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Micheal Oher

K

keyser

Veteran
In Don Banks' latest mock (post combine), he has Michael Oher dropping completely out of the first round. His comment was:
Teams aren't as willing as they once were to look the other way for a player who has either character or medical issues attached to his name. It's a play-it-safe kind of era in the NFL, and that may really hurt a player such as Andre Smith or fellow offensive tackle Michael Oher, who I've got tumbling to the second round.
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Did I miss something? Was there a character/medical issue raised at the combine? It seemed Oher was a top-10 pick last year (before deciding to stay in school), and most had him in the early first round this year. I'm really wondering what would make him drop like this.

I don't think OT is one of the Texans' biggest needs, but if we were able to move way back in the first and still pick up someone like him, I wouldn't pass it up. In fact (without knowing why he's dropped), I've thought I would be OK with him or one of the other top OTs if they even made it to 15.
 
Oher would have to be a serious consideration at 15 or if we traded down as BPA. Draft him, bump him to RG, and use him as insurance in case Winston or Brown go down.

Starting RG/backup swing tackle. I like it. Adds a ton of depth to the OL and a newfound push in the interior for short yardage situations.
 
Did Don Banks suffer any sort of serious head injury in the last week? Teams use first round picks on guys with character issues, and injury history all the time.
 
Goatcheese said:
Did Don Banks suffer any sort of serious head injury in the last week? Teams use first round picks on guys with character issues, and injury history all the time.
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I think Oher will drop (though not as far as the 2nd round) because teams will realize that he's not that good. He's certainly not a lock to play LT. Oher's not that quick, doesn't pickup stunts well, and just seems to lack instincts for the game. He reminds me of Leonard Davis, just not as large or powerful. I see Oher as a guard in the pros, and maybe not even a starter as a rookie.
 
Oher is comparable with D. Brown atheletic wise.

The scouts are questioning his motor just like D. Brown.

I dont think this is correct, but thats what's happening. IMO
 
He's a quiet guy which sometimes gets confused with lack of passion. I'm not aware of any medical issues. Character-wise, he's towards the high end of the draft, not low. He's not a punk in the least, you don't have to worry about off field issues and he's a great teammate. If he's there at 15, I'd take him in a heartbeat. Could play 4 of the 5 positions on the OL. I'd love it.

Please keep spitting out this crap Banks... so he can slip to 15.
 
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Lucky said:
I think Oher will drop (though not as far as the 2nd round) because teams will realize that he's not that good. He's certainly not a lock to play LT. Oher's not that quick, doesn't pickup stunts well, and just seems to lack instincts for the game. He reminds me of Leonard Davis, just not as large or powerful. I see Oher as a guard in the pros, and maybe not even a starter as a rookie.
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Dropping a guy because you think he isn't very good is one thing.

Don Banks said:
Teams aren't as willing as they once were to look the other way for a player who has either character or medical issues attached to his name. It's a play-it-safe kind of era in the NFL, and that may really hurt a player such as Andre Smith or fellow offensive tackle Michael Oher, who I've got tumbling to the second round.
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Thinking a top 10 talent like Andre Smith will fall to the second round because he has character issues is another. NFL teams take risks on guys with criminal records, positive drug tests, etc. in the first round just about every year.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
He's a quiet guy which sometimes gets confused with lack of passion. I'm not aware of any medical issues. Character-wise, he's towards the high end of the draft, not low. He's not a punk in the least, you don't have to worry about off field issues and he's a great teammate. If he's there at 15, I'd take him in a heartbeat. Could play 4 of the 5 positions on the OL. I'd love it.

Please keep spitting out this crap Banks... so he can slip to 15.
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I understand your point, but just don't think we can afford a first round pick (let alone #15) for an o lineman. Only scenario I could agree with is a trade with Detroit or Atlanta where we get Oher later in first and pick up a 2nd. We then go 1.Oher OT/OG 2a Ron Brace DT 2b Robert Ayers DE 3)Rashad Johnson FS 4. Gartell Johnson RB 4b (Sage) best OLB. I am not sure if either Brace or Ayers will be there in 2nd.

I think we can get a back up guard in later rounds such as Livitre or Canfield. Not directing this at you, but many posters are selecting favorites with no regard to priority weaknesses indentified by team as 1. Stop the run 2. DE across from Mario and 3. a power back to increase points in red zone. Everything else we can get is gravy for the fried chicken.
 
I saw his parents interviewed once and he's adopted and has led a very sheltered, managed existance in their care. Perhaps teams are concerned about his ability to adjust, to adapt away from his home in small-town Mississippi vs. the relatively exotic environment of a large urban center with all of its challenges and temptations he'd be confronted with in the NFL ?
 
nunusguy said:
I saw his parents interviewed once and he's adopted and has led a very sheltered, managed existance in their care. Perhaps teams are concerned about his ability to adjust, to adapt away from his home in small-town Mississippi vs. the relatively exotic environment of a large urban center with all of its challenges and temptations he'd be confronted with in the NFL ?
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He's got an All Pro LT body and the social development of an junior in highschool .
 
He grew up and lived in Memphis, Tennessee. Oxford (4 years of college) is only 45 minutes south.

I'm okay with going into next season with the OL we have but I'm not thrilled about it. One injury to any member and our line is royally screwed. Last year we were very lucky they stayed healthy. Oher would add a lot of versatility and flexibility. I'd rather of Oher as a RG and Brisiel as a back up than have Brisiel as a starter and Studdard as a backup.

I understand we have other, possibly bigger needs on the team and trading down would be ideal. But that can be tough to do. If we trade down it isn't because we're targeting Oher. A lost depends on what we do in free agency and who else is available at 15 that warrants that pick. Oher would warrant that pick. A DE/OLB hybrid might not, not DT will, no Safety will, possibly a CB and most likely an OLB.

I'd see OLB as a bigger need but if they have Oher rated higher than the other guys by a decent margin, I'd be thrilled with the pick. If they have Cushing/Matthews and Oher rated about the same, then you probably go with the OLB.

I just drool at the thought of having Brown, Oher and Winston all on the same line. That's a long term investment that will pay off and is critical to the success of the entire team.

Not to mention goal line/short yardage situations were abismal last year and Oher > Brisiel in picking up that TD/1st down. It would elevate Myers play too.
 
It's funny how a high moral-fibered individual that surrounds himself with quality human beings and overcomes such adversity can be viewed in such a negative light... especially when comparing him to others in a league like the NFL that do the exact opposite.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
It's funny how a high moral-fibered individual that surrounds himself with quality human beings and overcomes such adversity can be viewed in such a negative light... especially when comparing him to others in a league like the NFL that do the exact opposite.
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I think the the point is he would be the polar oppisite , of say , Pacman . In the book , Leigh Ann told the Ol'Miss recruiter not to take him to a strip joint . She told him to take him out for Italian food and bring him back to his room and leave him alone . A team like the Texans would probably be a good fit for him .
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
He grew up and lived in Memphis, Tennessee. Oxford (4 years of college) is only 45 minutes south.

I'm okay with going into next season with the OL we have but I'm not thrilled about it. One injury to any member and our line is royally screwed. Last year we were very lucky they stayed healthy. Oher would add a lot of versatility and flexibility. I'd rather of Oher as a RG and Brisiel as a back up than have Brisiel as a starter and Studdard as a backup.

I understand we have other, possibly bigger needs on the team and trading down would be ideal. But that can be tough to do. If we trade down it isn't because we're targeting Oher. A lost depends on what we do in free agency and who else is available at 15 that warrants that pick. Oher would warrant that pick. A DE/OLB hybrid might not, not DT will, no Safety will, possibly a CB and most likely an OLB.

I'd see OLB as a bigger need but if they have Oher rated higher than the other guys by a decent margin, I'd be thrilled with the pick. If they have Cushing/Matthews and Oher rated about the same, then you probably go with the OLB.

I just drool at the thought of having Brown, Oher and Winston all on the same line. That's a long term investment that will pay off and is critical to the success of the entire team.

Not to mention goal line/short yardage situations were abismal last year and Oher > Brisiel in picking up that TD/1st down. It would elevate Myers play too.
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Ole Miss Texan said:
It's funny how a high moral-fibered individual that surrounds himself with quality human beings and overcomes such adversity can be viewed in such a negative light... especially when comparing him to others in a league like the NFL that do the exact opposite.
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I don't get the knocks to be honest. I've seen him play alot, and there are holes in his game, but he's still a top 15 talent. I said a few weeks(months?) back that Oher was going to be this years Otah. They will nitpick the kid to death over nothing, and then he will walk onto the field and go all Beastmode.

What really doesn't make sense to me is that people watched him play for years, and said that he is a top 5 pick. Then suddenly he declares for the draft, and it's like "Oh btw you should be picked in the 2nd-3rd round because you're friggin terrible!"

Wut?

I'd be happy with them drafting Oher to compete with Brown, then see which of them gets to play LT, and who makes the transition to guard.
 
badboy said:
I understand your point, but just don't think we can afford a first round pick (let alone #15) for an o lineman. Only scenario I could agree with is a trade with Detroit or Atlanta where we get Oher later in first and pick up a 2nd. We then go 1.Oher OT/OG 2a Ron Brace DT 2b Robert Ayers DE 3)Rashad Johnson FS 4. Gartell Johnson RB 4b (Sage) best OLB. I am not sure if either Brace or Ayers will be there in 2nd.

I think we can get a back up guard in later rounds such as Livitre or Canfield. Not directing this at you, but many posters are selecting favorites with no regard to priority weaknesses indentified by team as 1. Stop the run 2. DE across from Mario and 3. a power back to increase points in red zone. Everything else we can get is gravy for the fried chicken.
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This is the old BPA vs need argument. It comes down to whos the best player available and who is the best player available at a need position. You weight the 2 and if its close you go BPA at a need. If the BPA is far superior talent then you have a decision to make. Does the BPA improve youre team? If yes then you have to take that player or consider the value of a tradedown vs keeping that player. If not you are not getting the proper value for youre pick.

If Oher is available @ 15 I cant imagine any D player with a higher grade. If we cant trade down then he would be a good value pick IMO. Hey improving our OL could make our red zone blues go away and that is a HUGE weakness of this team.

Besides FA will change the way we look at the draft. Ill bet you that at least 2 of the 3 needs you spoke of are addressed in FA. Teams always try and fill voids in FA to avoid having to reach in the draft.
 
If we were to draft Oher my thinking would be that he would he would either start at RG or RT with Winston taking the other and Briesal coming off the bench.

Our line might not be a weakness but it can be improved. Considering what we have been through with this team I cant see why anyone would be upset if we were to upgrade there. Think about it. Do we want Slaton running behind a pretty good OL or a really good one? Do we want our (maybe) fragile QB setting up behind a pretty good OL or a really good one. If there is a player avialable at any point in this draft that can improve our trenches then he should be our pick. I dont care if it is on O or D.
 
mussop said:
This is the old BPA vs need argument. It comes down to whos the best player available and who is the best player available at a need position. You weight the 2 and if its close you go BPA at a need. If the BPA is far superior talent then you have a decision to make. Does the BPA improve youre team? If yes then you have to take that player or consider the value of a tradedown vs keeping that player. If not you are not getting the proper value for youre pick.

If Oher is available @ 15 I cant imagine any D player with a higher grade. If we cant trade down then he would be a good value pick IMO. Hey improving our OL could make our red zone blues go away and that is a HUGE weakness of this team.

Besides FA will change the way we look at the draft. Ill bet you that at least 2 of the 3 needs you spoke of are addressed in FA. Teams always try and fill voids in FA to avoid having to reach in the draft.
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Using your theory and OMT comments that we are only one player injury on Oline, if QB Sanchez is there @ #15 we should select him. In fact, it is more likely Schaub will go down than a lineman & that position is higher priority than tackle. I understand what you both are saying, but no way do I take a QB or Oher @ 15.
 
badboy said:
Using your theory and OMT comments that we are only one player injury on Oline, if QB Sanchez is there @ #15 we should select him. In fact, it is more likely Schaub will go down than a lineman & that position is higher priority than tackle. I understand what you both are saying, but no way do I take a QB or Oher @ 15.
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Sanchez wouldn't be a starter or upgrade the starting QB position. Oher would be a starter and could potentially be an upgrade at any or all of the 4 positions on the OL.

My view on the OL is that if Oher is starting at RG and Brown goes down... Oher could slide over. If Pitts goes down, Oher could slide over. If Winston goes down, Oher could slide over. Brisiel would then step in at RG in each situation.
 
badboy said:
Using your theory and OMT comments that we are only one player injury on Oline, if QB Sanchez is there @ #15 we should select him. In fact, it is more likely Schaub will go down than a lineman & that position is higher priority than tackle. I understand what you both are saying, but no way do I take a QB or Oher @ 15.
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Apples to oranges. Oher would be starting somewhere on the OL day 1. Sanchez would only make it on the field if Schaub goes down (which chances of decrease significantly with Oher on the OL).
 
I'm not bangin' for the pick of Oher even though I love the guy. I'm simply saying that I think he's such a versatile player and great fit for this team on/off the field. He would be starting at a position that isn't considered a strength. And If he were to be the one slipping I could easily see him being BPA. I'm in no way advocating taking Oher over a higher rated player on defense. Needwise we've got a lot and I want a killer defense. I would think Gibbs would really like Oher too.
 
mussop said:
If we were to draft Oher my thinking would be that he would he would either start at RG or RT with Winston taking the other and Briesal coming off the bench.

Our line might not be a weakness but it can be improved. Considering what we have been through with this team I cant see why anyone would be upset if we were to upgrade there. Think about it. Do we want Slaton running behind a pretty good OL or a really good one? Do we want our (maybe) fragile QB setting up behind a pretty good OL or a really good one. If there is a player avialable at any point in this draft that can improve our trenches then he should be our pick. I dont care if it is on O or D.
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You seem to be of the school of always taking best player available and I am not. Our offense is doing pretty good as is. A power back that can score from inside red zone rachets up the O even more. Would improvement at any position help our offense? Of course. But is it the right move? No. it is quite possible Beanie Wells will be avail and many think he is better than Slaton. Do you think we should select him at #15? See where I'm going with this?

If no trade down is available and no other NEED player such as a DE, FS or OLB is is rated closed to that high and you think that need player can be chosen later, I'm ok with Oher.
 
Ole Miss Texan said:
Sanchez wouldn't be a starter or upgrade the starting QB position. Oher would be a starter and could potentially be an upgrade at any or all of the 4 positions on the OL.

My view on the OL is that if Oher is starting at RG and Brown goes down... Oher could slide over. If Pitts goes down, Oher could slide over. If Winston goes down, Oher could slide over. Brisiel would then step in at RG in each situation.
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Yeah, I understand. I guess I am just focusing on the defensive needs.
 
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