Week 10 Mock

[beerlover]

First Round: Peter Konz, Center Wisconsin, 6-5 313

Can play either OG position if Myers is resigned but question is with Mario a free agent & Arian Foster contract looming can they afford to take care of everybody? In other words we could have a repeat of Vonta Leach situation. Texans talk a strong game, he's worth resigning but bottom line another team will offer him more. Konz is not only a plug in & play starting Center in this league, probably all pro in this system in a couple years. Been talking about drafting a stud center for several years, the end of first round was never an option before & this is really key how the really good teams stay good (invest in OL) & generally speaking best value to grab a Center, a starting player & future Pro-Bowl player @ his position.

Second Round: Ryan Broyles, WR Oklahoma, 5-10 188


Tearing his acl was just the break Texans needed to allow him to slip this far. Before I was trying to justify him as having outside chance to crack the first round, now there is a good chance he falls to Texans not because he is any less a player but because his rehab time will just be coming into shape around teams pre-seasons. Great player, perfect fit & very productive/polished just what Andre & Co. need. His stats are staggering even with his Sooner career cut short, so I'm willing to allow enough time to rehab & bring in a difference maker @ position of need.

Third Round: Audie Cole, ILB North Carolina State, 6-4 238

ILB not this high intially on my needs list (until Sharpton went down) but with everything that's happened it does make sense. High ceiling ILB prospect, could develop into starter material. Good instincts, frame to get bigger, very active & a winner, great addition to the LB corps. Removed Arthur Brown (character/size) & focused on a more suitable 3-4 ILB fit, that could back-up either Cushing or DeMeco. Cole leads the Wolfpack in total tackles (75) and tackles for loss (8 for 31 yards). He is tied for the team lead in sacks (3 for 23 yards) and has registered four quarterback pressures, two pass breakups and three caused fumbles

Fourth Round: James Brown, OT/OG Troy, 603 1/2 311


Big, Strong enforcer who could be Texans new back-up swing tackle as well fill either OG position. Changed need to 4th rd. by going Konz in 1st, this solidifies OL for years to come. Athletic LT who flashed enough to already be invited to Senior Bowl. My biggest fear is his draft grade climbs & he will be off the board sometime in the 3rd rd. He has really worked hard on conditioning & dropped his weight accordingly becoming more consistent for longer stretches.

Fifth Round: Robert Golden, CB/FS Arizona, 5-11 202

Competitive & aggressive with good size, instincts for position. Texans have a young developing group of DB's that Robert could come in to compete & learn from adding depth & another special teams body.

Sixth Round: David Paulson, TE Oregon, 6-3

Very much in the Owen Daniels mold & playmaker in Chip Kellys offense much the same way Gary uses Owen. I believe he is an upgrade over both Joel & Casey & solidifies the group as a whole. What mock draft would be complete anyway without a TE thrown into the mix?

Removed Seventh Round Pick, still waiting for conditions on Derrick Mason trade.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by beerlover

First Round: Peter Konz, Center Wisconsin, 6-5 313

Can play either OG position if Myers is resigned but question is with Mario a free agent & Arian Foster contract looming can they afford to take care of everybody? In other words we could have a repeat of Vonta Leach situation. Texans talk a strong game, he's worth resigning but bottom line another team will offer him more. Konz is not only a plug in & play starting Center in this league, probably all pro in this system in a couple years. [b][size="4"]

Second Round: Ryan Broyles, WR Oklahoma, 5-10 188


Tearing his acl was just the break Texans needed to allow him to slip this far. Before I was trying to justify him as having outside chance to crack the first round, now there is a good chance he falls to Texans not because he is any less a player but because his rehab time will just be coming into shape around teams pre-seasons. Great player, perfect fit & very productive/polished just what Andre & Co. need.

Third Round: Audie Cole, ILB North Carolina State, 6-4 238

Excellent scheme smart depth support behind Cushing & DeMeco. Was not this high intially on my needs list but with everything that's happened it does make sense. He has a high ceiling too so could develop into starter material. Good instincts, frame to get bigger, very active & a winner, great addition to the LB corps.

Fourth Round: Brett Roy, OLB/DE Nevada, 6-3 263

(could not fit in 7 pics)
High motor Brooks Reed/JJ Watt 3-4 grinder, just keeps going & going never giving up on a play. Versatility to fill both positions, plays DT for Nevada cannot be single covered always draws double teams & still records double digit sacks. Very good balance/footwork & uses hand placement & quickness to beat defenders. Could be a defensive pick to add depth just in case they cannot resign Mario Williams then he would be Brooks back-up.

Fifth Round: Robert Golden, CB/FS Arizona, 5-11 202

Competitive & aggressive with good size, instincts for position. Texans have a young developing group of DB's that Robert could come in to compete & learn from adding depth & another special teams body.

Sixth Round: David Paulson, TE Oregon, 6-3

Very much in the Owen Daniels mold & playmaker in Chip Kellys offense much the same way Gary uses Owen. I believe he is an upgrade over both Joel & Casey & solidifies the group as a whole. What mock draft would be complete anyway without a TE thrown into the mix?

Seventh Round: Chad Diehl, FB Clemson, 6-2 258
Thumper to be lead blocker for Foster & Tate. Vickers is doing better but doesn't exactly blow people away & for Casey its year after year of injurys that always seem to hold him back.

Excellent draft BL. I am very high on Konz and he will be a very good player. In our O, it is good he re-sets well after initial punch. Here is good eval but I focous more on strengths than weakness.

Strengths: Elite size and bulk for a center – Fantastic blocker when on the move, finds his targets quickly – Moves exceptionally well for his size – Very effective in combo blocks – Resets well after initial punch – Excels on the second level, picking off linebackers – Runs the screen play very well.

Weaknesses: Occasionally gets knocked off balance unexpectedly – Rarely is a dominating force one-on-one inside – Dealt with durability issues (ankle) in past – Blood clot in lung during 2009 season might also be a red-flag.

Last Updated: October 5th, 2011http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2011/10/peter-konz-scouting-report.html

TBH, I never considered him as a OG. I have focused on his RG Zeitler.

#2 Broyles is a good WR but I just can't get into this guy but TBF, it may be because I like Kendall Wright.

#3 Cole is a good college ILB but don't want him for pro even if he puts on 15 lbs. Same issue I have with Kuechly. I think Demeco is excepetion not the rule. I want ILBs to fill the box and stop the run if we don't draft a big NT.

#4 Have not followed Roy
#5 I think you may have a steal here.
Again really intrigued by your center but you should expect him to sit or beat out a Guard because Myers is not going anywhere.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by badboy

Excellent draft BL. I am very high on Konz and he will be a very good player. In our O, it is good he re-sets well after initial punch. Here is good eval but I focous more on strengths than weakness.

Strengths: Elite size and bulk for a center – Fantastic blocker when on the move, finds his targets quickly – Moves exceptionally well for his size – Very effective in combo blocks – Resets well after initial punch – Excels on the second level, picking off linebackers – Runs the screen play very well.

Weaknesses: Occasionally gets knocked off balance unexpectedly – Rarely is a dominating force one-on-one inside – Dealt with durability issues (ankle) in past – Blood clot in lung during 2009 season might also be a red-flag.

Last Updated: October 5th, 2011http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2011/10/peter-konz-scouting-report.html

TBH, I never considered him as a OG. I have focused on his RG Zeitler.

#2 Broyles is a good WR but I just can't get into this guy but TBF, it may be because I like Kendall Wright.

#3 Cole is a good college ILB but don't want him for pro even if he puts on 15 lbs. Same issue I have with Kuechly. I think Demeco is excepetion not the rule. I want ILBs to fill the box and stop the run if we don't draft a big NT.

#4 Have not followed Roy
#5 I think you may have a steal here.
Again really intrigued by your center but you should expect him to sit or beat out a Guard because Myers is not going anywhere.

I changed it up a bit. Instead of LB heavy went OL heavy. Why because it's just that important to me, as we've seen a dominant OL in the NFL translates into wins even without a franchise QB. If Texans lose Myers they're in trouble, injury or contract makes no difference & he is no where near the prospect of the mighty Konz who will be a starter in this league ten years for some lucky team. I waffled between Roy & Brown. I really think the Texans will somehow work out an extension for Mario Williams. Butler however may be cut or released if they can bring in a younger, stronger stud swing tackle.

[thunderkyss]

Really, a great draft.

But we've got play-offs ahead of us.... I know old habits are hard to break, but we don't need to be talking about the draft until mid February or later.

Talking NFL Draft @ week 10 is for losers.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by beerlover

I changed it up a bit. Instead of LB heavy went OL heavy. Why because it's just that important to me, as we've seen a dominant OL in the NFL translates into wins even without a franchise QB. If Texans lose Myers they're in trouble, injury or contract makes no difference & he is no where near the prospect of the mighty Konz who will be a starter in this league ten years for some lucky team. I waffled between Roy & Brown. I really think the Texans will somehow work out an extension for Mario Williams. Butler however may be cut or released if they can bring in a younger, stronger stud swing tackle.

I would be surprised if Konz was selected but not upset. I usually don't use a high draft pick to back up a noninjured player. I used a 5th for Blake who will not be a Konz but could play back up role @ T, C and OG. I don't see Butler being cut if 100%. His deal was 2 years $3.8m with $1.25 bonus. He should only have about $1.26 in salary & that is cheap for what we saw him do in relief of Brown.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

Really, a great draft.

But we've got play-offs ahead of us.... I know old habits are hard to break, but we don't need to be talking about the draft until mid February or later.

Talking NFL Draft @ week 10 is for losers.

Well, we losers are gonna continue to talk draft because that is part of our enjoyment. Some tailgate, some watch cheerleaders and there is us.

[Dutchrudder]

I like the positions in general. We need a good O-lineman to help increase depth and potentially replace Brisel.

Joel Dressen will be a free agent this offseason, so we may lose him. Definitely going to be a TE drafted if that's the case.

The Mason trade is conditional based on his number of receptions with the Texans. 32 or less catches and the Texans retain their 7th. 33 or more and the Jets get our 7th.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

I like the positions in general. We need a good O-lineman to help increase depth and potentially replace Brisel.

Joel Dressen will be a free agent this offseason, so we may lose him. Definitely going to be a TE drafted if that's the case.

The Mason trade is conditional based on his number of receptions with the Texans. 32 or less catches and the Texans retain their 7th. 33 or more and the Jets get our 7th.

We need to remember that Briesel has been playing on a sprained ankle.

[Wolf6151]

1. Konz, excellent player and pick. If we're picking late I have no problems here.
2. Broyles, I'd rather have a taller WR like Jones (likely gone by this pick though), Criner, Toon, McNutt, or Fuller. Also didn't Broyles just tear an ACL or MCL in his knee last weekend. I'd wait to see how his injury pans out.
3. Cole, I don't know anything about him and he's a little light weight for ILB duty but he's got the height to add weight and I like the position chosen.
4. Brown, I don't know anything about him either but after adding Konz who will most likely play OG the first few years Brown seems like a wasted pick. Konz would move Caldwell and Briesel down on the depth chart instantly giving us much better O-line depth. We've also got Butler at swing Tackle.
5. Golden, I don't know anything about him either but we don't need another mid round CB who won't add anything we don't already have. If he's going to be depth at FS then he could be a good depth pick. Also this seems early for Golden, from the lists I've seen he could probably be had as an UDFA.
6. Paulson, not another TE, we still don't know what we have in Garret Graham who would be 2nd string behind Owens if we lose Dreesen to FA, and Casey would be 3rd string TE.

The first 3 picks are good but I think we could do better with the last 3 picks. Also I'd like to see a little less offense and more defense.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

1. Konz, excellent player and pick. If we're picking late I have no problems here.
2. Broyles, I'd rather have a taller WR like Jones (likely gone by this pick though), Criner, Toon, McNutt, or Fuller. Also didn't Broyles just tear an ACL or MCL in his knee last weekend. I'd wait to see how his injury pans out.
3. Cole, I don't know anything about him and he's a little light weight for ILB duty but he's got the height to add weight and I like the position chosen.
4. Brown, I don't know anything about him either but after adding Konz who will most likely play OG the first few years Brown seems like a wasted pick. Konz would move Caldwell and Briesel down on the depth chart instantly giving us much better O-line depth. We've also got Butler at swing Tackle.
5. Golden, I don't know anything about him either but we don't need another mid round CB who won't add anything we don't already have. If he's going to be depth at FS then he could be a good depth pick. Also this seems early for Golden, from the lists I've seen he could probably be had as an UDFA.
6. Paulson, not another TE, we still don't know what we have in Garret Graham who would be 2nd string behind Owens if we lose Dreesen to FA, and Casey would be 3rd string TE.

The first 3 picks are good but I think we could do better with the last 3 picks. Also I'd like to see a little less offense and more defense.

Wolf, I think the idea of drafting a CB later rounds is thinking the pick would replace a vet costing more. I agree you don't want to just add average depth.
For example on our combined mock we chose Hayward who would replace a back up CB & save a few bucks.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by badboy

Well, we losers are gonna continue to talk draft because that is part of our enjoyment. Some tailgate, some watch cheerleaders and there is us.

didn't mean you were a loser (I'm not saying that you aren't) I meant 2-14 losers...... 6-10, 8-8, won't make the play-offs losers.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

1. Konz, excellent player and pick. If we're picking late I have no problems here.
2. Broyles, I'd rather have a taller WR like Jones (likely gone by this pick though), Criner, Toon, McNutt, or Fuller. Also didn't Broyles just tear an ACL or MCL in his knee last weekend. I'd wait to see how his injury pans out..
3.Cole, I don't know anything about him and he's a little light weight for ILB duty but he's got the height to add weight and I like the position chosen.
4. Brown, I don't know anything about him either but after adding Konz who will most likely play OG the first few years Brown seems like a wasted pick. Konz would move Caldwell and Briesel down on the depth chart instantly giving us much better O-line depth. We've also got Butler at swing Tackle.
5. Golden, I don't know anything about him either but we don't need another mid round CB who won't add anything we don't already have. If he's going to be depth at FS then he could be a good depth pick. Also this seems early for Golden, from the lists I've seen he could probably be had as an UDFA.
6. Paulson, not another TE, we still don't know what we have in Garret Graham who would be 2nd string behind Owens if we lose Dreesen to FA, and Casey would be 3rd string TE.
The first 3 picks are good but I think we could do better with the last 3 picks. Also I'd like to see a little less offense and more defense.

2. The reason why Broyles will be available now is the acl tear. I'm sure the Texans crack medical team along with rest of NFL teams will throughly assess risk mangement of a full recovery. I just love this player & think he would be a possible answer to fill WR duties oppossite Andre Johnson.

3. Cole is a reason why I took Roy off in the next round, I see some dueality in him I really like & think Wade too because you can move him around to a rush OLB as well. Great character, winning locker room attitude.

4. Remember Brown @ the Senior Bowl & that I told you so. Probably off the board this late but would be a great fit (swing tackle & fill OG duties if needed).

5. I don't think you can have too many Glover Quin type DB's. Hard nosed, competitive & physical.

6. It's a Texan MO. Paulson would be a great system fit, very solid between the seams.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

didn't mean you were a loser (I'm not saying that you aren't) I meant 2-14 losers...... 6-10, 8-8, won't make the play-offs losers.

evolution of a doormat franchise becoming something special is no rational to quit trying to seek improvement going forward while still enjoying the ride.

[aussie_texan]

did i just click on the bleacher report website lol sorry if i offended anyone i have a feeling the BR isn't everyones favourite but i like the pictures lol

really like your draft. especially the ILB in the 3rd but agree he needs to add some weight to play in this system. I'm starting to think the same about drafting one early unless demeco can really step it up. he played well last week... hopefully continues.

As much as the TE maybe be a joke (or not) i don't think its a bad idea, joel is playing well and i think is coming out of contract so could be an issue there.

Im not sold on Broyles but in the late 2nd that has to be consider somewhat of a steal.

Nice overall draft!

[aussie_texan]

Originally Posted by badboy

Well, we losers are gonna continue to talk draft because that is part of our enjoyment. Some tailgate, some watch cheerleaders and there is us.

Spot on!

There is definitely a small group of us that do it week in week out and we all really enjoy it.

[Insideop]

It's starting to look like the Texans may pick in the late 20's, or dare I say it, even the 30's with this draft. If so, I think they "will pick the best player available at a position of need." I think it was Rick Smith who said this last year before the draft. And, it is probably true at least for the 1st 3 rounds. After that, it's probably BPA. Now, IMO, I think the positions of need for the Texans, at least to this point, are WR, NT, ILB, and S. You covered 3 of those positions, and I know most of you wanted the 4th (big NT), but at this point there doesn't seem to be any out there worth taking with a high pick.

So, having said all that, I don't think the Texans will take a C in the 1st round. I like Konz and think he would be great as a C for the Texans. But, baring injury, I don't think he would unseat Myers. As for him playing G or picking DeCastro or Zeitler, that could happen, but not to replace Brisiel. The one they could replace is Wade Smith. He's 30 and has been playing for 9 years. But, I'm thinking the Texans will go after either a WR or ILB depending on who's left when we pick. If Kuechly or Hightower are there, I think they go after one of them. If not, I think they go after one of the tall WR's like Dwight Jones, Michael Floyd, or Nick Toon.

In the 2nd, if they get the ILB in the 1st, they could go after a WR like McNutt from Iowa (6'4" 215) or Criner from Arizona (6'4" 210). If they get the WR in the 1st then they could go after your ILB, Cole, since he may not be there late in the 3rd. In the 3rd they could start looking for a G or maybe a S.

At this point, and it's really too early to tell, I don't really know enough about the players to say the Texans should pick this guy or that guy, so your guess is as good as mine. But it's fun to speculate and analyze what they might do, and it's a long season, so have fun and enjoy the ride!

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by aussie_texan

did i just click on the bleacher report website lol sorry if i offended anyone i have a feeling the BR isn't everyones favourite but i like the pictures lol

really like your draft. especially the ILB in the 3rd but agree he needs to add some weight to play in this system. I'm starting to think the same about drafting one early unless demeco can really step it up. he played well last week... hopefully continues.

As much as the TE maybe be a joke (or not) i don't think its a bad idea, joel is playing well and i think is coming out of contract so could be an issue there.

Im not sold on Broyles but in the late 2nd that has to be consider somewhat of a steal.

Nice overall draft!

correct me if this is wrong but isn't Cushing more explosive because he dropped a lot of weight? Quickness is key, as long as strength is not lost. I have absoultely no doubt Audie's 6'4" frame will fill out some more once he leaves College, gets serious about nutrition (he'll have to around Cushing) while his strength increases.

Thanks for your feedback, my friend

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Insideop

It's starting to look like the Texans may pick in the late 20's, or dare I say it, even the 30's with this draft. If so, I think they "will pick the best player available at a position of need." I think it was Rick Smith who said this last year before the draft. And, it is probably true at least for the 1st 3 rounds. After that, it's probably BPA. Now, IMO, I think the positions of need for the Texans, at least to this point, are WR, NT, ILB, and S. You covered 3 of those positions, and I know most of you wanted the 4th (big NT), but at this point there doesn't seem to be any out there worth taking with a high pick.

So, having said all that, I don't think the Texans will take a C in the 1st round. I like Konz and think he would be great as a C for the Texans. But, baring injury, I don't think he would unseat Myers. As for him playing G or picking DeCastro or Zeitler, that could happen, but not to replace Brisiel. The one they could replace is Wade Smith. He's 30 and has been playing for 9 years. But, I'm thinking the Texans will go after either a WR or ILB depending on who's left when we pick. If Kuechly or Hightower are there, I think they go after one of them. If not, I think they go after one of the tall WR's like Dwight Jones, Michael Floyd, or Nick Toon.

In the 2nd, if they get the ILB in the 1st, they could go after a WR like McNutt from Iowa (6'4" 215) or Criner from Arizona (6'4" 210). If they get the WR in the 1st then they could go after your ILB, Cole, since he may not be there late in the 3rd. In the 3rd they could start looking for a G or maybe a S.

At this point, and it's really too early to tell, I don't really know enough about the players to say the Texans should pick this guy or that guy, so your guess is as good as mine. But it's fun to speculate and analyze what they might do, and it's a long season, so have fun and enjoy the ride!

All valid points. I like McNutt too by the way.... I suppose this is sort of an accumulation of years following the Texans. Fans are fickle, one minute they love a player next minute off with their heads. The Center position has been a sore spot for years & Myers wasn't excatly an instant success. To me this speaks volume about the scheme & system installed by Gibbs. Today it represents continuity with same core players along with excellent OL coaching. I really doubt the Texans have elite talent, some might say Brown, but seriously excatly how good could they really be with one of the best Centers to come out over the past ten years?

Everything I've researched points to Konz being a legitimate first round pro prospect, where the Texans pick will have alot to do with if he is even still on the board, I hope it's 32nd, regardless this is a low risk high reward player, the kind Championship teams continually retool their teams with. Now are the Texans going to be one of them?

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by beerlover

All valid points. I like McNutt too by the way.... I suppose this is sort of an accumulation of years following the Texans. Fans are fickle, one minute they love a player next minute off with their heads. The Center position has been a sore spot for years & Myers wasn't excatly an instant success. To me this speaks volume about the scheme & system installed by Gibbs. Today it represents continuity with same core players along with excellent OL coaching. I really doubt the Texans have elite talent, some might say Brown, but seriously excatly how good could they really be with one of the best Centers to come out over the past ten years?

Everything I've researched points to Konz being a legitimate first round pro prospect, where the Texans pick will have alot to do with if he is even still on the board, I hope it's 32nd, regardless this is a low risk high reward player, the kind Championship teams continually retool their teams with. Now are the Texans going to be one of them?

Now that would be sweeeeet!

And, if Konz is there at the 32nd pick, take him. If he's as good as they say he is he should be able to replace one of the interior linemen right off! No sense in waiting to improve the O-line like the Colts did and try to have rookies and junior players protect your QB after your linemen start retiring and leaving for free agency. Besides, the longer that offense stays out on the field, the better it is for the defense.

[beerlover]

Senior Analyst - NFLDraftScout.com agrees - http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/n...out-ChadReuter