Next mock up

[badboy]

This is probably most difficult mock I've ever created. Believe or not the 4th round was my obstacle. I kept plugging the spot and changing it two hours later. I also have hinted at some surprises that cause consternation but I ask you to carefully consider my guys and then rip me a new one. Here we go.

1. #24 WR Kendall Wright 5'10 190 4.49 (has run a 4.39) can play either flanker or slot. Pulls ball down against taller DBs. Excellent everything. We don't need tall we need good opposite AJ. Stats: 108/1663 15.4 avg & 14 TDS

2. #56 DT/DE Derek Wolfe 6'5" 300 replaces A. Smith later & is great depth

3. # 88 WR Jordan White plays both positions. 6' 215 4.48 140/1911 13.7 17 TDs. He will be 24 in June as he was a 6 year player. Some consider a reach this high but if you've watched, he is a ball magnet.

4. #120 LG Lonnie Edwards 6'5" 320 with good feet &anchor. Replaces W Smith.

5. #152 NT Mister Cobble 6' 332 with quick burst & disrupts pocket. Kentucky. When I first heard of this guy I nicknamed him MR. Gobble & thought I was clever. Man was I wrong. Minimal film and he was almost ruled inelig for 2011 due to grades. He admitted he was just lazy enterring his college years. Almost didn't make team & responded well late season. Brute strength & unbelievable quick off the ball. Combo of of Dontari Poe & Ta'Amu. Ended up with 33 tackle 3 for loss & a sack. Could be best of all picks. He can set & learn or move Mitchell to DE.

6. #184 QB Case Keenum you know the crazy stats so I won't post all but 5600yds 48 TDs & 5 INTs? System QB or not he is deadly accurate.

7. #216 FB Chad Diehl pure power blocker. He catches like Vickers but blocks like an avalanche rolling downhill. Yeah, you got it. 6'2" 265.

[Dutchrudder]

4. #120 LG Lonnie Edwards 6'5" 320 with good feet &anchor. Replaces W Smith.

All looks good to me, but why do you want to replace Wade Smith? He's under contract for another year or two, Brisiel is going to be a free agent, and I always thought Mike was the lesser of the two guards.

[Wolf6151]

Remember, you asked for it. Start ripping.

1. Wright, we've been through this pick a bunch of times, I'm against it. Wright is a very good football player with lots of talent but I just can't get over the size issue when there are equally good WR's who don't have this issue. I just don't think he fits the Texans needs.
2. Wolfe, I don't know much about him but what I read is positive and he's got great size and speed combo for the position. In a weak year for D-line talent he stands a good chance of being gone in the late 2nd round. If available he's a good value pick but I see bigger needs on the O-line and DE depth can wait til later in the draft.
3. White, I like the player and I appreciate the double dip on an important position of need, he could be some quality depth if we let Jacoby walk. Again I like a bigger WR but he could be good in a David Anderson type roll, #4 possession receiver with potential for YAC.
4. Edwards, I don't know alot about him but he's got great size for the position and could be some quality depth where it's needed. Hopefully he learns for a yr. or 2 til needed to replace someone. I'd like to see O-line alot earlier in the draft.
5. Cobble, I don't know anything about him and find it hard to believe that a guy of his height and weight could be quick off the line. I'll have to trust you on this one. He's a redshirt sophomore and might not declare for the draft.
6. Keenum, he's great in college but I just don't see the pro potential in Keenum. ehhhh pick.
7. Diehl, great FB but very one dimensional and I think he can be had as an UDFA. How long did we sign Vickers for? If he's good he'd save us money over Vickers salary.

I usually like your drafts but overall I'm just not loving this one, it reads to me like your trying to hard and over thinking it. Sorry. Wolfe in the 2nd is the best value pick if available but we've got bigger needs in the 2nd. I thought you were liking Zeitler in the 2nd?

[TimeKiller]

I wouldn't be pissed about Wright, I just think there's probably better picks to be had. The 2nd round DL, no thanks, there are pressing issues in the secondary and on offense. 3-6 sounds good, don't know the players though, that's on me lol...Keenum would be an interesting pick but where exactly would he fit in behind Shoop, Leinart AND Yates? Better picks to be had. Gotta love the Diehler pick, I've been pimping that one for a while. I highly doubt a bruiser like him slips out of the draft, I'd even grab him in the 6th and pick another player later.

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

I wouldn't be pissed about Wright, I just think there's probably better picks to be had. The 2nd round DL, no thanks, there are pressing issues in the secondary and on offense. 3-6 sounds good, don't know the players though, that's on me lol...Keenum would be an interesting pick but where exactly would he fit in behind Shoop, Leinart AND Yates? Better picks to be had. Gotta love the Diehler pick, I've been pimping that one for a while. I highly doubt a bruiser like him slips out of the draft, I'd even grab him in the 6th and pick another player later.

Lienart will likely be cut or traded. He's owed 3 million next year and clearly is not the second best QB on the team. Move Yates up to 2nd string and choose another QB for 3rd or the Texans could keep Delhomme on as the 3rd stringer.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

All looks good to me, but why do you want to replace Wade Smith? He's under contract for another year or two, Brisiel is going to be a free agent, and I always thought Mike was the lesser of the two guards.

My believe is we don't have any starter other than WR2 that will be replace next season by a draft pick. Smith is weakest link on Oline imo so I draft a OG that will eventually replace him. It says something that we are now able to add quality depth and begin to release players end of bench.

Brisiel is 28 and comes with the heart that Kubiak loves. Just this year he returned after one play on an ankle sprain. He later broke his leg and played quite a while on it (until half time IIRC) then returned to team after couple games. I really wanted Zeitler for right side but he will be gone before we select. I think your opinion of Mike being lesser of two OG is not the opinion of management.
I think Wade will start at least one more season and Brisiel will be re-signed.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

Remember, you asked for it. Start ripping.

1. Wright, we've been through this pick a bunch of times, I'm against it. Wright is a very good football player with lots of talent but I just can't get over the size issue when there are equally good WR's who don't have this issue. I just don't think he fits the Texans needs.
2. Wolfe, I don't know much about him but what I read is positive and he's got great size and speed combo for the position. In a weak year for D-line talent he stands a good chance of being gone in the late 2nd round. If available he's a good value pick but I see bigger needs on the O-line and DE depth can wait til later in the draft.
3. White, I like the player and I appreciate the double dip on an important position of need, he could be some quality depth if we let Jacoby walk. Again I like a bigger WR but he could be good in a David Anderson type roll, #4 possession receiver with potential for YAC.
4. Edwards, I don't know alot about him but he's got great size for the position and could be some quality depth where it's needed. Hopefully he learns for a yr. or 2 til needed to replace someone. I'd like to see O-line alot earlier in the draft.
5. Cobble, I don't know anything about him and find it hard to believe that a guy of his height and weight could be quick off the line. I'll have to trust you on this one. He's a redshirt sophomore and might not declare for the draft.
6. Keenum, he's great in college but I just don't see the pro potential in Keenum. ehhhh pick.
7. Diehl, great FB but very one dimensional and I think he can be had as an UDFA. How long did we sign Vickers for? If he's good he'd save us money over Vickers salary.

I usually like your drafts but overall I'm just not loving this one, it reads to me like your trying to hard and over thinking it. Sorry. Wolfe in the 2nd is the best value pick if available but we've got bigger needs in the 2nd. I thought you were liking Zeitler in the 2nd?

Understand we disagree on WRs. We have tried JJ 6'2"and Bryant Johnson 6'3" with minimal success. I want speed and good hands. Both White and Wright weave thru heavy traffic and get the ball. The yards and ypc are awesome. As far as Red Zone, I want it to go to AJ or Daniels or Dreesen.

Vickers signed a one year deal. Diehl is one dimensional as I said but that is like saying a brain surgeon can only do brain surgery, well yeah.

Without using "systems QB" tell me why you think Keenum can't play NFL.

There were several players that I had to remove from my boards as they moved up.

[TimeKiller]

Originally Posted by Dutchrudder

Lienart will likely be cut or traded. He's owed 3 million next year and clearly is not the second best QB on the team. Move Yates up to 2nd string and choose another QB for 3rd or the Texans could keep Delhomme on as the 3rd stringer.

I doubt they cut him. There would be little questioning keeping all 3 guys but if they're going to trade someone......trade Schoop. That's my opinion anyway...

Keenum won't get drafted. No way. Scouts will knock his age and the competition he played against. It was a helluva ride but Keenum's got LOTS of proving to do and no major bowl game to do it in. Senior game? Combine invite? We'll see...

[badboy]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

I doubt they cut him. There would be little questioning keeping all 3 guys but if they're going to trade someone......trade Schoop. That's my opinion anyway...

Keenum won't get drafted. No way. Scouts will knock his age and the competition he played against. It was a helluva ride but Keenum's got LOTS of proving to do and no major bowl game to do it in. Senior game? Combine invite? We'll see...

I think his stats and national prominence this season get him to Senior Bowl & combine. Up to him to connect with a team. He turns 24 Feb why is that an issue? he knows how to pass the ball and game manage but like many QBs needs to improve on reads & adjsut to NFL defenses. Sounds like a Kubiak guy to me.

I don't necessarily disagree with you on Schaub but if there is no Luck or RG3 who starts if you trade Schaub? If you say Leinert do it slowly so I do not blow snot all over the screen.

[Dutchrudder]

Originally Posted by TimeKiller

I doubt they cut him. There would be little questioning keeping all 3 guys but if they're going to trade someone......trade Schoop. That's my opinion anyway...

I think he will be a cap casualty next year. 3 million is a too much for a 3rd string QB. If we can trade him to Seattle for a 6th or 7th, I would do it. Take the 3 million saved on him and put it towards re-signing Arian or Mario. We're gonna need more space this offseason to re-sign Myers, Foster, Mario and Brisiel.

Keenum won't get drafted. No way. Scouts will knock his age and the competition he played against. It was a helluva ride but Keenum's got LOTS of proving to do and no major bowl game to do it in. Senior game? Combine invite? We'll see...

Funny that you mention Keenum's age being an issue. I was talking to someone at work the other day who thought Keenum was 26, but no he's 24. He's only 1 year older than most QBs in the draft, which isn't much of a difference. Brandon Weedon is 28, which is a significant difference in age from other draftees.

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by badboy

Understand we disagree on WRs. We have tried JJ 6'2"and Bryant Johnson 6'3" with minimal success. I want speed and good hands. Both White and Wright weave thru heavy traffic and get the ball. The yards and ypc are awesome. As far as Red Zone, I want it to go to AJ or Daniels or Dreesen.

Vickers signed a one year deal. Diehl is one dimensional as I said but that is like saying a brain surgeon can only do brain surgery, well yeah.

Without using "systems QB" tell me why you think Keenum can't play NFL.

There were several players that I had to remove from my boards as they moved up.

I'm not say height is the only factor important to a WR, you know that. JJ and B. Johnson don't run very good routes, or have great hands so they're not successful and don't have the quick speed to gain separation. If I've got 2 WR's that can do everything well then I'm taking the taller of the 2. Height is one advantage that most WR's have over CB's and I don't want to give up that advantage. Also CB's in the NFL are getting taller and stronger as well, short skinny guys will have trouble running their routes with physical CB's jamming them at the line or re-routing them.

As for Diehl, Kubiak has made it known that he doesn't like a one trick pony. I'd sign Diehl as an UDFA and give him a tryout in camp but roster positions are precious so teams don't like a guy that can only do one thing well especially a rookie.

I still think we can get Zeitler in the 2nd round. I've seen some mocks with him in the 3rd and 4th rounds though the 4th round sounds crazy. I'm keeping him on my mock in the 2nd, I just wish there were some way to get him and Chapman in the 2nd round.

My feelings on Keenum are hard to quantify. He's short, he's a system QB, never faced high level talent in Conference USA, he took 6 yrs. to do what most guys do in 3 or 4 yrs.. I think he has the capability to be a decent game managing backup QB who's smart and won't turn over the ball but isn't going to carry a team to or through the playoffs. I don't see starter potential in him. I wish him the best and hope that he has the work ethic and can prove me wrong. I'd love to look back and say I was wrong on that guy.

I also think Leinart will be a roster cut next year, to expensive for the 3rd string. I was hoping he could showcase his talent and we could get something good for him in trade, right now I'd take 2 hot cheerleader with implants and a groundskeeper with a new riding mower for him.

[SAMURAITEXAN]

badboy, I agree with your 1st rd by position but, would like to see a bigger WR than Wright. Like wolf mentioned, Kubiak seems to prefer taller WR. 2nd rd, I prefer G and 3rd, ILB. We were really short handed in both G and ILB position this year and I feel we need to find quality back up that able to start when needed. Prior to this season, I wanted NT at 1st rd however, after watching regular season games, I think we are OK with Cody and Mitchell for now. Perhaps to look NT in the later rounds? What do you think?

[badboy]

Originally Posted by SAMURAITEXAN

badboy, I agree with your 1st rd by position but, would like to see a bigger WR than Wright. Like wolf mentioned, Kubiak seems to prefer taller WR. 2nd rd, I prefer G and 3rd, ILB. We were really short handed in both G and ILB position this year and I feel we need to find quality back up that able to start when needed. Prior to this season, I wanted NT at 1st rd however, after watching regular season games, I think we are OK with Cody and Mitchell for now. Perhaps to look NT in the later rounds? What do you think?

Thanks for comments as always everyone's opinions are considered and help me re-think positions. I think 2 very similar WRs with speed close, I'd go with taller as Wolfe said. I have watched most of the WRs of note and only two I'd take in late first. I have advocated Jones but just think Wright is a better player. It would have helped if Jones had more opportunities to show his stuff. I think he will be a very good steady player. Wright could be a HOF guy. It is hard to describe but he plays taller than he is. On one mock I had Wright in first and Dwight Jones in 2nd but OG was glaring at me. So I tagged Zeitler. My board (as will others) will fluctuate as more info comes in.

Notes:

Michael FLoyd if avail would be the guy without his drinking issues. I might overlook that but McNair? *Floyd has no issue this past season.

Sanu another bigger faster player never stood out to me when I watched him. Others disagree. I want an electrifying guy that will push the defense to account for him every play. Same problem I had with Jeff Fuller who I also mocked early. Coryell Judie (A&M CB)did not progress & I'm not sure if firing SHerman will fix issues.

In first round, only Blackmon, Wright and D. Jones would get my pick (& Floyd if Bob said ok). Jordan White just blew me away when I finally got to watch him.
McNutt's last game left me frustrated & wanting more from him.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by SAMURAITEXAN

badboy, I agree with your 1st rd by position but, would like to see a bigger WR than Wright. Like wolf mentioned, Kubiak seems to prefer taller WR. 2nd rd, I prefer G and 3rd, ILB. We were really short handed in both G and ILB position this year and I feel we need to find quality back up that able to start when needed. Prior to this season, I wanted NT at 1st rd however, after watching regular season games, I think we are OK with Cody and Mitchell for now. Perhaps to look NT in the later rounds? What do you think?

I also like OG in 2nd but my guy Zeitler keeps fluctuating out of reach on my board. What sealed the deal of going elsewhere was never seeing him at LG. If you think that Brisiel is liked better by Kubes than Wade Smith (2 years apprx older) and I do, then you draft to eventually replace LG. I know Washington and Edwards will be stalwarts @ LG. With Edwards, I resolve the greater weakness. *Note I'm not saying he beats Smith for starter.

After 1st round none of the ILBs stood out to me. Hightower is a solid 1st and had a great game in the championship & probably moved him up a notch or two. Had him mock in first but could not justify that. I really like our LBs & decided to move them off mock. I do look for an UDFA here. I thought Cush & Ryans did well. Depth could be looked at.

Agree with you on NT and brought Cobble in as late round depth.

[gary]

Look at Steve Smith his heart out does his size.

[badboy]

Derek Wolfe, DE/DT, Cincinnati
Height: 6-5. Weight: 302.
Projected 40 Time: 4.92.
Projected Round (2012): 2-3.
12/16/11: Wolfe had an excellent senior season with 64 tackles, 19.5 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and 9.5 sacks. At the point of attack, he overwhelms offensive linemen with his strength and speed. Wolfe closes on the quarterback quickly and plays the run extremely well. He has a nice repertoire of pass rushing moves and uses a strong rip move. Entering the NFL, Wolfe has very good technique with a relentless motor. He could be an ideal 3-4 defensive end. Don't be surprised to see him move up during the draft process.

8/21/11: Derek Wolfe has had two quality seasons for Cincinnati. In 2009, he recorded 41 tackles with eight tackles for a loss and five sacks. Last year, he had 48 tackles with 6.5 tackles for a loss and four sacks. If he can stay consistent as a senior, it would ensure his status as a mid-round pick. If Wolfe has a big senior season with his scheme flexibility to play either a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense, his could raise his stock.
http://walterfootball.com/draft2012DT.php


12/30/11 - He had $7 in his pocket and a decision to make. University of Cincinnati defensive lineman Derek Wolfe had completed his junior season and faced a mid-January deadline to apply for early entry into the 2011 NFL draft. Wolfe briefly considered the option. ''Every college athlete in my position does,'' Wolfe said. ''It was the end of the season and I was sitting there with $7 to my name. I've had a lot of help from friends and family throughout my life, but you just get tired of having to ask for stuff. ''So I thought about it and thought about it. (Cincinnati) coach (Butch) Jones had a lot to do with me sticking around. All my coaches talked to me about it and said, 'You have to make a decision that's right for you.' The pros (of returning) outweighed the cons.'' As the Bearcats, the Big East champions, prepare for Saturday's AutoZone Liberty Bowl game against Vanderbilt, Wolfe should find himself slightly more attractive to the NFL. Wolfe, 6-5 and 300 pounds, is the reigning Big East Defensive Player of the Year, coming off a season in which he led the league in tackles for loss (191/2 ) and ranked 12th nationally in sacks (91/2 ). ''I wouldn't say my senior year was beyond my expectations, I would say it's just a payoff,'' Wolfe said. ''I've worked so hard for so many years.'' - Phil Stukenborg, The Memphis Commercial Appeal

[Nawzer]

First of all I want to start off by saying I don't know much about NFL prospects except for the big named ones like Luck, RGIII, etc. I do agree that we need another playmaker next to AJ, but I see us signing a free agent rather than drafting one high. Rookie receivers are not really reliable no matter how talented they are. I'm not against drafting a receiver high, but I don't think they will. I'd like to see the Texans pursue a guy like Jerome Simpson of the Bengals who is just a playmaker who'll learn playing next to a All-Pro like AJ.

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by Nawzer

First of all I want to start off by saying I don't know much about NFL prospects except for the big named ones like Luck, RGIII, etc. I do agree that we need another playmaker next to AJ, but I see us signing a free agent rather than drafting one high. Rookie receivers are not really reliable no matter how talented they are. I'm not against drafting a receiver high, but I don't think they will. I'd like to see the Texans pursue a guy like Jerome Simpson of the Bengals who is just a playmaker who'll learn playing next to a All-Pro like AJ.

Picking up a quality WR in FA is a nice idea but I don't think it will happen this year. The Texans are right at the salary cap already and won't have the money to spend on other teams FA because we have so many of our own players becoming FA this year. Mario, Brisiel, Dreesen, Foster - RFA, etc... will all be FA and we'll need to attempt to re-sign them. The only way that we can do all that and go after other teams FA is to let Mario walk, or cut other players that don't make sense financially like possibly Jacoby Jones and/or Walter. Maybe we can get Demeco to take a pay cut because he's making way to much money for a 2 down ILB with injury concerns.

[SAMURAITEXAN]

Originally Posted by Nawzer

First of all I want to start off by saying I don't know much about NFL prospects except for the big named ones like Luck, RGIII, etc. I do agree that we need another playmaker next to AJ, but I see us signing a free agent rather than drafting one high. Rookie receivers are not really reliable no matter how talented they are. I'm not against drafting a receiver high, but I don't think they will. I'd like to see the Texans pursue a guy like Jerome Simpson of the Bengals who is just a playmaker who'll learn playing next to a All-Pro like AJ.

I had the same opinion on WR position not too long ago. However, we got key FAs to resign and our money will be really tied up and may not able to go after WR FA I think. It will be nice to pick up talent like Simpson who can hurdle and flipping over defender (Amazing athleticism) with good hands and proven veteran.

I don't know how Texans' FA players situation turns out for us. Just say if we decided resign Dreessen, I think odd man out would be Walter. I believe Casey can fill the role (I am not cap guy but should save some money). However, all the money saved by letting go Walter will likely to go to Dreessen resigning. Our money will be still tied up.

I don't know how it's going to turn out for us as you can see there's so many ifs. In my opinion, our WR position after AJ is up for grabs and would like to see a heavy competition next year. Hope, Maehl and Jean do well in WR competiion (I kinda high on both)

So all in all, finding WR in the draft is the way to go IMO. Of course, it will be nice if we can find reasonable priced #2WR in FA market but, I just have a hard time convincing myself this will happen. But again, we will never know how Texans' FA situation will be and it is all depends on how much we spend on our own FAs first.

Go Texans!!!

[Rey]

Originally Posted by gary

Look at Steve Smith his heart out does his size.

That's true, but he was a third round pick.

Right or wrong, production and play on the field is sometimes trumped by guys with great measurables.

If there any WR's that NFL people think are close in talent to Wright, I think they will lean more towards the bigger guys.

When you are a smaller player you have to be extraordinary to be taken over players comparable in talent but with bigger bodies.