Blake Mock 1.0

[Blake]

1st Round:
Kevin White, WR, West Virginia About Kevin White
Texans will need to target a WR in the top 2 rounds. Depending on how the draft falls they may opt to wait until their 2nd pick to pair with Hopkins. White would be a solid choice @ 16 with his blend of speed, size and power.

2nd Round:
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington About Marcus Peters
Starter from day 1. Character concerns from issues with authority. Described as confident and tough.

3rd Round:
Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan About Jake Ryan
My obligatory Michigan pick. I like Ryan for his dedication, attitude and motor. He also has good instincts which I value a lot.

4th Round:
Josh Robinson, RB, Mississippi State
Reminds me a lot of MJD with his frame. I enjoyed watching him tear up A&M. A powerful bowling ball smashing into whatever was in the way. Not gonna blow you away with speed, but also has pass-catching skills.

5th Round:
Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware About Nick Boyle
A big strong blocking TE that is versatile and can make some catches. I was not happy with our crop of TE's. If I am going to get **** for receiving yardage, I might as well get someone in there that can help me pound the rock.

6th Round:
Ray Drew, DE/DT, Georgia
Big untapped potential.

7th Round:
Jaxon Shipley, WR, Texas
Quick, white, receiver. Obviously the next Julian Edelman.

 

[mussop]

I don't see how anyone could complain about that haul.

 

[Lucky]

Marcus Peters, CB, Washington About Marcus Peters
Starter from day 1. Character concerns from issues with authority. Described as confident and tough.

Not described as smart or "a good teammate". Attributes the Texans value.

Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan About Jake Ryan
My obligatory Michigan pick. I like Ryan for his dedication, attitude and motor. He also has good instincts which I value a lot.

On the flipside, exactly the type of player the Texans value.

 

[banned1976]

I want to respond, I just have to recover from someone actually using a Flo from Progressive quote as their signature. Next time I see her lurking around in shadows and rooting around in my garbage I'm going to sprinkle Flo with some buckshot.

 

[mussop]

Not described as smart or "a good teammate". Attributes the Texans value.


On the flipside, exactly the type of player the Texans value.

dig a little deeper. There are conflicting reports about him. He has some pretty reliable people in his corner. He is the best CB in this draft and we would be fools to pass on him in the second round if he was still there.

 

[Lucky]

dig a little deeper.

Enlighten me. Guys who are kicked off teams have red flags. And "best CB in this draft" is debatable. There's 5 or 6 that are close enough you don't have to take the one with warts.

Ask yourself, "Is this the type of player the Texans draft?" I think you know the answer.

 

[mussop]

Enlighten me. Guys who are kicked off teams have red flags. And "best CB in this draft" is debatable. There's 5 or 6 that are close enough you don't have to take the one with warts.

Ask yourself, "Is this the type of player the Texans draft?" I think you know the answer.

Just google it to be enlightened. Obviously its a red flag. There are two not 5 or six that are close and neither will be available in the second round. IMO he is head and shoulders better than either of those two.

If the rumors turn out false and If he interviews well I could see us drafting him.

 

[beerlover]

Enlighten me. Guys who are kicked off teams have red flags. And "best CB in this draft" is debatable. There's 5 or 6 that are close enough you don't have to take the one with warts.

Ask yourself, "Is this the type of player the Texans draft?" I think you know the answer.

not Texan worthy

Let him get swooped up by the Bengals.

 

[mussop]

not Texan worthy

Let him get swooped up by the Bengals.

What makes you say that?

 

[Lucky]

Just google it to be enlightened.

About the scout who says he witnessed Peters choking a coach? Or the coaches who kicked him off the team swearing that never happened?

Every year we have a group of fans that are convinced that this is the draft the Texans will take a problem child. And the problem child suddenly becomes a much better prospect because he is a problem child. It never happens. But hey, dream on.

 

[mussop]

About the scout who says he witnessed Peters choking a coach? Or the coaches who kicked him off the team swearing that never happened?

Every year we have a group of fans that are convinced that this is the draft the Texans will take a problem child. And the problem child suddenly becomes a much better prospect because he is a problem child. It never happens. But hey, dream on.

You mean the "anonymous scout"? Not one single other person has ever came forward and said they seen the "reported" incident. Don't that strike you as curious?

Although Peters' reported insubordination will lead to concerns about his ability to get along with coaches, scouts and executives at the NFL level, I've had several scouts tell me that his character and personality wouldn't be an issue at other major programs. An NFC scout told me that coaches comfortable dealing with kids who have a bit of an edge wouldn't have a problem getting the best out of Peters or helping him assimilate into a structured program. Washington head coach Chris Petersen refused to deal with a player who didn't buy into all of the tenets of his new plan and approach at Washington. Thus, the character questions surrounding Peters appear to be "football character" issues, not legal matters that will torpedo his draft stock in meeting rooms around the league.

Now I'm not saying we should draft him despite him getting kicked off the team. I'm just saying it his talent warrants further investigation. If he interviews and comes off a jerk then by all means pass. But from all the reports I have read from people that actually know him, he is not the head case that has been reported. You don't just eliminate a guy because of a rumor. Especially a rumor that has disputed by many reliable people.

 

[JB]

You don't just eliminate a guy because of a rumor. Especially a rumor that has disputed by many reliable people.

So, it was the coach's fault he got kicked off the team? Any way you spin it, not a good look. But if OB thinks he's ok then I hope we draft him 2nd or later

 

[Lucky]

Now I'm not saying we should draft him despite him getting kicked off the team. I'm just saying it his talent warrants further investigation. If he interviews and comes off a jerk then by all means pass. But from all the reports I have read from people that actually know him, he is not the head case that has been reported. You don't just eliminate a guy because of a rumor. Especially a rumor that has disputed by many reliable people.

Didn't the coaches who kicked Peters from the team "know him "? I see two possibilities. One, Peters didn't choke the coach, but was so disruptive and insubordinate he was dimissed. Two, he choked the coach. Either way, that sounds like a head case.

 

[beerlover]

What makes you say that?

O'Brian is all about team, working together & being accountable to each other. Reaching breaking point where a top tier talent has to be dismissed, whatever the reason, is letting down not just himself & his coaches but teammates as well. Welcome to the real world Mr. Peters good luck with that toolbox.

 

[Blake]

Didnt realize that Peters was such a controversial player.

This is pretty common sense, but I don't get to interview Peters at the combine, so depending on how he does with his interviews I could see a scenario where the Texans pull the trigger if they think he can help them win now. Sometimes getting kicked off of a team and dropping out of the first round will cause a player to reassess and reflect on himself.

Secondly, with a new director of player personnel and director of college scouting, this could be the year where we see a slight change in draft philosophy.

To me, Jake Ryan will be adding 15 pounds and playing ILB for the Texans.

Finally, I also considered taking P.J. Williams in the first and going WR in the 2nd, but I felt that all the top tier WR's would be gone by then (Cooper/Parker/White/Strong/Coates). I think WR needs to be urgently addressed due to AJ's status and because Mallet definitely needs more weapons in 2015.

 

[Wolf6151]

1. White, my favorite WR in this draft, love the pick.
2. Peters, lots of talent but not a Texans worthy player.
3. Ryan, seems a little early but definitely a Texans type of player, love this pick.
I'm honestly not very familiar with the rest of these prospects, but I like the positions with the exception of the fact you've got no O-line picks. I think O-line is one of our biggest needs.

 

[steelbtexan]

About the scout who says he witnessed Peters choking a coach? Or the coaches who kicked him off the team swearing that never happened?

Every year we have a group of fans that are convinced that this is the draft the Texans will take a problem child. And the problem child suddenly becomes a much better prospect because he is a problem child. It never happens. But hey, dream on.

Agreed, this is why the Texans are who they are when it comes to on the field product. While teams like the Pats, Seahawks, 49ers, Cards, etc.... seem to always be on top. They're willing to take chances on players like this. It limits the Texans draft pool and the % of mistakes they have between the margins.

This is a very solid draft and Smith would be lucky to draft this good. But you're right Peters will never be a Texans.

 

[infantrycak]

Agreed, this is why the Texans are who they are when it comes to on the field product. While teams like the Pats, Seahawks, 49ers, Cards, etc.... seem to always be on top. They're willing to take chances on players like this. It limits the Texans draft pool and the % of mistakes they have between the margins.

This is a very solid draft and Smith would be lucky to draft this good. But you're right Peters will never be a Texans.

The Texans have taken chances on Cushing (steroids), Okoye (pot), TJ (fighting) all in the 1st round.

The Texans demanding squeaky clean players is a fan myth but there is a cut-off on acceptable for very good reasons.

 

[steelbtexan]

The Texans have taken chances on Cushing (steroids), Okoye (pot), TJ (fighting) all in the 1st round.

The Texans demanding squeaky clean players is a fan myth but there is a cut-off on acceptable for very good reasons.

What cut off?

Whatever they are doing doesn't seem to be working.

 

[infantrycak]

What cut off?

Whatever they are doing doesn't seem to be working.

And things are working out great for your examples?

49ers missed the playoffs and cratered their team. And yeah buddy that Aldon Smith sure is elevating the team from the sidelines. That and they just summarily cut a player for behavior.
Cardinals were one in done to the 7-8 Panthers in their first playoff appearance in 5 years.
Did the Pats make it on the back of Hernandez?

Who are you talking about on Seattle? - Lynch. We have no idea whether the Texans would have taken a chance on him if they needed him, but they had Foster coming off leading the league in rushing.

The team known for taking chances isn't any of those, it's the Bengals who you mock as worthless since we beat them.

Just typical beotching to beotch.

 

[PHILLYTEXANFAN]

About the scout who says he witnessed Peters choking a coach? Or the coaches who kicked him off the team swearing that never happened?

Every year we have a group of fans that are convinced that this is the draft the Texans will take a problem child. And the problem child suddenly becomes a much better prospect because he is a problem child. It never happens. But hey, dream on.

Justin Houston

 

[htownfan32]

1st Round:
Kevin White, WR, West Virginia About Kevin White
Texans will need to target a WR in the top 2 rounds. Depending on how the draft falls they may opt to wait until their 2nd pick to pair with Hopkins. White would be a solid choice @ 16 with his blend of speed, size and power.



2nd Round:
Marcus Peters, CB, Washington About Marcus Peters
Starter from day 1. Character concerns from issues with authority. Described as confident and tough.



3rd Round:
Jake Ryan, LB, Michigan About Jake Ryan
My obligatory Michigan pick. I like Ryan for his dedication, attitude and motor. He also has good instincts which I value a lot.



4th Round:
Josh Robinson, RB, Mississippi State
Reminds me a lot of MJD with his frame. I enjoyed watching him tear up A&M. A powerful bowling ball smashing into whatever was in the way. Not gonna blow you away with speed, but also has pass-catching skills.



5th Round:
Nick Boyle, TE, Delaware
A big strong blocking TE that is versatile and can make some catches. I was not happy with our crop of TE's. If I am going to get **** for receiving yardage, I might as well get someone in there that can help me pound the rock.


6th Round:
Ray Drew, DE/DT, Georgia
Big untapped potential.

7th Round:
Jaxon Shipley, WR, Texas
Quick, white, receiver. Obviously the next Julian Edelman.

I like all the picks except for Robinson in the 4th. Good RB but I think that's a round or two early. I'd look to see if Javorius Allen is available in the 4th.

Kevin White in the 1st is my pick as well, so just for that I'll give this draft 10/10.

 

[Lucky]

Agreed, this is why the Texans are who they are when it comes to on the field product. While teams like the Pats, Seahawks, 49ers, Cards, etc.... seem to always be on top.

There is no evidence that taking guys with problems in the draft leads to success. Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, The Seahawk secondary, Patrick Willis, Larry Fitzgerald. Zero issues. The Pats rue taking Hernandez, I'm sure. It's a pet theory you have that doesn't hold water.

Justin Houston

A good example of a player that came into the draft with issues, and proved to overcome them. But, I don't remember a lot of posters here clamoring for Houston. And I think there were many very happy the Texans selected Brooks Reed over Houston. The NFL as a whole was luke warm on Houston's ability, as he went in the 3rd round.

How many prospects rise above their college issues and excel in the NFL. There are examples, to be sure. They are outnumbered by those that have issues in college, bring them to the NFL, and fail miserably. When you're playing the odds (and the NFL draft is sort of an exercise in gambling), do you go for the longshot often? If you do, you will lose in the long run. This is more about playing the odds than trying to have a squeaky clean image.

 

[thunderkyss]

Agreed, this is why the Texans are who they are when it comes to on the field product. While teams like the Pats, Seahawks, 49ers, Cards, etc.... seem to always be on top. They're willing to take chances on players like this. It limits the Texans draft pool and the % of mistakes they have between the margins.

This is a very solid draft and Smith would be lucky to draft this good. But you're right Peters will never be a Texans.

I don't have a dog in this fight, but do you have a list of these players that have really helped their teams that the Texans wouldn't have taken a chance on?

 

[Blake]

I dont think the Texans pass or avoid problem childs completely. I do think that they rate character very high.

So while the Texans may be "OK" giving a prospect with domestic violence charges against him a chance in the 7th round or as an UFA, the Bengals or Patriots may take him in the 6th or 7th and roll the dice.

Then if something goes wrong with said player they can always use the "we were deceived" defense.

Bottom line in this case, the Texans roll the dice on a player with 1st round talent, in the 2nd round. Now having said that, there is a definite possibility that someone takes him at the bottom of the first, or top of the 2nd based on my logic above. Maybe I should have avoided taking a player with character concerns this high, but I did watch the Texans roll the dice on Sam Montgomery who had character concerns, essentially throwing away a 3rd round pick.

 

[beerlover]

I dont think the Texans pass or avoid problem childs completely. I do think that they rate character very high.

So while the Texans may be "OK" giving a prospect with domestic violence charges against him a chance in the 7th round or as an UFA, the Bengals or Patriots may take him in the 6th or 7th and roll the dice.

Then if something goes wrong with said player they can always use the "we were deceived" defense.

Bottom line in this case, the Texans roll the dice on a player with 1st round talent, in the 2nd round. Now having said that, there is a definite possibility that someone takes him at the bottom of the first, or top of the 2nd based on my logic above. Maybe I should have avoided taking a player with character concerns this high, but I did watch the Texans roll the dice on Sam Montgomery who had character concerns, essentially throwing away a 3rd round pick.

Which is exactly why its even more imperative they don't throw away a 2nd

 

[mussop]

Didn't the coaches who kicked Peters from the team "know him "? I see two possibilities. One, Peters didn't choke the coach, but was so disruptive and insubordinate he was dimissed. Two, he choked the coach. Either way, that sounds like a head case.

Coach singular. One coach kicked him off the team. I realize there was a situation that shouldn't be over looked. But I realize there is a very talented player that shouldn't be over looked because of a situation we know nothing about. There's no reason why we as draft nicks should just eliminate him from discussion because of it.

 

[beerlover]

Coach singular. One coach kicked him off the team. I realize there was a situation that shouldn't be over looked. But I realize there is a very talented player that shouldn't be over looked because of a situation we know nothing about. There's no reason why we as draft nicks should just eliminate him from discussion because of it.

not just one coach specific-

Peters was dismissed from the team by new Washington head coach Chris Peterson on Nov. 6 and he was suspended by the previous staff for the first quarter of the 2012 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.

 

[mussop]

The Texans have taken chances on Cushing (steroids), Okoye (pot), TJ (fighting) all in the 1st round.

The Texans demanding squeaky clean players is a fan myth but there is a cut-off on acceptable for very good reasons.

All good exames that prove this "Texan worthy" idealism is hogwash and why we shouldn't Eliminate him from our discussions. There are many scouts that think he is the best corner in this draft. It's not inconceivable that we would take a chance on a player of that talent in the middle of the second round if he were available.

 

[badboy]

A team that goes deep in playoffs consistently & has a strong, deep roster can afford a Sam Montgomery or Marcus Peters. My research leads me to take a chance but not this draft. We need to pick solidly first four rounds.

CBs possibly at #51 Jalen Collins, PJ Williams and Alex Carter. Personally, unless we lose both 2014 starters, I cannot see drafting a corner this high.

 

[infantrycak]

CBs possibly at #51 Jalen Collins, PJ Williams and Alex Carter. Personally, unless we lose both 2014 starters, I cannot see drafting a corner this high.

Assuming KJ is re-rigned, if JJo isn't extended why wait?

 

[badboy]

Assuming KJ is re-rigned, if JJo isn't extended why wait?

If we only lose one of the two, I am very comfortable with what we have now. If it were me, I'd use Joseph savings to bring back KJ. If we can bring back both, even better.

 

[steelbtexan]

And things are working out great for your examples?

49ers missed the playoffs and cratered their team. And yeah buddy that Aldon Smith sure is elevating the team from the sidelines. That and they just summarily cut a player for behavior.
Cardinals were one in done to the 7-8 Panthers in their first playoff appearance in 5 years.
Did the Pats make it on the back of Hernandez?

Who are you talking about on Seattle? - Lynch. We have no idea whether the Texans would have taken a chance on him if they needed him, but they had Foster coming off leading the league in rushing.

The team known for taking chances isn't any of those, it's the Bengals who you mock as worthless since we beat them.

Just typical beotching to beotch.

More BS

Before this season with those players the 49ers made 2 SB's and a NFC championship game. The Cards were the best team in the NFL this yr, the only reason they didn't advance in the playoffs was that they lost their 2 QB's. I suggested bringing in Lynch before Foster had his breakout season. Hernandez certainly didn't hurt the Pats chances before this yr.

Look, we will never agree on how to build a championship roster. I just think that excluding a group of players that can play the game because of what they do with their personal lives isn't the right way to go about things and the examples I listed above are what they are whether you want to admit that or not.

Obviously while we disagree what the Texans have done for over a decade hasn't worked. It might be time to change the way they do business if they are serious about winning championships. BTW, no mention of something I think that the McNair's have done right? (Hiring BOB)

 

[infantrycak]

I just think that excluding a group of players that can play the game because of what they do with their personal lives isn't the right way to go about things and the examples I listed above are what they are whether you want to admit that or not.

Problem with your argument is you can't show any of those teams have been less exclusionary than the Texans after taking Cushing, TJ, Okoye, Mathis. Pointing to Lynch means bupkis, he's one guy. Finding one guy on other teams means jack as a comparison to the Texans since they've already been there, done that.

 

[steelbtexan]

There is no evidence that taking guys with problems in the draft leads to success. Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, The Seahawk secondary, Patrick Willis, Larry Fitzgerald. Zero issues. The Pats rue taking Hernandez, I'm sure. It's a pet theory you have that doesn't hold water.

A good example of a player that came into the draft with issues, and proved to overcome them. But, I don't remember a lot of posters here clamoring for Houston. And I think there were many very happy the Texans selected Brooks Reed over Houston. The NFL as a whole was luke warm on Houston's ability, as he went in the 3rd round.

How many prospects rise above their college issues and excel in the NFL. There are examples, to be sure. They are outnumbered by those that have issues in college, bring them to the NFL, and fail miserably. When you're playing the odds (and the NFL draft is sort of an exercise in gambling), do you go for the longshot often? If you do, you will lose in the long run. This is more about playing the odds than trying to have a squeaky clean image.

Well they signed as FA's but Browner (Pats shockingly and Walter Thurmond are examples for the Seahawks.) (Matheiu and Daryl Washington are examples for the Cards.) The Pats I've already stated above.

I had Houston going in the 2nd in my mocks that yr. Houston had the best times in the 40 and short shuttle that yr. So athletic ability wasn't the reason Houston fell to the 3rd. Smoking pot was the reason and I don't consider that to be a big deal. Obviously the McNair's feel differently.

One thing is for sure as Texans fans we all want a winner. We just differ about how to build a winner.

 

[steelbtexan]

Problem with your argument is you can't show any of those teams have been less exclusionary than the Texans after taking Cushing, TJ, Okoye, Mathis. Pointing to Lynch means bupkis, he's one guy. Finding one guy on other teams means jack as a comparison to the Texans since they've already been there, done that.

So you're saying the Seahawks/Pats/49ers etc... use the same draft theories as the Texans?

Blinded?

I've given many examples of teams taking several talented but troubled players.

 

[thunderkyss]

The teams that come to mind signing "troubled" players are the Bengals, Titans, & Raiders.

 

[steelbtexan]

The teams that come to mind signing "troubled" players are the Bengals, Titans, & Raiders.

The Ravens, Seahawks, Pats, 49ers come to mind.

 

[infantrycak]

So you're saying the Seahawks/Pats/49ers etc... use the same draft theories as the Texans?

Blinded?

If your reading comprehension is that poor, sure go with that.

I've given many examples of teams taking several talented but troubled players.

And you ignore the failures and that the Texans have taken several such players.

The Ravens, Seahawks, Pats, 49ers come to mind.

Exhibit A - point to Lynch and the Seahawks and ignore the litany of troubled Bengals.

And mind you without any proof the Texans wouldn't have considered Lynch.

 

[steelbtexan]

If your reading comprehension is that poor, sure go with that.



And you ignore the failures and that the Texans have taken several such players.

My reading comprehension is fine.

Several may be a stretch?

 

[infantrycak]

Several may be a stretch?

3 in the 1st ups their significance but last I checked 4 (as I've already mentioned) counts as several and there are arguably more.

 

[steelbtexan]

3 in the 1st ups their significance but last I checked 4 (as I've already mentioned) counts as several and there are arguably more.

Well we will have to agree to disagree on this subject once again. (Shocking)

One thing is for sure the Texans need to change their draft strategy. Gaine is the 1st step in that direction. IMHO

 

[Blake]

White with a 4.35? Well he gone...

Ill replace him with Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon. He will line up as a 5-tech for me. With the proper motivation and coaching he could be a diamond in the rough.

While WR was my #1 pick assuming AJ was gone, I am going to take Armstead here instead and grab a WR in the next couple rounds. Armstead really looked like a man amongst boys in the NC game, and I think he can be something special if he wants to be.

 

[beerlover]

White with a 4.35? Well he gone...

Ill replace him with Arik Armstead, DE, Oregon. He will line up as a 5-tech for me. With the proper motivation and coaching he could be a diamond in the rough.

While WR was my #1 pick assuming AJ was gone, I am going to take Armstead here instead and grab a WR in the next couple rounds. Armstead really looked like a man amongst boys in the NC game, and I think he can be something special if he wants to be.

Cannot see Texans roll dice two years in a row (Clowney/Armstead) injury history. Both high risk high reward! Suppose if one of two pan out it would be a win if both succeed that would knock it out if the park.

 

[Blake]

Cannot see Texans roll dice two years in a row (Clowney/Armstead) injury history. Both high risk high reward! Suppose if one of two pan out it would be a win if both succeed that would knock it out if the park.

You may be right. But I know one way to get bigger, stronger, (What a-lot of people feel O'Brien wants) and that's by drafting a huge animal with Armstead.

 

[beerlover]

You may be right. But I know one way to get bigger, stronger, (What a-lot of people feel O'Brien wants) and that's by drafting a huge animal with Armstead.

I've wanted to see Armstead flourish. When healthy he really flashes. But is only 8th on a very average defense with 5.5 tackles for loss & 2.5 sacks sorry but that's not a lot of bang for your buck. I know he was dealing with various ailments, only missed two games but really for practical purposes sat out a couple more he was active for. I need production, immediate impact (in a positive way) after last year especially.