Badboy, Beerlover and rmartin65's 2012 Combo Mock

[rmartin65]

After a couple weeks of deliberation and countless messages, we have finally hammered out a mock for the 2012 draft. Hopefully you all like it, and give us your thoughts!

Round 1: Washington NT Alameda Ta’amu, 6’3” 330 lbs

Texans add a big to interior helping plug middle against the run & collapse the pocket from the inside. We felt Ta'Amu was the top senior prospect available in this draft for the nose tackle position mid-late first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Has excellent quickness, feet & balance to redirect & transfer weight with mass/strength to demand double teams. Yet he is more of a one gap penetrator so he fits Wade Phillips system. Good football instincts, but needs to locate the ball quicker, be more consistent & violent with his hands to stack & shed. If he continues to learn, smart kid/student, he will become a great nose tackle for the Houston Texans.

Round 2: Baylor WR Kendall Wright, 5’11” 190 lbs

Kendall was the school's all-time leading receiver before his senior year even began & is a pure, athletic #2 possession WR that would fit in nicely opposite Andre Johnson. Excellent hands, can make adjustment to the ball, runs crisp routes, explosive speed (4.42, with reports as low as 4.32) which creates separation as well deep routes stretching the field. Doesn't hurt that he has the build of a RB (which should really aid his durability in the NFL) vertical leaping ability (reported 42") & timing to snag high throws @ apex of flight. Again this is a mid-late 2nd rd. pick (don't know yet what Texans record of draft slot will be) another Senior with experience catching the ball from RG3 a very strong arm thrower & future first round QB pick.


Round 3: Vanderbilt CB Casey Hayward, 5’11” 190 lbs

Hayward has been a real eye-opener this season, but that in no way makes him a one year wonder. Hayward has been a solid starter since his sophomore year, and has compiled 12 picks thus far in his career. He is more than just a ball hawk, however. Hayward is a willing tackler as well, and does not take unnecessary gambles in order to make plays on the ball. We see Hayward as being a future number 2, allowing Harris, Carmichael and KJ to round out the depth chart next year.

Round 4: Kentucky SS/FS/CB Winston Guy, 6’1” 215 lbs

Prior to 2011 coach created "hybrid" saftey/linebacker role to showcase Guy's speed and ability to get to the ball. After 6 games he has 67 Tackles, 1 sack & 2 INTs. 2010: 105 tackles, 2 breakups & 3 INTs so he is consistent. He has played all positions listed, hard hitter with good coverage skills and plays well against the run. Dream player for Phillips allowing a roster CB and S to be cut. I've watched Guy for 2 years & he is real deal. Moving up charts from 6th to 4th round.

Round 5: Baylor OC/RG Philip Blake, 6’3” 320 lbs

Snaps to QB Robert Griffin 3 Heisman Candidate. Blake excells in both passing and running game with good anchor. Hometown Toronto and he played for Tyler, TX Jr. College prior to Baylor. In 2009 as a sophomore started all 12 G as RT. 2010 he replaced Center JD Walton 3rd round Denver & started all 13 games. nfldraftscout.com ranks him 6th best center in nation and can play OG as well as RT. *Interesting note: in 2010 he had 82 knockdowns. Super strong with good feet and balance.

Round 6: Arkansas DE Jake Bequette, 6’5” 270 lbs

Bequette is everything you want in a player- athletic, hardworking, and loyal to both his teammates and his team. Bequette shows perfect size for a 3-4 DE, and possess the required strength and above average and agility for the position. He has shown himself to be an explosive player, entering this season with 13.5 sacks, 21 TFLs and 19 QB hurries. This year Bequette has been hampered by a hamstring injury, but is expected to return to full health in the next week or so. Bequette would sit behind Smith and Watt for a couple years, but I truly believe that Bequette could be a starter down the line.

Round 7: Traded for Mason

EDIT- Mods, please correct the title. I accidentally added a g to my name.

 

[beerlover]

Four picks on defense. Three offense including Mason. Nice balance, fits strength of senior class. Now if we included underclassman (yet to declare) that would change things up a bit.

 

[Wolf6151]

1. Ta'amu, obviously love this pick he just makes to much sense for the Texans. Great pick.
2. Wright, I like the position chosen but I think we could get a better WR here by selecting Jones or Criner. Both are tall, decent speed, and athletic.
3. Hayward, I like the player but seriously doubt that he's available in the late 3rd round, that's wishful thinking. CB's are highly valued and he's already listed as a 2nd round pick by Walterfootball and with his interceptions this year could move into the 1st round. Great player but not realistic in the late 3rd round.
4. Guy, I like the player and position chosen. With his size I'd put him at FS/SS behind Manning and Quin and the fact that he makes Barber expendable means he's a keeper. Good pick, if he takes Barbers place on the roster then it's a great pick.
5. Blake, I think he's a bit of a project player but I'm fine with that in the 5th round, I think he projects more as RG than C. If he takes Briesel's position on the line then he's a great pick.
6. Bequette, I don't know anything about this guy but as a 3-4 DE I'd like him to add approx. 15-20 lbs. which with his height shouldn't be a problem. Probably makes the practice squad for a year but if he makes the team and sends Bulman packing then he's a great pick.

Overall it's a good draft. I like the positions chosen with the exception of the fact there are no LB's and we need ILB and OLB depth. I'd have chosen some different players in a couple positions but overall not bad.

 

[beerlover]

1. Ta'amu, obviously love this pick he just makes to much sense for the Texans. Great pick.
2. Wright, I like the position chosen but I think we could get a better WR here by selecting Jones or Criner. Both are tall, decent speed, and athletic.
3. Hayward, I like the player but seriously doubt that he's available in the late 3rd round, that's wishful thinking. CB's are highly valued and he's already listed as a 2nd round pick by Walterfootball and with his interceptions this year could move into the 1st round. Great player but not realistic in the late 3rd round.
4. Guy, I like the player and position chosen. With his size I'd put him at FS/SS behind Manning and Quin and the fact that he makes Barber expendable means he's a keeper. Good pick, if he takes Barbers place on the roster then it's a great pick.
5. Blake, I think he's a bit of a project player but I'm fine with that in the 5th round, I think he projects more as RG than C. If he takes Briesel's position on the line then he's a great pick.
6. Bequette, I don't know anything about this guy but as a 3-4 DE I'd like him to add approx. 15-20 lbs. which with his height shouldn't be a problem. Probably makes the practice squad for a year but if he makes the team and sends Bulman packing then he's a great pick.

Overall it's a good draft. I like the positions chosen with the exception of the fact there are no LB's and we need ILB and OLB depth. I'd have chosen some different players in a couple positions but overall not bad.

1). Too much sense is a problem.
2). Dwight Jones is ranked #18th & Juron Criner #22nd by ProFootball Weekly. Both run in the 4.5 area but thats top end long speed, not explosive in & out of breaks like Wright who reportedly can touch a 4.3 that speed Texans need but don't have.
3). Hayword has third rd. written all over him, out of the senior cb prospects he is ranked 13th by ProFootball Weekly, that's without adding a group of talented underclassmen. Two things hold him back, one is speed, timed 4.55 & short arms. His saving grace is he has good instincts, we could use those but not worthy of a 2nd.
4). Barber is gone with or without this Guy. We're also hoping more than another special teams player, although if he were it would be as the returner. Have always been looking for a pure center fielder with ball hawking instincts.
5). We targeted replacing Brisel so your right on with that one. But tell me who is going to be the back-up Center if Myers goes down? In that sense he would also go to top of the pack as his back-up as well giving you excellent value/versatility.
6). This pick is obviously subject to change, it is the 6th rd. But with Jamison shining in Mario's absence @ OLB Texans need a developmental 5 tech. He has a high motor like Watt, upside is there along with work ethic so good chance he does dispel Bulman once & for all.

Overall good review, just a little futher explanation how different guys see things. thank you

 

[Wolf6151]

1). Too much sense is a problem.
2). Dwight Jones is ranked #18th & Juron Criner #22nd by ProFootball Weekly. Both run in the 4.5 area but thats top end long speed, not explosive in & out of breaks like Wright who reportedly can touch a 4.3 that speed Texans need but don't have.
3). Hayword has third rd. written all over him, out of the senior cb prospects he is ranked 13th by ProFootball Weekly, that's without adding a group of talented underclassmen. Two things hold him back, one is speed, timed 4.55 & short arms. His saving grace is he has good instincts, we could use those but not worthy of a 2nd.
4). Barber is gone with or without this Guy. We're also hoping more than another special teams player, although if he were it would be as the returner. Have always been looking for a pure center fielder with ball hawking instincts.
5). We targeted replacing Brisel so your right on with that one. But tell me who is going to be the back-up Center if Myers goes down? In that sense he would also go to top of the pack as his back-up as well giving you excellent value/versatility.
6). This pick is obviously subject to change, it is the 6th rd. But with Jamison shining in Mario's absence @ OLB Texans need a developmental 5 tech. He has a high motor like Watt, upside is there along with work ethic so good chance he does dispel Bulman once & for all.

Overall good review, just a little futher explanation how different guys see things. thank you

1. Makes to much sense, means that he's a no brainer pick that's perfect for the team, not a bad thing. Sorry for the confusion.
2. The problem with using Profootballweekly and some other sites is that their rankings might be months old. It doesn't say, so their rankings might have been made up prior to the season starting. That's why I like Walterfootball because he updates his rankings periodically throughout the season and tells you when they were updated. Speed isn't everything for a WR and I'd much rather have a big athletic guy like Jones or Criner catching passes in the redzone. Tall athletic WR's is a trend in the NFL.
3. Again with profootballweekly, when was their ranking posted or updated plus the top ranked CB's are juniors and most likely will come out. On Walterfootball, Hayward is the 6th best CB amongst all draft eligible CB's and it was updated 10-01-11, after the season began and there was performance to judge him against.
4. If Guy can handle PR/KR duties he just might make Jacoby and Barber expendable, that would be great.
5. I like Blake just think that he needs to play more than just C to make the team, most C and OG are interchangeable. You just have to be smarter to play C since you call all the blocking assignments etc... I think Smith is the backup C now, not sure.
6. I agree with the need for another backup DE, making Bulman expendable is a very good thing.

I still think you need to factor in at least 1 LB somewhere. In a 3-4 system a team needs alot of LB's and we need better depth.

 

[badboy]

1. Makes to much sense, means that he's a no brainer pick that's perfect for the team, not a bad thing. Sorry for the confusion.
2. The problem with using Profootballweekly and some other sites is that their rankings might be months old. It doesn't say, so their rankings might have been made up prior to the season starting. That's why I like Walterfootball because he updates his rankings periodically throughout the season and tells you when they were updated. Speed isn't everything for a WR and I'd much rather have a big athletic guy like Jones or Criner catching passes in the redzone. Tall athletic WR's is a trend in the NFL.
3. Again with profootballweekly, when was their ranking posted or updated plus the top ranked CB's are juniors and most likely will come out. On Walterfootball, Hayward is the 6th best CB amongst all draft eligible CB's and it was updated 10-01-11, after the season began and there was performance to judge him against.
4. If Guy can handle PR/KR duties he just might make Jacoby and Barber expendable, that would be great.
5. I like Blake just think that he needs to play more than just C to make the team, most C and OG are interchangeable. You just have to be smarter to play C since you call all the blocking assignments etc... I think Smith is the backup C now, not sure.
6. I agree with the need for another backup DE, making Bulman expendable is a very good thing.

I still think you need to factor in at least 1 LB somewhere. In a 3-4 system a team needs alot of LB's and we need better depth.

I do use Walter but he has Poe as a 4-5 pick and that ain't happening. For the last 6 weeks he has listed Centers Ben Jones as #4 & #6 and Ben Habern #5 & #7. The section was updated September 15th and should have been corrected.
Just saying that all sites and mocks including ours are tools to be reviewed and used or discarded.

#2. Our concensus is we need a WR2 that can stretch the field with his speed and catch the pass when targeted. We don't need another red zone target necessarily. We also don't need another Walter (short field receiver). Just our preference. One half thru season he has 757 yds extrapolates to over 1500 yds. In 5 of 6 games he has a pass of 20 yards or more, the 6th had a 19 yd. His lowest seasonal avg yardage per pass in 4 years was 11.2 with 13.8 avg this season. He catches for a passing QB (like Schaub)that is a Heisman candidate so he is under media attention 24-7. I'm not just a stats guy and he plays really well every Saturday.

#3. I agree with you that Hayward should go higher but I agree with BL that enough CBs (including early outs) could push him down. We will see.

#5. We have no LG back up so Smith can't relieve Myers imo. This is a gamble that Kubiak took and has worked so far that Myers does not miss games. That has to catch up sometime. Blake has started @ right tackle and center. He can play 3 positions which is what we need especially at this round.
6. We discussed ILB, OL and FB in 6th but feel our guy is BPA especially when he might be a Watt clone.

I am not defending the mock just giving more insight hopefully to our choices.
Appreciate your comments.

 

[steelbtexan]

I went another way in my 1st mock. Believing that fixing the offense was the quickest way to improve the team. However I think this mock is a well thought out mock.

1. Love this pick, hope he's still there when the Texans pick.
2. I went with Jones, but can understand the reasoning behind Wright and would be thriled if he was the pick.
3.i took Boykin because of his KR/PR ability, Hayward reminds me of former Vandy CB Lewis. That's not a bad thing.
4.Dont know much about Guy, But anything that gets Barber of the roster is a good thing
5. Love this pick, hope Blake is there, I think he can be what Caldwell was supposed to be.
6. Bequette, love this pick.

Once again, great job, I will try to rep you guys. Thanks for the time and effort put in.

 

[steelbtexan]

rm65 cant rep you, but will when I can. I'm really looking forward to your small school evals. I always learn quite a bit.

 

[beerlover]

1. Makes to much sense, means that he's a no brainer pick that's perfect for the team, not a bad thing. Sorry for the confusion.
2. The problem with using Profootballweekly and some other sites is that their rankings might be months old. It doesn't say, so their rankings might have been made up prior to the season starting. That's why I like Walterfootball because he updates his rankings periodically throughout the season and tells you when they were updated. Speed isn't everything for a WR and I'd much rather have a big athletic guy like Jones or Criner catching passes in the redzone. Tall athletic WR's is a trend in the NFL.
3. Again with profootballweekly, when was their ranking posted or updated plus the top ranked CB's are juniors and most likely will come out. On Walterfootball, Hayward is the 6th best CB amongst all draft eligible CB's and it was updated 10-01-11, after the season began and there was performance to judge him against.
4. If Guy can handle PR/KR duties he just might make Jacoby and Barber expendable, that would be great.
5. I like Blake just think that he needs to play more than just C to make the team, most C and OG are interchangeable. You just have to be smarter to play C since you call all the blocking assignments etc... I think Smith is the backup C now, not sure.
6. I agree with the need for another backup DE, making Bulman expendable is a very good thing.

I still think you need to factor in at least 1 LB somewhere. In a 3-4 system a team needs alot of LB's and we need better depth.

Guess I kinda lost count? Texans have like 9 LB's on roster with a couple stashed away on PS? I know you need LB depth to run a 3-4 but hardly seems a priority given several layers of talent already on hand. If however a perfect fit falls to the Texans I would not be opposed but you also must consider that a 5 tech, in a 3-4 bout trumps everything except a pass rushing OLB.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

After a couple weeks of deliberation and countless messages, we have finally hammered out a mock for the 2012 draft. Hopefully you all like it, and give us your thoughts!

Round 1: Washington NT Alameda Ta’amu, 6’3” 330 lbs

Texans add a big to interior helping plug middle against the run & collapse the pocket from the inside. We felt Ta'Amu was the top senior prospect available in this draft for the nose tackle position mid-late first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Has excellent quickness, feet & balance to redirect & transfer weight with mass/strength to demand double teams. Yet he is more of a one gap penetrator so he fits Wade Phillips system. Good football instincts, but needs to locate the ball quicker, be more consistent & violent with his hands to stack & shed. If he continues to learn, smart kid/student, he will become a great nose tackle for the Houston Texans.

Round 2: Baylor WR Kendall Wright, 5’11” 190 lbs

Kendall was the school's all-time leading receiver before his senior year even began & is a pure, athletic #2 possession WR that would fit in nicely opposite Andre Johnson. Excellent hands, can make adjustment to the ball, runs crisp routes, explosive speed (4.42, with reports as low as 4.32) which creates separation as well deep routes stretching the field. Doesn't hurt that he has the build of a RB (which should really aid his durability in the NFL) vertical leaping ability (reported 42") & timing to snag high throws @ apex of flight. Again this is a mid-late 2nd rd. pick (don't know yet what Texans record of draft slot will be) another Senior with experience catching the ball from RG3 a very strong arm thrower & future first round QB pick.


Round 3: Vanderbilt CB Casey Hayward, 5’11” 190 lbs

Hayward has been a real eye-opener this season, but that in no way makes him a one year wonder. Hayward has been a solid starter since his sophomore year, and has compiled 12 picks thus far in his career. He is more than just a ball hawk, however. Hayward is a willing tackler as well, and does not take unnecessary gambles in order to make plays on the ball. We see Hayward as being a future number 2, allowing Harris, Carmichael and KJ to round out the depth chart next year.

Round 4: Kentucky SS/FS/CB Winston Guy, 6’1” 215 lbs

Prior to 2011 coach created "hybrid" saftey/linebacker role to showcase Guy's speed and ability to get to the ball. After 6 games he has 67 Tackles, 1 sack & 2 INTs. 2010: 105 tackles, 2 breakups & 3 INTs so he is consistent. He has played all positions listed, hard hitter with good coverage skills and plays well against the run. Dream player for Phillips allowing a roster CB and S to be cut. I've watched Guy for 2 years & he is real deal. Moving up charts from 6th to 4th round.

Round 5: Baylor OC/RG Philip Blake, 6’3” 320 lbs

Snaps to QB Robert Griffin 3 Heisman Candidate. Blake excells in both passing and running game with good anchor. Hometown Toronto and he played for Tyler, TX Jr. College prior to Baylor. In 2009 as a sophomore started all 12 G as RT. 2010 he replaced Center JD Walton 3rd round Denver & started all 13 games. nfldraftscout.com ranks him 6th best center in nation and can play OG as well as RT. *Interesting note: in 2010 he had 82 knockdowns. Super strong with good feet and balance.

Round 6: Arkansas DE Jake Bequette, 6’5” 270 lbs

Bequette is everything you want in a player- athletic, hardworking, and loyal to both his teammates and his team. Bequette shows perfect size for a 3-4 DE, and possess the required strength and above average and agility for the position. He has shown himself to be an explosive player, entering this season with 13.5 sacks, 21 TFLs and 19 QB hurries. This year Bequette has been hampered by a hamstring injury, but is expected to return to full health in the next week or so. Bequette would sit behind Smith and Watt for a couple years, but I truly believe that Bequette could be a starter down the line.

Round 7: Traded for Mason

EDIT- Mods, please correct the title. I accidentally added a g to my name.

Badboy, Beerlover and rmartin65, nice job. I don't know much about college players but, I liked the positions you focused on. I would liked it more if you picked ILB somewhere in the mid rds. Is there any good ILB mid to late rds prospect/s?

Go Texans!!!

 

[Lucky]

With Schaub a free agent after 2012, a QB has to be considered in the early rounds.

 

[rmartin65]

With Schaub a free agent after 2012, a QB has to be considered in the early rounds.

We strongly considered RG3, but decided to go another direction. QB is a need, but we did decided to take guys that would have an instant impact. Now, I cant speak for my mock partners here, but I would trade Schaub and a first, maybe even 2 firsts, for Luck. He is that good, and I would grab a NT later, and then see what happens.

 

[MojoMan]

If the Texans can resolve their CB issues prior to the draft, then going OG in the third makes a lot of sense here. Other than that, the proposed mock draft looks pretty good.

 

[badboy]

If the Texans can resolve their CB issues prior to the draft, then going OG in the third makes a lot of sense here. Other than that, the proposed mock draft looks pretty good.

Just for discussion sake, list the third round guards that will beat out Briesel. It ain't happening. As Rmartin65 said we want impact players for 2012 that have good chance at starting. Our 3rd, unless someone on roster does a 180 and steps up, could be the starting CB2. I am not against starting a rookie. KJ just did not have the skills sets for CB1 for Texans 2010. Thanks for your comments & reading our mock.

 

[MojoMan]

Just for discussion sake, list the third round guards that will beat out Briesel. It ain't happening. As Rmartin65 said we want impact players for 2012 that have good chance at starting. Our 3rd, unless someone on roster does a 180 and steps up, could be the starting CB2. I am not against starting a rookie. KJ just did not have the skills sets for CB1 for Texans 2010. Thanks for your comments & reading our mock.

Along the same lines, feel free to name the 3rd round CB's that will beat our Jackson or Allen. Maybe there is one or two, but there is no way to know for sure.

Like I said, the Texans should go interior OL in the 3rd, IF they resolve their CB issues prior to the draft.

 

[badboy]

Badboy, Beerlover and rmartin65, nice job. I don't know much about college players but, I liked the positions you focused on. I would liked it more if you picked ILB somewhere in the mid rds. Is there any good ILB mid to late rds prospect/s?

Go Texans!!!

Thanks for compliment! We are not experts just love Texans and enjoy researching who might fit the roster and teams philosophy.
We each have area we prefer to watch (I am a DB guy)but the main thing is 65, BL and I work well together. We strongly debate and criticize each other's opinions and choices to reach a consensus that offers best mock. We do not think we are pros, just fans having funs and hopefully making thought based suggestions. Now to your question.

Burfict is a 1st round but is a personal penalty flag waiting to drop. Last weekend he had 2 or maybe 3. He then was in an altercation with a LB who was paying him back for a late hit. The other player got the flag but what if Burfict's earlier penalty resulted in him being injured by the LB? IMO he has no team concept. DOn't see Kubiak drafting him, period.

Manti Te'o I really like his play, but a 1st round guy.

Dont'a Hightower, I have him rated higher than most in 1st & mocked him early but he would not beat out Cush or Ryans first season & we mocked impact players.

Kuechly 1st round but 235 lbs. No thanks.

Tank Carder lower pick but again only 237

Tanner Brock TCU was on my earlier mock in 4th but out for year due to injury.

 

[Rey]

We strongly considered RG3, but decided to go another direction. QB is a need, but we did decided to take guys that would have an instant impact. Now, I cant speak for my mock partners here, but I would trade Schaub and a first, maybe even 2 firsts, for Luck. He is that good, and I would grab a NT later, and then see what happens.

That is what I'd do...

Having a QB of the Caliber that Luck is projected to be is an astronomical boost to a football team. I'd take the gamble...

 

[badboy]

Along the same lines, feel free to name the 3rd round CB's that will beat our Jackson or Allen. Maybe there is one or two, but there is no way to know for sure.

Like I said, the Texans should go interior OL in the 3rd, IF they resolve their CB issues prior to the draft.

Uh, look at our 3rd round choice. Watch him play and review his stats. We were looking at impact guys and if we did not think he could beat out the dynamic duo of KJ & Allen we would have gone elsewhere.
ANother player that could start is Xavier Rhodes. Coryell Judie was another leading candidate from Texas A&M until he was injured.

No way to be sure on Luck's luck either, still I'd take him. A lot of mock talk is just personal opinion and we try to support our choices by what we see. I am interested in your thoughts on how Texans can resolce their CB issue other than draft. That would be sweet. IMO there are no free agent candidates and Asante Samuel has been someone I've advocated for a trade scenario.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

Thanks for compliment! We are not experts just love Texans and enjoy researching who might fit the roster and teams philosophy.
We each have area we prefer to watch (I am a DB guy)but the main thing is 65, BL and I work well together. We strongly debate and criticize each other's opinions and choices to reach a consensus that offers best mock. We do not think we are pros, just fans having funs and hopefully making thought based suggestions. Now to your question.

Burfict is a 1st round but is a personal penalty flag waiting to drop. Last weekend he had 2 or maybe 3. He then was in an altercation with a LB who was paying him back for a late hit. The other player got the flag but what if Burfict's earlier penalty resulted in him being injured by the LB? IMO he has no team concept. DOn't see Kubiak drafting him, period.

Manti Te'o I really like his play, but a 1st round guy.

Dont'a Hightower, I have him rated higher than most in 1st & mocked him early but he would not beat out Cush or Ryans first season & we mocked impact players.

Kuechly 1st round but 235 lbs. No thanks.

Tank Carder lower pick but again only 237

Tanner Brock TCU was on my earlier mock in 4th but out for year due to injury.

We are good with Cush and Ryans(hopefully, continue to improve from injury) and this is why I want us to look into a quality back up guy in mid to late rds that able to come in whenever needed.

Go Texans!!!

 

[MojoMan]

Uh, look at our 3rd round choice. Watch him play and review his stats. We were looking at impact guys and if we did not think he could beat out the dynamic duo of KJ & Allen we would have gone elsewhere.
ANother player that could start is Xavier Rhodes. Coryell Judie was another leading candidate from Texas A&M until he was injured.

No way to be sure on Luck's luck either, still I'd take him. A lot of mock talk is just personal opinion and we try to support our choices by what we see. I am interested in your thoughts on how Texans can resolce their CB issue other than draft. That would be sweet. IMO there are no free agent candidates and Asante Samuel has been someone I've advocated for a trade scenario.

To be honest, I have not looked at it that closely. However, the Jonathan Joseph signing was just exactly the sort of move that I was thinking of. For real, who saw that coming before it was actually announced last year?

You never know. Maybe Rick Smith and company will be able to pull another similar rabbit out of their hats.

 

[badboy]

That is what I'd do...

Having a QB of the Caliber that Luck is projected to be is an astronomical boost to a football team. I'd take the gamble...

Yep but no way Texans do that. If we had Luck, think we could get our second rounds back foir Schaub? He is a more vetted QB and should bring a good deal. Just a thread on this would explode this MB, again.

 

[badboy]

To be honest, I have not looked at it that closely. However, the Jonathan Joseph signing was just exactly the sort of move that I was thinking of. For real, who saw that coming before it was actually announced last year?

You never know. Maybe Rick Smith and company will be able to pull another similar rabbit out of their hats.

last off season there existed free agent corners and a safety or two. I do not see anything on the horizon...

 

[beerlover]

man the Colts suck, could be in their destiny to get Luck. that would cause a ripple effect in AFC south & corner would be a must. a trade up would be in order to get a playmaker like Morris Claiborne or Janoris Jenkins.

 

[Wolf6151]

man the Colts suck, could be in their destiny to get Luck. that would cause a ripple effect in AFC south & corner would be a must. a trade up would be in order to get a playmaker like Morris Claiborne or Janoris Jenkins.

Even if the Colts win the suck for Luck race I doubt they would pick Luck #1 since they just re-signed Manning to a multi year deal. I think they'd use Luck for a trade down deal thus getting alot of draft picks and/or players in exchange.

 

[Scooter]

Round 2: Baylor WR Kendall Wright, 5’11” 190 lbs[/U][/B]

Kendall was the school's all-time leading receiver before his senior year even began & is a pure, athletic #2 possession WR that would fit in nicely opposite Andre Johnson. Excellent hands, can make adjustment to the ball, runs crisp routes, explosive speed (4.42, with reports as low as 4.32) which creates separation as well deep routes stretching the field. Doesn't hurt that he has the build of a RB (which should really aid his durability in the NFL) vertical leaping ability (reported 42") & timing to snag high throws @ apex of flight. Again this is a mid-late 2nd rd. pick (don't know yet what Texans record of draft slot will be) another Senior with experience catching the ball from RG3 a very strong arm thrower & future first round QB pick.

i'm not familiar with players yet, but i love the design of this pick. i think the best thing we can do on offense is add a steve smith, santana moss, wes welker type player across from andre. a smaller, faster "escapee" to be a legit threat and turn our all pro into all century. let's make no mistake, we are an offensive team, and we're 1 player away from being complete ... that being WR2. again, i'm not familiar with the player, but your description is nothing short of what i'd reach for if necessary.

that being said, i'm also a huge fan of a first round mountain (or island in this case).

 

[thunderkyss]

I'm still not seeing big NT as a first round need. Mario may not be with us next year & I believe Antonio will be in the last year of his contract. I think we go DE again with a late first round pick.

I like WR in the second but I think we go NT or interior OL in the third.

 

[SAMURAITEXAN]

I want us to focus on WR, NT, ILB, and G(not in particular order) in 2012 draft.

Go Texans!!!

 

[steelbtexan]

Would the mocks change if Meachem was added in FA?

If this were to happen either Ta'amu or DeCastro would be my 1st rd pick.

AJ/Meachem/Walter in the slot and adding Owusu or Wright in the 3/4th rd.

Man this offense would rival the Saints and by letting MW walk the FA $$$$ would be there to sign 2 impact FA's

 

[Dutchrudder]

Swap out your 3rd round pick with a linebacker and it's good. OLB preferred, as I don't think Mario will be back with this team. I think we will be outbid when he hits the open market.

 

[beerlover]

Swap out your 3rd round pick with a linebacker and it's good. OLB preferred, as I don't think Mario will be back with this team. I think we will be outbid when he hits the open market.

We concluded McNair would not allow this to happen. Worst case is they will franchise Mario. He simply means too much to this organization & Wade Phillip carry's a lot of weight (tipping 275) in decision process.

 

[beerlover]

Another thing about this concurrent theme of Texans needing to use a semi-high to high pick on ILB. The Texans already have one in Cushing, who is also playing like one once again. At some point his contract will need evaluated/upgraded. Smith already rewarded DeMeco Ryans to big bucks. I want to see what's going on with him first before I panic. Also really like Darryl Sharpton who Texans invested a 4th rd. pick on in 2010 draft. I think he was projected to be a WLB in the 4-3 but he always seemed more of a natural ILB to me so his transition has gone well. Excellent sideline to sideline mobility, he's not afraid to put his hat on somebody & play physical.

OLB is another thing because of importance of setting edge & getting after the QB but in one short year with Wade Phillips Texans, even with Mario freaking Williams out, have some depth to still attack offenses. Barwin, Brooks, Jamison, Bramen & Nading w/former worth a late rd. developmental replacement.

The emphasis however we spent was up front with a NT & late rd. developmental 5 tech DE.

 

[Dutchrudder]

We concluded McNair would not allow this to happen. Worst case is they will franchise Mario. He simply means too much to this organization & Wade Phillip carry's a lot of weight (tipping 275) in decision process.

I hope they get a good discount on him then, cause he's not worth 14 million a year. Would much rather see him signed for 4-6 a year, but I don't think he will be that cheap.

 

[Section516]

Hopefully we can get some of our holes filled FA, allowing pure BPA

WR FA

Steve Johnson – BUF
Dwayne Bowe - KC
Marques Colston - NO
Wes Welker – NE
DeSean Jackson – PHI
Vincent Jackson – SD

Think any of these would be awesome..

NT FA

Paul Soliai – MIA - Don't think hes been doing all that good this year, could of lowered his contract - Rumors were that we were interested this year prior to being franchised.

CB FA

Tracy Porter – NO
Rashean Mathis – JAC

Hopefully, with so many WR's being available, we're able to scoop one, allowing someone else to be drafted.

 

[steelbtexan]

Another thing about this concurrent theme of Texans needing to use a semi-high to high pick on ILB. The Texans already have one in Cushing, who is also playing like one once again. At some point his contract will need evaluated/upgraded. Smith already rewarded DeMeco Ryans to big bucks. I want to see what's going on with him first before I panic. Also really like Darryl Sharpton who Texans invested a 4th rd. pick on in 2010 draft. I think he was projected to be a WLB in the 4-3 but he always seemed more of a natural ILB to me so his transition has gone well. Excellent sideline to sideline mobility, he's not afraid to put his hat on somebody & play physical.

OLB is another thing because of importance of setting edge & getting after the QB but in one short year with Wade Phillips Texans, even with Mario freaking Williams out, have some depth to still attack offenses. Barwin, Brooks, Jamison, Bramen & Nading w/former worth a late rd. developmental replacement.

The emphasis however we spent was up front with a NT & late rd. developmental 5 tech DE.

Agreed with you on the NT thing. Sharpton has proven more than capable of filling the ILB spot. DeMeco will be kept arond for another yr and you can always find another ILB like Dobbins in FA on the cheap as a depth/ST guy.

I dont think another OLB developmental guy is really needed. Braman is already that guy and I'm real high on him. Jamison is also great depth because he can play the OLB position as well as some 5 tech in a pinch so depth is covered there. I do agree with you on a late rd 5 tech. You should check out J.R. Sweazy. He fits that description to a tee.

I dont see a need for a CB drafted high. Because I still have high hopes for Harris. If a WR is gotten in FA. how would you feel about drafting a OL like DeCastro in the 1st rd if Ta'amu isn't there when the Texans pick?

Adding DeCastro and a FA WR like Meachem would make this offense complete. I would even consider trading back into the late 1st rd and taking DeCastro if Ta'amu is taken with the Texans 1st rd pick. This way you would get the best OG in the draft and the best NT in the draft. 2 future 10 yr starters with all pro potential.

This is just a thought and history says the Texans wont trade up. But I tihnk the Texans are close to being an elite team. They just need a a couple of spots to be filled and a new HC. LOL

Would you supoort a trade up?

 

[badboy]

I hope they get a good discount on him then, cause he's not worth 14 million a year. Would much rather see him signed for 4-6 a year, but I don't think he will be that cheap.

Few free agents are worth their contracts. If Texans don't offer Mario a huge deal someone will as he can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE. Best scenario for me is if Barwin and Reed have very good years, we tag Williams and get offered a huge deal to trade him. NE and Philadelphia only teams with mutli seond round selections. Of course someone could offer a starter or two.

Keep in mind if he signed $4m a year he'd have to play 3 years get what he did in one and that is not happening.

 

[steelbtexan]

Few free agents are worth their contracts. If Texans don't offer Mario a huge deal someone will as he can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE. Best scenario for me is if Barwin and Reed have very good years, we tag Williams and get offered a huge deal to trade him. NE and Philadelphia only teams with mutli seond round selections. Of course someone could offer a starter or two.

Keep in mind if he signed $4m a year he'd have to play 3 years get what he did in one and that is not happening.

I would ask Philly for their 1st, the Cards 2nd and Samuel for MW.

That would give the Texans unprecidented chance to fill the holes and add depth.

You want Ta'amu you could offer a team a 1st and a high 2nd to move up and get him. Add Ta'amu and Samuel to this defense and that would be a championship quality defense.IMHO

Plus you would have $$$$ to go out and sign an impact FA WR. Plus you would still have all of your draft picks. Including 1st and 2nd rd picks to ad to the OL/WR etc...

 

[Wolf6151]

Few free agents are worth their contracts. If Texans don't offer Mario a huge deal someone will as he can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE. Best scenario for me is if Barwin and Reed have very good years, we tag Williams and get offered a huge deal to trade him. NE and Philadelphia only teams with mutli seond round selections. Of course someone could offer a starter or two.

Keep in mind if he signed $4m a year he'd have to play 3 years get what he did in one and that is not happening.

It's scary how much you and I think alike. I agree few FA are worth their contract, see Chris Johnson and Tennessee. Do you think Bud's looking over that new contract trying to find a loophole to get some of his money back? I'd try for an injury related sweet deal with Mario and if that doesn't work then franchise him. Either scenario gives us a contract in the Texans favor and makes Mario much more tradeable. The only bad thing is that Mario keeps having nagging injuries which other teams will be very aware of. Also remember that Cinncinati now has multiple early round picks. I'm not sure of their needs but they might be an option as well. It's still a big IF but if we could trade Mario and get maybe a 1st & 2nd round pick for him from a team worse than we are, we'd have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds and could fill lots of holes with quality talent. The imagination and possibilities are endless.

 

[Dutchrudder]

Few free agents are worth their contracts. If Texans don't offer Mario a huge deal someone will as he can play 3-4 OLB or 4-3 DE. Best scenario for me is if Barwin and Reed have very good years, we tag Williams and get offered a huge deal to trade him. NE and Philadelphia only teams with mutli seond round selections. Of course someone could offer a starter or two.

Keep in mind if he signed $4m a year he'd have to play 3 years get what he did in one and that is not happening.

Well yeah he got paid a lot this year and last, but 4 million is about what he was making the first 4 years of his deal. It was 6 years, 54 million 26 guaranteed, with 8 of that tied up in incentives. Not sure if he got those incentives, but if he didn't, 7-8 million a year on average seems reasonable. Wouldn't want to pay more than that if I'm a GM, but I bet some team offers him 10+ a year. Don't think it will be the Texans if they plan on re-signing Foster to a big deal, and then re-upping Rackers and Myers won't be too cheap.

 

[Dutchrudder]

I would ask Philly for their 1st, the Cards 2nd and Samuel for MW.

That would give the Texans unprecidented chance to fill the holes and add depth.

You want Ta'amu you could offer a team a 1st and a high 2nd to move up and get him. Add Ta'amu and Samuel to this defense and that would be a championship quality defense.IMHO

Plus you would have $$$$ to go out and sign an impact FA WR. Plus you would still have all of your draft picks. Including 1st and 2nd rd picks to ad to the OL/WR etc...

That would be quite a haul, but I don't think the Eagles need a DE. They just signed Babin for 5 years, and he's looking good in their defense (as far as sacks go anyways). Trent Cole, the other DE, is signed through 2014. I doubt they would be looking to replace either of them with a high cost guy like MW. The Eagles need 4-3 linebackers desperately, so I think the only guys they would be interested in from our squad are Cushing or Ryans.

 

[badboy]

I would ask Philly for their 1st, the Cards 2nd and Samuel for MW.

That would give the Texans unprecidented chance to fill the holes and add depth.

You want Ta'amu you could offer a team a 1st and a high 2nd to move up and get him. Add Ta'amu and Samuel to this defense and that would be a championship quality defense.IMHO

Plus you would have $$$$ to go out and sign an impact FA WR. Plus you would still have all of your draft picks. Including 1st and 2nd rd picks to ad to the OL/WR etc...

Not sure if Eagles would take Mario for their 4-3. They signed DE Jason Babin 5 years $28million and DT Cullen Jenkins 5 yrs $25m. Their 2010 first round pick DE Brandon Graham is to return off PUP (right knee surgery) soon. He'd have to lay DE. They just signed defensive coach Jim Washburn from Titans & don't see a change to 3-4. Of course they do lie to pressure the QB and Mario may be to good to pass as a DE.

I am thinking a move to Patriots would offer best deal for both teams.

 

[badboy]

It's scary how much you and I think alike. I agree few FA are worth their contract, see Chris Johnson and Tennessee. Do you think Bud's looking over that new contract trying to find a loophole to get some of his money back? I'd try for an injury related sweet deal with Mario and if that doesn't work then franchise him. Either scenario gives us a contract in the Texans favor and makes Mario much more tradeable. The only bad thing is that Mario keeps having nagging injuries which other teams will be very aware of. Also remember that Cinncinati now has multiple early round picks. I'm not sure of their needs but they might be an option as well. It's still a big IF but if we could trade Mario and get maybe a 1st & 2nd round pick for him from a team worse than we are, we'd have 4 picks in the first 2 rounds and could fill lots of holes with quality talent. The imagination and possibilities are endless.

I could see Cin wanting Mario but giving up a first and a second allows them to go CB with other first round selection and OG in 3rd? Just not sure a team will give a high first round for Williams. Now if we would take the lower of the two picks and a 3rd, Bengals might go for that. If Barwin and Reed nail down their positions with a good year, I'd do that deal. I think Bengals want a corner and a RG in first.

 

[Section516]

I don't think the Texans are going to let him walk or trade him. I just hope we don't give him a ridiculous contract.

 

[badboy]

I don't think the Texans are going to let him walk or trade him. I just hope we don't give him a ridiculous contract.

AGreed and this is why we set our mock as we did. I think Mario will give a hometown discount especially due to missing this year. He prob will ask for much dinero up front in bonus though.

 

[Wolf6151]

I don't think the Texans are going to let him walk or trade him. I just hope we don't give him a ridiculous contract.

This is what we all hope for. I just hope that McNair isn't fully in love with Mario, as the face of the franchise, and grossly overpays him. McNair needs to have a talk with Bud Adams and be reminded of the Chris Johnson fiasco.

 

[steelbtexan]

Not sure if Eagles would take Mario for their 4-3. They signed DE Jason Babin 5 years $28million and DT Cullen Jenkins 5 yrs $25m. Their 2010 first round pick DE Brandon Graham is to return off PUP (right knee surgery) soon. He'd have to lay DE. They just signed defensive coach Jim Washburn from Titans & don't see a change to 3-4. Of course they do lie to pressure the QB and Mario may be to good to pass as a DE.

I am thinking a move to Patriots would offer best deal for both teams.

BB and Dutch are probably correct.

I didn't realize that the Eagles had locked up Cole and forgot about Graham.

The Pats,Jets,Saints,Cowgirls,Packers and Ravens could be in play for MW.

Best case scenario would be for the Jets and Pats getting in a bidding war for MW's services.

 

[badboy]

BB and Dutch are probably correct.

I didn't realize that the Eagles had locked up Cole and forgot about Graham.

The Pats,Jets,Saints,Cowgirls,Packers and Ravens could be in play for MW.

Best case scenario would be for the Jets and Pats getting in a bidding war for MW's services.

Pats have two 1sts & two seconds allowing them to give one of each and retain one of each. Pats will probably trade down their first anyway. They could use Mario. Bengals have two first & could give one but don't se them gicing a second round also. I would take a 1st and 3rd from them.

 

[steelbtexan]

Pats have two 1sts & two seconds allowing them to give one of each and retain one of each. Pats will probably trade down their first anyway. They could use Mario. Bengals have two first & could give one but don't se them gicing a second round also. I would take a 1st and 3rd from them.

A 1st and 3rd would be good from either Cincy or the Pats.

The Texans would be set up to move up or down. They could do what the Pats do.

Imagine this scenario

21.Houston picks Ta'amu
30. Xavier Rhodes (Pats pick)
50. Dwight Jones

Then you have two 3rds to add depth or trade back into the 2nd rd for an OG or OLb. (Oh the possibilities)

 

[badboy]

Wow, I like Rhodes but that is higher than I have him. You rate him above Casey Hayward?

 

[steelbtexan]

Hayward reminds me of KJ.

Great college player. But NFL starter is to big a stage for him.

Tier 1 Claiborne, Jenkins, Kirkpatrick
Tier 2 Dennard,Rhodes,Gilmore,Cliff Harris
Tier3 Minniefield,Boykins,Judi,Hayward,HosLey.

This is subject to change. rest of season,bowl games/Combine/pro days.

 

[badboy]

Hayward reminds me of KJ.

Great college player. But NFL starter is to big a stage for him.

Tier 1 Claiborne, Jenkins, Kirkpatrick
Tier 2 Dennard,Rhodes,Gilmore,Cliff Harris
Tier3 Minniefield,Boykins,Judi,Hayward,HosLey.

This is subject to change. rest of season,bowl games/Combine/pro days.

interesting post. You think KJ's problems are due to adjustment to NFL?