1st Rounders Smithiak will consider

[m5kwatts]

After looking at several early mock drafts all over and reading early scouting reports I came up with a list of sleepers who could surprisingly be in play when the Texans pick at 19/20.

There's a lot of big names out there being tossed around who are overhyped and undeserving of their early mock status and a lot of under-the-radar players not getting enough publicity and will end up being far better pros. This is a list of who I think those players are:

Brandon Graham, Defensive End, Michigan
Comes in the Indy cover 2 Freeney/Mathis mold, short (6'0") but stout (274) and has whats been called the best motor in the draft. He led the nation in tackles for loss and plays hard til the play is over regardless of the score or the Wolverines' record. Connor Barwin completed just his 2nd season as a defensive player and is probably much more of a project player than the front office assumed. The Texans simply didn't sack quarterbacks enough and this kid Graham is just the relentless motor/leader/football intelligent immediate impact kind of player you look for in the 1st round.

Patrick Robinson, Cornerback, Florida State
Think Dunta. This kids report reads a lot like Dunta's coming out, top-end speed, above average balance, interception rate dipped due to being tested much less and did miss 3 games, plays the run well and is a willing tackler. Does not have great hips and his feet are often too quick for his stiff hips leading to bad angels/catches allowed. Will catch balls you'd expect a top flight corner to make (not like Dunta in that respect). I think he fits the Smithiak mold for corners and it helps that he was a leader on that defense, one report said he's often seen getting teammates in proper alignments. Don't overlook that when considering Smithiak's thought process, 4 out of the 8 picks last year were team captains on their college teams.

Vladimir Ducasse, Guard, Massachusetts
Very interesting prospect. Sort of the Brandon Albert of this years draft in that he's come out of nowhere to being looked at as a 1st rounder. A very athletic light footed guard despite a larger than normal (for the ZBS frame) 6'5" 327. Has only 6 years of football under his belt so he's very raw. I question his ability to immediately come in and start but he's got big time NFL tools and fits the scheme perfectly. I don't see his size being too big of an issue in our scheme because mobility is his best quality, hes outstanding in space, is equally as good of a run blocker as pass, has long arms, has quick first step. Reports also say he carries his weight extremely well and has excellent core strength. Also Dennison is a former o-line coach, came from Denver where they had PBS size on their o-line but used ZBS concepts as well. This kid is exciting and his stock will only rise.


A few other names that may or may not surprise and you've probably heard a thing or two about that will be considered at 19/20:

Jerry Hughes, defensive end, TCU
Jared Odrick, defensive tackle, Penn State
Arthur Jones, defensive tackle, Syracuse
Eversen Griffen, defensive end, USC
Ryan Matthews, running back, Fresno State

(Please note guys like Brian Price, Dan Williams, Taylor Mays, Earl Thomas, CJ Spiller, Javhid Best, Jonathan Dwyer would be great if they're on the board but the purpose of this thread is to explore players will little sizzle right now as far as hype but could end up being who the Texans pick and could end up being the better pro players then the big name guys being thrown around on every mock)

[Hottoddie]

I don't believe any of those players will go in the 1st round. Although, Graham could slip into the bottom of the first round.

I'm more inclined to believe the Texans could take a look at these players with their 1st pick.

Sean Weatherspoon (OLB) - He'd be an upgrade over Diles.

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingre...atherspoon.php

Summary: Weatherspoon is an extremely talented weakside linebacker prospect who brings the playmaking ability and athleticism a lot of teams are looking for. His ability to blitz gives him scheme versatility, but he isn't a 3-4 outside linebacker. Weatherspoon is going to be drafted in the top 40 picks with the potential to go in the top 15 or 20.

Player Comparison: Ernie Sims. Both WILL linebackers have outstanding athleticism and playmaking ability.

Donovan Warren (CB) - I don't think Dunta will return.

http://cdsdraft.com/profile.php?id=4339

Strengths
One of the top cover corners in this draft. Has closing speed, anticipation, quickness, nice size, and will be just a 21-year old rookie who can only get better. Very aware of where the ball is. Looks back for the ball at contact. Has the hands for the interception. Has those quick twitch qualities you want--the hips flip smoothly, smooth turn & go. Uses the sidelines, understands down and distance situations, and use of his body. Wraps up well and is a solid tackler. Technically very solid for such a young athlete. Has a chance to be an elite cover corner in the league.

Weaknesses
Still a tad thin and still needs to grow into his body and get stronger. Is Ok versus the run already, but doesn't seem to relish playing much bump and run, and it remains to be seen whether he can redirect larger receivers or harry the beginnings of routes for NFL wideouts. May have a slightly too high opinion of his own abilities. How will the money affect the head?

Projection
Mid-late first rounder, who should be among the top 3-4 corners off the board.


Dan Williams (DT) - This could be the DT we've been looking for.

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingre...anwilliams.php

Summary: Monte Kiffin and Ed Orgeron really motivated Williams this past season and you worry if he will maintain his level of play on the field and in practice once he gets paid. He's a prototypical nose tackle, and with an impressive Senior Bowl and postseason workouts, he could sky rocket up draft boards into the top 20 picks. He'll be a great fit for teams like Miami, Cincinati, Houston, Denver, San Diego and Minnesota. Williams is an intriguing talent in a below-average defensive tackle class and is my No. 1 ranked nose tackle.

Player Comparison: Domata Peko. Peko is a dominant 1-technique for the Bengals and is a true force against the run, but not much of a pass rusher.

Jonathan Dwyer (RB) - This depends upon their feelings on Foster.

http://cdsdraft.com/profile.php?id=3933

Strengths
Dwyer has ideal an ideal size/speed ratio for a power back in the NFL. He has the ability to be a true workhorse type of back. He's durable and is able to break tackles as he attacks the A gap. He can gain yardage after contact. Dwyer also shows good quickness and the ability to hit top speed quickly, making him a true breakaway threat despite his size and power. He keeps his pad level low and secures the ball well. He's a grinder who keeps his legs churning after contact. Dwyer runs with great balance and, having only started for two full season, he's still got a lot of tread on his tires.

Weaknesses
Dwyer hasn't been asked to do much as a blocker or a receiver at Georgia Tech. While he averaged more than 26 ypc in 2008, he only had 8 receptions. In 2009 he only had 5 catches. He'll need to assure teams that he's able to do both in order to merit a high first-round grade.

Projection
Dwyer has very few weaknesses coming into the 2010 NFL Draft as a junior. Depending on the type of back needed by the team drafting, he could be the first, second, or third back taken (Spiller, Best). He has the potential to be a Pro Bowl caliber player in the NFL as he'll be a bellcow for whichever team drafts him.

[beerlover]

Weatherspoon is a concern for me

[Hottoddie]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Weatherspoon is a concern for me

How so?

One of the things I like to see in a prospect is improvement every year & Weatherspoon has shown just that.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/Scouti...atherspoon.php

Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SACK PBU INT
2006 13 17 1.0 0.0 0 0
2007 14 127 9.5 3.0 8 0
2008 14 155 18.5 5.0 7 3
2009 13 111 14.5 4.5 2 1
Totals 54 410 43.5 12.5 17 4

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Hottoddie

How so?

One of the things I like to see in a prospect is improvement every year & Weatherspoon has shown just that.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/Scouti...atherspoon.php

Career Statistics
Year GP TKL TFL SACK PBU INT
2006 13 17 1.0 0.0 0 0
2007 14 127 9.5 3.0 8 0
2008 14 155 18.5 5.0 7 3
2009 13 111 14.5 4.5 2 1
Totals 54 410 43.5 12.5 17 4

Is LB our #1 need? inverse order in terms of priority

ok, if he is there in 2nd maybe? but that is not of this thread

[Hottoddie]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Is LB our #1 need? inverse order in terms of priority

ok, if he is there in 2nd maybe? but that is not of this thread

I wasn't implying that LB was our #1 need, just that he might be one of the players we'd take a look at in the first, assuming none of the other top talent dropped to us. The only reason I added a LB in the first place is because of a posted quote from Kubiak on this board where he said, if he could find another Cushing he'd take him for sure. Not that Weatherspoon is another Cushing, but he is a pretty good talent.

I'm perfectly happy with Diles & believe that Adibi wil eventually beat him out of the starting position, if he stays healthy.

[mussop]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Is LB our #1 need? inverse order in terms of priority

ok, if he is there in 2nd maybe? but that is not of this thread

Just because LB is not the number one need as veiwed by us internet draft gurus doesnt mean we wont draft one in the first round if Smithiak thinks that player is the best talent available.


Rick Smith
“You have to look at value,” he said. “If it’s our turn to pick and we have an offensive player rated a lot higher than a defensive player, why should we pass up the higher-rated prospect?

“The idea is to improve the team any way we can. We’ve filled some holes in free agency, but we have a lot more work to get done in the draft. We want to take the best players we can get.”


Bob McNairThere is a very good possibility that there will be an impact player available.

We'll be looking at that. I think we will be able to get that impact player; I hope we will in that first pick.

So if the best value is an OLB its very possible that we could draft one. Weatherspoon, Bowman and Washington could all be high on the value board at 20. Obviously we will know more after the combine but it is foolish to rule any position other than QB out right now.

[WolverineFan]

Brandon Graham would be a nice pick since it would give us flexibility on the D-Line and the ability to move A. Smith inside more frequently. However, I am of the belief that the secondary needs more work than the D-Line at the moment. I would rather we take a FS or a CB. I do love me some BG though. He will be a beast in the NFL.

[Mr teX]

[

Patrick Robinson, Cornerback, Florida State
Think Dunta. This kids report reads a lot like Dunta's coming out, top-end speed, above average balance, interception rate dipped due to being tested much less and did miss 3 games, plays the run well and is a willing tackler. Does not have great hips and his feet are often too quick for his stiff hips leading to bad angels/catches allowed. Will catch balls you'd expect a top flight corner to make (not like Dunta in that respect). I think he fits the Smithiak mold for corners and it helps that he was a leader on that defense, one report said he's often seen getting teammates in proper alignments. Don't overlook that when considering Smithiak's thought process, 4 out of the 8 picks last year were team captains on their college teams.

(I'd be with this pick in the 1st.......assuming neither of the top 2 safeties & hayden isnt their for us..

[m5kwatts]

Keep in mind a lot of these prospects with hype right now will be put under the microscope and scrutiny willy only hurt their stock. There's always lesser known prospects who go to the combine and have pro days and their stock sky rockets. The players I suggested are ones I believe will only improve their stocks with measurables and will benefit from more time for their tape to be studied.

[Goldensilence]

Originally Posted by WolverineFan

Brandon Graham would be a nice pick since it would give us flexibility on the D-Line and the ability to move A. Smith inside more frequently. However, I am of the belief that the secondary needs more work than the D-Line at the moment. I would rather we take a FS or a CB. I do love me some BG though. He will be a beast in the NFL.

Would not be happy with taking another high part time player. We already have that in last year's second Conor Barwin. I think some people over play the fact Antonio Smith can move inside for a few snaps a game. I mean why not have gone after a DT last year instead of Smith if this is the case?

Unfortunately I've got a bad feeling Graham slips to the Colts.

If Thomas is gone I'd like Iupati, could deal with Warren or Robinson.

[HuttoKarl]

I'm fully aboard the Earl Thomas bandwagon. It'd be right on so many levels.

[mussop]

I would like to throw a name in the hat. Chad Jones Safety LSU. I believe after the combine his stock will be first round. With his size, speed, athletic ability and insticts he should really impress at the combine.

He is everything Taylor Mays was made out to be. He can even return punts.

[Blake]

If the Texans miss out on guys like Iupati, Thomas, or Dan Williams are gone, I could see the Texans looking really hard at Donovan Warren out of Michigan, Perrish Cox out of Oklahoma State, or Patrick Robinson from Florida State.

[bah007]

Originally Posted by mussop

I would like to throw a name in the hat. Chad Jones Safety LSU. I believe after the combine his stock will be first round. With his size, speed, athletic ability and insticts he should really impress at the combine.

He is everything Taylor Mays was made out to be. He can even return punts.

I think Jones will be a second rounder and he projects as more of a SS. I suppose he could play FS in the NFL, but we already have Pollard to knock heads back there. I would rather get a rangy guy like Thomas or Nate Allen.

[bah007]

Originally Posted by Super Mario

If the Texans miss out on guys like Iupati, Thomas, or Dan Williams are gone, I could see the Texans looking really hard at Donovan Warren out of Michigan, Perrish Cox out of Oklahoma State, or Patrick Robinson from Florida State.

This is probably one of the most likely scenarios, IMO.

[WolverineFan]

Originally Posted by Super Mario

If the Texans miss out on guys like Iupati, Thomas, or Dan Williams are gone, I could see the Texans looking really hard at Donovan Warren out of Michigan, Perrish Cox out of Oklahoma State, or Patrick Robinson from Florida State.

Out of those 3 guys I think Warren is the most NFL ready CB, but I think Cox has the highest ceiling. I'm not too high on Robinson, but playing at FSU he does have tons of experience in man coverage.

I like Cox because he adds to the return game, but he struggles in coverage sometimes. As for Warren, many scouts have criticized him because of how bad Michigan's defense was this past year but he is legit IMO. I have only Joe Haden ranked higher than him in this draft at CB.

If this scenario did occur I would still be happy if we walked out of the 1st with Warren.

[WolverineFan]

Originally Posted by Goldensilence

Would not be happy with taking another high part time player. We already have that in last year's second Conor Barwin. I think some people over play the fact Antonio Smith can move inside for a few snaps a game. I mean why not have gone after a DT last year instead of Smith if this is the case?

Unfortunately I've got a bad feeling Graham slips to the Colts.

If Thomas is gone I'd like Iupati, could deal with Warren or Robinson.

Graham is a beast and to be honest I think he would be more effective rushing the passer than Smith. Smith would probably be better suited to a move inside in our defense anyway. BG is in no way a part time player. Whoever gets him will be getting an absolute stud DE.

However, we have bigger needs at the moment than to be taking a luxury pick at DE.

[Texecutioner]

Just get us Earl Thomas and call it a day.

[bah007]

Originally Posted by WolverineFan

Graham is a beast and to be honest I think he would be more effective rushing the passer than Smith. Smith would probably be better suited to a move inside in our defense anyway. BG is in no way a part time player. Whoever gets him will be getting an absolute stud DE.

However, we have bigger needs at the moment than to be taking a luxury pick at DE.

Graham reminds me of Orakpo. Versatile enough to be a 43 weakside end or a 34 rush backer.