Prospects to watch in 2013 as they apply to Texans needs.

[steelbtexan]

Originally Posted by beerlover

I would like to see Hebron Fangupo stay healthy & push for reps in the nose rotation but I just don't really like his odds. Then Cody being a free agent next year I could see Texans having a huge need to add a big ugly next to Earl Mitchell it just makes too much sense. So with that said I would be looking for elite help early if available?

Star Lotulelei, DT, Utah is one of the top DT prospects in next years class. He could push for starting reps as a rookie, drawing comparisons to comparisons to former Oregon Duck and current Baltimore Ravens' star Haloti Ngata. Texans would however have to trade up to get him.

Johnathon Hankins, DT, the Ohio State. Texans have hit pay dirt in the Big Ten so Hankins is a more likely possibility. He would be your more typical nose with freakish combination of size (6-3, 335), strength and athleticism as Dontari Poe. Not a sexy pick I must admit but will have to see how things play out next offseason.

Bennie Logan, DT, LSU is more of a small penetration one gap nose with plus pass rushing/pressure numbers. Only 6-3 288 his motor my interest Wade in his system, has frame to put on weight just like Mitchell has. I would give him early 2nd rd. grade now but its so early, he plays for LSU in the SEC so his stock could soar come next April.

Kawann Short, DT, Purdue. He has everything that Rick Smith likes, BIG 10. Purdue, plus is built like Wade Phillips likes in his 3-4. Short has a thick, wide frame and plays with excellent strength and leverage, making him a potential nose guard candidate. He considered leaving school a year early, but was given a third-round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Board. This next draft Texans could trade down acquire extra picks & take him in the 2nd. Don't see him as first round talent, more of a rotational guy who could hold a position of need for the Texans next year.

Lotulelei is a top 10 guy in next yrs draft. IMHO

He probably wont go that high. But make no mistake about it. He's a stud.

[beerlover]

Right now, on my short list would be Kawann Short. How is that for early BB & 65?

[rmartin65]

I like it BL. That dude is a monster.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

I like it BL. That dude is a monster.

System fit. Decent size, sudden when he releases, multiple moves inside can even flip outside thus flexing some bonus value. Looks like he could get a first round grade on several teams boards. Big 10 + Purdue just seem like a Rick Smith wait & take

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by beerlover

System fit. Decent size, sudden when he releases, multiple moves inside can even flip outside thus flexing some bonus value. Looks like he could get a first round grade on several teams boards. Big 10 + Purdue just seem like a Rick Smith wait & take

I agree with everything said, seems like he'd be a perfect and natural fit for the Texans. Coming from Purdue surely Rick Smith is salivating already. Only bad thing is we'd most likely have to take him in the 1st round, and since I'm expecting a good year from the Texans and that we'll be drafting late in every round again. Although I really like the guy, is DT/NT our biggest need? Especially now that Earl Mitchell has added some weight and it seems that many people are expecting him to step up and take the NT spot from Cody. Also I can see WR as a bigger need and possibly CB and DE as well. I doubt Short would be available in the late 2nd.

[Corrosion]

Originally Posted by XI CMURDER IX

Matt Barkley is 4th on the list? Landry Jones is number 1? Go back and watch some Oklahoma games with Ryan Broyles out, Jones was completely lost without him out there. Something like no touchdowns and half-a-dozen interceptions the rest of that season I think.

I would put Landry Jones with Tyler Bray just below Barkley, Wilson, and Thomas. In no particular order.

At this point in time , I dont consider a single QB in next years draft class ... an NFL QB , unless you consder that dude impersonating a QB in Jacksonville an NFL QB.

[rmartin65]

Fullback

Currently on the roster- James Casey, Jason Ford, Derrell Smith
Roster Outlook- Casey is a lock. Ford or Smith might make the squad, but I am not banking on it.
2013 Outlook- I have been advocating acquiring a true blocking FB since Leach left. Probably wont happen, but here are 5 blocking FBs to keep an eye on.

1) Zac Boren, OSU, 6’ 250 lbs
2) Kiero Small, Arkansas, 5’10” 255 lbs
3) Taimi Tutogi, Arizona, 6’1” 250 lbs
4) Braden Wilson, Kansas State, 6’3” 255 lbs
5) Tommy Bohanon, Wake Forest, 6’2” 245 lbs

TightEnd

Currently on the roster- Owen Daniels, Garrett Graham, Logan Brock, Phillip Supernaw
Roster Outlook- 3 make it. Daniels, Graham, and one of the UDFAs, but I don’t know which one.
2013 Outlook- I am really surprised the Texans did not grab a TE this past draft. OD is a huge injury risk, GG has proven nothing and the other 2 are UDFAs. I expect the Texans to draft a TE pretty high in the draft, rounds 1-3.

An average of 15 TEs have been drafted per year the last 5 years. Here are my top 15.
* denotes the player is an underclassman.

1) *CJ Fiedorowicz, Iowa, 6’6” 265 lbs
2) Joseph Fauria, UCLA, 6’7” 250 lbs
3) Philip Lutzenkurchen, 6’4” 250 lbs
4) *Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame, 6’5” 250 lbs
5) *Levine Toilolo, Stanford, 6’7” 265 lbs
6) Ben Cotton, Nebraska, 6’6” 255 lbs
7) *Dion Sims, Michigan State, 6’5” 275 lbs
8) *Jordan Reed, Florida, 6’3” 240 lbs
9) Ryan Griffin, Connecticut, 6’5” 250 lbs
10) Chris Pantale, Boston College, 6’6” 250 lbs
11) Jake Stoneburner, OSU, 6’5” 245 lbs
12) Colter Phillips, Virginia, 6’6” 245 lbs
13) Kyler Reed, Nebraska, 6’3” 230 lbs
14) Spencer Ladner, Cal, 6’6” 260 lbs
15) Jack Doyle, Western Kentucky, 6’5” 250 lbs

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by rmartin65

Fullback

Currently on the roster- James Casey, Jason Ford, Derrell Smith
Roster Outlook- Casey is a lock. Ford or Smith might make the squad, but I am not banking on it.
2013 Outlook- I have been advocating acquiring a true blocking FB since Leach left. Probably wont happen, but here are 5 blocking FBs to keep an eye on.

1) Zac Boren, OSU, 6’ 250 lbs
2) Kiero Small, Arkansas, 5’10” 255 lbs
3) Taimi Tutogi, Arizona, 6’1” 250 lbs
4) Braden Wilson, Kansas State, 6’3” 255 lbs
5) Tommy Bohanon, Wake Forest, 6’2” 245 lbs

TightEnd

Currently on the roster- Owen Daniels, Garrett Graham, Logan Brock, Phillip Supernaw
Roster Outlook- 3 make it. Daniels, Graham, and one of the UDFAs, but I don’t know which one.
2013 Outlook- I am really surprised the Texans did not grab a TE this past draft. OD is a huge injury risk, GG has proven nothing and the other 2 are UDFAs. I expect the Texans to draft a TE pretty high in the draft, rounds 1-3.

An average of 15 TEs have been drafted per year the last 5 years. Here are my top 15.
* denotes the player is an underclassman.

1) *CJ Fiedorowicz, Iowa, 6’6” 265 lbs
2) Joseph Fauria, UCLA, 6’7” 250 lbs
3) Philip Lutzenkurchen, 6’4” 250 lbs
4) *Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame, 6’5” 250 lbs
5) *Levine Toilolo, Stanford, 6’7” 265 lbs
6) Ben Cotton, Nebraska, 6’6” 255 lbs
7) *Dion Sims, Michigan State, 6’5” 275 lbs
8) *Jordan Reed, Florida, 6’3” 240 lbs
9) Ryan Griffin, Connecticut, 6’5” 250 lbs
10) Chris Pantale, Boston College, 6’6” 250 lbs
11) Jake Stoneburner, OSU, 6’5” 245 lbs
12) Colter Phillips, Virginia, 6’6” 245 lbs
13) Kyler Reed, Nebraska, 6’3” 230 lbs
14) Spencer Ladner, Cal, 6’6” 260 lbs
15) Jack Doyle, Western Kentucky, 6’5” 250 lbs

I like your list of FB's and TE's, I can see where a FB might be a 6th or 7th round option in 2013 and can see a TE possibly being taken in the 2nd-4th rounds though I'm not impressed with the 2013 class of TE's. Taking a real FB would move Casey back to TE, and taking a real TE would possibly move Casey off the roster unless we cut OD as well then Casey would probably stay as TE#3.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

I like your list of FB's and TE's, I can see where a FB might be a 6th or 7th round option in 2013 and can see a TE possibly being taken in the 2nd-4th rounds though I'm not impressed with the 2013 class of TE's. Taking a real FB would move Casey back to TE, and taking a real TE would possibly move Casey off the roster unless we cut OD as well then Casey would probably stay as TE#3.

I also think Casey should be moved to TE. He needs to concetrate on one position and become very good at it. We should be able to get a cheap FB like Moran Norris who is in camp now.

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by beerlover

Right now, on my short list would be Kawann Short. How is that for early BB & 65?

Just someone to keep an eye on in 2012-13 season. Will be fun to watch Texan interior rotation develop, see if Earl can hold up with added size.

Prospect: Kawann Short, DL, Purdue
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 310
Grade: 6.4 (Grading Scale)



Scouting Report:

Athleticism:
+Solid size and bulk, will be interesting to see if 6’3″ is actual height
+Shows good initial quickness off the snap, great first step
+Very strong, especially through his lower body
-Average motor at best, although is reportedly in better shape this spring
-Doesn’t play well in space

Intelligence:
+Plays a variety of positions (NT, DT, DE)
-Doesn’t seem to recognize plays quickly
-Has trouble locating the ball at times

Leadership:
+Two year team captain
+Leader in the weight room

Pass Rush:
+Adept at tracking down scrambling quarterbacks
+Shows some arm-over, rip, hesitation and spin moves
+Bull rush effective when pad level is down
-Too often content to be blocked when initially stopped
-Needs to develop some counters and a more consistent second effort
-Speed rush on the outside is ineffective

Run Stuffing:
+Can use his strength to shed blockers
+Quick enough to shoot gaps and disrupt plays in the backfield
-Inconsistent anchor against double teams, plays on skates at times
-Too often gets locked onto by offensive linemen
-Gets angled out of the play, especially when playing DE

Technique:
+Flashes good hand usage and placement, but needs to be more consistent
-Pad level is inconsistent, needs to stay lower
-Fails to get arms up to influence passing lames when stopped

Overview:
Short has obvious talent. What he’ll make of it at the next level remains to be seen. If he can keep his effort level up from play to play and through the whistle, he can be an absolute menace against the run and the pass. If he is in better shape as a senior, Short could shore up a first round grade with a dominant season – especially with the lack of help around him.

[badboy]

Short is an interesting bulldog. Would like to see him get bit more into the game but as a Nose for Texans, he should do well. I'm still hopeful Fangupo will work.

[Quick II Draw]

Always need more pass rushers, right?

If you haven't heard of him, look up SMU defensive end Margus Hunt. The guy is an athletic freak of Julius Peppers caliber.

He is a 6'8" shotputter (or was it discus?) who only came to Dallas from Estonia to work with a local track guru. He took up football as a scholarship opportunity. He is ridiculously raw and knows little about the game but blocked a ridiculous number of kicks and flashed utter domination at pass rushing.

May be a bit much to convert him to a 3-4 olb but he is such a freak it may be worth it if he can be had in later rounds. Unfortunately, that won't happen bc his combine numbers will be absurd. At his rate of progression he might be a top 5 de come draft day and won't fall.

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by Quick II Draw

Always need more pass rushers, right?

If you haven't heard of him, look up SMU defensive end Margus Hunt. The guy is an athletic freak of Julius Peppers caliber.

He is a 6'8" shotputter (or was it discus?) who only came to Dallas from Estonia to work with a local track guru. He took up football as a scholarship opportunity. He is ridiculously raw and knows little about the game but blocked a ridiculous number of kicks and flashed utter domination at pass rushing.

May be a bit much to convert him to a 3-4 olb but he is such a freak it may be worth it if he can be had in later rounds. Unfortunately, that won't happen bc his combine numbers will be absurd. At his rate of progression he might be a top 5 de come draft day and won't fall.

No way man, the dude is a 3-4 DE all the way. But a beast one at that. Even though we have Watt and Crick, I would sell a kidney to get him.

[Quick II Draw]

Errr, looks like hunt is already on the radar as a first rounder...

Margus Hunt, DE, SMU: It has been over a quarter century since the last time a SMU Mustang was selected in the first round (1986), but in the Estonian-born Hunt, Southern Methodist may have the unique talent needed to warrant such a lofty selection. A two-time gold medal winner in the 2006 World Junior Championships (discus, shot put), Hunt was deservedly listed as the No. 1 "Freak" athlete of 2012 in Bruce Feldman's article as his combination of size (6-7, 288), strength (35 reps of 225 pounds), speed (4.70) and explosiveness (36-inch vertical jump) add up to off-the-charts measurables. In just three seasons of college football, Hunt has an astounding 14 blocked kicks. - Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

[rmartin65]

Originally Posted by Quick II Draw

Errr, looks like hunt is already on the radar as a first rounder...

As he should be. The "no way" was in response to him being an OLB. He is arguably a top 10 pick at DE.

[badboy]

If LeStar Jean becomes the WR we wish him to be, I could see trading up into mid first for
Hunt, if available.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

Let's start a list of players to watch in 2013. Make a list of players by position that you think will be great or that you think are currently underrated and by position as you think they will apply to Texans needs.
Example, I think WR will be a big need again regardless of what we did in this years draft and I think it will be a 1st or 2nd round pick. The guys I like at WR are:
WR:
Justin Hunter, DaRick Rogers, Cobi Hamilton, Marquess Wilson, and Ryan Swope, Terrance Williams but they both might have QB issues this year.


Let's see some of the guys you'll be keeping an eye on.

I think Baylor has more than just Terrance Williams; the other two guys look pretty good, too. (Lanear Thompson and Tevin Reese - Reese is an underclassman and may stay in school unless he has a monster year.)

Mark your calendar for Elon's Aaron Mellette.
They have only 2 games on TV (UNC - ACC Network and another game on ESPN3). This guy looks pretty good on the videos I've found so far.
His production is outstanding. Will probably go in the first 3 rounds, maybe on day 1.

Clemson's Sam Watkins might come out early. Remember his name.

Watch W. Virginia for the QB Geno Smith, but also for their 2 WRs Bailey and Austin; they are small but they are both playmakers.
It will be interesting to see how they do in the Big 12 this year.

There are a few more that I want to keep an eye on but I don't have enough info on them yet.

[76Texan]

Maybe it will be better if we seperate these prospects by position and have a different thread for each (position)?

At any rate, since I was watching QBs and WRs, I'd like to post a few more observations:

When you watch USC next year for Barkley, the QB, you will have to watch his receivers.
Robert Woods will be a Jr, and he might come out early as a good route runner and an overall guy who gets the job done.

But you will also have to look at Marqise Lee, who will be a Sophomore.
This guy alreay made a lot of big plays as a Freshman. If he continues his growth, there's a good chance that he'll declare.

Depending on how some of the younger guys perform, the next receiver draft might rival this last one in term of depth or in term of relative quality.

[76Texan]

Then there's Keenan Allen (California) who appeared to be better than Marvin Jones (Bengals 5th round pick).

And the other guy besides Nick Toon whom Wilson threw the ball to:
Jared Abbrederis. He actually had a better ypc than Toon.

[76Texan]

Besides Watkins (Clemson) I think Dorial Green-Beckham will also become a monster.

He's a Freshman at Mizzou.
Their QB, Frankiln - who is a dual threat QB - injured his shoulder and missed a lot of off-season work.
That, and playing in the SEC, may not help showcasing DGB's talent.

Watch some of his highlights here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92iWB...eature=related

This guy has it all and can do it all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tynxB...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=832sq...eature=related