Quick Walter Cherry Pick

[Doppelganger]

Here is a quick Walters Cherry Pick.

Rules
1. Can only pick players who are available at the Texans pick for the first 4 rounds.

2. Assume FA will occur AFTER the draft. So we enter the draft as we are.

3. No trade downs. We pick where we are.

4. We assume the compensatory pick we get(if e get one) is 5th round or lower.

5. Each pick will have Walter's choice and mine to contrast.

Draft
Walter1. Aldon Smith OLB
Doppel1: Justin Houston OLB, Georgia

Walter has Houston at 21, but I think once the workouts and number crunchers get going he will fly up the board. Remember he actually played in a 3-4 in college. He is not projecting, he was a OLB. He may not even be available at 11 when its all said and done, but for now I take him. Smith is a nice player, but Walter even says he is more suited for a 4-3. Why not take a true OLB rather than try convert a 4-3 end into one?

Walter2:Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
Doppel2:Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

I am not sold on Smith. He played in the pass happy Big XII and did not stand out all that much to me. Now, Stephen Paea is the kind of one gap NT that Wade likes. He is a strong guy who can play the run and has the ability to rush the passer. Why did he drop? Knee injury in Senior Practice. I seriously doubt he sticks around long enough for our second rounder, but he is here by Walter's mock, so I take him in a heartbeat.

Walter3: Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
Dopple3: Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina

Its hard not to like Walter's pick. I think we have a great FS on the roster named Glover Quin. I see the Texans signing one veteran CB to start and having Jackson/McCain/Allen/McManis/Moulden fight out for the other starter. My thinking is that Jackson/Allen are the other starter/Nickel back, McManis/McCain is the dime back and Moulden is gone. With Wilson gone (and possibly Pollard), Quin/Williams/Nolan fight it out for the to Saftey spots.

Walter4:Ian Williams, NT, Notre Dame
Dopple4:Kris O'Dowd, C, USC

I really like Ian Williams. The problem is, I don't see him replacing Stephen Paea. Having a backup like Williams would be great, but I'd rather take a player who could replace a starter down the line. O' Dowd is the kind of Center we would love to have.

Ok, your turn. Give it a shot!

[Honoring Earl 34]

http://walterfootball.com/

Ok ... I'll play .

1. I'm sticking with their pick . Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
Rejoice, Texans fans! Wade Phillips is your new defensive coordinator.

With the shift to the 3-4, Houston will need a nose tackle to pair with ends Mario Williams and Antonio Smith. DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing would play inside linebacker, while the outside pass rushers would be Connor Barwin and... umm... Aldon Smith.

Smith missed some action this year, which would explain why he had only 10 TFL and 4.5 sacks. However, he's a freak of nature and pretty much a lock for the top 15. Smith has drawn comparisons to Jason Pierre-Paul in terms of raw athleticism. I think he's more 4-3, but he does project well into the 3-4.


2. This guy is two good to risk waiting . Houston Texans: Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
The Texans desperately need to address both safety positions this offseason. Free safety is more dire, as Eugene Wilson and Troy Nolan have both failed there.

3. We need big people Jerrell Powe, NT, Ole Miss
The Texans need some help up front; they struggled against the run late in the year after a great start to the season in that department.


4. Conner Barwin insurance plus competition Dontay Moch, DE/OLB, Nevada
It can never hurt to have as many quality pass-rushers as possible. With so many selections, the the dumb Texans might as well swing for the fences with one of them.

[kiwitexansfan]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger

Its hard not to like Walter's pick. I think we have a great FS on the roster named Glover Quin. I see the Texans signing one veteran CB to start and having Jackson/McCain/Allen/McManis/Moulden fight out for the other starter. My thinking is that Jackson/Allen are the other starter/Nickel back, McManis/McCain is the dime back and Moulden is gone. With Wilson gone (and possibly Pollard), Quin/Williams/Nolan fight it out for the to Saftey spots.

McCain really? I can't see his name in a thread without having flashbacks of opposition TDs flashing through my brain.

If Phillips and Co. can redeem him, they deserve to go to the HoF.

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by Honoring Earl 34

http://walterfootball.com/

Ok ... I'll play .

1. I'm sticking with their pick . Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
Rejoice, Texans fans! Wade Phillips is your new defensive coordinator.

With the shift to the 3-4, Houston will need a nose tackle to pair with ends Mario Williams and Antonio Smith. DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing would play inside linebacker, while the outside pass rushers would be Connor Barwin and... umm... Aldon Smith.

Smith missed some action this year, which would explain why he had only 10 TFL and 4.5 sacks. However, he's a freak of nature and pretty much a lock for the top 15. Smith has drawn comparisons to Jason Pierre-Paul in terms of raw athleticism. I think he's more 4-3, but he does project well into the 3-4.


2. This guy is two good to risk waiting . Houston Texans: Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
The Texans desperately need to address both safety positions this offseason. Free safety is more dire, as Eugene Wilson and Troy Nolan have both failed there.

3. We need big people Jerrell Powe, NT, Ole Miss
The Texans need some help up front; they struggled against the run late in the year after a great start to the season in that department.


4. Conner Barwin insurance plus competition Dontay Moch, DE/OLB, Nevada
It can never hurt to have as many quality pass-rushers as possible. With so many selections, the the dumb Texans might as well swing for the fences with one of them.

1. Smith is a fine player, but I prefer the idea of taking a player who has produced as a 3-4 OLB rather than trying to convert a 4-3 and hope he can do it.

2. The point of the Cherry Pick is to take who is there when they are available. Williams is available as the pick in the third round, so you can pencil him in there. Taking him here loses the opportunity for a second round player.

3. Jerrel Powe fits the mold of a traditional NT, but not a Wade Phillips NT. In the WP system, the NT is a 1 gap player who has to be able to shoot the gaps and have strength to take on blockers. Powe failed at shooting gaps. He is strictly a big traditional NT. If we ran that system, he'd be a great pick. Since we don't, not as good of a selction.

4. Moch is certainly a good idea. And you are right, you cannot have enough OLBs. We don't even know if Barwin can go, so another OLB may be a great choice.

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by kiwitexansfan

McCain really? I can't see his name in a thread without having flashbacks of opposition TDs flashing through my brain.

If Phillips and Co. can redeem him, they deserve to go to the HoF.

I hear you, but in my scenario he is likely ST/Depth

Here is how I think it ends up
Veteran CB: CB#1
Jackson: CB#2 or Nickle
Allen: Nickle or CB #2
McManus: Dime
McCain: depth/ST
Drafted CB: depth/ST

Undrafted CB: Practice squad

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger

1. Smith is a fine player, but I prefer the idea of taking a player who has produced as a 3-4 OLB rather than trying to convert a 4-3 and hope he can do it.

2. The point of the Cherry Pick is to take who is there when they are available. Williams is available as the pick in the third round, so you can pencil him in there. Taking him here loses the opportunity for a second round player.

3. Jerrel Powe fits the mold of a traditional NT, but not a Wade Phillips NT. In the WP system, the NT is a 1 gap player who has to be able to shoot the gaps and have strength to take on blockers. Powe failed at shooting gaps. He is strictly a big traditional NT. If we ran that system, he'd be a great pick. Since we don't, not as good of a selction.

4. Moch is certainly a good idea. And you are right, you cannot have enough OLBs. We don't even know if Barwin can go, so another OLB may be a great choice.

My original was Smith , Marvin Austin , Williams , and Moch . Then I changed my mind .

[kiwitexansfan]

Now the McCain hate is out of the way, I can't resist a good Cherry Pick...

#1 - Cameron Jordan DE/DT, Cal, Rising up the boards after a very strong Senior Bowl week. I believe the better play you get from your DL the more options you have overall so upgrading the DL is a priority. Strongly considered Julio Jones, Alabama, would love another WEAPON in the passing game.

#2 - Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh. Great quickness and speed for a large man, can get after the passer and that is another key to making the 3-4 and our defense in general work. Character concerns may stop this, but you can't deny the talent.

#3 - Robert Sands, FS, WVU, Big rangy safety. Can tackle and play centrefield.

#4 - Vincent Brown, WR, SDSU, Big Physical WR with outstanding hands. Will not make JJ's mistakes and is a much bigger target than DA, he can take KW's spot on the team sooner than you'd think.

[kiwitexansfan]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger

I hear you, but in my scenario he is likely ST/Depth

Here is how I think it ends up
Veteran CB: CB#1
Jackson: CB#2 or Nickle
Allen: Nickle or CB #2
McManus: Dime
McCain: depth/ST
Drafted CB: depth/ST

Undrafted CB: Practice squad

If we get a veteran CB who can be the #1 guy I'd be stoked, however those sorts of guys are going to be in HIGH demand and tempted to go to a contender.

[beerlover]

Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia

Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina

Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State

I could live with it

[Jackie Chiles]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger

3. Jerrel Powe fits the mold of a traditional NT, but not a Wade Phillips NT. In the WP system, the NT is a 1 gap player who has to be able to shoot the gaps and have strength to take on blockers. Powe failed at shooting gaps. He is strictly a big traditional NT. If we ran that system, he'd be a great pick. Since we don't, not as good of a selction.

You are only taking into consideration his time in Dallas with Ratliff and what has been said on the ariwaves around here. The Phillips 3-4 excelled in San Diego with Jamal Williams (350lbs give or take a few cheeseburgers) and before that in Buffalo with Ted Washington. Washington probably played around 370+, the guy was an absolute behemoth. About the only conclusion I can draw is there is no unbreakable mold for the NT but the guy has to be able to play. I imagine if Wade had the choice he would choose size though.

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by Jackie Chiles

You are only taking into consideration his time in Dallas with Ratliff and what has been said on the ariwaves around here. The Phillips 3-4 excelled in San Diego with Jamal Williams (350lbs give or take a few cheeseburgers) and before that in Buffalo with Ted Washington. Washington probably played around 370+, the guy was an absolute behemoth. About the only conclusion I can draw is there is no unbreakable mold for the NT but the guy has to be able to play. I imagine if Wade had the choice he would choose size though.

Disagree. The thing that Ratliff, Jamal Williams, and Ted Washington have in common is they can shoot the gap. Jerrel Powe was placed in position to be a Gap shooting NT. If it succeed he would have shot up into the first round. Jerrel Powe proved decisively that he cannot shoot the gap. He is a space eating, 2 gap clogging NT. Nothing wrong with that for a traditional 3-4. Problem is, we don't use that type of player.

Paea would be a much better fit since he CAN shoot the gaps and is strong enough to play the run. If we could get a big guy who can shoot the gaps and be stout and strong enough to play the run, I would grab him. Problem is those types of NT don't come around very often. Ted Washingtons and Jamal Williams do not grow on trees.

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Justin Houston, DE/OLB, Georgia

Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State

Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina

Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State

I could live with it

3/4. Wow. We agreed on 3/4 choices. Great minds think a like.

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by kiwitexansfan

Now the McCain hate is out of the way, I can't resist a good Cherry Pick...

#1 - Cameron Jordan DE/DT, Cal, Rising up the boards after a very strong Senior Bowl week. I believe the better play you get from your DL the more options you have overall so upgrading the DL is a priority. Strongly considered Julio Jones, Alabama, would love another WEAPON in the passing game.

#2 - Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh. Great quickness and speed for a large man, can get after the passer and that is another key to making the 3-4 and our defense in general work. Character concerns may stop this, but you can't deny the talent.

#3 - Robert Sands, FS, WVU, Big rangy safety. Can tackle and play centrefield.

#4 - Vincent Brown, WR, SDSU, Big Physical WR with outstanding hands. Will not make JJ's mistakes and is a much bigger target than DA, he can take KW's spot on the team sooner than you'd think.

1. Unless he can play our 3-4 one gap NT, which I don't think he can, I don't see the value in taking a 3-4 DE in the first round.

2. Talented player. Gotta have good OLB in a 3-4. I like it.

3. Very solid Safety. no complaint from me.

4. A good player I had not previously considered. Yes, we definitely could use an upgrade at WR. Good pick.

[rmartin65]

1) Georgia OLB Justin Houston

2) Oregon State DT Stephen Paea

3) North Carolina FS Deunta Williams

4) Hampton DT Kenrick Ellis

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

1) Georgia OLB Justin Houston

2) Oregon State DT Stephen Paea

3) North Carolina FS Deunta Williams

4) Hampton DT Kenrick Ellis

This is what they should do if Ellis lasts until the 4th rd. Dont reach for need, go BPA and in the 4th rd Ellis would be BPA. Ellis is the big NT that has power or the quickness to shoot the gaps.

I like Carter if he's there better than Williams.

Taylor>Paea at NT.

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

This is what they should do if Ellis lasts until the 4th rd. Dont reach for need, go BPA and in the 4th rd Ellis would be BPA. Ellis is the big NT that has power or the quickness to shoot the gaps.

I like Carter if he's there better than Williams.

Taylor>Paea at NT.

They have Carter going in the early 2nd.

Imagine a 3-4 DL of Paea - Ellis - Williams

[Dutchrudder]

Why is DT Stephen Paea getting pushed to the second round? I thought he was a top 20 pick.

[JB]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

Why is DT Stephen Paea getting pushed to the second round? I thought he was a top 20 pick.

Injury during the first Senior Bowl practice.

Paea suffered a possible tear to the lateral meniscus in one knee Monday, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen. He was undergoing an MRI on Tuesday after hurting the knee during the opening practice for the North squad.

Link

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

They have Carter going in the early 2nd.

Imagine a 3-4 DL of Paea - Ellis - Williams

Yep

That and a healthy LB corps of Barwin, Ryans,Cushing and Houston.

If Bailey or Taylor were signed the DB's wouldn't look as bad either.

Bailey,Jackson,Quin,Williams

With Phillips coordinating that defense, it's a top 15 or better defense.

[Honoring Earl 34]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

Why is DT Stephen Paea getting pushed to the second round? I thought he was a top 20 pick.

He weighed 295 at the senior bowl .