Need Your Expert Opinions...

[ObsiWan]

Saw this mock in the Bleacher Report and I'm wondering what you guys think of his picks...

Round 1: Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama
Don't let the fact that Houston has maintained the top, or near the top ranking in total defense all season fool you. With Wade Phillips in the war room, if a guy like Hightower is still on the board when they draft, he's likely to be standing on a table demanding that he is the pick.
Hightower is having a stellar season for the Crimson Tide that has seen him become a spectacular defender in the box as well as a good blitzer. He's athletic, has good instincts and can play any linebacker position in a 3-4 defense. With the possibility that the Texans could let Mario Williams walk at the end of the season, that tells me that they'll be looking for a play-making linebacker in the first round if one of the elite wide receivers doesn't miraculously slip to them near the end of the first day of the draft.
Previous pick: Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Round 2: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
By now, most agree that the Texans need to start looking for an heir to Andre Johnson, who can officially be dubbed as injury prone at this point. Is Criner that guy? Not likely, but he might be the best Houston can get at this point in the draft.
Criner is an excellent guy at going up and getting jump balls, and he has good size at 6'4" and 210 pounds. When you have a quarterback that consistently under throws guys, this is an excellent attribute to have on the receiving end. He is a weapon in the red zone and has the strength to out-muscle defenders.
The Texans would like to add a guy like Michael Floyd or even Dwight Jones, but it would likely need a trade up for Floyd or a reach in the first for Jones to do so.
Previous Pick: Josh Chapman , NT, Alabama

Round 3: Ryan Miller, G, Colorado
With Eric Winston starting to look like the weak link on the Texans stout offensive line, don't be surprised to see them try to pick his successor to groom here.
Miller is having quite a season season for Colorado. He's got a terrific burst to get out of his stance and into position, where he is an excellent run blocker. This, combined with his athleticism, is everything that you look for in the zone-blocking scheme that Houston has perfected.
High draft picks for the offensive line aren't exactly sexy picks, but remember that when you see Arian Foster and Ben Tate ripping off 15-yard plus runs all the time. The game is won in the trenches, and that requires some early draft consideration sometimes.
Previous Pick: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M

Round 4: T.J. Barnes, NT, Georgia Tech
Texans fans' long overdue prayers are finally answered when they draft a nose tackle over 300 pounds in the person of Barnes out of Georgia Tech.
At a massive 6'7" and 340 pounds, Barnes is the kind of run stopper that plugs the lanes and demands double teams. As well as Shaun Cody has played for the Texans this season, I'm sure Wade has bigger plans for the position than him.
Previous Pick: Jerry Franklin, LB, Arkansas

Round 5: Jacquies Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
One thing that is for sure about a Wade Phillips defense is that you can never have enough linebackers and pass-rushers. Smith can be both at either the outside linebacker or defensive end position.
Previous Pick: Rokevious Watkins, OG, South Carolina

Round 6: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy
Just like linebackers, another thing that a Wade Phillips defense likes is a vast number of pass-rushers.
In Massaquoi, he would add a guy who is probably more of a tweener, and most scouts would translate him to a linebacker in the NFL. He is good at dropping into coverage, and he is quick enough off the ball to bring quarterback pressure.
Remember what Wade Phillips did the last time he got his hands on a pass-rusher out of Troy?
Previous Pick: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy

Round 7: Greg McCoy, CB, TCU
You didn't really think the Texans would make it through a draft without adding another depth cornerback, did you?
What can you really say about a seventh-round pick out of TCU? The Texans may not even get this pick if Derrick Mason catches fire in the second half of the season, as this is the conditional pick in question.
But adding more cornerback depth is never going to be criticized, no matter what team you're a part of. In McCoy, they would get a guy with 4.4 speed who is above average in coverage with kick returning ability—something that could be remedied in all areas.
Previous Pick: Greg McCoy, CB, TCU

This looks like a shopping list for Wade with a token WR and OG thrown in to keep Dennison quiet. I also wonder if we shouldn't be looking for another QB to put on the P/S. Something tells me that they might try to move Leinart in the off season. I have no basis for that assumption other than plain ole gut feel.

anyway, what's you guys' assessment.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

Saw this mock in the Bleacher Report and I'm wondering what you guys think of his picks...


This looks like a shopping list for Wade with a token WR and OG thrown in to keep Dennison quiet. I also wonder if we shouldn't be looking for another QB to put on the P/S. Something tells me that they might try to move Leinart in the off season. I have no basis for that assumption other than plain ole gut feel.

anyway, what's you guys' assessment.

I mocked Hightower in first some time ago and would be a good fit. Issue is I don't see ILB as a priority need. WR should be #1 choice and most agree. I think there are better options than this mock by Bleacher especially at WR.

[Insideop]

Why would they pick a G, Ryan Miller, to groom for replacing Winston? Does Miller play RT too?

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Insideop

Why would they pick a G, Ryan Miller, to groom for replacing Winston? Does Miller play RT too?

He played some RT and some think he could in NFL I'm skeptical.
Ryan Miller, G, Colorado
Height: 6-8. Weight: 310.
Projected 40 Time: 5.25.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
10/29/11: Miller is having a strong senior season with some impressive games. He's shown the ability to be a forceful run blocker. Miller is a very good athlete and has excellent quickness to fire out of his stance to get to the second level. He anchors well in pass rush and has the mobility to slide with defenders. Miller has the skill set to get some consideration at right tackle.

8/20/11: Ryan Miller enters the season with a lot of preseason hype from the national media. He was an All-Big XII honorable mention in 2010 and a 12-game starter at right guard. In 2009, Miller started seven games at right guard and five games at right tackle due to injuries along the line. He is a powerful blocker who moves well for his size.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2012OG.php

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

Saw this mock in the Bleacher Report and I'm wondering what you guys think of his picks...


This looks like a shopping list for Wade with a token WR and OG thrown in to keep Dennison quiet. I also wonder if we shouldn't be looking for another QB to put on the P/S. Something tells me that they might try to move Leinart in the off season. I have no basis for that assumption other than plain ole gut feel.

anyway, what's you guys' assessment.

Not sure about the expert part

1. Hightower is thick, beefy downhill ILB. He is not explosive & would be a liability in coverage. Would add depth behind Cushing, not DeMeco. Could develop into a 3-4 OLB who can sack/pressure QB. I just don't see the need with quality of starting Texan LB's if Texans wanted to fill position this early it would have to be for a cover guy like Luke Kuechly who can fill holes quicker & make reads. Much as I like the player just don't see the justification.

2. Juron Criner doesn't seem to be anything special but does have the complete skill set of say a Kevin Walter. Has had some heath concerns too so I would probably pass. If a big WR is targeted, after the top rated ones are taken Texans could have dibs on a Jeff Fuller, Texas A&M or Marvin McNutt Iowa. Both have flashed some solid numbers with skill set needed.

3. Ryan Miller is pretty talented this late in the 3rd & would be tempting if there. I think a more realistic option is Troy LT James Brown who has plenty of upside & fits better inside Texan ZBS.

4. T.J. Barnes is a redshirt Jr. very raw with huge frame, not what Wade Phillips covets. There are better options, personally I feel this need should be addressed earlier.

5/6. Jacquies Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri & Jonathan Massaquoi, DE, Troy one or the other please with depth already in place this seems like a bit overkill.

7. Greg McCoy, CB, TCU return value maybe, anybody excited with McManis on KR duties? Generally speaking Horned Frogs have good speed & can jump from pad to pad without getting wet.

[Corrosion]

I think Hightower's gonna be a stud inside LB in the NFL .....


My question is who else is available at that pick and how those players grade out in comparison.
Hell , the Texans will likely be picking in the mid 20's .... I'm not so sure Hightower is availabe then .... But if he is and no WR is on the board that grades within a point or two of him , I wouldnt complain about the pick.


I said before that I could see ILB being picked in round 1 because of the amount that Ryans costs , he could be a cap casualty under the right scenario. This might be one of those ....


I do like Criner despite the injury history. He's a big target that can make the tough catches in traffic. A good redzone target.

[ObsiWan]

I'd always heard that if you're running a 3-4 defense, you cannot have enough LBs both inside and outside. I remember when we lost Sharpton and Mario some folks started to worry about the LB position - especially early on ...before DeMeco started looking like his old self. So looking for backups to Cushing & Ryans isn't so bad; unless you think that Dobbins and the return of Sharpton will be good enough.

I think I'd go Smith in the 5th and get another WR prospect in the 6th if this draft is as deep in WRs as you guys are thinking.

Speaking of WRs, this Cringer guy interests me, if only because of his size; 6'-4"/210 lbs!!? That sounds like a perfect redzone target to me. ....if he's got any sort of reliable hands that is.

A couple of weeks ago, there was a perception that QB should be a high priority. With T.J. looking like he'll work out okay (although we only have a limited amount of data on him so far) do we need to keep QB a priority or has that mild panic passed ...for now?

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

I'd always heard that if you're running a 3-4 defense, you cannot have enough LBs both inside and outside. I remember when we lost Sharpton and Mario some folks started to worry about the LB position - especially early on ...before DeMeco started looking like his old self. So looking for backups to Cushing & Ryans isn't so bad; unless you think that Dobbins and the return of Sharpton will be good enough.

I think I'd go Smith in the 5th and get another WR prospect in the 6th if this draft is as deep in WRs as you guys are thinking.

Speaking of WRs, this Cringer guy interests me, if only because of his size; 6'-4"/210 lbs!!? That sounds like a perfect redzone target to me. ....if he's got any sort of reliable hands that is.

A couple of weeks ago, there was a perception that QB should be a high priority. With T.J. looking like he'll work out okay (although we only have a limited amount of data on him so far) do we need to keep QB a priority or has that mild panic passed ...for now?

LB is probably Texans strongest position. I guess this is a statement the Texans have arrived if we're talking about using our #1 pick for depth purposes.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by ObsiWan

Saw this mock in the Bleacher Report and I'm wondering what you guys think of his picks...


This looks like a shopping list for Wade with a token WR and OG thrown in to keep Dennison quiet. I also wonder if we shouldn't be looking for another QB to put on the P/S. Something tells me that they might try to move Leinart in the off season. I have no basis for that assumption other than plain ole gut feel.

anyway, what's you guys' assessment.

I think we can comfortably pick BPA in this upcoming draft & just infuse this team with all kinds of talent.

That's going to lead to some truly tough decisions come time for the final cut, but that's the way it really should be.

Ssecond round WR sounds about right, 3rd round guard would probably be an instant starter on some teams so I'm good with that as well.

As far as QB heir apparent, I think it depends on how Yates turns out, so far the only thing that separates him from a traditional 1st rounder is college wins, but he's looking like he is ready to start. They questioned his arm strength but he turns out to have a stronger arm than the two QBs we started ahead of him. Schaub & the kid will most likely be 1 & 2 next year, if Delhomme or Garcia wants to stick around another year, I think we'll be Ok @ QB.

[Rey]

Demeco looks like he has his spring and his thump back. He had a very nice game this past Sunday.

I'd rather trade up for a top wr, ol, or cb than take Hightower. He wouldn't see the field a lot unless someone was injured whereas an upgrade at wr, ol or cb immediately helps us.

But this offense needs some talent infused. Id it came down to Hightower or a trade back I'd rather trade back and just take one of the bottom of the first top o the second type wr's. Sanu, wright ect. .

We should add depth to the ilb position, but not with our #1. Save that until the fourth or 5th round.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by Rey

Demeco looks like he has his spring and his thump back. He had a very nice game this past Sunday.

You know who had a good game? Glover Quin had a good game. I've watched the Atlanta game 3 times now & Glover Quin had a good game against Tony Gonzales. Yeah, there was that PI, but I really don't mind those kind, they were fighting as soon as Gonzo came off the line & I don't want our guy to back down.... ever.

But he had an excellent game. Down on the goal line, they ran one of their stretch plays for Roddy White in the endzone. Jjo took it away so Ryan tried to throw it to a receiver open in the back of the end-zone. Quin got up & tipped the ball, causing an incompletion. & I mean he got up.

Originally Posted by Rey

I'd rather trade up for a top wr, ol, or cb than take Hightower. He wouldn't see the field a lot unless someone was injured whereas an upgrade at wr, ol or cb immediately helps us.

We should add depth to the ilb position, but not with our #1. Save that until the fourth or 5th round.

If this kid can really play all 4 LB positions in a 3-4, I'm all for it. Gives us more leverage in the Mario Williams debate, improves the talent behind Demeco & Cushing, allows us to put Mario on the Line if need be.

[Wolf6151]

I would be ok with this draft but not thrilled.

1. I think Hightower would be great depth at ILB but I don't want backups in the 1st round.
2. I like Criner and think he'd be a very good #2, I have no problem with this pick.
3. I don't know alot about Miller but have read good things. If he can effectively replace Winston great, if he's only an upgrade at OG that's good as well.
4, 5, 6, and 7. I don't know anything about these guys. I don't like the height of the NT, he'll never get leverage as tall as he is. I do like the added OLB and DE depth. I don't like the late round CB depth, we've already got lots of that.

[Corrosion]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

You know who had a good game? Glover Quin had a good game. I've watched the Atlanta game 3 times now & Glover Quin had a good game against Tony Gonzales. Yeah, there was that PI, but I really don't mind those kind, they were fighting as soon as Gonzo came off the line & I don't want our guy to back down.... ever.

But he had an excellent game. Down on the goal line, they ran one of their stretch plays for Roddy White in the endzone. Jjo took it away so Ryan tried to throw it to a receiver open in the back of the end-zone. Quin got up & tipped the ball, causing an incompletion. & I mean he got up.
.

Quin has been a revelation at the S spot ..... I think he's been better than Manning TBH , especially in coverage. He takes really solid angles and thats huge as a safety.
Nolan wasnt bad either filling in for Manning .... hell he may have outplayed him too.

For the first time in the history of this franchise the S spots are in good hands .....

[Rey]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

You know who had a good game? Glover Quin had a good game. I've watched the Atlanta game 3 times now & Glover Quin had a good game against Tony Gonzales. Yeah, there was that PI, but I really don't mind those kind, they were fighting as soon as Gonzo came off the line & I don't want our guy to back down.... ever.

But he had an excellent game. Down on the goal line, they ran one of their stretch plays for Roddy White in the endzone. Jjo took it away so Ryan tried to throw it to a receiver open in the back of the end-zone. Quin got up & tipped the ball, causing an incompletion. & I mean he got up.



If this kid can really play all 4 LB positions in a 3-4, I'm all for it. Gives us more leverage in the Mario Williams debate, improves the talent behind Demeco & Cushing, allows us to put Mario on the Line if need be.

Yeah glover has been balling all season. But you are right he showed up this past sunday a lot.

I think Hightower is a MLB. He may be able to play outside, but the guy is a middle of the field thumper.

It is true that he'd provide good depth in the lb corps, but I don't care to spend a first round pick on good depth who may or may not see a good portion of action. Normally you play a lot of wr's. Normally you play a lot of corners/db's. We could use competition or an upgrade at og.

I don't think adding Hightower necessarily would make us a better team on gameday even if he was a pretty good player whereas I think adding a top talent at some other positions has a better chance of contributing.

I wouldn't be upset with Hightower, good depth can be found in later rounds though. I'd prefer to get a player that has a better chance at making us better on gameday.

[Corrosion]

Originally Posted by beerlover

LB is probably Texans strongest position. I guess this is a statement the Texans have arrived if we're talking about using our #1 pick for depth purposes.

They do have 5 really good LB's ..... but what we have to consider what happens with MW come FA. He's not going to be franchised at $23m. Someone might offer him stupid money ....and he's gone leaving a need for quality depth because one injury to the current LB group and they are hurting.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Corrosion

They do have 5 really good LB's ..... but what we have to consider what happens with MW come FA. He's not going to be franchised at $23m. Someone might offer him stupid money ....and he's gone leaving a need for quality depth because one injury to the current LB group and they are hurting.

It takes one to know one, so how much have you been drinking, really

[badboy]

It will be tragic if Mario is allowed to leave without something in return.

[TimeKiller]

I'd be really surprised if the Texans went so defense heavy.
I'd be really surprised if the Texans went so defense heavy. Didn't like the 1st round LBer. Miller a good pick, J Smith a good pick too.

Here's my all-D for no reason mock:

1. Jerel Worthy DT/DE 6'3'' 310 5.04 Strong, quick for a big man. Gets decent pressure, plays the run well.
2. Alemeda Ta'amu DT 6'3'' 337 5.22 Human wall. Run stopper. DL becomes a brutal wrecking ball with these 2 picks, freeing up the LBs to shine even brighter.
3. Vinny Curry DE/OLB 6'3'' 263 4.74 Relentless, strong, good work ethic. Great depth behind Barwin and Reed.
4. George Iloka FS 6'3'' 215 4.50 Big, fast safety depth and special teams.
5. Tyler Nielsen LB 6'3'' 235 4.54 Fast, tackling machine, good depth anywhere backing the line and special teams
6. Jake Bequette DE/OLB 6'5'' 271 4.61 A Barwin clone from the SEC? Thanks.
7. Robert Golden CB 5'11'' 200 4.54 Decent measurables for a 7th round CB

Here you get another every down DL to pair with Watt, the big run plugger, a couple shots at replacing Mario with big athletic rushers, LB depth, S depth and CB depth/special teamers.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Rey

Yeah glover has been balling all season. But you are right he showed up this past sunday a lot.

I think Hightower is a MLB. He may be able to play outside, but the guy is a middle of the field thumper.

It is true that he'd provide good depth in the lb corps, but I don't care to spend a first round pick on good depth who may or may not see a good portion of action. Normally you play a lot of wr's. Normally you play a lot of corners/db's. We could use competition or an upgrade at og.

I don't think adding Hightower necessarily would make us a better team on gameday even if he was a pretty good player whereas I think adding a top talent at some other positions has a better chance of contributing.

I wouldn't be upset with Hightower, good depth can be found in later rounds though. I'd prefer to get a player that has a better chance at making us better on gameday.

We're in alignment. Hightower is a plugger, solid in his assignments & asset to his defense. A draft grade depends a lot on what a team needs, every NFL teams draft board is rated differently based on those needs. BPA is more a reflection of a specific position as it relates to similar players @ that position. Teams then separate those positions by need. Each ranking positions as they fit into their specific schemes. In this sense I see Hightower given a higher grade to a 4-3 team that needs a MLB as oppossed to a 3-4 team that needs ILB. As it relates to Texans they have a strong side ILB in Cushing & a weakside LB in DeMeco. Hightower could be a hybrid between the two but not rated above either for their specific position in this scheme. Does that make any sense?

So if the Texans wanted to cover the strong side ILB position I would rather have Courtney Upshaw. If it's weakside I would rank Luke Kuechly higher. Burfict of course is the #1 rated MLB so in a sense Dont'a Hightower is the #2 MLB in this draft, IMO. Hope that clarifies the pick a bit more, not that I'm an expert or anything

[Corrosion]

Originally Posted by beerlover

It takes one to know one, so how much have you been drinking, really

Not enough ..... my wife found my stash.


Anyhow , I think we have to consider what happens in FA involving MW , there is a real possibility he wears another uniform next season considering the amount of money he'll likely be looking for.


Who's his agent ?