobson isn't getting much attention. I like the guy & outside of playing for a small school, Marshall, he seems to have quite a bit of potential. Very good hands, good speed (4.4 forty), good size @ 6'3" 210lbs, & runs good routes. He & Wheaton were both praised for this at the Senior Bowl & yet he still doesn't seem to get much attention. If the Texans got this guy in the 2nd or 3rd, I honestly would be excited to see what he is capable of.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by tru80texan

Good info. I just cannot understand why Aaron Dobson isn't getting much attention. I like the guy & outside of playing for a small school, Marshall, he seems to have quite a bit of potential. Very good hands, good speed (4.4 forty), good size @ 6'3" 210lbs, & runs good routes. He & Wheaton were both praised for this at the Senior Bowl & yet he still doesn't seem to get much attention. If the Texans got this guy in the 2nd or 3rd, I honestly would be excited to see what he is capable of.

You said it yourself. Small school, potential, measureables. Where is the production? I am not saying that he is bad. I am saying that he hasnt done anything worth talking about just yet. Ive heard bits and pieces about him though. Sleeper type prospect. We will see soon.

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by Blake

You said it yourself. Small school, potential, measureables. Where is the production? I am not saying that he is bad. I am saying that he hasnt done anything worth talking about just yet. Ive heard bits and pieces about him though. Sleeper type prospect. We will see soon.

Well, from what I have read & seen I do know injuries hampered him some his senior season & his QB wasn't all that great nor was the talent around him. I'm not saying the latter 2 were the sole reasons for the lack of eye popping stats, but they can contribute to the problem. From what I saw at the Senior Bowl to go along w/ the limited other film on him as well as what I have read, he seems to have the potential & tools. I like the kid, but I guess we all have that 1 player some may have not heard much about but think highly of...I guess that's Dobson for me.

[ASidd_1990]

Justin Hunter will go down as the best WR in this draft.

I would if we can get him in the 1st round.

[jppaul]

Originally Posted by tru80texan

Good info. I just cannot understand why Aaron Dobson isn't getting much attention. I like the guy & outside of playing for a small school, Marshall, he seems to have quite a bit of potential. Very good hands, good speed (4.4 forty), good size @ 6'3" 210lbs, & runs good routes. He & Wheaton were both praised for this at the Senior Bowl & yet he still doesn't seem to get much attention. If the Texans got this guy in the 2nd or 3rd, I honestly would be excited to see what he is capable of.

I would rather have him than Patton, Wheaton, Rogers or Bailey. For me he is just behind Woods, Hopkins and Allen.

[TejasTom]

Originally Posted by tru80texan

Well, from what I have read & seen I do know injuries hampered him some his senior season & his QB wasn't all that great nor was the talent around him. I'm not saying the latter 2 were the sole reasons for the lack of eye popping stats, but they can contribute to the problem. From what I saw at the Senior Bowl to go along w/ the limited other film on him as well as what I have read, he seems to have the potential & tools. I like the kid, but I guess we all have that 1 player some may have not heard much about but think highly of...I guess that's Dobson for me.

From Walter Football ranked 15th best wide receiver.

Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall
Height: 6-2. Weight: 203. Arm: 33 1/2. Hand: 8 1/2.
Projected 40 Time: 4.51.
Projected Round (2013): 3-5.
4/23/13: Dobson was held out of the 40 and field work at the Combine. He totaled 679 yards with three touchdowns on 57 receptions in 2012, but only had one 100-yard receiving game. Sophomore receiver Tommy Shuler was the far more productive wide out with over 50 more catches and almost 500 more yards.

Dobson had 49 receptions for 668 yards with 12 touchdowns in 2011. He totaled 44 catches for 689 yards and five scores in 2010.

Dobson put together a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl.

[tru80texan]

Originally Posted by jppaul

I would rather have him than Patton, Wheaton, Rogers or Bailey. For me he is just behind Woods, Hopkins and Allen.

I like Wheaton, but he's smaller so I give Dobson a slight edge. As I said earlier I watched them both during the Senior Bowl & was impressed w/ both of them because they seem to have good showings against most of the cb's. Dobson got hurt his Senior season which seem to hurt his production, but the physical tools seem to be there. I also recall that he has one of if not the lowest drop % amongst the WR prospects. So sure hands is yet another added bonus.

[bckey]

Originally Posted by Insideop

To me I see the Texans doing 1 of 2 things:

1. They see a player they like in the 1st round that can step in and play right away, like Hopkins, who is more pro ready than someone, like Hunter, who may have more upside.

2. They don't see anyone there at #27 they like and believe can help them right away so they pick another position (ILB, OLB, NT, etc.), and wait until the 2nd round to get a WR. In this scenario they may have to move up to get Patton, Hunter, Woods, Williams etc.. The problem with this scenario is twofold. 1st, you will probably have to trade up (losing pick or picks), and 2nd, these players will probably take some time to develop, so they will not help you immediately, similar to last year's WR picks.

My hope is they go with option #1 and get Hopkins or Allen, then start looking to fill the ILB or NT position in the 2nd.

I guess there is a 3rd option, which involves trading back from the 1st into the 2nd round, and this could play out depending on what happens in FA and how the Texans grade the WR's in the Draft.

I agree with everything you said here except I think you have to add Woods to option #1.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by ASidd_1990

Terrance Williams will go down as the best WR in this draft.

I would if we can get him in the 1st round.

Fixed that for ya.

[revan]

Originally Posted by Playoffs

McGinn gauges WR class with quotes from various NFL Scouts:

Wow, great post.

[Corrosion]

Originally Posted by tru80texan

Good info. I just cannot understand why Aaron Dobson isn't getting much attention. I like the guy & outside of playing for a small school, Marshall, he seems to have quite a bit of potential. Very good hands, good speed (4.4 forty), good size @ 6'3" 210lbs, & runs good routes. He & Wheaton were both praised for this at the Senior Bowl & yet he still doesn't seem to get much attention. If the Texans got this guy in the 2nd or 3rd, I honestly would be excited to see what he is capable of.

I agree , Dobson is very under rated .... I'd take him in the 2nd/3rd if I didnt get either Hopkins or Rogers earlier.

Originally Posted by ASidd_1990

Da'Rick Rogers will go down as the best WR in this draft.

I would if we can get him in the 1st round.

Originally Posted by Blake

Fixed that for ya.

FIFY.


Hopkins and Rogers both remind me a little of Anquan Bouldin. Hopkins is probably the safer choice but if Rogers gets his head out of his ass .... the sky is the limit.