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YoungTexanFan's newest projection

Round 1:
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
I think the injury to Diles is going to be a big factor in our draft. While I don't think Diles is good enough, our staff does, so I will trust them. His injury, however, isn't to be taken lightly. Cushing brings a lot of athleticism to the LB unit. He has very good size for a rookie SOLB and has the lateral quickness to get the the sideline. Cushing closes OL depth quickly and takes a nice path to the outside. I don't understand the first round man-crush on Matthews. His value is in the second to third, when he started getting all the hype. He has esperience playing a standup or "hybrid" DE in 2006. He posted 4.5 sacks that year and was DMVP of the Rose Bowl against Michigan where he also posted 2.5 sacks. He has some injury history with his shoulder (2005) knee (2007) and ankle (2007).

Round 2:
Michael Hamlin, SS, Clemson
I would love to have Alphonso Smith here, but that isn't going to happen. I think we still need some help in the defensive backfield. I'm not a fan of Chung, but he may fit the style of SS our staff is looking for. He is certainly in the same mold as Barber. Hamlin has a ton of starting experience and has put up good numbers. He had 4 interceptions in 2007, and has good size. He has really produced in big games throughout his career, and he is somewhat flying under the radar.

Round 3:
Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE, Richmond
He is an interesting pick. He shouldn't be an instant starter, but I feel that with the signing of Antoine Smith, we can push our DE need down the list. We still need a pass-rushing specialist at DE, and Sidbury is as good an investment as anyone else. A lot of the guys in this draft are 3-4 OLB's masking themselves as 4-3 DE's. When it's all said and done, Sidury will probably play close to 270 at 6'4. He has incredible arm length that just can't be taught (35.5 inches I believe). He's quick off the line and still needs to develop into an every-down player, but we don't need him to be that right now. This is an honest projection of where he should go.

Round 4, Pick A:
Andy Levitre, OG, Oregon State
One of the best OG's in the draft. He has been playing OT for OSU, though he won't play OT in the NFL. He is compact, but still has good size. His strength is in the lower body, and he will definitely need to improve his upper body strength. He is quick with his hands and has a good initial punch; he will need to work on re-setting himself as powerfully as he does out of his stance. I think he is an ideal RG in the NFL, and I think he has the talent to compete for the starting job from day one.

Round 4, Pick B:
Gartrell Johnson, RB, Colorado State
Well, to start off with, it's Colorado State. After that, Johnson had a great season with good numbers. He is a big RB, and has great hands for a RB his size. He isn't very fast. At all. So there will be some concerns, but I think he can make it in the NFL. His size is the big thing here, as he can step in and not be a liability to Matt Schaub's health. He shows good cutback vision, but isn't likely to ever have 40+ yard runs.

Round 5:
Mark Parson, CB, Ohio
He really had a great year the year before last year, but saw teams throw away from him. Wasn't invited to the Combine, but was hand-picked by Deion Sanders to train with. He also held Ohio State's Brian Robiskie to 8 yards on 3 catches. He has elite closing ability but I'd like to see him play a little tighter at times (game film - his practice highlights show him in a man-press). He's a preacher's son, and he seems to have a great head on his shoulders. Since not many will know about him, I've provided some video about him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQna3hFO3A4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qynoJD310W0&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYGnXm3zE_E

Round 6:
Kaluka Maiava, OLB, USC
What? 2 USC OLBs? Yep. He's a little short, but he is a true WOLB. His measurables won't blow you away by any means, but he has good production, especially considering the guys next to him at LB and on that entire defensive unit. He should be able to compete with Adibi for the starting spot, and at worst should be solid depth. In the sixth round, it's hard to not like this pick.

Round 7:
Austin Collie, WR, BYU
Why not? He produced at BYU while there, though he should have stayed for his last season. He doubles as a return man, averaging almost 30 yards per return. That ability will help him stick in the NFL. While he did play in a very open system, he had 15 TD's last year.
 
P

Polo

Guest
I'm not sold on the team placing a priority on the LB position...

I would be happy with this draft, but I just get the feeling we're going DB in rd. 1
 
I'm not sold on the team placing a priority on the LB position...

I would be happy with this draft, but I just get the feeling we're going DB in rd. 1
See, I was thinking the same thing. We have an elite level LB on our roster already. We have starters and we have some decent depth. Adibi may pan out, but we just don't know at this point at the WILL. I don't think Diles is good enough to start, though he is a good player. I'm more concerned with his injury, and I think that would raise the LB priority. As far as our DB's go, we have a pretty good group. We've got Daunta who is getting top 5 money, and we've got Reeves getting pretty good money as well. That is a lot of money tied up as it is in the 2 starting CB's. We've got Molden and Bennett right behind them. So, with them, we've got two young and athletic guys. Sure, the jury is still out on both, especially with Molden, but the potential is there. I did have a CB drafted with similar potential, but we have a lot of money tied up into CB's right now. We've got defined starters. While I don't think either is starter quality, they are set, and a rookie isn't going to up-end either of them. There is no safety worth our pick. Period.
 

BigBull17

Hall of Fame
See, I was thinking the same thing. We have an elite level LB on our roster already. We have starters and we have some decent depth. Adibi may pan out, but we just don't know at this point at the WILL. I don't think Diles is good enough to start, though he is a good player. I'm more concerned with his injury, and I think that would raise the LB priority. As far as our DB's go, we have a pretty good group. We've got Daunta who is getting top 5 money, and we've got Reeves getting pretty good money as well. That is a lot of money tied up as it is in the 2 starting CB's. We've got Molden and Bennett right behind them. So, with them, we've got two young and athletic guys. Sure, the jury is still out on both, especially with Molden, but the potential is there. I did have a CB drafted with similar potential, but we have a lot of money tied up into CB's right now. We've got defined starters. While I don't think either is starter quality, they are set, and a rookie isn't going to up-end either of them. There is no safety worth our pick. Period.
I agree with you on Diles. Great depth, but I dont want him as my starter.
 
Just in case you're not joking...

You're up in the mock draft. We've been waiting for you to make your pick for the Minnesota Vikings.
I never signed up for that. I signed up for the Chiefs for the first mock. I've been busy lately, and I haven't even looked at that thread, so there is no reason to assume I would take an alternate team in a new draft. I'm sorry to inform you I guess.
 
Cushing: I'm not really sold on him, or the need for a linebacker in the first. We have Adibi, Diles, and Bentley who I think can all be starters. I think Cushing is being over hyped and is a fringe first rounder. He's one of those guys who impresses at first glance, but the impression doesn't last.

Hamlin: Love this guy. If he ran .1 faster in the 40 people would be falling all over themselves to take him in the first. He's just the sort of playmaking SS this defense has lacked since ... well ever. Most of the talk I've heard/read about him is that he's going to go in the 3rd, but I wouldn't be unhappy with spending a 2nd to get him.

Sidbury: If he is still there in the 3rd the Texans should think long and hard about picking him up. He's a talented guy who can contribute as a situational pass rusher right away. I don't know if he will ever be starting material, but for a 3rd a pass rush threat is pretty good value. His size at 6023 may have him sliding, and available when we pick.

Andy Levitre: I'm not a big Levitre fan. He's kind of slow and has short arms for an O-lineman. His technique is kind of sloppy to boot.

Gartrell Johnson: One of several RBs in this range I'd be happy with.

Haven't paid much attention to the later rounds yet. It's a decent top 5, but maybe not the best value where you have them going.
 
Cushing: I'm not really sold on him, or the need for a linebacker in the first. We have Adibi, Diles, and Bentley who I think can all be starters. I think Cushing is being over hyped and is a fringe first rounder. He's one of those guys who impresses at first glance, but the impression doesn't last.

Hamlin: Love this guy. If he ran .1 faster in the 40 people would be falling all over themselves to take him in the first. He's just the sort of playmaking SS this defense has lacked since ... well ever. Most of the talk I've heard/read about him is that he's going to go in the 3rd, but I wouldn't be unhappy with spending a 2nd to get him.

Sidbury: If he is still there in the 3rd the Texans should think long and hard about picking him up. He's a talented guy who can contribute as a situational pass rusher right away. I don't know if he will ever be starting material, but for a 3rd a pass rush threat is pretty good value. His size at 6023 may have him sliding, and available when we pick.

Andy Levitre: I'm not a big Levitre fan. He's kind of slow and has short arms for an O-lineman. His technique is kind of sloppy to boot.

Gartrell Johnson: One of several RBs in this range I'd be happy with.

Haven't paid much attention to the later rounds yet. It's a decent top 5, but maybe not the best value where you have them going.
As for our current OLB's:
Diles - Coming off injury and had only seen limited time as a starter. I don't see any reason to feel secure about him starting at this point.
Adibi - I have hope for him as he has speed that we lack. With that said, he had some serious trouble even seeing the field this year and his small frame doesn't lend well to durability. He's no sure bet by any means.
Bentley - He played admirably when he was inserted this year, but if you are feeling warm and fuzzy about him as our full-time starter, then I guess we just seem things differently.

Cushing is as instinctive as a LB as you will find this year. He has all the physical tools you could want and has been a top level LB when healthy. Cushing is physically ready to play in the NFL from day one, and he brings something we don't really have with our LB's: athleticism.

Levitre isn't the most athletic. He has somewhat stubby arms and that is one of the reasons he will be an OG in the NFL instead of the OT he played at OSU. He's not Duke Robinson (more of a LG anyway) or an Unger/Mack, but he is a legitimate NFL OG. His technique isn't bad at all, especially if you project him inside to OG.

I just feel that Hamlin is going to move up the board at some point, and I feel that he is a second round talent.
 

Wolf6151

All Pro
1. I like the Cushing pick, I'm not totally sold on this guy but he fits one of our biggest needs and the type of player we're looking for our system.

2. I'd prefer Patrick Chung but Michael Hamlin is my second pick for SS and I really like it.

3. I'd spend this pick on a starting G/C, IMO it's to early to be spending picks on backups.

4. I'd love to have Andy Levitre but he's a 2nd round talent, he'll be gone by the 4th easily.

4. I like Gartrell Johnson as a power back but I don't think that he has the quickness to hit the hole, reminds me of Ron Dayne, strong but slow.

5,6, and 7. I don't know anything about these guys but I like what I read about Mark Parson.

Overall I like your mock, fills several big holes with starter level talent.
 
1. I like the Cushing pick, I'm not totally sold on this guy but he fits one of our biggest needs and the type of player we're looking for our system.

2. I'd prefer Patrick Chung but Michael Hamlin is my second pick for SS and I really like it.

3. I'd spend this pick on a starting G/C, IMO it's to early to be spending picks on backups.

4. I'd love to have Andy Levitre but he's a 2nd round talent, he'll be gone by the 4th easily.

4. I like Gartrell Johnson as a power back but I don't think that he has the quickness to hit the hole, reminds me of Ron Dayne, strong but slow.

5,6, and 7. I don't know anything about these guys but I like what I read about Mark Parson.

Overall I like your mock, fills several big holes with starter level talent.
I appreciate the feedback.

As for Sidbury, he won't be an instant starter. He has the physical potential to be there. He fills a need of situational pass-rusher with a very good frame to develop. He can contribute now, as grow into the starting role down the road.

I worried about the Johnson pick as well. He's not fast, and he's not explosive. I was looking for a big body who was a tough inside runner and who could catch out in the flats. I also had interest in Lucky, P.J. Hill, and the RB from New Mexico (or state?).

Levitre is not a 2nd round talent IMO. He has his limitations as noted above. He is moving inside to a new spot, and while he has played at OG before, most of his experience is at OT. He isn't the best OG, and he isn't an OT. 4th round is about right. Duke Robinson will be lucky to go in the early second right now, and he is an All-Pro waiting to happen.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
super job as always, ytf.

I like the direction & agree with need assesments.

However, Cushing is not my cup of tea. watched alot of USC games & he's never stood out to me as a next level impact player not to mention he gets nicked up alot. sure he looks like a superstar working out & runs with the best of em but it doesn't transfer to games. If I had to select a player @ #15 (could not trade out) I would rather select Peria Jerry. Leadership, accountability, toughness & consistency is what makes or breaks NFL prospects these are all question marks I have in regards to Cushing.

At RB I think its very possible Shonn Greene slips into the 3rd if not Jennings. Its very important to use a higher value pick on one because the Texans are going to need him to produce right away. the big bruising inside presence to compliment Steve needs to be as high quality a player & person as is Steve himself, thats how they share the load/carrys.

like addressing OL in 4th/5th. I would opt for a OC instead however.

CB Parson sounds good, could be a very astute selection. I like Ellis Lankster, West Virginia.

Kaluka Maiava would be interesting to see in a Texans uniform, seems like a high motor guy would contribute on special teams.

Austin Collie could be a steal, does he run good routes & get seperation, like Brandon Tate?

:)
 

TexanSam

Hall of Fame
I worried about the Johnson pick as well. He's not fast, and he's not explosive. I was looking for a big body who was a tough inside runner and who could catch out in the flats. I also had interest in Lucky, P.J. Hill, and the RB from New Mexico (or state?).
What do you think about Glen Coffee? My knowledge of the college game is severely limited but from what I saw he looked like he would be a good fit in our system. Or do you think he might be drafted too high to be considered for the Texans?

Although Gartrell Johnson would not be a bad fit it seems. You don't need to home run potential running backs. Slaton obviously has that filled. I guess Johnson would be the short yardage back we need.
 
super job as always, ytf.

I like the direction & agree with need assesments.

However, Cushing is not my cup of tea. watched alot of USC games & he's never stood out to me as a next level impact player not to mention he gets nicked up alot. sure he looks like a superstar working out & runs with the best of em but it doesn't transfer to games. If I had to select a player @ #15 (could not trade out) I would rather select Peria Jerry. Leadership, accountability, toughness & consistency is what makes or breaks NFL prospects these are all question marks I have in regards to Cushing.

At RB I think its very possible Shonn Greene slips into the 3rd if not Jennings. Its very important to use a higher value pick on one because the Texans are going to need him to produce right away. the big bruising inside presence to compliment Steve needs to be as high quality a player & person as is Steve himself, thats how they share the load/carrys.

like addressing OL in 4th/5th. I would opt for a OC instead however.

CB Parson sounds good, could be a very astute selection. I like Ellis Lankster, West Virginia.

Kaluka Maiava would be interesting to see in a Texans uniform, seems like a high motor guy would contribute on special teams.

Austin Collie could be a steal, does he run good routes & get seperation, like Brandon Tate?

:)
Thanks. It's important to remember that Cushing played next to 3 other NFL linebackers, 2 of which are potential first rounders. He does get nicked up a little, but if we are looking for a LB that can rush the passer, it has to be Cushing. I like Curry, but he will be gone. I like Maualuga, but Cushing is a better fit for what we have. Maiava is actually my favorite USC linebacker this year.

As for Collie, he gets good separation, but that is mostly due to him vs. a lesser opponent. His routes aren't bad, but nothing special. Pretty rough around the edges, like many prospects. He also should have stayed for his senior season. I like Tate, though I liked him a lot more pre-knee injury. I wish Tate was like 2 inches taller; I debated putting Tate in the 5th round for us.

Shonn Green is falling like a rock. Avoid. He's got weight issues, is going to be 27 for his first NFL snap. He apparently hasn't been showing well in interviews either. If you think about it, only the elite RBs produce when they get to 29-31. Drafting a guy at 27 at that position is a major risk.

I would love to have Jennings, I just think his stock is too hot for us to get an honest chance. He is the idea power back. To be honest, I'm not too thrilled with any of the others, including Johnson.
 
What do you think about Glen Coffee? My knowledge of the college game is severely limited but from what I saw he looked like he would be a good fit in our system. Or do you think he might be drafted too high to be considered for the Texans?

Although Gartrell Johnson would not be a bad fit it seems. You don't need to home run potential running backs. Slaton obviously has that filled. I guess Johnson would be the short yardage back we need.
Coffee won't be drafted high, and the Johnson pick might be higher than Coffee's stock. I'm just not a fan of Coffee. He has good size for a RB, and is a pretty good blocker in pass-protection, but he just doesn't excite me as a RB prospect.

The more I think about it, the less I'm inclined to think we HAVE to draft a 230+lb RB.
 

The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
Any more feedback? Tear this thing apart guys.
Well, heck. It looks good to me.

Do you like Hamlin over William Moore, Chip Harris, and Chris Clemons or do you think they'll be gone by our second pick? Or do you think he'll fit what we're wanting to do more than the other guys?
 
Round 1:
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
If he had less injuries I'd be sold even with the steroid thing hanging out there. Matthews is my pick here, he seems to bring the similar physical tools with a well known work ethic, not to mention the connections to Houston. Cushing certainly fits our bill of injured OLBers.

Round 2:
Michael Hamlin, SS, Clemson
GREAT pick, not sure 2nd round or 3rd but I like this dude.

Round 3:
Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE, Richmond
Meh. OG/OC/RB all candidates here too.

Round 4, Pick A:
Andy Levitre, OG, Oregon State
Good.

Round 4, Pick B:
Gartrell Johnson, RB, Colorado State
Besides the C-state thing and the power back thing I just think another guy is coming earlier than this. Good pick for this round though.

Round 5:
Mark Parson, CB, Ohio
I got nothing.

Round 6:
Kaluka Maiava, OLB, USC
Eh, solid depth.

Round 7:
Austin Collie, WR, BYU
I think we'll see a pick like this too. Good job man.
 

threetoedpete

Hall of Fame
Why would I tear something up that I absolutly love ? Great job for what we know seven weeks out....what is it now forty nine days ?
 

mussop

Hall of Fame
Coffee won't be drafted high, and the Johnson pick might be higher than Coffee's stock. I'm just not a fan of Coffee. He has good size for a RB, and is a pretty good blocker in pass-protection, but he just doesn't excite me as a RB prospect.

The more I think about it, the less I'm inclined to think we HAVE to draft a 230+lb RB.
I like Coffee. He runs hard, has good vision and like you said, blocks good in pass protection. IMO he would a great backup to Slaton.
 
Well, heck. It looks good to me.

Do you like Hamlin over William Moore, Chip Harris, and Chris Clemons or do you think they'll be gone by our second pick? Or do you think he'll fit what we're wanting to do more than the other guys?
I feel that Moore is a FS until proven otherwise. We are really looking for a SS though it seems like we always draft one. I like Chip Harris actually, but I don't think he's quite the player that Hamlin is. I don't think there will be many, if any, safeties gone by our second round pick. The talent is really barren. Delmas might be the first safety to go at this point, and that is just an indication of a weak overall class. The stereotypical FS has a much higher premium than the stereotypical SS. I feel that Hamlin brings enough experience to compete for a starting spot right away. He's a playmaker as much as you really want in a SS and he really plays well close to the line more so as a traditional SS.
 
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