Ourlads/Dan Shonka Mock

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Mercilus had a higher draft grade & pass rusher trumps OL everytime unless it's a franchise LT.

Agreed

However DeCastro would've been a massive upgrade for an OL that really needed one. DeCastro is a 10 yr starter from day 1. IMHO

Also Mercilus was a great value and adds great depth to the LB corps. It was badly needed. The LB's are the key to Wades defense. This is why I would be willing to let Schaub walk if it meant keeping Cushing/Barwin along with LT Brown.

If Schaub is allowed to walk do you think Rick would have the $$$$ available to re-sign Cushing/Barwin/Quin on defense and Brown on offense?

I repped you for post #34. Great post, it should be required reading for all MB members.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by steelbtexan

Agreed

However DeCastro would've been a massive upgrade for an OL that really needed one. DeCastro is a 10 yr starter from day 1. IMHO

Also Mercilus was a great value and adds great depth to the LB corps. It was badly needed. The LB's are the key to Wades defense. This is why I would be willing to let Schaub walk if it meant keeping Cushing/Barwin along with LT Brown.

If Schaub is allowed to walk do you think Rick would have the $$$$ available to re-sign Cushing/Barwin/Quin on defense and Brown on offense?

I repped you for post #34. Great post, it should be required reading for all MB members.

You flatter me sir, thanks.

Now that Brown is resigned to a cap friendly deal the secret is out. Identify foundation pieces to lucrative yet reasonable deals. Losing Mario was tough but bringing in Mercilus to fill elite depth void @ OLB was the game changer. I'm not a brown nose, suck-up employee of anyone little lone Rick Smith & Company but it sure seams since Wade Phillips walked into the Kirby campus this franchise has evolved 180%. And yes I do think Connor will be next in line to ink a new deal in Duane's footsteps

[Doppelganger]

It would be a tough decision, but I would take DeCastro.

Ability-wise, DeCastro was the best OG prospect to come out of school since Steve Hutchinson. While Mercilus is a great looking prospect, he isn't the best one to come out this decade (I had Orakpo, Von Miller, and Julius peppers, Mario off the top of my head).

DeCastro's value is that he would have improved multiple positions immediately with his selection. He would be an immediate starter at LG. His strength, footwork, and natural ability would help create holes for Foster and keep the QB clean. By starting at LG, he would slide Wade Smith over to RG. This would be a good thing becuase as a wiley veteran, Smith could help out Butler/Newton as they adjust to the RT spot. It would allow the Texans to have a stronger more powerful OL to control the clock, pound the rock, keep the QB clean, and wear down the opposing defense. Mercilus is a great prospect, but he doesn't have the ability to start out of the gate. He won't supplant anyone right now. Can you imagine an Oline of Brown-DeCastro--Jones-Brooks- Newton? Footwork, strength, size, and power. That wouldn't be your daddy's ZBS!

That said, I am thrilled to have Mercilus on the squad and think he can become a dynamic pass rusher and in time an all round OLB. But, I would have preferred to have had DeCastro.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Doppelganger

It would be a tough decision, but I would take DeCastro.

Ability-wise, DeCastro was the best OG prospect to come out of school since Steve Hutchinson. While Mercilus is a great looking prospect, he isn't the best one to come out this decade (I had Orakpo, Von Miller, and Julius peppers, Mario off the top of my head).

DeCastro's value is that he would have improved multiple positions immediately with his selection. He would be an immediate starter at LG. His strength, footwork, and natural ability would help create holes for Foster and keep the QB clean. By starting at LG, he would slide Wade Smith over to RG. This would be a good thing becuase as a wiley veteran, Smith could help out Butler/Newton as they adjust to the RT spot. It would allow the Texans to have a stronger more powerful OL to control the clock, pound the rock, keep the QB clean, and wear down the opposing defense. Mercilus is a great prospect, but he doesn't have the ability to start out of the gate. He won't supplant anyone right now. Can you imagine an Oline of Brown-DeCastro--Jones-Brooks- Newton? Footwork, strength, size, and power. That wouldn't be your daddy's ZBS!

That said, I am thrilled to have Mercilus on the squad and think he can become a dynamic pass rusher and in time an all round OLB. But, I would have preferred to have had DeCastro.

Mario > Winston/Brisel hence Mercilus replaces a more valued position/player.

You also must take into how well each player fits in the system. I don't see DeCastro a ZBS fit here, better off in Pittsburgh & Mercilus looks like a more natural fit in Wade Phillips 3-4 @ OLB.

So I believe, end of the day they made the best decision even if it were possible....