BL Pre-Combine Mock w/NE trade

[beerlover]

New England trades with Houston the 17th pick in the 1st along with 10th pick in 3rd. + 28th pick in 4th (1218) for the 11th pick overall (1250) to get JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin who will become their bookend 5 technique DE. several teams ahead of them Minnesota, Detroit & St. Louis would love to get their hands on him. I'm also going to include the compensatory pick via Dunta Robinson (Knowing fully well Lucky, kiwitexansfan are going to kill me).

1st. (17th pick of rd.) - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA, 6040 254

After breaking down film of all the prospects to project for the Texans @ OLB Akeem has the most complete skill set. He will not be a liability in pass coverage, he can set the corner, solid in run support & shows excellent athletic skills to rush the passer. Not explosive but always charging with excellent pursuit & ball skills in turnover department. A very safe pick, the second best fit for Texans need @ OLB after Von Miller.

2nd. (Texans #10 pick of rd.) Muhammed Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple, 6050 303

If unable to trade down the Texans just may select JJ Watt with 11th overall pick? Too many question marks for me going into next season converting 4-3 DT/DE's to 3-4 DE's. The Texans need to reinforce the edge with nasty, size strength starting quality player & Wilkerson is shooting up draft boards as a viable 5 technique DE prospect.

3rd. (Texans #9 pick of rd.) - Shareece Wright, CB, USC, 6000 187

I'm looking for close to finished product with length, good skills like back peddle, ability to locate the ball in the air & contest WR for possession. He is one of the CB's I'm paying extra close attention to @ the upcoming combine if he runs under a 4.40 he'll be gone but if expected runs in the 4.45-4.5 range he should still be on the board here.

3rd. (Texans via New England via Minnesota #10 of rd.) - Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada, 6020 229

Pass rushing specialist, developmental OLB. Could actually test out with best speed in class @ combine something Texans covet. I know this is another OLB prospect pretty high, but while Ayers is a everydown OLB Moch's value is in pass rushing situations when Wade wants to bring the house. Plus he was exposed to him coaching the East West Shrine game.

3rd. (supplemental pick awarded compensation for Dunta Robinson) Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina, 6020 205

Coming into the draft off a fractured right fibula last game of season, if not for his injury he would be projected much higher (2nd rd. grade). I was really looking for a center fielder type with ball skills, after reviewing film he stood out in this class in that department. The good news is the Texans will not be in a rush to start him too soon & let him develop, strengthen & feel comfortable putting him in position to succeed.


4th (Texans #8th pick of rd.) Terrell McClain, DT/NT, South Florida, 6020 310

Impressed @ Shriner game (Wade Phillips coaching) late invite to Senior Bowl. Stock rising because of compact & stout lower torso would be nice DT to develop @ nose, very similar to Ratliff who was drafted by Cowboys in latter rounds but proved to be a steal because of work ethic & fit into Wade system.

4th (Texans via New England #28th of rd.) Cecil Shorts III, WR, Mount Union, 6000 200

Represents great small school prospect value http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfn3oxSbJ6A Jacoby may leave via FA & even if not would upgrade depth chart behind Walter.

5th (Texans #7th pick of rd.) Willie Smith, OT, ECU, 6050 300

Another uncertainty heading into FA is status of Rashad Butler? Texans have done a nice job developing him question is will it be for another team willing to pay him starting OT money? Hence addressing roster with similar talent to groom once again is Smith who is excellent in run blocking, having helped pave lanes for Chris Johnson while @ ECU. All-Conference USA First Team.

6th (Texans #13th pick of rd.) Ryan Bartholomew, C, Syracuse, 6010 300

Always a good idea to bolster the trenches. I was expecting more from Antoine Caldwell & less of Chris Myers but actually the reverse has happened. These late rd. linemen need time to groom & develop so by the time he is ready, Myers could be on his downside or needed for depth purposes. Shows leadership required for position, hard worker solid base able to hold the point.

7th (Texans #12th pick of rd.) Allen Bradford, RB, USC, 6000 235

Big, powerful back, proficient in pass pro. Adds depth (PS) replacing Ward who is a FA similar size 5011 228. low cost developmental, could get call up with injury's or needed depth on special teams & goal line carries to rotate with Foster/Tate. 110 carries his senior year for 794 yds. 5 TD's with a 7.2 yards per carry average. Decisive downhill runner who fits ZBS - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfcSvZ5akTc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Klr...eature=related

[kiwitexansfan]

I see your still smoking that good '3rd comp for Dunta' stuff...

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by kiwitexansfan

I see your still smoking that good '3rd comp for Dunta' stuff...

must be the same stuff Rick Smith was smoking

[Ndevine7]

I like it i just dont know if the Pats will do this. They always trade down to get more picks not usually trade up.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by Ndevine7

I like it i just dont know if the Pats will do this. They always trade down to get more picks not usually trade up.

That's generally true. But this year, the Pats are sitting with 2 picks in each of the 1st 3 rounds. They don't need more picks, they need impact players. I think they would trade up for a playmaking WR for Brady, not a 3-4 DE. There are about a half dozen prospects that fit that profile who would be available where the Pats pick at 17, 28, and 33.

Originally Posted by kiwitexansfan

I see your still smoking that good '3rd comp for Dunta' stuff...

Originally Posted by beerlover

must be the same stuff Rick Smith was smoking

Did Rick Smith say the Texans were in line for a 3rd round comp pick for Dunta? If so, I would love to see that quote.

[beerlover]

While I included several positions drafted because of losing players via free agency I did not address players Texans may target themselves via FA. This year the tables are turned (unless a breakthrough in CBA negotiations occurs) so the Texans need to focus on taking the bpa @ positions of need first then address remaining needs via free agency when officially opened. I tried to address as many defensive as well offensive needs as possible (in this case trading down is key) impossible to fill every need, every position in one draft year/free agency. While I don't have any inside information to suggest this will happen, in Jon McClain article in Chronicle Rick Smith did say this-

"Just because we haven't gone up doesn't mean we're averse to it," Smith said. "We'll entertain every option available to us if we feel it's a player who can make a significant difference. I'm not averse to trading up or down. I think my track record says I'll do deals."

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Lucky

Did Rick Smith say the Texans were in line for a 3rd round comp pick for Dunta? If so, I would love to see that quote.

given the high profile of matter you know as well as I do they are not going to make a public statement as such, as risk assessment managers they must calculate by allowing a former number one to walk they would get something in return. In my book Dunta Robinson value to this team was not worth the suffering last season at any cost little lone a sandwich pick between the 3rd & 4th rounds. He took a risk & lost if he doesn't receive fair compensation for his losses then its a double whammy

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by kiwitexansfan

I see your still smoking that good '3rd comp for Dunta' stuff...

LZ thinks they will get a 3rd for Dunta.

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

given the high profile of matter you know as well as I do they are not going to make a public statement as such...

That's what I thought. Rick Smith said nothing about getting a comp pick and you just made it up.

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

LZ thinks they will get a 3rd for Dunta.

Well, he's misinformed.

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by beerlover

given the high profile of matter you know as well as I do they are not going to make a public statement as such, as risk assessment managers they must calculate by allowing a former number one to walk they would get something in return. In my book Dunta Robinson value to this team was not worth the suffering last season at any cost little lone a sandwich pick between the 3rd & 4th rounds. He took a risk & lost if he doesn't receive fair compensation for his losses then its a double whammy

Yep.

The way things work for Gary and Rick, they probably will get a 5th/6th rd sandwich pick. They will say they knew what they were going to get all along. How good Jackson is looking and how over the hill Dunta is.

Some of this is true (Dunta over hill) most of it is BS.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Lucky

That's what I thought. Rick Smith said nothing about getting a comp pick and you just made it up.

Well, he's misinformed.

common sense. like knowing to put disclaimer you would hate that I included supplemental compensation pick?

on the serious side your probably right- http://houston.sbnation.com/houston-...ird-round-pick but until a decision is made I'm holding out hope, something we've faced since Bob McNair announced Houston was bidding to get a franchise back here to Houston.

[Blake]

Originally Posted by beerlover

3rd. (Texans via New England via Minnesota #10 of rd.) - Dontay Mock, OLB, Nevada, 6020 229

Dontay Mock?

[Ndevine7]

Originally Posted by Super Mario

Dontay Mock?

Assuming he meant Dontay Moch

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by beerlover

New England trades with Houston the 17th pick in the 1st along with 10th pick in 3rd. + 28th pick in 4th (1218) for the 11th pick overall (1250) to get JJ Watt, DE Wisconsin who will become their bookend 5 technique DE. several teams ahead of them Minnesota, Detroit & St. Louis would love to get their hands on him. I'm also going to include the compensatory pick via Dunta Robinson (Knowing fully well Lucky, kiwitexansfan are going to kill me).

1st. (17th pick of rd.) - Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA, 6040 254

After breaking down film of all the prospects to project for the Texans @ OLB Akeem has the most complete skill set. He will not be a liability in pass coverage, he can set the corner, solid in run support & shows excellent athletic skills to rush the passer. Not explosive but always charging with excellent pursuit & ball skills in turnover department. A very safe pick, the second best fit for Texans need @ OLB after Von Miller.

2nd. (Texans #10 pick of rd.) Muhammed Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple, 6050 303

If unable to trade down the Texans just may select JJ Watt with 11th overall pick? Too many question marks for me going into next season converting 4-3 DT/DE's to 3-4 DE's. The Texans need to reinforce the edge with nasty, size strength starting quality player & Wilkerson is shooting up draft boards as a viable 5 technique DE prospect.

3rd. (Texans #9 pick of rd.) - Shareece Wright, CB, USC, 6000 187

I'm looking for close to finished product with length, good skills like back peddle, ability to locate the ball in the air & contest WR for possession. He is one of the CB's I'm paying extra close attention to @ the upcoming combine if he runs under a 4.40 he'll be gone but if expected runs in the 4.45-4.5 range he should still be on the board here.

3rd. (Texans via New England via Minnesota #10 of rd.) - Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada, 6020 229

Pass rushing specialist, developmental OLB. Could actually test out with best speed in class @ combine something Texans covet. I know this is another OLB prospect pretty high, but while Ayers is a everydown OLB Moch's value is in pass rushing situations when Wade wants to bring the house. Plus he was exposed to him coaching the East West Shrine game.

3rd. (supplemental pick awarded compensation for Dunta Robinson) Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina, 6020 205

Coming into the draft off a fractured right fibula last game of season, if not for his injury he would be projected much higher (2nd rd. grade). I was really looking for a center fielder type with ball skills, after reviewing film he stood out in this class in that department. The good news is the Texans will not be in a rush to start him too soon & let him develop, strengthen & feel comfortable putting him in position to succeed.


4th (Texans #8th pick of rd.) Terrell McClain, DT/NT, South Florida, 6020 310

Impressed @ Shriner game (Wade Phillips coaching) late invite to Senior Bowl. Stock rising because of compact & stout lower torso would be nice DT to develop @ nose, very similar to Ratliff who was drafted by Cowboys in latter rounds but proved to be a steal because of work ethic & fit into Wade system.

4th (Texans via New England #28th of rd.) Cecil Shorts III, WR, Mount Union, 6000 200

Represents great small school prospect value http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfn3oxSbJ6A Jacoby may leave via FA & even if not would upgrade depth chart behind Walter.

5th (Texans #7th pick of rd.) Willie Smith, OT, ECU, 6050 300

Another uncertainty heading into FA is status of Rashad Butler? Texans have done a nice job developing him question is will it be for another team willing to pay him starting OT money? Hence addressing roster with similar talent to groom once again is Smith who is excellent in run blocking, having helped pave lanes for Chris Johnson while @ ECU. All-Conference USA First Team.

6th (Texans #13th pick of rd.) Ryan Bartholomew, C, Syracuse, 6010 300

Always a good idea to bolster the trenches. I was expecting more from Antoine Caldwell & less of Chris Myers but actually the reverse has happened. These late rd. linemen need time to groom & develop so by the time he is ready, Myers could be on his downside or needed for depth purposes. Shows leadership required for position, hard worker solid base able to hold the point.

7th (Texans #12th pick of rd.) Allen Bradford, RB, USC, 6000 235

Big, powerful back, proficient in pass pro. Adds depth (PS) replacing Ward who is a FA similar size 5011 228. low cost developmental, could get call up with injury's or needed depth on special teams & goal line carries to rotate with Foster/Tate. 110 carries his senior year for 794 yds. 5 TD's with a 7.2 yards per carry average. Decisive downhill runner who fits ZBS - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfcSvZ5akTc http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12Klr...eature=related

I would love to see a trade down happen, but until I see it, I cant believe it. However, if the trade does happen, I love the draft.

1) Ayers is a very solid pick here. Good all-around LB, solid value at the 17.

2) I like it, but I dont think he is a NT. I would stick him at DE, and watch him tear it up. That said, he is an ideal 4-3 DT, so in any 4 man fronts he will be useful.

3) First meh pick here. I dont know about a CB in the third, we have a lot of people there. We need a starter, and I dont know if Wright can be that guy.

3) We have had our discussions on Moch- lots of speed and potential, but a lot of risk. With the amount of picks the Texans have if your trade goes down, this is a good place to swing for the fences.

3) If the comp pick happens, Williams is my guy here. Great pick.

4) Another player we have heavily discussed. Looked great in the post season, but I have heavy reservations about guys who make their mark in allstar games and shorts. Still, you have a good track record (scouting Joseph and Mitchell last year), so this is not a bad pick. Just one I would have gone another direction with.

4) Here is my first pick I dislike. I am not a Shorts fan. Overrated small school guy (as weird as that sounds), who gets a lot of hype due to coming from the same school as Garcon. I suggest South Alabama WR Courtney Smith, who will be appearing in this slot in my pre combine mock draft debuting shortly.

5) You have sold me on this guy, sign him up.

6) Meh. 6th round depth guy, but will he make the roster? I have doubts here.

7) Late round powerback to fill a niche. I'm in.

Again, nice work!

[Lucky]

Originally Posted by beerlover

on the serious side your probably right- http://houston.sbnation.com/houston-...ird-round-pick

From the link:

For example, consider a team that loses one qualifying player whose value falls in the third round and another qualifying player whose value falls in the sixth round but signs a qualifying player whose value falls in the third round. That team would receive a sixth-round comp pick because the signed player would cancel out the loss of the higher-valued player

That's true, but that's not the reason the Texans aren't getting a 3rd round pick for Dunta.

Look, I've pointed you to the links that explained the compensatory picks in excruciating detail, but you either haven't read them or you're just not believing it. Which is fine. But, you and a lot of other dreamy Texan fans are headed for a disappointment when the picks are announced.

[keyser]

Originally Posted by Lucky

That's true, but that's not the reason the Texans aren't getting a 3rd round pick for Dunta.

Look, I've pointed you to the links that explained the compensatory picks in excruciating detail, but you either haven't read them or you're just not believing it. Which is fine. But, you and a lot of other dreamy Texan fans are headed for a disappointment when the picks are announced.

To follow up again, one thread where we discussed this was: HERE. It seems the best guess was that we should get a 7th round pick for Dunta.

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by keyser

To follow up again, one thread where we discussed this was: HERE. It seems the best guess was that we should get a 7th round pick for Dunta.

If all they get for Dunta is a 7th rd pick. They got screwed.

Typical Texans

It will be interesting to see if you or LZ have this right.

I have no idea how the comp picks work.

If I had to bet I'd take Luck every day. LOL

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by beerlover

New England trades with Houston

You know we're getting the shaft if we're trading with New England.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

You know we're getting the shaft if we're trading with New England.

Pats could use a defensive end and WR so if we can move down and get anything we probably come out ahead.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

You know we're getting the shaft if we're trading with New England.

not sure this is what you mean? Belichick comes out ahead in points on this trade. Getting 11th is worth 1250. While Smith (who traded with Bill last draft to move back up for Tate) receives in return 17th(950) +74TH(220) +124TH(48) = 1218. Or team closer to a Championship is enabled to draft the missing cog for their DL since Richard Seymour left?