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Centers available in the 2009 draft

mussop

Hall of Fame
There are 4 Quality Centers in the upcoming draft IMO.

1.) Alex Mack, California
Height: 6-5. Weight: 316.
Projected 40 Time: 5.13.
Projected Round (2009): 1.

2.) Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas
Height: 6-4. Weight: 314.
Projected 40 Time: 5.21.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.

3.) Antoine Caldwell, Alabama
Height: 6-3. Weight: 294.
Projected 40 Time: 5.03.
Projected Round (2009): 2-3.

4.) Max Unger, Oregon
Height: 6-5. Weight: 300.
Projected 40 Time: 5.20.
Projected Round (2009): 5.


I have watched all but Alex Mac and have formed ssomewhat of an opinion on each.

Ill start with Antione Caldwell, Alabama. Watched the matchup with LSU and paid particular attention to Caldwell. Wasnt overly impressed but not totally his fault. Seemed fairly good at POA but he never really moved out of the Centers pocket. I was hoping to see him move around alittle more. Didnt really get to see him Pullor get to the second level enough to make an accurate judgment on his mobility. Thats something I have been trying to pay more attention to becase of the ZB system. I hope to see him play some more.

If I had to grade him now as a potential Texan I would give him a 6th round grade.

Next up is Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas Dont remember who they wer playing now but was really not impressed with this guy. He seemed to fit the bill as a mobile athletic guy but really was getting killed at the POA. Was really getting drove off the ball. Seems like we already have that problem. If I had to grade him I would say 6th round pick would be good value. I dont see him making a big difference anytime soon.

Next is Max Unger, Oregon. I just watched the Oregon game this weekend. If anyone else watched this I would like to know what you thought of him. I think he is PERFECT!!!! for our ZB system. This dude knocks people on their asses when he pulls. He is a great cut blocker. He gets to the second level really fast and under control and does a really nice job of sealin off lanes. If you think C isa position that is in need of an upgrade you really need towatch this guy. He is really fun to watch. I never thought I would say that about a Center!

He did have one play where he made a costly mistake however. He had a bad snap out of the shotgun that went out of the endzone and cost them a safety. It ws raining though and from what I have read hasnt been a problem before. Anyway Im tempted to grade him a 2nd round pick but thta is just to high of a pick for a center considering all our other needs so Ill give him a third round grade.

Next is Alex Mack, California I havent watched him because from what I have read he is a sure fire first round pick. That is just too high a price considering what else we could get at that stage. I am interested in hearing what people who have seen him have to say about him or any other C that you may think is worthy of watching.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
Found this article on 3 of these guys.

http://www.nfl-draft-site.com/2008/07/centers-for-2009-nfl-draft.html

16 July 2008
Centers for the 2009 NFL Draft
It’s not easy to get excited about centers, it’s definitely not a glamorous position, but if you want to win in football you have to run the ball and in order to run the ball you have to have good play at center. After all, the center touches the ball on every play, he must make the critical snap and in modern football he must also be able to hike the ball in a shotgun formation. On top of all that he will likely face either the biggest, baddest defensive tackle or a nimble, fast inside linebacker on every play, or even likely be double teamed. It’s rough and tough on the inside, a lot of stuff goes on in there that we will never see or hear about, a lot of biting, scratching, punching and kicking, just ask the Dallas Cowboys’ Andre Gurode, who received 30 stitches when his head (unhelmeted) was stomped on by Albert Haynesworth last season.

So I think I’ve made my point, centers have to be big, strong and tough, but you’re still not impressed are you? After all, if they are so important why aren’t they drafted higher? That is true, in the 2008 NFL Draft, the first center wasn’t drafted until the second round, Mike Pollack was drafted by the Colts (59th over-all), and most think he was a reach. Cody Wallace was drafted in the 4th round (107th over-all) by the 49ers and Kory Lichtensteiger was drafted right after Wallace at #108 by the Broncos. The 2007 NFL Draft was a little better, Ryan Kalil was drafted in the 2nd round (59th) by the Panthers and the Dolphins drafted a pair of centers Samson Satele in the 2nd round (60th) and Drew Mormino in the 6th round (199th). In that same draft (2007) the Rams drafted Dustin Fry in the 5th round (139th) and the Falcons drafted Doug Datish in the 6th round (198th over-all).

Why is that? Well most of your most talented offensive lineman swing out to play tackle and most guards have also played some center, so quite often, like my example above (Andre Gurode), guards are drafted and converted to centers in the NFL.

So what’s the point of this article? That trend might just end for the 2009 NFL Draft. This year we can finally get excited about the centers, heading into the 2008 college football season, there are three centers that carry a first round NFL Draft grade. All three won’t be drafted in the 1st round obviously, but all three of my highlighted players below are extremely talented and if they continue to improve on strength and technique, are all capable of becoming top flight, even pro bowl NFL centers very early in their NFL careers. All three are either 1st or 2nd team NFL Draft Dog All Americans.

1. Max Unger, Oregon, 6’ 4.5” 308 lbs:
I really like this prospect and out of all three he is the most likely to be a first rounder. His versatility will significantly raise his draft stock in the eyes of the NFL. As a prep Unger attended Hawaii Preparatory Academy, played right tackle and was one of the nation’s top 50 offensive guards by Rivals.com despite not playing organized football until the ninth grade. After receiving an initial red-shirt due to hamstring issues, Unger was a top left tackle for Oregon his first two seasons.

His red-shirt freshman year he protected the blind side of Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens for 12 consecutive starts. He was one of only two starters from his freshman class, along with right tackle Geoff Schwartz. Unger was a major reason why Oregon rose from last in the Pac-10 in QB sacks allowed in 2004 (41) to third in 2005 (20).

As a sophomore in 2006 he started 13 games at left tackle and earned second-team all conference accolades in addition to receiving Oregon’s Ed Moshofsky Award as its top offensive lineman. He played a major role in Oregon finishing second in the Pac-10 in fewest quarterback sacks allowed (16) as well as leading the league in rushing offense (14th nationally) for the first time since 1955.

Last season as a junior he moved inside to center and really shined, he blocked for RB Jonathan Stewart to a career season and school record 1,792 rushing yards and a first round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft where he (Stewart) was selected 13th over-all by the Carolina Panthers. Oregon finished 6th in the nation in rushing offense and Unger was either first or second team All American by most major media outlets.

Heading into the 2008 season, the coaching staff considered moving him back to tackle, but unless there is an emergency, he will remain at center. Unger is a 25-game starter and was named to the 2008 Rimington Trophy spring watch list and has been named to the All-Pac-10 team by several media outlets. Being able to play any position along the offensive line will make Unger hot property for the 2009 NFL Draft. "He's got an attitude I like about football on the offensive line," UO coach Mike Bellotti said of Unger. "He's going to hit somebody. He's going to be physical every play, and I like that."

2. Alex Mack, California, 6’ 4” 302 lbs:
Mack is another great Pac 10 center, about the same size as Unger but just a tad shorter. Mack didn’t start until his sophomore year (2006), but that year he really blossomed as a starter, he earned first-team All-Pac-10 honors after starting all 13 games at the center position and was a second team Pac-10 All-Academic selection and voted the team's Most Improved Offensive Lineman. He finished the regular season with team-highs of 25.5 pancakes and 57.5 knockdowns.

Last year (2007) as a junior Mack was a finalist for the Rimington Trophy as the top center in the nation and earned the Morris Trophy as the top offensive lineman in the Pac-10. The Morris Trophy is special because it is voted on by the league's defensive linemen. Mack was also one of just three players to be a unanimous first-team All-Pac-10 selection. He was a first-team All-American center by The Sporting News and an honorable mention All-American by SI.com. He was honored as a midseason first-team All-American center by Phil Steele's Magazine as well as a midseason first-team All-American by SI.com and Rivals.com.

Before Max Unger emerged, Mack was rated as the No. 1 junior center in the nation by Mel Kiper and he an Unger are neck and neck for that honor heading into the 2008 college football season. Mack was the most talented offensive lineman on an offensive line which allowed just 11 sacks (best in the Pac-10, third in the nation).

3. Jonathan Luigs, Arkansas, 6’ 4” 314 lbs:
Phil Steele actually has Luigs ranked ahead of Unger and Mack heading into the 2008 season. Steele might have a point, after all Luigs was the winner of the Rimington Award last year as the top center in the nation. Darren McFadden and Felix Jones didn’t both become first round draft picks and run for a combined 2,842 yards and 26 touchdowns by accident, and they surely didn’t do it alone. A lot of their success was due to Luigs blocking and many of their runs were right up the gut behind Luigs. Last season Arkansas averaged an amazing 296.8 rushing yards per game. Luigs led the Razorbacks with a 90.4 percent grade average last season (2007), and blocked his way for 36 100-yard rushing games in 35 career games, including a school-record 16 100-yard performances in 12 games last season.

Luigs is not only big and strong, but he plays with great leverage and has excellent feet, he is also experienced and durable, he started 10 games as a red shirt freshman and got 14 starts as a sophomore where he received 3rd team All-American honors. Last season, besides winning the Rimington Award, he was a unanimous first team All American and recorded another 13 starts.

So there you have it, three of the best center prospects for the NFL Draft in recent memory. Will the 2009 NFL Draft be remembered as the year of the center? Only time will tell, but if your NFL team needs a center next year you are in luck.


I really hope we get one of these guys. Hopefully Max Unger because of his versatility and hsi ability to fet to the second level has impressed the hell out of me.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Thanks for the info Muss.

I have Mack rated no.1.

I haven't seen Unger play yet but I will keep an eye on him.

I think Luings will last until the 3rd rd. he would be a great value pick for us there. IMO
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
Why not pick a C in the first round of the draft if he is as safe a pick as most think? Having the middle of our line set for many years to come would be sweet. It would be nice if we traded down for a 1st and 2nd round pick and picked either Mack or Unger with one of those first 3 picks.
 

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
Thanks for the info on these guys, Unger sounds awesome. I will really try to get a good look at him. Does anyone know if Myers could be moved to guard? C and RG are definite needs in my eyes and if Myers was limited to backup C and backup G, I think that'd be great- I think he's quality but I guess hasn't grown into starter material yet. Having depth on the OL (well, any position) is so important.

There are just still too many needs on this team for me to know what I want us to do when during the draft. But if they get a guy like Unger in the 2nd and they think he'd be awesome there- more power to 'em! The enterior of our OL is getting pushed back too much.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
If we want a Center, go with Mack or Luigs.

Unger will get drafted high because of his versatility, not necessarily because he will be the best Center in the NFL.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
If we want a Center, go with Mack or Luigs.

Unger will get drafted high because of his versatility, not necessarily because he will be the best Center in the NFL.
I cannot comment on Mack because I havent seen him play yet. Luigs got pushed back too much to deserve anything more than a late third round pick IMO. You need to watch Unger play. I have never been as impressed by a Center in all my years of watching football, college or pro. I admit Center is not a position I normally pay much attention too. Though I do pay attention when there is a player that has a rep of being top tier talent wise. I watched Mangold and really wanted us to draft him and Im telling you Unger is light years ahead of him at this stage. This kid is not just versitle (which gives him more value IMO) he is PERFECT for the ZB sytem. He is not just a seal off blocker, he is a GREAT cut blocker. Dont take my word for it, watch him play. If you are not impressed I'll be shocked.
 
I used to be for drafting a center (I wanted Kalil last year), especially with that new second round pick, but the more I've considered this year, the less and less I see fault with the Texans' o-line, and that says a lot. Usually it's all about them, but they've come together pretty well, and that's a line with three new players this season (Myers, Brown, and Brisiel). Duane is having some problems, and sure Myers isn't getting any younger, but when I think of how many true deficiencies the Texans have on defense and how well the Texans offense works when the QB isn't handing the ball over to the other team, the less I see a center being taken first day or even third round.

Maybe they will take one in the later rounds. They've had good success with later-round players, like Owen Daniels. Maybe they can mine for gold for Center, too.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
I used to be for drafting a center (I wanted Kalil last year), especially with that new second round pick, but the more I've considered this year, the less and less I see fault with the Texans' o-line, and that says a lot. Usually it's all about them, but they've come together pretty well, and that's a line with three new players this season (Myers, Brown, and Brisiel). Duane is having some problems, and sure Myers isn't getting any younger, but when I think of how many true deficiencies the Texans have on defense and how well the Texans offense works when the QB isn't handing the ball over to the other team, the less I see a center being taken first day or even third round.

Maybe they will take one in the later rounds. They've had good success with later-round players, like Owen Daniels. Maybe they can mine for gold for Center, too.

One of the reasons the QB's are handing the ball over so much is because our interior line is getting manhandled so much. No QB in the NFL can perform well when the defense is getting a strong push up the middle. It is imperative that we fix this problem or it wont matter who the QB is.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
Anyone catch the Cal game today? Had to work and missed it. Did watch the Alabama game though and really dont think Caldwell is an option for this team. Just doesnt have the mobility for a ZB system.
 

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
Does anyone know if Myers could be moved to guard?
At 293 pounds ? I mean you could . But why would you want to after you've watched him go against the DTs he has gone against the first eight ? Myers does a wonderful job on the second level and in space. However, he crawls in the wagon tracks when it comes to productivity in the box. Myers is Turk fodder. The sooner the better. I'm ready to see if Chris White has any game at all at this point. They didn't do it last year. Won't do it this year.

Look you got four guys with hope on the board. Hope looks pretty good to me right now.
 
Anyone catch the Cal game today? Had to work and missed it. Did watch the Alabama game though and really dont think Caldwell is an option for this team. Just doesnt have the mobility for a ZB system.
I disagree with you on Caldwell, he get to the 2nd level pretty well IMO. I like the top 4 OC this year, so far. The combine will show some more. (Mack, Caldwell, Luigs, and Unger). (Sleeper to watch is Eric Wood from Louisville)

BTW most college interior OL need one or two years of NFL training to get the lower body strength they need in the NFL. So watch the technique and the base they use, and also remember quickness cannot be coached, either they have it or they don't.
 

DiehardChris

You betcha!
Our offense is on its way to being one of the most elite units in the NFL, and our defense sucks... so why would we not take a defensive player with our first-round pick?

Myers hasn't been phenomenal, but he hasn't been nearly as bad as MANY of the defensive positions that need an upgrade.
 

Silver Oak

All Pro
I think Myers is awful against even average DL's. I'm just an average observer, but there has just been too much pressure up the middle in almost every game.

Someone help me out here...did we trade that 5th round pick for Myers before Alex Gibbs came aboard, or afterwards?
 
Max Unger fits our ZBS and according to Walter football, he's projected to go in the 5th round.
I doubt he lasts to the 5th. He has the ability to play all 5 spots, though IMO, he is only average at each and does not truly stand out at any single spot.
 

DiehardChris

You betcha!
I think Myers is awful against even average DL's. I'm just an average observer, but there has just been too much pressure up the middle in almost every game.

Someone help me out here...did we trade that 5th round pick for Myers before Alex Gibbs came aboard, or afterwards?
Gibbs joined in January, Myers was acquired (it was actually a 6th rounder) in March.
 

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
Our offense is on its way to being one of the most elite units in the NFL, and our defense sucks... so why would we not take a defensive player with our first-round pick?

Myers hasn't been phenomenal, but he hasn't been nearly as bad as MANY of the defensive positions that need an upgrade.
I agree we need to use some more high picks on the defense. BUT... they ain't gonna be stopping those 300 lb D-linemen from pounding Schaubo. Running the risk of "playing games" with our franchise QB scares me.
 
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beerlover

Hall of Fame
Texans would be wise to trade down take a DE/OLB then have three 1st day picks. one of which could be a Center like Alabama's Antoine Caldwell who people are not fully valueing his versatility enough he can play both guard spots too, is very athletic & moves well in space picks up downfield blocks as well.

So here is the plan take a combo DE/OLB with a 20 something pick (from trade down) then take bpa with 1st 2nd then Caldwell with additional pick. would look something like this-

1 Aaron Maybin, DE Penn State 6-4 240
2a William Moore, FS Missouri 6-0 220
2b Antoine Caldwell, C Alabama 6-2 300

thems some fine additions to the team :perfect10:

merry christmas
 
Texans would be wise to trade down take a DE/OLB then have three 1st day picks. one of which could be a Center like Alabama's Antoine Caldwell who people are not fully valueing his versatility enough he can play both guard spots too, is very athletic & moves well in space picks up downfield blocks as well.

So here is the plan take a combo DE/OLB with a 20 something pick (from trade down) then take bpa with 1st 2nd then Caldwell with additional pick. would look something like this-

1 Aaron Maybin, DE Penn State 6-4 240
2a William Moore, FS Missouri 6-0 220
2b Antoine Caldwell, C Alabama 6-2 300

thems some fine additions to the team :perfect10:

merry christmas

Not a huge fan. Maybin is thin and at that weight is going to struggle to be an every down DE. William Moore is mostly living off his hype from last year. He had an average year and seems to struggle with tackling. I like Caldwell.

Another guy I like from Alabama is the little FS. Rashad Johnson? without looking it up.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Not a huge fan. Maybin is thin and at that weight is going to struggle to be an every down DE. William Moore is mostly living off his hype from last year. He had an average year and seems to struggle with tackling. I like Caldwell.

Another guy I like from Alabama is the little FS. Rashad Johnson? without looking it up.
my thinking on Maybin is using him @ one of the OLB positions, strongside or weakside. he has plus rushing ability, length, size & range, sophomore (draft eligible because he redshirted as freshmen). should continue to grow into his frame where he could be the Texans everydown DE over time. for example if he stays one or two more years @ Penn State his stock only rises, so you catch him here on the up & get additional value in return.

don't know why everyone is hitting Moore? but thats fine, people did the same thing to DeMeco & he truned out ok. thats why I had him as the bpa, stock falling sleeper out of the 1st into 2nd.

Caldwell is a solid NFL starting linemen for the inside whos value is multiplied because of his versatility.
 

Goldensilence

hipster elite
Myers and Brisiel aren't bad for depth or starting one of the two but together I think they compromise the strength of the OL. I'd love for us to use our first rounder on securing the interior of the OL for Schaub and for our red zone rushing. Robinson is my pick. While we do have some glaring needs on our defense I think there is some options via FA to plug some of those holes. Doubt we make a serious run at Suggs and Peppers will probably remain a Panther but A guy like Betrand Berry could give some good reps on the DL still. Could also use our first rounder on a LB. This team desperately needs at LB. Greenwood should be let go or relegated to backup status. Diles, while I love the guy's heart, just doesn't have the footspeed to go sideline to sideline.
 
Moore added about ten pounds this last year and lost a step, I bet he drops the weight and gains the step back before the combine. He is a team leader and a ball hawk when he has the quickness.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Myers and Brisiel aren't bad for depth or starting one of the two but together I think they compromise the strength of the OL. I'd love for us to use our first rounder on securing the interior of the OL for Schaub and for our red zone rushing. Robinson is my pick. While we do have some glaring needs on our defense I think there is some options via FA to plug some of those holes. Doubt we make a serious run at Suggs and Peppers will probably remain a Panther but A guy like Betrand Berry could give some good reps on the DL still. Could also use our first rounder on a LB. This team desperately needs at LB. Greenwood should be let go or relegated to backup status. Diles, while I love the guy's heart, just doesn't have the footspeed to go sideline to sideline.
would love to see this happen but I'm not holding my breath :bubble:
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Moore added about ten pounds this last year and lost a step, I bet he drops the weight and gains the step back before the combine. He is a team leader and a ball hawk when he has the quickness.
be quiet :shades: let him slide down to Houston 2nd rd. pick :)
 
Moore added about ten pounds this last year and lost a step, I bet he drops the weight and gains the step back before the combine. He is a team leader and a ball hawk when he has the quickness.
His problem this year was poor angles and missed tackles. I'll take the FS from Alabama over him every day of the week. Doesn't have the ideal measurables, but he is a player. Not quite in the same boat as Ryans, who wasn't that far from the most athletic LB's.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
His problem this year was poor angles and missed tackles. I'll take the FS from Alabama over him every day of the week. Doesn't have the ideal measurables, but he is a player. Not quite in the same boat as Ryans, who wasn't that far from the most athletic LB's.
you know they all said similar things about Slaton, added weight & lost that explosive quickness but in the end the good ones always find their true playing weight. Ryans was also considered first rd. talent but yet he slipped to the 2nd, barely I'll admit :)
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
ok, back on topic-

for some reason just can't fathom the Texans taking a Center in the 1st rd. one Center I guess should mention is Arkansas Jonathan Luigs, 6036 306 a zone blocking center who can anchor the middle. can disable the bull rush of a nose tackle or leak through the second level. the Texans would have to use their 2nd rd. pick to get him. looks like a Gibbs kinda guy-
 
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beerlover

Hall of Fame
guess I should also add in defense of Meyers I have really enjoyed his effort coming over here & starting all 16 games. the kids a gamer, has a workmen like approach & just brings a great attitude each week. he was an excellent off season aquisition (6th rd. pick to Denver) people are quick to forget the carousel @ Center that was 07 (Mike Flanagan, Drew Hodgdon & fan favorite Steve McKinney) at the very least Chris has added stability to the OL & shown he is an adequate NFL starter who fits zbs.
 

Ole Miss Texan

Hall of Fame
That's true. I like seeing OLmen having the versatility to play multiple positions b/c it really helps if there are injuries, certain players need a rest, and to keep roster spots down. I think Meyers is that versatile kind of guy with being able to come in and play C or G. Maybe we need another, but if we are to get a C in the top 3 rounds, I'd like him to be the bonafide starter where he excels at that position. If Mack, Unger, Luigs could be that guy, I would be totally on board- but not if he's another mediocre C that has versatility.
 
I threw out Jonathan Luigs last year mid season. I had him as my top center last year. He's fallen to my #2 center this year, but he fits our scheme perfectly. He needs to add some lead to his pants, but he gets off the line quickly and can seal a block.

1. Mack
2. Luigs
3. Caldwell
4. Wood
5. Unger
 

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
I think Myers is awful against even average DL's. I'm just an average observer, but there has just been too much pressure up the middle in almost every game.

Someone help me out here...did we trade that 5th round pick for Myers before Alex Gibbs came aboard, or afterwards?
Yes but Meyers is everything they want in a center between the twenties. That's the problem.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/houstontexans/transactions?team=HOU

3/17.

go to: NFL.com
Mouse click teams:
Got to: Transactions
3/17.

hope that helped ya....we don't have a sixth pick.
 

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
guess I should also add in defense of Meyers I have really enjoyed his effort coming over here & starting all 16 games. the kids a gamer, has a workmen like approach & just brings a great attitude each week. he was an excellent off season acquisition (6th rd. pick to Denver) people are quick to forget the carousel @ Center that was 07 (Mike Flanagan, Drew Hodgdon & fan favorite Steve McKinney) at the very least Chris has added stability to the OL & shown he is an adequate NFL starter who fits zbs.
We're at 42% on the goal line inside the ten beerlover. OK ? that number has to move up significantly in '09 if they are going to make a push at all. And I agree, Meyers settled down the center position. But they can't squat at 42% and settle for 48% field goal tries.

Why don't y'all like Erick Wood. Tough mean quick. Those braces on his knees will push him down a bit. Cheap competition for Myers. If the Steelers go Duke Robinson in the first and Woods in the third I wouldn't be shocked at all.
 

Honoring Earl 34

Something Witty !
We're at 42% on the goal line inside the ten beerlover. OK ? that number has to move up significantly in '09 if they are going to make a push at all. And I agree, Meyers settled down the center position. But they can't squat at 42% and settle for 48% field goal tries.

Why don't y'all like Erick Wood. Tough mean quick. Those braces on his knees will push him down a bit. Cheap competition for Myers. If the Steelers go Duke Robinson in the first and Woods in the third I wouldn't be shocked at all.
If we have the ball with a 4th and goal at the two yard ... we pass . If they have the ball with a 4th and goal at the two ... they run .
 

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
Myers and Brisiel aren't bad for depth or starting one of the two but together I think they compromise the strength of the OL. I'd love for us to use our first rounder on securing the interior of the OL for Schaub and for our red zone rushing. Robinson is my pick. While we do have some glaring needs on our defense I think there is some options via FA to plug some of those holes. Doubt we make a serious run at Suggs and Peppers will probably remain a Panther but A guy like Betrand Berry could give some good reps on the DL still. Could also use our first rounder on a LB. This team desperately needs at LB. Greenwood should be let go or relegated to backup status. Diles, while I love the guy's heart, just doesn't have the footspeed to go sideline to sideline.
Before the hold on the goal line was called on him....a marginal call at best, Brisiel had a pancake on the big SS run. Thought I'd mention it since we all seem so hell bent to bench the guy. He and Brown have been doing that a lot lately.

Max Unger is reported to be able to play five of the four o-line spots. Don't know that they'd take a Center/guard that high....don't know if that is their Biggest problem. I think Caldwell and the Penn St center are true centers. I think Wood from Louisville could swing to guard in a pinch.

All I know about Dilles is that when he and Adibi went out, Oakland rolled this defense. Might just be a coincidence.
 

Number19

Hall of Fame
I've wanted a center with a high pick just about every year, and this year is no different. But I do agree that picks one and two should be OLB and CB. It's the third round where I would take my OC and there should be a good one available, with Jonathan Luigs being the one I would hope to fall to us. Next would be Eric Woods.

I'd take an OC ahead of a RB. Both these players have the smarts to learn our system to be a rookie starter. Both lack lower body strength, typical for rookie centers, but either of these two would represent more of an offensive impact than a RB taken at this position.

If you draft BPA, because OC's typically slide into the mid-rounds, and because of the quality of depth at this position this year, drafting a RB should be pushed back to the 4th or 5th round and an OC taken in the 3rd.

RB's which might be considered are Andre Brown, Gartrell Johnson, Glen Coffee, Andrian Foster and Bernard Scott.
 
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DiehardChris

You betcha!
I don't think Eric Wood will be there when our 3rd comes around, but I'd LOVE to have him.

Trouble is, the team has shown no signs at all of wanting a new center... we're much more likely to take a RG, since the team did show interest in a RG free agent a while back. I've started lobbying for Trevor Canfield, OG, Cincinnati in the third. LOVE him.

But to stay on topic, depending on who's still available at 46, I wouldn't be mad if they took a center... unless Sean Smith was still on the board. I really like him.
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
I don't think Eric Wood will be there when our 3rd comes around, but I'd LOVE to have him.

Trouble is, the team has shown no signs at all of wanting a new center... we're much more likely to take a RG, since the team did show interest in a RG free agent a while back. I've started lobbying for Trevor Canfield, OG, Cincinnati in the third. LOVE him.

But to stay on topic, depending on who's still available at 46, I wouldn't be mad if they took a center... unless Sean Smith was still on the board. I really like him.
When I started this thread I hadnt seen Wood or Shipley play. I still havent really seen either of them much on film but like what I have read and seen of them since. I still stick to what I said about Unger. If a ZB team drafts him he will be an allpro. He is the best Center I have ever seen in college. I would take him at 15 and be happy.
 

DiehardChris

You betcha!
When I started this thread I hadnt seen Wood or Shipley play. I still havent really seen either of them much on film but like what I have read and seen of them since. I still stick to what I said about Unger. If a ZB team drafts him he will be an allpro. He is the best Center I have ever seen in college. I would take him at 15 and be happy.
Unger would definitely be my #1 choice if we weren't considering draft slot, other team needs, and all of that. I like him more than Mack, Wood, etc. I agree with you that he'll be an all pro, and I especially agree that he'll excel on a ZBS team.

If we took him at 15, yeah, I'd have to say I disagree with that. Our defense was just SO BAD last year. Now - if we took him in the first after a trade-down, I'd be surprised, but depending on who else was on the board - I could definitely get behind it.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Alex Mack is my favorite center in the draft.


How would you feel about taking Alex Boone in the 6th rd?

He was a 2nd rd value until he got in trouble. He could be the swing OT we are looking for.
 

Texan4Ever

All Pro
My personal favorite is Max Unger and I am also considering Eric Wood from Louisville as possible Centers to take. Jonathan Lugis is another Center who would make more sense for the Texans to take because we run a ZBS and I believe thats the blocking scheme used by Arkansas. Lugis has good bulk and is light on his feet and he is also has terrific speed. My only concern with him is the fact that he is not a true road grader in the run game.

Regardless of who we take, we need a Center because IMO we don't have quality depth behind Myers.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
good Center class.

was calling for Mack in last years draft, he fits zone. Unger has really helped himself senior year, can back-fill multiple positions. doubt either will be available w/texans 2nd rd. pick.

next group is led by Woods, looks like a Steeler type, very athletic & a mauler would be there for us in 2nd but probably off the board end of 2nd. then Luigs, solid base can hold the point but not sure how athletic or well he fits scheme, 3rd rd. still love Caldwell, versatility & athletic ability if the Texans trade down in the 1st & pick up a 2nd 3rd. pick then he could be that guy...:)
 

TheRealJoker

Hall of Fame
Just like most people think BPA will be OLB in the 1st I think its gonna be at C in the 2nd. We can get ourselves a 10 year starter at center if we choose to use the 46 on it...
 
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