The 4-3 Mock

[Doppelganger]

With a Win, the Texans moved into the mid 20's in terms of my mock draft. Thus many popular names like DeCastro and Ta'amu were off the board.

1. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
As I previously said, DeCastro and Ta'amu were off the board. Sanu is BPA here and fits a need. I think he could easily slide into the #2 WR slot opposite AJ and not miss a beat.

2. Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
The O line needs help at the RG spot. Brisel and Caldwell have not stood up agaist the elite/high end DLs of the league. If the Texans want to be a player, they need to go and get a quality OG. I say go to OL U and pick up their starting OG.

3. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
See what I said about Zeitler, except substitute in Myers for Brisel and Caldwell. Konz is a strong, powerful Center who can play. Plus he is used to having Zeiter next to him. Instant chemistry.

4. Trumaine Johnson, CB/FS, Montana
Small school stud prospect who has a nose for the football. Has DOMINATED weaker competition. He recoded 4 ints as a true freshman, 5 ints and 12 passes broken up as a sophomore, and 4 ints, 7 passes defended. He has good speed to compliment his 6'2" frame as well. Currently plays as a CB, some say FS. I think he would be a great addition for special teams right away and in time a CB or S.

5. Billy Winn, DE, Boise State
The Wade Phillips 3-4 needs good DEs to help the OLBs. We have seen what Watt can do and Smith has been great on the other side. Depth is important and Winn is the guy to provide it. He played very well against an SEC defense(Georgia), is a solid run stopper, and can pressure the QB. He is the kind of depth at DE we could use.

6. Michael Williams, TE, Alabama
Yeah, I know. I am going to get grief for drafting a TE. But, hear me out. Do yall remember Anthony Hill? He was supposed to be a stud blocking TE who would be an asset in the run or passing game. Sadly he couldn't stay healthy. I say take another chance on that kind of player. Williams is 6'6" 270lbs and would be a devastating blocker. He would be like having an additional OL on the field! Plus he is athletic, so every other game he can steal his way out of the LOS and catch a pass to keep the Defense honest.

7. Derrick Mason, WR

[aussie_texan]

Love reading your mocks each week and props to using different players as well.

just wondering a couple of things.

* seems like there are a plenty of WRs that could go in the late 1st and 2nd round. after the first 3 of lloyd, jeffery and blackmon who are probably all top 10 talents the next 5 are all interchangeable and could go anywhere between 20 and 50.

* Im a little surprised you didn't go NT at all in the draft, would like to get your reasoning for that.

* Also ill be very surprised if konz lasts till the late 3rd i think he goes late 2nd at the lowest.

* Havnt done enough research to analyse your last few picks yet though. but like the depth you bring with it.

* Just a thought on drafting a CB in the 4th. don't you think we have enough guys that are in that mould of depth e.g. harris, roc, mccain and mcmanis. CB is pretty stacked i think unless you draft one in the first round. i think depth wise we a pretty good obviously we could use an upgrade at CB2.

[Rey]

[quote=aussie_texan;1813848

* Just a thought on drafting a CB in the 4th. don't you think we have enough guys that are in that mould of depth e.g. harris, roc, mccain and mcmanis. CB is pretty stacked i think unless you draft one in the first round. i think depth wise we a pretty good obviously we could use an upgrade at CB2.[/QUOTE]

I agree depth isn't a huge problem, but there are certain positions where you can always stand to get deeper and better. Cb is one of those positions.

Plus if you think a guy can grow into a starter it may be worth it.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger

With a Win, the Texans moved into the mid 20's in terms of my mock draft. Thus many popular names like DeCastro and Ta'amu were off the board.

1. Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
As I previously said, DeCastro and Ta'amu were off the board. Sanu is BPA here and fits a need. I think he could easily slide into the #2 WR slot opposite AJ and not miss a beat.

2. Kevin Zeitler, G, Wisconsin
The O line needs help at the RG spot. Brisel and Caldwell have not stood up agaist the elite/high end DLs of the league. If the Texans want to be a player, they need to go and get a quality OG. I say go to OL U and pick up their starting OG.

3. Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
See what I said about Zeitler, except substitute in Myers for Brisel and Caldwell. Konz is a strong, powerful Center who can play. Plus he is used to having Zeiter next to him. Instant chemistry.

4. Trumaine Johnson, CB/FS, Montana
Small school stud prospect who has a nose for the football. Has DOMINATED weaker competition. He recoded 4 ints as a true freshman, 5 ints and 12 passes broken up as a sophomore, and 4 ints, 7 passes defended. He has good speed to compliment his 6'2" frame as well. Currently plays as a CB, some say FS. I think he would be a great addition for special teams right away and in time a CB or S.

5. Billy Winn, DE, Boise State
The Wade Phillips 3-4 needs good DEs to help the OLBs. We have seen what Watt can do and Smith has been great on the other side. Depth is important and Winn is the guy to provide it. He played very well against an SEC defense(Georgia), is a solid run stopper, and can pressure the QB. He is the kind of depth at DE we could use.

6. Michael Williams, TE, Alabama
Yeah, I know. I am going to get grief for drafting a TE. But, hear me out. Do yall remember Anthony Hill? He was supposed to be a stud blocking TE who would be an asset in the run or passing game. Sadly he couldn't stay healthy. I say take another chance on that kind of player. Williams is 6'6" 270lbs and would be a devastating blocker. He would be like having an additional OL on the field! Plus he is athletic, so every other game he can steal his way out of the LOS and catch a pass to keep the Defense honest.

7. Derrick Mason, WR

nice one dopplebock I like this version a lot

despite OL exceeding my expectations there is always room for improvement & quality depth, what safer better way to spend picks than on the OL & Badgers are second to none. I think Zeitler starts day one or at least is in a heated battle with Brisel. Konz is a top flight center prospect who would quickly develop into a starter, at least be the clear cut back-up.

For those that don't know Sanu, he is a high character kid, built & plays like a RB but is a WR. He is both durable & productive. A good red zone target with excellent body control & leaping ability.

I have been thinking about Trumaine Johnson in the 4th awhile, until he got into trouble @ 3:00am with police. Still waiting for the facts to come out but don't think he is a bad kid & probably only reason he would still be available this late (had 2nd rd. grade). Has all the measureables that transfer to the next level, size, speed & playmaking ability.

Winn fits high motor DE/OLB profile but doubt he is there in the 5th or 4th for that matter? maybe a guy like Nevada DE/OLB Brett Roy who I would love to get on the Texans roster.

I'm not sure about another TE Texans still have a good one on the bench, Garrett Graham, but to follow your line of thinking in blocking scheme, a FB is a definite need. I've mentioned Cody Johnson before, but maybe someone more in the James Casey mold? Joe Suhey, Penn State is a Football Player who loves & understands the game would be a special teams monster, solid depth & all around locker room plus.

rep your way

[badboy]

Really like this one doppelganger. Addresses the needs we all know we have. Appreiate your research.

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by aussie_texan

Love reading your mocks each week and props to using different players as well.

just wondering a couple of things.

* seems like there are a plenty of WRs that could go in the late 1st and 2nd round. after the first 3 of lloyd, jeffery and blackmon who are probably all top 10 talents the next 5 are all interchangeable and could go anywhere between 20 and 50.

* Im a little surprised you didn't go NT at all in the draft, would like to get your reasoning for that.

* Also ill be very surprised if konz lasts till the late 3rd i think he goes late 2nd at the lowest.

* Havnt done enough research to analyse your last few picks yet though. but like the depth you bring with it.

* Just a thought on drafting a CB in the 4th. don't you think we have enough guys that are in that mould of depth e.g. harris, roc, mccain and mcmanis. CB is pretty stacked i think unless you draft one in the first round. i think depth wise we a pretty good obviously we could use an upgrade at CB2.

1) I have looked at several WR options and the 2 that I keep coming back to are Sanu and Crier. They are completely different receivers and bring different qualities. Sanu is a smaller, faster, playmaker whereas Crier is a bigger reliable large target. Since this is a first round pick, I took a playmaker who could be a fantastic compliment to AJ. Unlike JJ, he has good hands and runs great routes.

2) I have only begun my research on DT/NTs at this point. Unfortunately thus far it looks pretty weak in terms of quality NTs. Outside of Ta'amu, I haven't seen anyone else that really fits what we are looking for. We need a run plugger who can also pentrate. If we can't get both, we may as well settle for just a run plugger. There are several NTs that can be pluggers and at least 1 should be there as an UDFA.

3) The fun part about now is that the draft is fluid. Konz could go anywhere from early 2nd to 4th right now. As the Big X schedule continues and he faces quality (especially in his bowl game) we will see how his stock grades out.

4) I wasn't planning on picking a DB, I really wasn't. But this guy is just too good to pass up. As BL alludes to previously, he has a red flag, but I don't think it will be major. I really believe this guy could be special. A solid tackler, a big DB with speed, the ability to stay with his man, this guy is gonna be AT LEAST a special teams monster.

[Doppelganger]

Originally Posted by beerlover

nice one dopplebock I like this version a lot

despite OL exceeding my expectations there is always room for improvement & quality depth, what safer better way to spend picks than on the OL & Badgers are second to none. I think Zeitler starts day one or at least is in a heated battle with Brisel. Konz is a top flight center prospect who would quickly develop into a starter, at least be the clear cut back-up.

For those that don't know Sanu, he is a high character kid, built & plays like a RB but is a WR. He is both durable & productive. A good red zone target with excellent body control & leaping ability.

I have been thinking about Trumaine Johnson in the 4th awhile, until he got into trouble @ 3:00am with police. Still waiting for the facts to come out but don't think he is a bad kid & probably only reason he would still be available this late (had 2nd rd. grade). Has all the measureables that transfer to the next level, size, speed & playmaking ability.

Winn fits high motor DE/OLB profile but doubt he is there in the 5th or 4th for that matter? maybe a guy like Nevada DE/OLB Brett Roy who I would love to get on the Texans roster.

I'm not sure about another TE Texans still have a good one on the bench, Garrett Graham, but to follow your line of thinking in blocking scheme, a FB is a definite need. I've mentioned Cody Johnson before, but maybe someone more in the James Casey mold? Joe Suhey, Penn State is a Football Player who loves & understands the game would be a special teams monster, solid depth & all around locker room plus.

rep your way

If I ever brew my own beer, the first batch will be named Doppelbock and there will be a six pack with your name on it!!!

I think the OL has excelled against weak DLs (Indy and Tennessee), struggled against an elite one (Baltimore) and had moments against an average one(Miami) and a depleted one (Pitt). I don't want the Texans to simply make the playoffs, I want them to contend. To do that, they must have an O line that can compete with Elite DLs. Brown, Winston, and Smith have been fine, but Briesel and Myers were exposed. Zeitler is an immediate upgrade and should be a Day 1 starter. I think Konz would push Myers and should end up with the job mid season.

Sanu is hard not to like. As a first rounder you want a gamer, a guy who loves football, works hard, and produces. Sanu genuinely loves football, unlike Mr. Roy Williams, who has all the talent and none of the desire. Sanu would be a great compliment to AJ who could stretch the field and has the hands to make the catches.

I would feel comfortable with Trumaine Johnson in the 4th. As you said, he has a red flag issue, but it looks isolated. He has all the measurable you want and at worst I think he could be a monster on special teams. Best case scenario: I see a 6'2" shutdown corner who could take his man out of the game.

Not sure where Winn goes. 3-4 DE used to be a clogger who held up the OL and allowed the OLB to attack. Now the 3-4 DEs are now putting pressure as well. Need to research this position more.

I thought about FB or TE in this situation. Last mock I went FB, this one I went super blocking TE. My only preference, at this point, for blocking TE, is that I loved the concept of what Anthony Hill would have brought. He brings additional blocking and protection for the OL and would be like having a 6th OL. In a situation where a blitz is coming, Schaub go audible and have the blocking TE go to the line and block. I think there is more versatility to a super blocking TE than FB.

Thanks for the compliment, appreciated as always!

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger

If I ever brew my own beer, the first batch will be named Doppelbock and there will be a six pack with your name on it!!!

I think the OL has excelled against weak DLs (Indy and Tennessee), struggled against an elite one (Baltimore) and had moments against an average one(Miami) and a depleted one (Pitt). I don't want the Texans to simply make the playoffs, I want them to contend. To do that, they must have an O line that can compete with Elite DLs. Brown, Winston, and Smith have been fine, but Briesel and Myers were exposed. Zeitler is an immediate upgrade and should be a Day 1 starter. I think Konz would push Myers and should end up with the job mid season.

Sanu is hard not to like. As a first rounder you want a gamer, a guy who loves football, works hard, and produces. Sanu genuinely loves football, unlike Mr. Roy Williams, who has all the talent and none of the desire. Sanu would be a great compliment to AJ who could stretch the field and has the hands to make the catches.

I would feel comfortable with Trumaine Johnson in the 4th. As you said, he has a red flag issue, but it looks isolated. He has all the measurable you want and at worst I think he could be a monster on special teams. Best case scenario: I see a 6'2" shutdown corner who could take his man out of the game.

Not sure where Winn goes. 3-4 DE used to be a clogger who held up the OL and allowed the OLB to attack. Now the 3-4 DEs are now putting pressure as well. Need to research this position more.

I thought about FB or TE in this situation. Last mock I went FB, this one I went super blocking TE. My only preference, at this point, for blocking TE, is that I loved the concept of what Anthony Hill would have brought. He brings additional blocking and protection for the OL and would be like having a 6th OL. In a situation where a blitz is coming, Schaub go audible and have the blocking TE go to the line and block. I think there is more versatility to a super blocking TE than FB.

Thanks for the compliment, appreciated as always!

pretty much agree with everything you said, it would be like me repeating a broken record (by the way just bottled a keg of Weizenbock). Also like your concept of a blocking TE & I could buy it, although that is primarily Joel Dreesen's role. However FB is a higher priority in my book, either road grader/blocking type or athlete all purpose back like Casey. Don't know if your old enough to remember the Bears glory years but if Joe is anything like his dad Matt Shuey, lead blocker for Walter Payton that's awfully tempting.

[Insideop]

Not a bad draft. I like the o-linemen, but I still think our biggest needs are going to be NT, ILB/OLB, and FS, not necessarily in that order. I know most want to get a big "space eating" NT but I think Wade will go after a smaller/quicker NT like Chapman from Alabama (6'1" 310). Not sure who they will go after for LB and FS. JMHO!

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Insideop

Not a bad draft. I like the o-linemen, but I still think our biggest needs are going to be NT, ILB/OLB, and FS, not necessarily in that order. I know most want to get a big "space eating" NT but I think Wade will go after a smaller/quicker NT like Chapman from Alabama (6'1" 310). Not sure who they will go after for LB and FS. JMHO!

* I don't see Chapman as the massive upgrade over Mithcell that some do.

* Like the Texans rotation @ ILB Cushing, DeMeco & Sharpton.

* OLB is one of the strengths of this defense, still formidable witout Mario the unquestioned stud in the line-up.

* The Texans went out & signed a high profile FS in free agency. Now we get to finally see how much depth there actually is (Nolan, McMannis, Harris, Allen).

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by beerlover

* I don't see Chapman as the massive upgrade over Mithcell that some do.

* Like the Texans rotation @ ILB Cushing, DeMeco & Sharpton.

* OLB is one of the strengths of this defense, still formidable witout Mario the unquestioned stud in the line-up.

* The Texans went out & signed a high profile FS in free agency. Now we get to finally see how much depth there actually is (Nolan, McMannis, Harris, Allen).

Not saying Chapman is a massive upgrade over Mitchell, but Cody is getting a little "long in the tooth" and if he or Mitchell go down, we have nobody to back them up. As for the ILB's, we've lost Sharpton now, so that leaves Cushing, a still recovering Ryans, and Tim Dobbins. That's way too thin IMO. And as for the Safety situation, with Manning and Barber out, we have Nolan, Quin, Keo, and Demps, who was just picked up. That's about a 1 year total between them of NFL Safety experience. We're getting away with it now because we are playing some bad teams (passing wise), and if Joseph goes down, our secondary could really be exposed then.

Look, I know we don't have a lot of depth in the O-line either, and I'm not saying we should ignore it in the draft, but I just think with Butler, Studdard, and Smith coming back healthy next year, it shouldn't be as high a priority as other areas that may be a little thinner. JMHO!

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Insideop

Not saying Chapman is a massive upgrade over Mitchell, but Cody is getting a little "long in the tooth" and if he or Mitchell go down, we have nobody to back them up. As for the ILB's, we've lost Sharpton now, so that leaves Cushing, a still recovering Ryans, and Tim Dobbins. That's way too thin IMO. And as for the Safety situation, with Manning and Barber out, we have Nolan, Quin, Keo, and Demps, who was just picked up. That's about a 1 year total between them of NFL Safety experience. We're getting away with it now because we are playing some bad teams (passing wise), and if Joseph goes down, our secondary could really be exposed then.

Look, I know we don't have a lot of depth in the O-line either, and I'm not saying we should ignore it in the draft, but I just think with Butler, Studdard, and Smith coming back healthy next year, it shouldn't be as high a priority as other areas that may be a little thinner. JMHO!

easy to over-react to injury @ any position. If Duane Brown gets hurt how would this affect Schaub? if you lose Schaub & insert Leinart how does this impact both of those positions?

[Wolf6151]

1. Sanu, good player that I think could be had in the 2nd round. I just don't think WR is our highest priority. Good player but not the choice I would have made.
2. Zeitler, great player for the Texans, very good choice.
3. Konz, no way he falls this far unless he gets injured. I think he goes high 2nd round, maybe even late 1st.
4. Johnson, I'm not familiar with this guy but really don't want another mid round CB from a small school that hasn't faced top notch talent and that's not going to provide anything that Allen, Harris, Carmichael, McCain, or McManis don't do.
5. Winn, I like the player but don't this he's available this late. Everything I've read says he's having a good year and most likely goes 2nd or 3rd round.
6. Williams, not another TE when we still don't know what we have with Graham. If you want another blocker then just line up another OG or OT out there. We need additional depth everywhere before TE.


Let's see the 5-3 mock now.