Early 2012 NFL Draft Preview

[rmartin65]

Well, football season is just a few short weeks away. As a few of you may know, I have been in Moscow since late June, and will not return until to the States until late August. That does not, however, mean that I have not been keeping up the sports world, and the boards (I lurk now). I brought with me a couple college football magazines, and a couple days ago, I realized that I had read them all cover to cover multiple times. I have also been going through my notes stored on my computer for the upcoming draft. I have done all I can for scouting the draft given where I am, so now I would like to read what you guys are think. ***Yes, I know this is early. But you all know that NFL teams already have boards set up, and are getting ready for the scouting year. It only makes sense for us to do the same. Please do not post the generic “it is too early for this” response. If you have no interest, and feel that it is in fact too early, then please simply leave the thread alone.***

For my projection on final roster, I am not necessarily listing the players in terms of status on the depth chart. It is purely a list of who I think makes the final roster.

QB
Currently on the roster: Schaub, Leinart, Yates
My projection for the final roster: Schaub, Leinart, Yates
2012 Draft Outlook: The position seems pretty set for the foreseeable future. Schaub is an upper-level QB, and should be for the next few years. Leinart is a solid backup (although I don’t like that he is a lefty), and Yates is the QB of the future. I don’t see a QB being drafted next year, unless something goes seriously wrong.

RB
Currently on the roster: Foster, Tate, Slaton, Ward, Ogbonnaya
My projection for the final roster: Foster, Tate Slaton, Ward
2012 Draft Outlook: Like with QB, the RB position seems pretty set. Foster and Tate could be a formidable 1-2 punch, and they are both pretty young. Ward is a great 3rd back, and if Slaton can become a Bush-lite type of player, we are very dangerous at this position. Again, I don’t see a pick being spent here.

FB
Currently on the roster: Vickers, Bartlett, Pauga
My projection for the final roster: Vickers
2012 Draft Outlook: Vickers replaces the departed Leach, with Casey assuming some FB duties. Of the 2 UDFAs, I see one sticking on the PS, but I cant tell which one yet. With that in mind, I highly doubt that we spend a pick on a FB.

WR
Currently on the roster: Johnson, Walter, Jones, Dickerson, Holliday, Jean, Maehl, Toliver, Townsel, Williams
My projection for the final roster: Johnson, Walter, Jones, Dickerson, Maehl, Holliday
2012 Draft Outlook: The Texans are again set at an offensive position. Johnson, Walter, Jones and DD are no brainers. Between the UDFAs (Jean, Maehl, Toliver), I think one sticks, and I give that spot to Maehl, as I feel that he is the most polished out of the 3, and gives the Texans a DA like player. Holliday makes it by the skin of his teeth due to his ability to return kicks, and the fact that he is a threat to score every time he is on the field. I think the Texans do look for a true #2 receiver in the 2012 draft, somewhere in rounds 1-3.

TE
Currently on the roster: Daniels, Casey, Dreessen, Graham, Hill
My projection for the final roster: Daniels, Casey, Dreesen, Graham
2012 Draft Outlook: Again, Texans are set here. No need to draft another TE in 2012.

OT
Currently on the roster: Brown, Butler, Hendrickson, Morris, Newton, Pemberton, Winston
My projection for the final roster: Brown, Butler, Winston, Pemberton,
2012 Draft Outlook: Following a trend, the Texans are in a pretty nice spot at OT. Brown and Winston are proven starters, Butler a proven swing tackle, and guys like Pemberton and Newton have solid potential. If a high end talent drops, I could see the Texans drafting one, but otherwise I think this position gets skipped in the draft.

OG
Currently on the roster: Barbieri, Briesel, Caldwell, S. Smith, W. Smith, Studdard
My projection for the final roster: W. Smith, Caldwell, Briesel, S. Smith, Studdard
2012 Draft Outlook: Just looking at the names, this list is a little underwhelming. However, it is essentially the same group that paved the way for Foster last year. I do think an OG gets selected next year, and it really could be anywhere throughout the draft. It all depends on who is available.

OC
Currently on the roster: Meyers, Wallace
My projection for the final roster: Meyers
2012 Draft Outlook: It may seem surprising that I have only one OC making the roster, but guys like Caldwell and W. Smith have experience at the position. Like OG, I see a center being taken next year, but I have no idea where in which round.

DE
Currently on the roster: Watt, Bulman, Graves, Jamison, Smith, Parr
My projection for the final roster: Smith, Watt, Bulman, Jamison
2012 Draft Outlook: Watt and Smith are a formidable duo, and the depth with Bulman is solid, but not spectacular. I see a mid-round guy being taken in 2012.

DT
Currently on the roster: Berry, Cody, Lewis, Miller, Mitchell
My projection for the final roster: Cody, Mitchell, Miller
2012 Draft Outlook: Let me first say- Miller will make the squad. He has the right combination of agility and strength for Wade’s 3-4. Cody and Mitchell are decent up front, I trust Wade here. Although, I would be lying if I said I was not at all worried about the position. Right now, I do not predict a big guy being drafted. Maybe a guy late (rounds 5-7).

OLB
Currently on the roster: Williams, Barwin, Reed, Nading, Braman, Ozougwu, Friday
My projection for the final roster: Williams, Barwin, Reed, Nading
2012 Draft Outlook: Williams, Barwin and Reed are a formidable trio of pass rushers. I am not at all worried about the position, but I will expect to see a OLB drafted between rounds 3 and 5 for as long as the Texans run a 3-4.

ILB
Currently on the roster: Adibi, Alexander, Cushing, Keglar, Ryans, Sharpton, Marcorelle, Dobbins
My projection for the final roster: Ryans, Cushing, Sharpton, Dobbins
2012 Draft Outlook: I am really worried here guys (and gals). Ryans is coming off a pretty serious injury. Cushing did not impress last year after a fantastic rookie season, so his ability is in doubt (a bit). Sharpton is a good backup, but I don’t know if I like him as a starter just yet. It is a strong year to draft an ILB, so I want to see one taken very high. Vontaze Burfict, I am looking at you.

CB
Currently on the roster: Allen, Carmichael, Harris, Jackson, Joseph, McCain, McManis, Molden, Teague
My projection for the final roster: Joseph, Harris, Jackson, Allen, Carmichael
2012 Draft Outlook: I feel fairly comfortable with our CBs. Joseph is a legit number 1, and between Harris, Allen and Jackson I trust that we will field a serviceable depth chart from 2-4. Carmichael makes the team, but spends most of his time on ST. I hope that we don’t draft someone next year, as this is also a very young squad.

S
Currently on the roster: Baker, Keo, Manning, Rolle, Williams, Demps, Nolan, Quinn, Barber
My projection for the final roster: Manning, Quinn, Keo, Nolan
2012 Draft Outlook: I love our S position. Manning and Quinn are a great duo, and Keo and Nolan are great backups/ST guys. Like CB, I don’t see us drafting a S next year, unless an elite talent drops.

K/P/LS
Currently on the roster: Rackers, Hartmann, Maynard, Weeks
My projection for the final roster: Rackers, Hartmann
2012 Draft Outlook: I hate having spot just for LS. I hope that one of the OL guys or Casey proves he can do it, and therein saves a roster spot. It really is a toss-up for P, I just went for youth. I don’t see a K or P being selected, unless something goes south.

PS: Friday, Jean, Toliver, Newton, Ozougwu, Teague, Graves, Hendrickson
Texans 2012 NFL Mock Draft
I predict the Texans go 11-5 and make it to the second round of the playoffs, and as a result, pick in the late 20s.

1) Arizona State ILB Vontaze Burfict, 6’3” 252 lbs
Burfict is a bad, bad dude with serious skill. Dubbed by some “the Meanest Man in College football”, Burfict has incredible athleticism and instincts to go with his pro ready frame. If he can get his temper under control (a lot of Unsportsmanlike Penalties), Burfict could be the next great ILB in the NFL. With question marks surrounding Ryans and Cushing, it only makes sense to upgrade the position.
http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-07-28/the-meanest-man-in-college-football-vontaze-burfict

2) Oklahoma WR Ryan Broyles, 5’11 185 lbs
Broyles is the quintessential number 2 receiver- He has good enough speed, decent size, great body control and route-running, and fantastic hands. He will not blow up the combine, which is why I believe he will be available this late. Broyles should be able to immediately get some playing time, and can return punts as well. Drafting Broyles gives the Texans some insurance when negotiating new contracts down the line.

3) Midwestern State OG Amini Silatolu, 6’3” 324 lbs
Silatolu is a big interior lineman that needs to drop 10-15 pounds to play in the NFL. However, the athleticism to play on Sundays is there, and he posses the right disposition to play in the trenches.

4) UConn OC Moe Petrus, 6’2” 295 lbs
I am higher on Petrus than most, and let me tell you why- he is simply a football player. He is not going to wow people at the combine, but he has the right skill set to backup, and eventually take over for, Myers at the center position.

5) Virginia OLB Cam Johnson, 6’3” 270 lbs
Johnson is currently playing DE in the 4-3 defense, but has experience playing OLB, and in my opinion, looked better/more comfortable standing up. Johnson would add depth to the OLB core of Williams, Barwin and Reed.

6) Cincy DE Derek Wolfe, 6’5” 300 lbs

7) Tulsa AP Damaris Johnson, 5’7” 175 lbs

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

***Yes, I know this is early. But you all know that NFL teams already have boards set up, and are getting ready for the scouting year. It only makes sense for us to do the same. Please do not post the generic “it is too early for this” response. If you have no interest, and feel that it is in fact too early, then please simply leave the thread alone.***

ooops...leaves before unneeded sarcastic remark..enjoy.

 

[Lucky]

The Texans go 11-5 with question marks at ILB? Wow.

I would like to think the Texans have invested enough high draft picks in the defense. If more talent is needed, I would hope free agency would be the preferred mode. If a high pick is spent on defense, I would think NT would be the most likely spot.

The Texans have been very fortunate to get what they've gotten out of their interior line. It's pretty rare that interior linemen go in the 1st round (6 total in the past 3 years). If there's a talented one available when Houston selects, that might be a fit.

 

[badboy]

Your thread is entirely to early draft partner, but mine was posted a long time ago. Chuckle. I will not disagree but think ILB will work out.

SHelley SMith will be the RG of the future 7 I do think we should draft someone to eventually replace Myers, just not 2012. I'd not be surprised to get a center in free agency in the future. I too go with a WR but in first.

In 2012 we have a chance to strengthen the defensive backs and let some of these pretenders go. I am cool with Manning and Quin but Barber needs to finally go and we have only hopes for Keo and Nolan. Can KJ or McMannis succeed as safeties? Time will tell, but for now I have to project a corner and a SS/FS high in draft.

Hurry back buddy, BeerLover and I are ready to get going.

 

[Dutchrudder]

There's a junior DT out of Nebraska that looked really good last year. I don't know how he would do in a 3-4, but he looked like he could play any position on the D-line last year.

 

[badboy]

There's a junior DT out of Nebraska that looked really good last year. I don't know how he would do in a 3-4, but he looked like he could play any position on the D-line last year.

Talking about senior Jared Crick? http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=831184

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigten/2011-08-01-nebraska-jared-crick-return-nfl_n.htm

Sprained knee in spring training http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6270538

Can he play 3-4? This suggests he can.

http://napavince.blogspot.com/2011/08/huskers-likely-to-keep-3-4-defense-as.html

 

[beerlover]

I'll rep ya! It's proactive & good practice to set checkpoints to evaluate Texans progress in football operations. You've taken flyers on draft picks, undrafted free agents, current players then combining everything together to make roster cuts. Then hedged expectations based off your feeling of perceived weakness heading into 2011 season. Making sound reasonable projections from your data sources who we should be watching this College Football Season. No small feat & come home safe.

 

[Dutchrudder]

Talking about senior Jared Crick? http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=831184

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/bigten/2011-08-01-nebraska-jared-crick-return-nfl_n.htm

Sprained knee in spring training http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=6270538

Can he play 3-4? This suggests he can.

http://napavince.blogspot.com/2011/08/huskers-likely-to-keep-3-4-defense-as.html

Yeah, that's the guy. I think he will make for a really good DT in the NFL. Maybe a 3-4 NT? I don't think he would be worth drafting to use as a 3-4 DE.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

Yeah, that's the guy. I think he will make for a really good DT in the NFL. Maybe a 3-4 NT? I don't think he would be worth drafting to use as a 3-4 DE.

Jared Crick is almost a twin (size and style of play) to JJ Watt, doubting he will be a nose tackle candidate.

On serious bigger picture note, I enjoyed your depth chart analysis of the Texans. I was hoping instead of a mock draft that we got several playrs at key positions in college to look at (from a texans' perspective) throughout the season.

 

[rmartin65]

On serious bigger picture note, I enjoyed your depth chart analysis of the Texans. I was hoping instead of a mock draft that we got several playrs at key positions in college to look at (from a texans' perspective) throughout the season.

I could do that. Probably not by tonight, but probably by sometime tomorrow.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

I could do that. Probably not by tonight, but probably by sometime tomorrow.

Do it at your own schedule, whatever (and whenever) you come up with will be appreciated.

 

[rmartin65]

A couple more mocks, depending on potential holes on the team. I maintain that the Texans pick in the late 20s, I am drinking that Kool-aid.

If NT turns out to be a problem:

1) Washington NT Alameda Ta'amu, 6'3" 330 lbs
2) Oklahoma WR Ryan Broyles, 5'11" 185 lbs
3) Midwestern State OG Amini Silatolu, 6’3” 324 lbs
4) UConn OC Moe Petrus, 6’2” 295 lbs
5) Arkansas ILB Jerry Franklin, 6'1" 245 lbs
6) OSU OLB Nathan Williams, 6'3" 252 lbs
7) Virginia DE Matt Conrath, 6'7" 275 lbs

If the D looks solid, 2 scenarios:

1) Texas A&M WR Jeff Fuller, 6'3" 215 lbs
2) Boston College ILB Luke Kuechly, 6'3" 237 lbs
3) Memphis NT Dontari Poe, 6'5" 350 lbs
4) UConn OC Moe Petrus, 6’2” 295 lbs
5) Northwestern DE Vince Browne, 6'5" 265 lbs
6) OSU OLB Nathan Williams, 6'3" 252 lbs
7) Tulsa AP Damaris Johnson, 5’7” 175 lbs

1) Iowa State OG Kelechi Osmele, 6'5" 338 lbs
2) OKlahoma WR Ryan Broyles, 5'11" 185 lbs
3) South Dakota OT Tom Compton, 6'6" 312 lbs
4) UConn OC Moe Petrus, 6’2” 295 lbs
5) Arkansas ILB Jerry Franklin, 6'1" 245 lbs
6) Michigan NT Mike Martin, 6'1" 300 lbs
7) Tulsa AP Damaris Johnson, 5’7” 175 lbs

 

[IDEXAN]

Now that we have the new CBA which includes new "pay guidelines" for rookies which substantially flattens-out/reduces their pay-scale, isn't it logical to expect rampant trading in the 2012 Draft ?

 

[Texan4Ever]

Mike Martin (Michigan, DL) is a beast and I would be ecstatic if the Texans were to draft him. He is a better fit as a DT in a 4-3 scheme but has experience playing NT in the failed 3-3-5 scheme. He's also a former wrestling champion and knows how to use his hands and leverage against opposing linemen.

 

[AcresHomesTexan]

Now that we have the new CBA which includes new "pay guidelines" for rookies which substantially flattens-out/reduces their pay-scale, isn't it logical to expect rampant trading in the 2012 Draft ?

It will be interesting to see how teams react. I suspect that for a few teams the cheapness of the pick now adds to its value and maybe no more willing to trade out. I am for sure that it is more possible, but we will have to see.

 

[bah007]

Mike Martin (Michigan, DL) is a beast and I would be ecstatic if the Texans were to draft him. He is a better fit as a DT in a 4-3 scheme but has experience playing NT in the failed 3-3-5 scheme. He's also a former wrestling champion and knows how to use his hands and leverage against opposing linemen.

I'm all over this guy. rmartin has him in the 6th round of his mock, but I have a 2nd round grade on the guy.

I love him as a 43 NT, but he could also be a 34 DE.

He could even fit in as a 34 NT, if it were a "Wade-style" one gap 34.

 

[Rey]

Zachary line from smu. Never heard of the kid, but they are playing a&m right now and this guy is legit. Starting rb, 230 lbs, excellent vision and also covers kicks on special teams.

I have a feeling that when the draft comes around his stock will rise, but if we could get him in the fourth or fifth round I think he'd be a really good rb in this offense.

 

[Texan4Ever]

I'm all over this guy. rmartin has him in the 6th round of his mock, but I have a 2nd round grade on the guy.

I love him as a 43 NT, but he could also be a 34 DE.

He could even fit in as a 34 NT, if it were a "Wade-style" one gap 34.

He doesn't have the sexy stats but, if you watch the game film on him you can see how athletic he is combined with his non-stop motor. Most of the time, he's busy fighting off double and or triple teams which gives guys around him the chance to make a play.

He has a lot of potential and can be a valuable asset to a team if he is given a chance to showcase his skills and put on a team with a good supporting cast.