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Players on my radar

76Texan

Hall of Fame
OK, so I'm late to checking out college players who can be prospects for the Texans, I thought I start this thread so I can ask for more opinions about some players who enters my radar as I catch up with it all.

Some of them have already been mentioned by some:
- CB Janoris Jenkins (Fla) whom I heard is returning to school
- FS Rahim Moore whom I also like, maybe we can trade down to get him in the last third of the first round? (I've only seen him in one game, but it looks like he knows what he's doing out there.)
- OLB Von Miller (also just one game, will need to watch more of him)
- and others...

So what are your thoughts about Eric Hagg (6'2-210) of Nebraska?
It looks to me like he played more at WILL than at SS.
What round do you think he might be drafted in?
 
I heard that Robert Sands (SS, W. Va) is entering the draft and some scouts have him in the top 3 safeties for this year.
Your thought? I have only watched him play once.

He's All Big East at one of the safety spot, while Dom Decicco (Pitts) took the other spot.
I just watch Pitts against Kentucky in one of the bowl games, and I kinda like him as well.
He actually played at WILL just like Hagg (and Herzlich - from BC - whom I liked since his soph season.)
DeCicco is about 6'3 - 230 lbs.
He played SS and was 2nd-team All Big East last year.
Including this year, he totalled 12 INTS for his career.
His speed is reported to be somewhere between 4.55 and 4.70
I saw some websites rated him a 7th rounder.
(I would take him there in a heartbeat).
Whatchathink?
 
I don't think that SS is one of our biggest needs.
 
Also, I just notice that two Pitts players have declared:
WR Jon Baldwin, RB Dion Lewis.
Lewis was All Big-East as a Freshman last year but didn't gather any honor this year.

I need to wacth more of Baldwin, but Lewis I really like.
I think he can have a good future in the NFL.

And what about Greg Romeous, the Pitts DE that was highly regarded last year.
He got injured this year so I imagine his draft stock will drop quite a bit.

Any thought on these guys and in what round they might land?
 
I don't think that SS is one of our biggest needs.

That's why I only mentioned DeCicco if he's there in the late round.

As fas as Sands, I want to watch more of him.
If I believe he can be better than Nolan, I wouldn't mind them taking him in the third round.
(That means, if the Texans believe that he can be better than Nolan.)

I certainly hope that Pollard's down year was due to being overloading by Bush's scheme.
Maybe we can resign him for "cheap".
I like what he brings to the football field, but his coverage was really lacking.
 
Ok. Lot's of good stuff mentioned. Glad to see some new names being thrown out and new curiosity showing up as well.

For starters, I don't think we need a SS in the draft. Actually, I don't trust our FO to draft a SS. I believe our last attempt was the trash that was Barber. I actually think Polard will be a perfect SS in the 3-4. He will be asked to walk up as a LB more often and will often be used as a blitzer as opposed to coverage. However, this is why a true FS is crucial. When Polard is "in the box" or comes on a blitz, in a base set we will be left with 3 DB. The point is to get to the QB, but we need a true FS for that type of call to be effective.

I like Baldwin a lot as a player. I think he's another Boldin. I think he'll be a player in this league. Late first-mid second.

In the one mock I've done so far this year, I had us picking up Romeous later in the draft. His stock has taken a big hit this year, and I think he's dropped 3 rounds at the moment. We'll see if he can make that up on the post season circuit I like him though, and he'll be someone to watch going forward.

I'm not sold on Miller. I know most on this board seem to be, but I'm just not there. Maybe I'll turn that corner with him, but right now, I don't think he's a player.
 
Some of them have already been mentioned by some:
- CB Janoris Jenkins (Fla) whom I heard is returning to school

Looks to be returning as you mentioned.

FS Rahim Moore whom I also like, maybe we can trade down to get him in the last third of the first round? (I've only seen him in one game, but it looks like he knows what he's doing out there.)
- OLB Von Miller (also just one game, will need to watch more of him)
- and others...

I am in the same boat with Rahim. Will have to research him to gather enough info to make an informed decision on him. I like Von though. At this moment I think 11 is high for Von. I feel that he would have trouble at the point of attack. But he is quick and can drop into coverage. I would take Akeem Ayers over Miller at this point. Ayers is a do it all linebacker for sure.

So what are your thoughts about Eric Hagg (6'2-210) of Nebraska?
It looks to me like he played more at WILL than at SS.
What round do you think he might be drafted in?

Hagg right now to me is a late day 2 draft pick. Probably have to use a 5 or 6 on him. Should be able to play either safety position. But I am more interested in taking a starting FS in the top 3 rounds. So Hagg would just be icing on the cake.
 
Remember pending the new CBA Pollard might be an UFA.

Yeah, and might not be brought back even if he's not. But I still don't think that SS is one of our biggest needs. I think Nolan or Barber can be a decent SS.
 
Yeah, and might not be brought back even if he's not. But I still don't think that SS is one of our biggest needs. I think Nolan or Barber can be a decent SS.
Barber, IMO, is at most a mediocre SS.
Nolan hasn't changed much from what I saw in college.
Inconsistent in his reads, that is.
When I made the thread on his performance in college, I stated that I like him and I think that he has a chance (between decent to outside) to play on Sunday.
He has yet to solidify that position.
So, yes, if Sands is available in the third round, I'd like for us to take him.

If I could, I'd like to go all defense and special team in this draft, except maybe the 7th round.

NT
FS
CB (if we do not resign Allen), otherwise SS here
SS (or CB with speed to return kick if we resign Allen)
WR with speed to return kick (whether Holliday returns or not)
Punter (if they think kid from Nebraska will last this long, otherwise move up a round)
Kubiak's toy
 
I am in the same boat with Rahim. Will have to research him to gather enough info to make an informed decision on him. I like Von though. At this moment I think 11 is high for Von. I feel that he would have trouble at the point of attack. But he is quick and can drop into coverage. I would take Akeem Ayers over Miller at this point. Ayers is a do it all linebacker for sure.



Hagg right now to me is a late day 2 draft pick. Probably have to use a 5 or 6 on him. Should be able to play either safety position. But I am more interested in taking a starting FS in the top 3 rounds. So Hagg would just be icing on the cake.
I can totally go with this.
 
Ok. Lot's of good stuff mentioned. Glad to see some new names being thrown out and new curiosity showing up as well.

For starters, I don't think we need a SS in the draft. Actually, I don't trust our FO to draft a SS. I believe our last attempt was the trash that was Barber. I actually think Polard will be a perfect SS in the 3-4. He will be asked to walk up as a LB more often and will often be used as a blitzer as opposed to coverage. However, this is why a true FS is crucial. When Polard is "in the box" or comes on a blitz, in a base set we will be left with 3 DB. The point is to get to the QB, but we need a true FS for that type of call to be effective.

I like Baldwin a lot as a player. I think he's another Boldin. I think he'll be a player in this league. Late first-mid second.

In the one mock I've done so far this year, I had us picking up Romeous later in the draft. His stock has taken a big hit this year, and I think he's dropped 3 rounds at the moment. We'll see if he can make that up on the post season circuit I like him though, and he'll be someone to watch going forward.

I'm not sold on Miller. I know most on this board seem to be, but I'm just not there. Maybe I'll turn that corner with him, but right now, I don't think he's a player.

I'm just throwing out names here as I watch a game here and there.
Romeous would be nice value if he stays off the radar a bit.

I like Baldwin, but don't think the Texans will draft a receiver that high.

In the 3-4, I don't think Pollard has a place in the front 7.
He'd just better learn to recognize patterns and his keys better, that's all.
It would be such a waste to see him go.
 
We should get a pick for Dunta, but we will have to wait until compensatory picks are announced. I'm hoping for a third but I'm unclear on how the pick is determined.

With regards to Pollard, there was an article discussing Wade's version of the 3-4 (either on here or the other MB) stating that the coverage ability of the SS was very important to the schemes they run. If this is the case I don't think Pollard will be back.

Players on my radar:

1st
Prince Amukamara
Stephen Paea
Von Miller
Robert Quinn
Ryan Kerrigan
JJ Watt
Cameron Jordan

2nd
Dontay Moch
Jeremy Beal
Jerrell Powe
Mason Foster
Jimmy Smith
Greg Jones
Amhad Black
Tyler Sash

3rd
Tank Carder
Sam Acho
Deunta Williams
Quan Sturdivant
Aaron Williams
Kendrick Ellis
Quinton Carter

If we get a compensatory pick in the third, then I'd love to grab Dalton or McElroy or another young QB to groom. I really like what I saw out of Dalton the couple times I've seen him play.
 
In a perfect world the Texans sign Bailey in FA

Then trade down and draft Harris or Aaron Williams and Black falls to the 4th rd.

CB's Bailey,Harris, Nickle Jackson

FS Quin,Nolan

SS Black (the SS needs to be able to cover the slot WR and TE) Hagg in the 6/7th.

This would be the best group of DB's in Texans history.

Then you could add a big NT,and a couple of LB's in the 3rd and with the trade down extra pick.
 
justin houston from georgia...he's going rocket up draft boards.

Good call. I think Houston will definitely be a first round pick. He is going to put up some big numbers at the combine. Add in the fact that he was the best defensive player on a team in the SEC and I think it's a lock.
 
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Good call. I think Houston will definitely be a first round pick. He is going to put up some big numbers at the combine. Add in the fact that he was the best defensive player on a team in the SEC and I think it's a lock.

agreed, with a good combine, he's going to have a demarcus ware type rise in stock. he's my sleeper @11.
 
I do like the Sands pick

So where does Sands figure to be drafted?
2nd or 3rd?

I don't think we can pass him up in the third.
If anything, he can always play SS.

I still need to watch him more to see if he can really play FS in the NFL.

I do like it when they bring him in on a blitz.
 
Good call. I think Houston will definitely be a first round pick. He is going to put up some big numbers at the combine. Add in the fact that he was the best defensive player on a team in the SEC and I think it's a lock.

I haven't seen him play yet.
What are his strengths ?
He plays in a 3-4 right?
 
In a perfect world the Texans sign Bailey in FA

Then trade down and draft Harris or Aaron Williams and Black falls to the 4th rd.

CB's Bailey,Harris, Nickle Jackson

FS Quin,Nolan

SS Black (the SS needs to be able to cover the slot WR and TE) Hagg in the 6/7th.

This would be the best group of DB's in Texans history.

Then you could add a big NT,and a couple of LB's in the 3rd and with the trade down extra pick.

After going through Wade Phillips's playbook (when he was with the Falcons), I see that the NT (and the DEs) normally attack one gap so I don't think the Texans are going to draft a big NT (or sign one as a FA).

They still might, but it will probably be a 2nd day pick or a second tier FA.
When they go to the nickel or dime defense, Phillips would mix in a 4-man front (not exclusively - they do have a 3-man front in those packages as well).

I also noticed was the 46 package.

Another thing is that even with the 3-man front, at times, it looks very much like the 4-3 under that the Texans employed, except that there are only 3 guys playing with their hands down.
But the gap responsibilities are the same in this instance.

Overall, it seems to me that his defense is not too far off from what the Texans have been running.

The Texans do go with the 3-man front from time to time, along with the 46.

There are differences, but I need to take a closer look.
 
3-4 is all about angles taken to pressure the QB. OLB's hitting A & B gaps with CB's/safety off edge. If Wade can convince Mario he can dominate as a 3-4 DE matching up NT on Center & drafting a true 3-4 end like Watt would free up others to bang through holes of opposing OL's. I just hope Barwin rehab is ahead of schedule, then Texans can draft Moch in second & front seven w/depth is solid (Antonio Smith, Amobi Okoye, Earl Mitchell, Shaun Cody).
 
After going through Wade Phillips's playbook (when he was with the Falcons), I see that the NT (and the DEs) normally attack one gap so I don't think the Texans are going to draft a big NT (or sign one as a FA).

They still might, but it will probably be a 2nd day pick or a second tier FA.
When they go to the nickel or dime defense, Phillips would mix in a 4-man front (not exclusively - they do have a 3-man front in those packages as well).

I also noticed was the 46 package.

Another thing is that even with the 3-man front, at times, it looks very much like the 4-3 under that the Texans employed, except that there are only 3 guys playing with their hands down.
But the gap responsibilities are the same in this instance.

Overall, it seems to me that his defense is not too far off from what the Texans have been running.

The Texans do go with the 3-man front from time to time, along with the 46.

There are differences, but I need to take a closer look.

Jamal Williams is a big NT that played for Phillips at San Diego. There are other big NT's that have played in Phillips defense in the past.
 
Jamal Williams is a big NT that played for Phillips at San Diego. There are other big NT's that have played in Phillips defense in the past.

Wiliiams was drafted in 1998 to play DT.
Phillips got there in 04.
Williams then play NT for the Chargers.
So obviously, a big NT doesn't hurt, but I agree with BL, it's not a must have.
It will be interesting to see what the Texans will do (if anything) regarding this position.

In Phillips' scheme, the DE lined up outside tackle sometimes.
When he does go head up with the tackle, the DE would attack either the inside or outside (or stunt with a LB).
I think Mario will get use to it.
Who knows, I suspect that he may line up as a rush LB from time to time.
Or he could drop back in coverage on a zone dog or a blitz.
There should be a lot of things on the plate to wet Mario's appetite.
We'll see what happen.
 
3-4 is all about angles taken to pressure the QB. OLB's hitting A & B gaps with CB's/safety off edge. If Wade can convince Mario he can dominate as a 3-4 DE matching up NT on Center & drafting a true 3-4 end like Watt would free up others to bang through holes of opposing OL's. I just hope Barwin rehab is ahead of schedule, then Texans can draft Moch in second & front seven w/depth is solid (Antonio Smith, Amobi Okoye, Earl Mitchell, Shaun Cody).

I also noticed that Phillips has an 5th LB in some situation like short yardage and goal line (called an XB - Extra Backer).

In the 46, there would be a Jack who usually get on the TE or FB.
A situational player like this is what makes me think of Dom DeCicco in the late rounds.

I'm not sure the Texans would go after a DE unless they trade away one of their own (or an injury setback to Barwin).
 
I haven't seen him play yet.
What are his strengths ?
He plays in a 3-4 right?

Right. He played weakside end for Georgia back when they ran a 43. Now he is a rush LB in the 34.

First thing you notice about him is how quick he is off the snap. Excellent acceleration, the kind you can't teach. He is better as a pass rusher than he is in coverage, as you would expect since he is a former DE. He seems athletic enough to play in coverage but doesn't have much experience at all with it.

He uses his hands well when edge rushing, but he is somewhat limited when rushing to the inside of the OT. He needs to add some moves to his repertoire, but he seems like he is capable of doing that. He just hasn't really had to yet because he is so much more athletic than the guys he plays against. Like most guys that come from the SEC he is a good tackler. Wraps up and hits with his body. No arm tackles from this guy.

Biggest negative for me is that he sometimes takes plays off against the run. Might need a coach who can keep him motivated to hit it hard every single snap. But when his motor is on, he is a QB's nightmare.
 
Right. He played weakside end for Georgia back when they ran a 43. Now he is a rush LB in the 34.

First thing you notice about him is how quick he is off the snap. Excellent acceleration, the kind you can't teach. He is better as a pass rusher than he is in coverage, as you would expect since he is a former DE. He seems athletic enough to play in coverage but doesn't have much experience at all with it.

He uses his hands well when edge rushing, but he is somewhat limited when rushing to the inside of the OT. He needs to add some moves to his repertoire, but he seems like he is capable of doing that. He just hasn't really had to yet because he is so much more athletic than the guys he plays against. Like most guys that come from the SEC he is a good tackler. Wraps up and hits with his body. No arm tackles from this guy.

Biggest negative for me is that he sometimes takes plays off against the run. Might need a coach who can keep him motivated to hit it hard every single snap. But when his motor is on, he is a QB's nightmare.

that's what Texans need :wild:
 
So where does Sands figure to be drafted?
2nd or 3rd?

I don't think we can pass him up in the third.
If anything, he can always play SS.

I still need to watch him more to see if he can really play FS in the NFL.

I do like it when they bring him in on a blitz.

I think he goes in the 3rd and can be there for the Texans. I think the Texans have a good shot at a NT without using a high pick this draft. I think that the Browns, Broncos and Washington go back to a 4-3 this next year.
 
I think he goes in the 3rd and can be there for the Texans. I think the Texans have a good shot at a NT without using a high pick this draft. I think that the Browns, Broncos and Washington go back to a 4-3 this next year.

Since you're already at it, who are those FAs?

I need to watch more of Sands, but the third sounds really tempting at the moment.
 
Right. He played weakside end for Georgia back when they ran a 43. Now he is a rush LB in the 34.

First thing you notice about him is how quick he is off the snap. Excellent acceleration, the kind you can't teach. He is better as a pass rusher than he is in coverage, as you would expect since he is a former DE. He seems athletic enough to play in coverage but doesn't have much experience at all with it.

He uses his hands well when edge rushing, but he is somewhat limited when rushing to the inside of the OT. He needs to add some moves to his repertoire, but he seems like he is capable of doing that. He just hasn't really had to yet because he is so much more athletic than the guys he plays against. Like most guys that come from the SEC he is a good tackler. Wraps up and hits with his body. No arm tackles from this guy.

Biggest negative for me is that he sometimes takes plays off against the run. Might need a coach who can keep him motivated to hit it hard every single snap. But when his motor is on, he is a QB's nightmare.

OK thanks, I'll keep that in mind when I come accross a Georgia game.
 
How about Christian Ballard (Iowa) as a 3-4 DE?
He's 6'5, between 287-297 lbs, 4.86 speed (from what I can gather).
Moved to DT in his Jr season from DE.
Could be a third rounder?!?
Input???

Another safety who just enters my radar is Antwine Perez (Maryland).
He's something like 6'1-210.
Play both safety spots (interchanging with Kenny Tate who is a 2012 prospect.)
I was watching the MD-Clemson game and I thought he outplayed both Tate and DeAndre McDaniel (who is another possibilty at FS) in this one.
 
In a perfect world the Texans sign Bailey in FA

Then trade down and draft Harris or Aaron Williams and Black falls to the 4th rd.

CB's Bailey,Harris, Nickle Jackson

FS Quin,Nolan

SS Black (the SS needs to be able to cover the slot WR and TE) Hagg in the 6/7th.

This would be the best group of DB's in Texans history.

Then you could add a big NT,and a couple of LB's in the 3rd and with the trade down extra pick.

Just asking SteelBTexans... are you suggesting the Texans 2011 draft will be our starting secondary?
 
After going through Wade Phillips's playbook (when he was with the Falcons), I see that the NT (and the DEs) normally attack one gap so I don't think the Texans are going to draft a big NT (or sign one as a FA).

They still might, but it will probably be a 2nd day pick or a second tier FA.
When they go to the nickel or dime defense, Phillips would mix in a 4-man front (not exclusively - they do have a 3-man front in those packages as well).

I also noticed was the 46 package.

Another thing is that even with the 3-man front, at times, it looks very much like the 4-3 under that the Texans employed, except that there are only 3 guys playing with their hands down.
But the gap responsibilities are the same in this instance.

Overall, it seems to me that his defense is not too far off from what the Texans have been running.

The Texans do go with the 3-man front from time to time, along with the 46.

There are differences, but I need to take a closer look.

This is consistent with what Wade has been saying.
 
Another FS that has been on the back burner for me to check out is Chris Prosinski (Wyoming).

I've only watched a couple of his games so far.
Another sleeper that is slated as a 7th rounder or UDFA by some.
He looks pretty good, although not very big or exceptionally physical (but no weakling by any mean), measuring 6'0, 201 lbs.
I'm warming to him a little bit.

The numbers from his pro-day are really good:
40: 4.39
20: 2.42
10: 1.50
bench: 14
vertical: 39.5
broad: 11'02
shuttle: 4.28
3-cone: 6.85
 
Another FS that has been on the back burner for me to check out is Chris Prosinski (Wyoming).

I've only watched a couple of his games so far.
Another sleeper that is slated as a 7th rounder or UDFA by some.
He looks pretty good, although not very big or exceptionally physical (but no weakling by any mean), measuring 6'0, 201 lbs.
I'm warming to him a little bit.

The numbers from his pro-day are really good:
40: 4.39
20: 2.42
10: 1.50
bench: 14
vertical: 39.5
broad: 11'02
shuttle: 4.28
3-cone: 6.85

Yep, been a late round guy on my radar for a while now. I was very pleased to see his pro day numbers.
 
How about this kid..... Jordan Brown Weber State..... He is an older mature kid since he went on a Mormon mission. He was a Juco transfer from Snow College. In two years at Weber he had nearly 200 tackles 4 INTS 112YDS I think this kid can play CB as well....he also was very successful as a returner 25 Punt Returns for 325 yards...... Here is some info from his pro day

S Jordan Brown (6-foot-1 7/8, 198), who looked very good working out. Brown ran a 4.47 and 4.45 40, a 4.23 short shuttle and 6.78 three-cone drill. He posted a 9-foot, 2-inch broad jump, a 32.5-inch vertical jump and 12 bench-press reps.


Great length and Speed
 
if prince falls to us in rd 1 or we take someone like phil taylor/cameron jordan instead @ 11, chris carter from fresno state is an impressive possible olb pick in rd 2 (or even higher maybe if we trade down).

from what ive seen/read, he can rush the passer well (was POTY in the WAC), is a physical specimen & unlike justin houston, has shown a good ability at dropping into coverage when necessary. hes also a fiery, leader type who has no character concerns.

def my favourite olb pick for us right now

some 09 highlights. he really blew up in 2010 though. apart from not being from a big college, i cant see any knock against the guy. how has he not been talked about more??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMVtxfRt8ok
 
I would like to add two players, linebackers, onto your list. Alex Wuijack from Maryland and Mike Mohamd (played in a 3-4) from Cal. These guys should be mid-rounders and can play ILB and or OLB. Would be an excellent addition to our roster.
 
if prince falls to us in rd 1 or we take someone like phil taylor/cameron jordan instead @ 11, chris carter from fresno state is an impressive possible olb pick in rd 2 (or even higher maybe if we trade down).

from what ive seen/read, he can rush the passer well (was POTY in the WAC), is a physical specimen & unlike justin houston, has shown a good ability at dropping into coverage when necessary. hes also a fiery, leader type who has no character concerns.

def my favourite olb pick for us right now

some 09 highlights. he really blew up in 2010 though. apart from not being from a big college, i cant see any knock against the guy. how has he not been talked about more??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMVtxfRt8ok
Carter looks good, but I'm concerned about the competition.
The guys he faced in that video are all big and slow guys.
Even Carimi played around 330 lbs in 09 and looked slow (when I reviewed Garrett Graham); that was why the Badgers had to keep Graham back to block a lot against better teams, like Michigan, for example.
(Carimi had lost some weight this year, I think he's been playing under 320).

Don't know if I want to check out the OLB since I don't have a lot of time.
But I did see Carter quite a bit even in 09 when I scouted the CB AJ Jefferson who blew up the combine last year.
I did watch him some this year but haven't quite zeroing in on him yet.
 
I would like to add two players, linebackers, onto your list. Alex Wuijack from Maryland and Mike Mohamd (played in a 3-4) from Cal. These guys should be mid-rounders and can play ILB and or OLB. Would be an excellent addition to our roster.

I like Wuijack but I don't think the Texans need an ILB.
Haven't watched much of Mohamd, isn't he an ILB though?
 
I like Wuijack but I don't think the Texans need an ILB.
Haven't watched much of Mohamd, isn't he an ILB though?

Mohamed is more suited for ILB, but I think he could play either.

I'm not against taking an ILB at some point in this draft. Especially a guy who could put in some time at both positions.
 
Mohamed is more suited for ILB, but I think he could play either.

I'm not against taking an ILB at some point in this draft. Especially a guy who could put in some time at both positions.

True, Kevin Bentley isn't going to be here forever as our depth.
 
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