BADBOY's post senior bowl mock

[badboy]

I know many are going to disagree on this mock but it is as I see it. If there is no CBA or a delayed one, we will have no trades or free agents so this mock is focused only on our needs and the draft. I do hope CBA is resolved soon & we sign a corner and a nose tackle but Texans history doesn't give me much hope. Anyway, here we go. All link evals are from NFLdraftscout.com a tremendous tool for mockers.

1. Cornerback Brandon Harris Miami 5'11" 195 lbs 4.45. I have to go CB here as there is no one at #11 I want with exception of Aldon Smith & imo a CB that can eliminate one side of the field is the more important choice. I have Harris in the early 20's but I think he will rise like Kyle Wilson did last draft. I would hope for a trade down to get him much lower but he is a cover type CB.
Man Coverage: Better in man to man coverage than zone due to his pure athleticism. Quick feet, loose hips, good balance and outstanding speed to remain in the hip pocket of his opponent. Doesn't back down from the challenge of playing bigger receivers. Keys on the receiver and gets his head around late. Quick hands to knock passes away, but doesn't have the time to locate the football, leading to more PBUs than INTs.
Possesses outstanding game speed, including a late burst to recover if beaten initially. Can plant and drive downhill on the ball. Good recognition to know when he's beat and to make the tackle and when he has a chance to break up the pass or go for the interception.

2. FS Quentin Carter Oklahoma 6'1" 211 lbs 4.57 plays SS also.
Closing/Recovery: Excellent closing speed to attack receivers and running backs in space. Plants and drives forward with a nice burst to the ball. Effective blitzer because of his speed and timing. Fair recovery speed and change-of-direction ability for a safety; can catch up to receivers if beaten on a quick initial move. Takes aggressive angles because of his speed, elusive NFL runners may take advantage of that.
Tackling: Solid tackler who is a reliable last line of defense because of his athleticism and aggressive style. Is an intimidating presence, loves to lay the wood on the sideline and over the middle (will get penalized for big shots late, was actually thrown out of practices for being too jacked up). Exceptional leader on the field and in the locker room. Receiving degree in sociology with a non-profit organization studies.

3. NT Marvin Austin N. Carolina 6'2" 312lbs 4.96. Here is my Marcellus Darrius.
Pass rush: Good initial burst off the snap. Strong hands to grasp and discard the blocker and demonstrates good use of swim and rip moves to gain clearance. Good straight-line speed, agility and balance to track the quarterback. Good use of leverage and boasts a powerful leg drive for the bull rush. Cognizant of passing lanes and will get his hands up. Not always disciplined or assignment sound. Anticipates the snap count and will occasionally be drawn offside.

Run defense: Quick enough to slip through a gap and disrupt the timing of running plays. Good size and power to control his gap responsibility. Has a tendency to play too upright, negating his own power. Strong, active hands to disengage from the block as the ballcarrier nears. Reacts quickly to the attempted cut block, sprawling and re-gaining his balance quickly by pushing off cutting offensive lineman. Good hustle laterally and downfield. Good vision and footwork to keep his feet while making his way to the ballcarrier.

Explosion: Good initial burst off the snap. Flashes a quick first step, vertically and laterally, to penetrate gaps and destroy the play. Good upper-body strength to shock his opponent and knock him back. Likes to make the flashy hit. Will gather for the big hit on an unsuspecting ballcarrier.

Strength: Good upper- and lower-body strength to hold up at the point of attack. Has an explosive shove to knock pass blockers aside on his way to the quarterback. Lacks the bulk and power to split double-teams as a true nose guard, but can hold up long enough to create a pile. Good strength for the drag-down tackle.

Tackling: Surprising balance and lateral agility to break down in tight quarters and make the open-field tackle against small and quick athletes. Good strength to pull down ballcarriers while being occupied by blockers. Good hustle laterally and downfield. Willing to leave his feet and lunge at ballcarriers, resulting in some big hits (as well as some wild misses).

4. OLB Mason Foster Washington 6'1" 241lbs. 4.73 163 tackles! plays ILB also.
Read & React: Instinctive defender. Reads keys quickly and gets to the ball with on wasted motion. Great production and made many tackles beating blockers to the point. Rarely fooled by misdirection, though he is aggressive in attacking the line of scrimmage and can be tricked by good play-action. Keeps his head on a swivel in coverage and reacts quickly to the throw. Is always around the ball.
Tackling: His best asset. Breaks down well in the open field and is a reliable tackler. Does a nice job of wrapping his arms around the ballcarrier, usually at the knees or lower for the secure stop. Leads with his shoulder and brings his hips, delivering a nice pop, though he isn't a truly explosive hitter. Has a short-area burst to close. Quick hands to rip the ball away. Can force fumbles upon contact, including six in 2009. Good hand-eye coordination to make the diving stop.

Pass Rush/Blitz: Lacks a true pass-rush repertoire, but is an experienced blitzer who times the snap well. Good burst and flexibility to avoid blockers and shows a burst to close when he has an open lane. Re-directs well and can chase down the scrambling quarterback. Rips at the ball, rather than just going for the sack, when he has a blindside hit of the quarterback. Registered 10.5 sacks in his career, including 6.5 as a senior.

5. WR Cecil Shorts III Mount Union 6' 200 lbs.4.43 My Jacoby Jones replacement. 63 dor 1,106 17 TDs. Also is KR.

6. QB Nathan Enderle Idaho 6'5" 235lbs. He may rise a bit after combine. I've followed him for two years & see him as a Schaub like QB. Lost 4 OL starters including Mike Iupati this last season. 3314yds, 22 TDs, 16 INTs & 39 sacks.

7. FS/SS Chris Prosinski Wyoming 6'1" 210 lbs 4.54 I just like this guy & hoped he would come out last draft.
Prosinski ended his career ranked No. 4 in career tackles at UW with 373 career tackles. He ranked No. 3 in the MWC and No. 42 in the NCAA in tackles this season, averaging 9.0 tackles per game. He led Wyoming in tackles with a total of 108, marking the second consecutive season in which he had over 100 tackles in a season. He had 140 in 2009. - Wyoming football

[kiwitexansfan]

Brandon Harris seems like a reach at 11.

No doubt CB could use some help but I think we could get a better talent at OLB or DE there.

[beerlover]

Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado looked like he had nice feet while smooth in his back-peddle & flipping hips. I think he could do the trick & you could pick him up in the 3rd. I really can't take another CB in the first round, at least for a while

Marvin Austin is not a NG/NT in a 3-4. Better off going Sione Fua, if he's gone then Jerrell Powe.

I like Rutgers Safety Joe Lefeged, don't know if he's a FS or SS but could hold up just as well, 6010 205 take him in the 4th.

also been looking at taking another NG/NT late like 7th round for insurance & development. DeMario Jones, Valdosta State & Kelly Griffin TCU intrigue me.

[Ole Miss Texan]

So the solution to our young terrible secondary is to go younger with a rookie CB and FS?

[Blake]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

So the solution to our young terrible secondary is to go younger with a rookie CB and FS?

As long as you release the most experienced secondary players on the team its a win win situation. Lower payroll and can blame record on young players.

[texanchris]

Originally Posted by Super Mario

As long as you release the most experienced secondary players on the team its a win win situation. Lower payroll and can blame record on young players.

Rookies cant be worse than our most experienced player in the secondary eugene wilson. Harris is a bit of a reach and i dont see us drafting him considering how many good free agent cb's there are and how are kiddy corners did last season. I like Carter in the second round and i like having a backup qb to groom behind Schaub who doesnt run out of his own end zone and cant find his helmet the one play we need him.

[drs23]

Originally Posted by texanchris

Rookies cant be worse than our most experienced player in the secondary eugene wilson. Harris is a bit of a reach and i dont see us drafting him considering how many good free agent cb's there are and how are kiddy corners did last season. I like Carter in the second round and i like having a backup qb to groom behind Schaub who doesnt run out of his own end zone and cant find his helmet the one play we need him.

So true. For 3mil a year seems like you'd know where your helmet is!

[Wolf6151]

I think many of you need to go back and read the 1st sentence of badboy's post, this mock is based on reality that there won't be a FA period prior to the draft so we have to go into the draft without filling some holes first. The secondary is our biggest weakness and this draft helps fix that weakness.

I really like the first 2 rounds but I'm very questionable about Marvin Austin and think that we could do better with Jerrell Powe or Sione Fua in the 3rd round. After that you hit the right positions but with different players than I would have taken. Overall good job in a worst case scenario that we must face.

[jay23728]

i think the best help for our young secondary is better pass rush.

[steelbtexan]

Altough I'm not as high on Harris as you are.

I respect your willingness to spend draft capital to fix the hisorically bad secondary.

Life will be better if the Brice McCains of the world never see the field again in a Texans uni again.

[bah007]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Jalil Brown, CB, Colorado looked like he had nice feet while smooth in his back-peddle & flipping hips. I think he could do the trick & you could pick him up in the 3rd. I really can't take another CB in the first round, at least for a while

Marvin Austin is not a NG/NT in a 3-4. Better off going Sione Fua, if he's gone then Jerrell Powe.

I like Rutgers Safety Joe Lefeged, don't know if he's a FS or SS but could hold up just as well, 6010 205 take him in the 4th.

also been looking at taking another NG/NT late like 7th round for insurance & development. DeMario Jones, Valdosta State & Kelly Griffin TCU intrigue me.

I have my eye of Lefeged as well. I think he fits better as a SS in the NFL. His coverage ability is limited. For sure he is not the type of center field type that most of us want in a FS.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by bah007

I have my eye of Lefeged as well. I think he fits better as a SS in the NFL. His coverage ability is limited. For sure he is not the type of center field type that most of us want in a FS.

far as mid rd. picks go I just know he will make an NFL roster. He is hard nosed, tough, nose for the ball, takes care of assignments, well coached, willing to do anything asked. I was thinking SS too. needs to run well @ the combine.

[bah007]

Originally Posted by beerlover

far as mid rd. picks go I just know he will make an NFL roster. He is hard nosed, tough, nose for the ball, takes care of assignments, well coached, willing to do anything asked. I was thinking SS too. needs to run well @ the combine.

I agree with all of that. Just one of those guys that stands out, even when you aren't watching him.

[texanchris]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

I think many of you need to go back and read the 1st sentence of badboy's post, this mock is based on reality that there won't be a FA period prior to the draft so we have to go into the draft without filling some holes first. The secondary is our biggest weakness and this draft helps fix that weakness.

I really like the first 2 rounds but I'm very questionable about Marvin Austin and think that we could do better with Jerrell Powe or Sione Fua in the 3rd round. After that you hit the right positions but with different players than I would have taken. Overall good job in a worst case scenario that we must face.

yea my bad i sort of skimmed through the post. I agree, thoose are the positions we need and are drafted in order of importance but i would pick different people.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Ole Miss Texan

So the solution to our young terrible secondary is to go younger with a rookie CB and FS?

Read the thread again. This is for college players only as of now no CBA thus no FA or trades. I've made it known I want a vet CB and NT.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

I think many of you need to go back and read the 1st sentence of badboy's post, this mock is based on reality that there won't be a FA period prior to the draft so we have to go into the draft without filling some holes first. The secondary is our biggest weakness and this draft helps fix that weakness.

I really like the first 2 rounds but I'm very questionable about Marvin Austin and think that we could do better with Jerrell Powe or Sione Fua in the 3rd round. After that you hit the right positions but with different players than I would have taken. Overall good job in a worst case scenario that we must face.

I agree with you and Beerlover on Austin not being a prototypical NT. IMO, no starter will be available unless we go first round. I like the Baylor kid but think he will go before our second round. I had Fua on my board originally but have come to believe that Austin between Mario and Smith or Barwin will be pretty good.

Corner? Most think Texans will not go hard after Asomugha & Champ Bailey will get offers from teams with better chance to go SB. Does anyone want KJ as a starter? We can not just say "get a free agent CB or NT".

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by badboy

I know many are going to disagree on this mock but it is as I see it.

1. Cornerback Brandon Harris Miami 5'11" 195 lbs 4.45.

2. FS Quentin Carter Oklahoma 6'1" 211 lbs 4.57 plays SS also.

3. NT Marvin Austin N. Carolina 6'2" 312lbs 4.96.

4. OLB Mason Foster Washington 6'1" 241lbs. 4.73 163 tackles! plays ILB also.

5. WR Cecil Shorts III Mount Union 6' 200 lbs.4.43 My Jacoby Jones replacement. 63 dor 1,106 17 TDs. Also is KR.

6. QB Nathan Enderle Idaho 6'5" 235lbs.

7. FS/SS Chris Prosinski Wyoming 6'1" 210 lbs 4.54 I just like this guy & hoped he would come out last draft.

I like what you've done. Don't agree with it, but I like what you've done.

Pre-combine, I don't know if we can "criticize" on reaches or what not. But I will say it is rare to find a CB who can come into the league & take away half the field. Not as a rookie. & if there were a guy in the draft who could do so right away, he won't make it out of the top ten.

But.... maybe we trade down to get this guy... which isn't normally reflected in mocks... no partner & all that.

But I do like taking the best corner we can get. I like getting more secondary help in the second. I like going after that big body in the third & additional pass rush in the 4th.

I understand 5th round and beyond are "flyers" but if we aren't going to get offensive help early I'd just as soon continue picking big bodies & letting them shake it out in camp.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

I like what you've done. Don't agree with it, but I like what you've done.

Pre-combine, I don't know if we can "criticize" on reaches or what not. But I will say it is rare to find a CB who can come into the league & take away half the field. Not as a rookie. & if there were a guy in the draft who could do so right away, he won't make it out of the top ten.

But.... maybe we trade down to get this guy... which isn't normally reflected in mocks... no partner & all that.

But I do like taking the best corner we can get. I like getting more secondary help in the second. I like going after that big body in the third & additional pass rush in the 4th.

I understand 5th round and beyond are "flyers" but if we aren't going to get offensive help early I'd just as soon continue picking big bodies & letting them shake it out in camp.

I agree. Texans have some talent, just seems they don't know how to use it. they need veteran leadership, how much will Bob be willing to spend once Collective Bargaining Agreement ratified?

[badboy]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

I like what you've done. Don't agree with it, but I like what you've done.

Pre-combine, I don't know if we can "criticize" on reaches or what not. But I will say it is rare to find a CB who can come into the league & take away half the field. Not as a rookie. & if there were a guy in the draft who could do so right away, he won't make it out of the top ten.

But.... maybe we trade down to get this guy... which isn't normally reflected in mocks... no partner & all that.

But I do like taking the best corner we can get. I like getting more secondary help in the second. I like going after that big body in the third & additional pass rush in the 4th.

I understand 5th round and beyond are "flyers" but if we aren't going to get offensive help early I'd just as soon continue picking big bodies & letting them shake it out in camp.

I think our offense is pretty much set with Jacoby Jones the only question mark. Personally I like him but would not give him much to re-sign. I see Leach. Foster and Owen Daniels on roster although the latter will get higher offers.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by badboy

I think our offense is pretty much set with Jacoby Jones the only question mark. Personally I like him but would not give him much to re-sign. I see Leach. Foster and Owen Daniels on roster although the latter will get higher offers.

That's a trap. Can't ever start thinking we've got anything sewn up or in the bag. We haven't had success as a franchise, we've got to keep improving in every phase of the game. Can't mortgage the future of the offense by selling out to the defensive effort.

Kubiak's success on offense can't last forever without replenish the talent at some time. We saw a little bit of that in 2009, Chris Brown & Ryan Moats. We were lucky Ward was there for the taking. Using him more than we did may have resulted in better standings. Can we keep Butler on the roster? We lose him, we're in deep doo-doo if something happens to Brown & Winston.

The draft, FA, are opportunities to improve the team. We can't get shortsighted.