Texans may go WR in 1st.

[Insideop]

Saw this in the chron today and didn't see it posted anywhere. Article by McLain on the Texans going after a WR in the 1st. Take it for what it's worth!

http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans...s-draft-nears/

[Playoffs]

Time flies when you're passes.

Two years ago, the Texans were coming off a 6-10 season and had cap dollars available. They had finished 30th in defense, including 32nd against the pass.

[Playoffs]

RotoWorld's Evan Silva on Mayock's Top 5 WRs

Wide Receivers
1. Cordarrelle Patterson*, Tennessee
2. Keenan Allen*, California
3. Terrance Williams, Baylor
4. Tavon Austin, West Virginia
5. Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech

Notes: The receiver class is exceptionally deep. So good players are inevitably going to be left out when Mayock only ranks five guys at each position. Clemson's DeAndre Hopkins was the most notable snub and is a legitimate first-round possibility. Tennessee Tech's Da'Rick Rogers oozes talent but has off-field concerns. Justin Hunter (Tennessee), Stedman Bailey (West Virginia), Markus Wheaton (Oregon State), and Robert Woods (USC) also didn't make Mayock's cut. It's worth noting that Mayock said his "jaw dropped" when recently watching Patterson's game tape. Allen is a possession/run-after-catch threat ala Miles Austin. Williams is a vertical flier. Austin is a human joystick in the slot. Patton has generated comparisons to Reggie Wayne.

[Playoffs]

Russ Lande of NFP has 5 WRs coming off the board before the Texans pick:

6. Cleveland Browns: Keenan Allen, WR, California, Junior: With young talent like Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron on the roster, the Browns need to get more weapons if Brandon Weeden is going to succeed in Coach Chudzinski’s downfield passing attack. Allen reminds us a ton of Bengals’ receiver AJ Green and could provide the big play ability and security blanket for Brandon Weeden that AJ Green does for Andy Dalton.

12. Miami Dolphins: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee, Junior: After trading Brandon Marshall last off-season the Dolphins lacked a top shelf receiver despite the emergence of Brian Hartline. This leads them to select Patterson who reminds many around the league of Julio Jones and will provide Ryan Tannehill a big play target who can open up the Dolphins’ passing attack.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech, Senior: A.J. Green has developed into a premier receiver, but the Bengals need to find other weapons for Andy Dalton to throw to if their offense is going to take the next step. Patton has rare acceleration and speed for a 6’0 receiver and after his display at the Senior Bowl I do not think anyone questions his hands and ability to play at a high level in the NFL.

22. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia, Senior: By claiming receiver Titus Young the Rams showed they are going to take risks in order to find some weapons for Sam Bradford to throw to. That leads me to believe they would be willing to gamble on Austin who has all talent to be a game changing receiver along the lines of DeSean Jackson, but at under 5’9 lacks the height that most NFL teams want in a first round receiver.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor, Senior: After Russell Wilson’s incredible rookie season, the Seahawks make a wise move by providing him with another weapon so that he can continue to develop. Williams combination of height and playing speed is tough to find and could help the Seahawks’ offense by taking the top off the defense.

[Playoffs]

Quinton Patton really impresses here versus A&M:

*21 receptions for 233 yards and four TDs*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUVYuKAjDIo

Reminds me a bit of a guy we have on our team now. Wish he was taller.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by Playoffs

Russ Lande of NFP has 5 WRs coming off the board before the Texans pick:

6. Cleveland Browns: Keenan Allen, WR, California, Junior: With young talent like Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron on the roster, the Browns need to get more weapons if Brandon Weeden is going to succeed in Coach Chudzinski’s downfield passing attack. Allen reminds us a ton of Bengals’ receiver AJ Green and could provide the big play ability and security blanket for Brandon Weeden that AJ Green does for Andy Dalton.

12. Miami Dolphins: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee, Junior: After trading Brandon Marshall last off-season the Dolphins lacked a top shelf receiver despite the emergence of Brian Hartline. This leads them to select Patterson who reminds many around the league of Julio Jones and will provide Ryan Tannehill a big play target who can open up the Dolphins’ passing attack.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech, Senior: A.J. Green has developed into a premier receiver, but the Bengals need to find other weapons for Andy Dalton to throw to if their offense is going to take the next step. Patton has rare acceleration and speed for a 6’0 receiver and after his display at the Senior Bowl I do not think anyone questions his hands and ability to play at a high level in the NFL.

22. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia, Senior: By claiming receiver Titus Young the Rams showed they are going to take risks in order to find some weapons for Sam Bradford to throw to. That leads me to believe they would be willing to gamble on Austin who has all talent to be a game changing receiver along the lines of DeSean Jackson, but at under 5’9 lacks the height that most NFL teams want in a first round receiver.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor, Senior: After Russell Wilson’s incredible rookie season, the Seahawks make a wise move by providing him with another weapon so that he can continue to develop. Williams combination of height and playing speed is tough to find and could help the Seahawks’ offense by taking the top off the defense.

Wow! If this is what happens the Texans are screwed getting a WR in the 1st. That's pretty much the whole list of the ones that are good. But, I really can't see this happening. I could see maybe the Fins, Rams, and Hawks going WR in the 1st, but remember, at this point in time, this draft doesn't have the big star impact WR, like AJ, Megatron, Green, or Julio Jones. It has a lot of solid WR's that could develop into some good ones. So the value at WR may be in the 2nd through 4th rounds and some of those teams may wait until the 2nd or 3rd round instead of reaching in the 1st. I can't see the Browns taking a WR at #6 when the value isn't there. They could trade down if they find a partner.

[Wolf6151]

Russ Lande of NFP has 5 WRs coming off the board before the Texans pick:

Quote:
6. Cleveland Browns: Keenan Allen, WR, California, Junior: With young talent like Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron on the roster, the Browns need to get more weapons if Brandon Weeden is going to succeed in Coach Chudzinski’s downfield passing attack. Allen reminds us a ton of Bengals’ receiver AJ Green and could provide the big play ability and security blanket for Brandon Weeden that AJ Green does for Andy Dalton.

12. Miami Dolphins: Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee, Junior: After trading Brandon Marshall last off-season the Dolphins lacked a top shelf receiver despite the emergence of Brian Hartline. This leads them to select Patterson who reminds many around the league of Julio Jones and will provide Ryan Tannehill a big play target who can open up the Dolphins’ passing attack.

21. Cincinnati Bengals: Quinton Patton, WR, Louisiana Tech, Senior: A.J. Green has developed into a premier receiver, but the Bengals need to find other weapons for Andy Dalton to throw to if their offense is going to take the next step. Patton has rare acceleration and speed for a 6’0 receiver and after his display at the Senior Bowl I do not think anyone questions his hands and ability to play at a high level in the NFL.

22. St. Louis Rams (From Washington): Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia, Senior: By claiming receiver Titus Young the Rams showed they are going to take risks in order to find some weapons for Sam Bradford to throw to. That leads me to believe they would be willing to gamble on Austin who has all talent to be a game changing receiver along the lines of DeSean Jackson, but at under 5’9 lacks the height that most NFL teams want in a first round receiver.

25. Seattle Seahawks: Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor, Senior: After Russell Wilson’s incredible rookie season, the Seahawks make a wise move by providing him with another weapon so that he can continue to develop. Williams combination of height and playing speed is tough to find and could help the Seahawks’ offense by taking the top off the defense.


If the draft fell like this, I'd have no trouble taking DeAndre Hopkins in the 1st at #27.

[thunderkyss]

I hope the Texans don't screw this up.

If they see one of those 5 guys as "the" guy, then they need to do whatever it takes to get him. But if that means trading up to get him, he better produce like Torrey Smith or Julio Jones in year one.

If they don't see a guy like that, then use that first round pick on another area of need. ILB, Outside pass rusher, I'd even like to see a dynamic safety or a baddass tackle. or even trade out of the first all together & pick up another 2nd & 3rd round pick.

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by Wolf6151

If the draft fell like this, I'd have no trouble taking DeAndre Hopkins in the 1st at #27.

Yes, Hopkins would be a good choice. Though, I can see him picked ahead of Patton and probably Williams. In any case, I still don't see this big a run on WR's in the 1st. The Combine could change this, but the value of the WR group looks like it will be in the 2nd thru 4th rounds (Good depth, no superstars).

[GP]

Originally Posted by Playoffs

Quinton Patton really impresses here versus A&M:

*21 receptions for 233 yards and four TDs*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUVYuKAjDIo

Reminds me a bit of a guy we have on our team now. Wish he was taller.

I bet he's off the board before we pick.

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by GP

I bet he's off the board before we pick.

Agreed.

This might be the year where moving up slightly to get "their" guy might not be the worst move in the world. How much would it honestly cost to move from #27 to say #20?

[Insideop]

Originally Posted by thunderkyss

I hope the Texans don't screw this up.

If they see one of those 5 guys as "the" guy, then they need to do whatever it takes to get him. But if that means trading up to get him, he better produce like Torrey Smith or Julio Jones in year one.

If they don't see a guy like that, then use that first round pick on another area of need. ILB, Outside pass rusher, I'd even like to see a dynamic safety or a baddass tackle. or even trade out of the first all together & pick up another 2nd & 3rd round pick.

If there is a run on WR in the 1st, my guess is, if "their guy" is there in the low or mid 20's, they may try to trade up. But, more than likely, they will stand pat and "let the draft come to them," which seems to be Smith's M.O. Can they still "screw it up" doing it this way? Of course! No guarantees in the draft!

[badboy]

I may be reading McNair wrong but he seems to really want a difference maker in a year with no standout pick at #27. As we need so much, I do not see him trading up in first and giving up picks. Option 1 is a vet FA. Option 2 is and most likely is standing pat and hoping someone falls in first or second round ala Mercilus and Reed.

[76Texan]

There are no guarantee that those five guys will end up as the best five from this draft class. Heck, I won't be surprised if none of the top five is on that list when we look back at it some 3-4 years down the road.

[Thorn]

Originally Posted by 76Texan

There are no guarantee that those five guys will end up as the best five from this draft class. Heck, I won't be surprised if none of the top five is on that list when we look back at it some 3-4 years down the road.

Yep. Just because they look good in college and are rated high by a bunch of scouts does NOT always translate into NFL success.

[Wolf6151]

Originally Posted by Insideop

Yes, Hopkins would be a good choice. Though, I can see him picked ahead of Patton and probably Williams. In any case, I still don't see this big a run on WR's in the 1st. The Combine could change this, but the value of the WR group looks like it will be in the 2nd thru 4th rounds (Good depth, no superstars).

I agree Hopkins could and should be picked ahead on Patton and Williams. To me Hopkins is either the 2nd or 3rd best WR prospect in this class, based on what I think they'll be in the NFL. 1. Patterson, 2. Allen, 2b. Hopkins. I think there could be a good run on WR in the 1st round but this draft also only shows 2 QB's taken in the 1st and I think there will be more than 2 chosen in the 1st thus allowing other talent to fall to us. I doubt seriously that we trade up for anyone, there's alot of talent in this draft in the first 3 rounds but almost no elite level talent.

[beerlover]

I find it funny, not for him probably but has everyone forgotten about Robert Woods? Even Mayock? If those "5" are off the board I could easily see Texans buyer for Wood who someone mocked to Texans back in October

[badboy]

Originally Posted by Thorn

Yep. Just because they look good in college and are rated high by a bunch of scouts does NOT always translate into NFL success.

But it is all we have to go on.

[badboy]

Originally Posted by badboy

I may be reading McNair wrong but he seems to really want a difference maker in a year with no standout pick at #27. As we need so much, I do not see him trading up in first and giving up picks. Option 1 is a vet FA. Option 2 is and most likely is standing pat and hoping someone falls in first or second round ala Mercilus and Reed.

A bit more kindling for the fire: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...arget/related/

As to the latter, landing a player like Wallace can generate excitement in the fan base, take attention away from that basketball team in Miami (if only for a day), and maybe help sell some tickets and jerseys and hats and other stuff bearing the soon-to-be-unveiled new logo.

Of course, Wallace and his agent will know that, allowing them to apply a thumb or two (or other appendages) to the scale. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross may not care. He has both the cash and the cap space to overpay Wallace, and after failing in high-profile fashion to land guys like Jim Harbaugh in 2011 and both Jeff Fisher and Peyton Manning last year, we’ve got a feeling Ross will be ready to hand Wallace a blank check.

My thought:
Bowe and Chiefs reportedly working on long term deal, Miami possibly willing to shell out major bucks for another target for Tannehill and Jenning's injury history + not a field stretcher, Texans' options in FA may be dwindling.

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by badboy

A bit more kindling for the fire: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com...arget/related/

As to the latter, landing a player like Wallace can generate excitement in the fan base, take attention away from that basketball team in Miami (if only for a day), and maybe help sell some tickets and jerseys and hats and other stuff bearing the soon-to-be-unveiled new logo.

Of course, Wallace and his agent will know that, allowing them to apply a thumb or two (or other appendages) to the scale. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross may not care. He has both the cash and the cap space to overpay Wallace, and after failing in high-profile fashion to land guys like Jim Harbaugh in 2011 and both Jeff Fisher and Peyton Manning last year, we’ve got a feeling Ross will be ready to hand Wallace a blank check.

My thought:
Bowe and Chiefs reportedly working on long term deal, Miami possibly willing to shell out major bucks for another target for Tannehill and Jenning's injury history + not a field stretcher, Texans' options in FA may be dwindling.

I think the draft is pretty deep at WR this year and there are a lot of guys who should fall in the teens or early twenties that will fall and I think can still be a solid pick. None of the FA WR's really excite me with respect to how much money a bad team like the Colts will be willing to pay vs how much he's on the field and what he contributes.

I think we'll really get a good feel for how good these wideouts can be once they run their 40's, as this class might be on the small side, but there's a lot of guys with good speed (Woods, Patterson, Hunter, Auston, Williams, Hopkins).