LORK 88
Wreck'em Ŧech!
TEXANS DRAFT GRADES
KAREEM JACKSON, CB, ALABAMA
I know a lot of people were hoping for the never bashful Kyle Wilson, but Im glad we took Jackson. The thing with Jackson is he was a 3 year starter for a nation champion and has had a great career. He didnt get the attention as some of the others because his INT numbers werent better, but opposing QBs completed fewer than 50% of their passes against him. The thing with Jackson is hes a very intelligent CB and is a deceptive athlete (4.40 speed). He played in Sabans pro style offense and faced some of the best teams in the SEC. Hes also a very balanced CB. You cant say hes a cover corner or physical corner because that would imply he cant do the other. He didnt have insane numbers while at Alabama, but he was consistent and his INTs were from smart plays and not dumb luck. Still, Jackson needs to be prepared as hes going to face #1 WRs all season long and will have to learn on the fly. Its also cause for concern that he didnt cause very many turnovers, all though his play was consistent all season. Overall, I like the pick. Hes a consistent performer who we can count on day 1 and who will work hard. Hes got a tough job in front of him, but he has the tools to be successful. Theres no room for error as we desperately needed a CB and had our choice of the 3 late round 1 CBs.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: Jackson is the starter at RCB, no questions asked. Unless he has a complete meltdown in training camp, hes going to be starting. It will be a true baptism by fire, but its good that we have Reeves who can start for Quin or Jackson if either struggle or get injured. Were depending on him a lot so hopefully he can handle it.
GRADE: 87 OVERALL (95 NEED, 83 BPA)
BEN TATE, RB, AUBURN
I absolutely love this pick, but Ive been talking about Tate since the regular season and before the combine. I actually got to see him play in person the 2006 Cotton Bowl and thought he looked better than Irons. What I love about Tate is he is a great all around RB who fits what we need. From a measurables standpoint, hes got the size to be a 20 carry RB, but has deceptive speed. If he gets into the open, he will run away from defenders which is scary when you realize hes 220 plus. He tested through the roof at the combine to prove this and his name popped up several times as a top performer. As far as his running style, hes a tough no-nonsense runner who gets north and south. Hes always getting extra yards and loves punishing weak defenders. Rarely will you find him spending too much time dancing around like Slaton found himself doing too much last season. Hes the definition of a one cut and go runner. The main causes for concern are that Tate does need to work on protecting the ball and can tend to be impatient. Other than that, Tate should come in and have an instant impact letting Slaton be more of a change of pace/dynamic RB that we initially thought he would be. I know some people would have preferred Gerhart who was a college warrior, but the fact we were able to get a RB who will be just as effective and is probably a better fit for the ZBS is fine with me. Great pick, Tates my favorite new Texan hands down.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: Tate will steal some serious time from Slaton. I can see Kubiak splitting time between the two and going with the hot hand, or just using Tate as the main RB with Slaton spelling him (most likely option 2). Either way, Tate is going to see the field a lot in 2010 and I wouldnt be surprised to see him eclipse 1,000 yards.
GRADE: 93 OVERALL (95 NEED, 86 BPA)
EARL MITCHELL, DT, ARIZONA
Im a little hesitant on how to grade this pick. On one hand, Mitchell played great with limited experience at DT, had a great combine, and is an incredibly hard worker. However, was he worth our 3rd round pick? Honestly, Ill say yes. When looking at the other DTs taken after him, Corey Peters out of Kentucky is the only other DT taken round 3 (he would have been a much more questionable pick). Other than Peters, Adkins and Woods were the only other DTs taken relatively close, and they were taken least 30 picks after Mitchell. Earl Mitchell kind of reminds me of the Charles Spencer pick in 2006. Hes a player who hasnt always played DT and has limited experience, but tested well and could use his raw abilities to help out right away much like Spencer. Much like Spencer, its unseen exactly how hell fit on our team and specifically where hell play. We all want a NT, but Mitchell screams 3 tech with us. It does scare me that our DEs are just as big as our DTs. On the plus side, Mitchell is quick for a DT and a true penetrating DT. Not only that, he has a non-stop motor and is a fierce competitor. On the downside are the obvious; size, strength, and this sounds a lot like what we were saying about Okoye. Overall, Im fine with the pick but leery that we added yet another 3 tech DT. However, when looking at our DT rotation, Okoye is the only player who has any potential so adding any DT with potential is a help.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: Mitchells impact is hard to predict. He could end up starting or he could also end up the 4th DT on the roster. Immediately, I think he sees time on passing situations on the inside with Smith. If that goes well, I see him getting more opportunities on earlier downs to prove himself. However, I see him in Okoyes spot more than at NT.
GRADE: 83 OVERALL (90 NEED, 78 BPA)
DARRYL SHARPTON, LB, THE U
I was a little hesitant at first, but I like the pick overall. To be honest, we have room for him on our roster and he will round out our 6 LBs. I expect him to backup Demeco unless he proves to be a solid Will LB and threatens Diles. Currently, our 6th LB is journeyman and former SS Darnell Bing. Something that should be noted is that both Xavier Adibi and Zac Diles have missed time due to injury in the past as did Cushing in college. This gives us more depth and security at one of our top positions. As far as a player, Sharpton is best described as aggressive and fierce. Hes a sideline to sideline player with a non-stop motor typical of most linebackers from The U. He loves mixing it up and despite his size, is stout in run defense. Hes decent in pass defense, but his size gets the best of him and he doesnt look natural. He does tend to get too aggressive and this has caused him to fall victim to play actions and mis-directions (something Tennessee loves to use with VY). Overall, I like that we added another LB, but think it could have been done later on as this pick could have been better used.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: Sharpton might get a chance to start at weak side over Diles, but I highly doubt it. Sharpton will back up DeMeco and play a key role on special teams unless injuries plague or LB group. If Diles gets hurt, all bets are off on who steps in as Im not 100% they trust Adibi (who has injury concerns himself).
GRADE: 77 OVERALL (80 NEED, 75 BPA)
GARRETT GRAHAM, TE, WISCONSIN
I just want to be perfectly clear on this. Garrett Graham is a solid TE and went where he was supposed to go. He was projected to go in between the 4th and 5th round which is fair value. The reason I have this grade so low is solely because we have zero need for a TE. If it wasnt for TE being one of the few positions we have little to no need at, Id have this pick graded at around an 85. Graham isnt the biggest or fastest TE out there, but hes experienced, gives effort, and plays smart. As a blocker, hell give tons of effort and has no problem staying in line, but he just doesnt have the size or strength to be a great blocker. Then again, the ZBS is about walling off defenders so it shouldnt be a huge issue. As a receiver, he may not be the fastest, but he runs good routes and understands shielding defenders from passes. He isnt anything special in the open field, but is able to maximize yards after catch by being a smart decision maker. Overall, Graham is a solid player who just isnt a big need which is the only reason hes rated so low. If Dreessen is hurt and Casey struggles, then hes a viable #2 and has potential. However, until we see the long term effect of this pick, theres no choice but to think this pick could have been used best in other ways.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: The best we can hope for this season is Graham as our #2 TE. At worst, hes practice squad or falls behind Casey and Dreessen. At best, he pushes Daniels for time and creates trade value. Graham is a pick who shouldnt expect much barring injury and his true value wont be seen until years down the road outside of special teams.
GRADE: 76 OVERALL (65 NEED, 86 BPA)
SHERRICK MCMANIS, DB, NORTHWESTERN
In all honesty, I didnt know too much about McManis just like everyone else. I actually saw him play in 2008 in the Alamo Bowl against Missouri and while no Missouri players went off that game, Chase Daniels played terribly. Im still unsure if its a good thing or bad thing that he was so unnoticeable during that game. I know for a fact it doesnt bode well for McManis that several of us thought he was going to move to safety after reading up on him. The thing with McManis is hes talented and a smart player on the field, but the question is does he have the athleticism to make it. Hes technically sound and understands the position well, but you have to question how much he can offer at the next level. He wasnt able to do anything this offseason because of injury so hes a bit of a wild card as well. Hes the player that you want to like because hes a hard worker and a leader, but in the NFL you have to question if he can make it. Overall, this is the one pick I like the least. Hes talented, but I think Kubiak and Smith reached on him because of his high character and leadership qualities. Hopefully he gets a shot at FS because he could have more of an impact in that regard.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: To be honest, its unseen if he even makes the final 53 man roster. There are already 5 CBs on the roster with experience and thats not including Kareem Jackson. Hes either got to be out Molden and Bennett, or hope that we keep 6 CBs on the roster. Otherwise, hell end up on the practice squad year 1.
GRADE: 72 OVERALL (69 BPA, 75 NEED)
SHELLEY SMITH, OG, COLORADO ST
I couldnt help but laugh when I heard this pick. Not because its a horrible pick, but more so because so many of us saw this one coming because of Kubiaks affinity for Colorado State players (now tied with Miami for most players from one college on the team). In fact, more people predicted this pick than Kareem Jackson. The fact is though that Kubiak knows the Colorado State system and he knows what were getting in Smith; it was a solid pick despite how obvious it was. Smith is a solid interior lineman who fits the zone blocking scheme as is experienced from him time at Colorado State. Hes got great athleticism and can get to the second level with ease. Hes actually a pretty fierce competitor too and has a solid mean streak. As far as weaknesses, Smith needs to be stronger at the point of attack like many zone blocking prospects. I also question what he adds that we dont already have. Overall, hes solid depth with a chance to earn playing time years down the road.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: I see little to no impact here unless major injuries happen again like 2009. Shelley actually has an uphill battle to make the roster and prove that we want to keep 5 OGs on the roster (unless Brisiel is still hurt). I dont see him stealing time and wouldnt be surprised if he didnt see any action in 2010.
GRADE: 85 OVERALL (85 NEED, 85 BPA)
KAREEM JACKSON, CB, ALABAMA
I know a lot of people were hoping for the never bashful Kyle Wilson, but Im glad we took Jackson. The thing with Jackson is he was a 3 year starter for a nation champion and has had a great career. He didnt get the attention as some of the others because his INT numbers werent better, but opposing QBs completed fewer than 50% of their passes against him. The thing with Jackson is hes a very intelligent CB and is a deceptive athlete (4.40 speed). He played in Sabans pro style offense and faced some of the best teams in the SEC. Hes also a very balanced CB. You cant say hes a cover corner or physical corner because that would imply he cant do the other. He didnt have insane numbers while at Alabama, but he was consistent and his INTs were from smart plays and not dumb luck. Still, Jackson needs to be prepared as hes going to face #1 WRs all season long and will have to learn on the fly. Its also cause for concern that he didnt cause very many turnovers, all though his play was consistent all season. Overall, I like the pick. Hes a consistent performer who we can count on day 1 and who will work hard. Hes got a tough job in front of him, but he has the tools to be successful. Theres no room for error as we desperately needed a CB and had our choice of the 3 late round 1 CBs.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: Jackson is the starter at RCB, no questions asked. Unless he has a complete meltdown in training camp, hes going to be starting. It will be a true baptism by fire, but its good that we have Reeves who can start for Quin or Jackson if either struggle or get injured. Were depending on him a lot so hopefully he can handle it.
GRADE: 87 OVERALL (95 NEED, 83 BPA)
BEN TATE, RB, AUBURN
I absolutely love this pick, but Ive been talking about Tate since the regular season and before the combine. I actually got to see him play in person the 2006 Cotton Bowl and thought he looked better than Irons. What I love about Tate is he is a great all around RB who fits what we need. From a measurables standpoint, hes got the size to be a 20 carry RB, but has deceptive speed. If he gets into the open, he will run away from defenders which is scary when you realize hes 220 plus. He tested through the roof at the combine to prove this and his name popped up several times as a top performer. As far as his running style, hes a tough no-nonsense runner who gets north and south. Hes always getting extra yards and loves punishing weak defenders. Rarely will you find him spending too much time dancing around like Slaton found himself doing too much last season. Hes the definition of a one cut and go runner. The main causes for concern are that Tate does need to work on protecting the ball and can tend to be impatient. Other than that, Tate should come in and have an instant impact letting Slaton be more of a change of pace/dynamic RB that we initially thought he would be. I know some people would have preferred Gerhart who was a college warrior, but the fact we were able to get a RB who will be just as effective and is probably a better fit for the ZBS is fine with me. Great pick, Tates my favorite new Texan hands down.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: Tate will steal some serious time from Slaton. I can see Kubiak splitting time between the two and going with the hot hand, or just using Tate as the main RB with Slaton spelling him (most likely option 2). Either way, Tate is going to see the field a lot in 2010 and I wouldnt be surprised to see him eclipse 1,000 yards.
GRADE: 93 OVERALL (95 NEED, 86 BPA)
EARL MITCHELL, DT, ARIZONA
Im a little hesitant on how to grade this pick. On one hand, Mitchell played great with limited experience at DT, had a great combine, and is an incredibly hard worker. However, was he worth our 3rd round pick? Honestly, Ill say yes. When looking at the other DTs taken after him, Corey Peters out of Kentucky is the only other DT taken round 3 (he would have been a much more questionable pick). Other than Peters, Adkins and Woods were the only other DTs taken relatively close, and they were taken least 30 picks after Mitchell. Earl Mitchell kind of reminds me of the Charles Spencer pick in 2006. Hes a player who hasnt always played DT and has limited experience, but tested well and could use his raw abilities to help out right away much like Spencer. Much like Spencer, its unseen exactly how hell fit on our team and specifically where hell play. We all want a NT, but Mitchell screams 3 tech with us. It does scare me that our DEs are just as big as our DTs. On the plus side, Mitchell is quick for a DT and a true penetrating DT. Not only that, he has a non-stop motor and is a fierce competitor. On the downside are the obvious; size, strength, and this sounds a lot like what we were saying about Okoye. Overall, Im fine with the pick but leery that we added yet another 3 tech DT. However, when looking at our DT rotation, Okoye is the only player who has any potential so adding any DT with potential is a help.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: Mitchells impact is hard to predict. He could end up starting or he could also end up the 4th DT on the roster. Immediately, I think he sees time on passing situations on the inside with Smith. If that goes well, I see him getting more opportunities on earlier downs to prove himself. However, I see him in Okoyes spot more than at NT.
GRADE: 83 OVERALL (90 NEED, 78 BPA)
DARRYL SHARPTON, LB, THE U
I was a little hesitant at first, but I like the pick overall. To be honest, we have room for him on our roster and he will round out our 6 LBs. I expect him to backup Demeco unless he proves to be a solid Will LB and threatens Diles. Currently, our 6th LB is journeyman and former SS Darnell Bing. Something that should be noted is that both Xavier Adibi and Zac Diles have missed time due to injury in the past as did Cushing in college. This gives us more depth and security at one of our top positions. As far as a player, Sharpton is best described as aggressive and fierce. Hes a sideline to sideline player with a non-stop motor typical of most linebackers from The U. He loves mixing it up and despite his size, is stout in run defense. Hes decent in pass defense, but his size gets the best of him and he doesnt look natural. He does tend to get too aggressive and this has caused him to fall victim to play actions and mis-directions (something Tennessee loves to use with VY). Overall, I like that we added another LB, but think it could have been done later on as this pick could have been better used.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: Sharpton might get a chance to start at weak side over Diles, but I highly doubt it. Sharpton will back up DeMeco and play a key role on special teams unless injuries plague or LB group. If Diles gets hurt, all bets are off on who steps in as Im not 100% they trust Adibi (who has injury concerns himself).
GRADE: 77 OVERALL (80 NEED, 75 BPA)
GARRETT GRAHAM, TE, WISCONSIN
I just want to be perfectly clear on this. Garrett Graham is a solid TE and went where he was supposed to go. He was projected to go in between the 4th and 5th round which is fair value. The reason I have this grade so low is solely because we have zero need for a TE. If it wasnt for TE being one of the few positions we have little to no need at, Id have this pick graded at around an 85. Graham isnt the biggest or fastest TE out there, but hes experienced, gives effort, and plays smart. As a blocker, hell give tons of effort and has no problem staying in line, but he just doesnt have the size or strength to be a great blocker. Then again, the ZBS is about walling off defenders so it shouldnt be a huge issue. As a receiver, he may not be the fastest, but he runs good routes and understands shielding defenders from passes. He isnt anything special in the open field, but is able to maximize yards after catch by being a smart decision maker. Overall, Graham is a solid player who just isnt a big need which is the only reason hes rated so low. If Dreessen is hurt and Casey struggles, then hes a viable #2 and has potential. However, until we see the long term effect of this pick, theres no choice but to think this pick could have been used best in other ways.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: The best we can hope for this season is Graham as our #2 TE. At worst, hes practice squad or falls behind Casey and Dreessen. At best, he pushes Daniels for time and creates trade value. Graham is a pick who shouldnt expect much barring injury and his true value wont be seen until years down the road outside of special teams.
GRADE: 76 OVERALL (65 NEED, 86 BPA)
SHERRICK MCMANIS, DB, NORTHWESTERN
In all honesty, I didnt know too much about McManis just like everyone else. I actually saw him play in 2008 in the Alamo Bowl against Missouri and while no Missouri players went off that game, Chase Daniels played terribly. Im still unsure if its a good thing or bad thing that he was so unnoticeable during that game. I know for a fact it doesnt bode well for McManis that several of us thought he was going to move to safety after reading up on him. The thing with McManis is hes talented and a smart player on the field, but the question is does he have the athleticism to make it. Hes technically sound and understands the position well, but you have to question how much he can offer at the next level. He wasnt able to do anything this offseason because of injury so hes a bit of a wild card as well. Hes the player that you want to like because hes a hard worker and a leader, but in the NFL you have to question if he can make it. Overall, this is the one pick I like the least. Hes talented, but I think Kubiak and Smith reached on him because of his high character and leadership qualities. Hopefully he gets a shot at FS because he could have more of an impact in that regard.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: To be honest, its unseen if he even makes the final 53 man roster. There are already 5 CBs on the roster with experience and thats not including Kareem Jackson. Hes either got to be out Molden and Bennett, or hope that we keep 6 CBs on the roster. Otherwise, hell end up on the practice squad year 1.
GRADE: 72 OVERALL (69 BPA, 75 NEED)
SHELLEY SMITH, OG, COLORADO ST
I couldnt help but laugh when I heard this pick. Not because its a horrible pick, but more so because so many of us saw this one coming because of Kubiaks affinity for Colorado State players (now tied with Miami for most players from one college on the team). In fact, more people predicted this pick than Kareem Jackson. The fact is though that Kubiak knows the Colorado State system and he knows what were getting in Smith; it was a solid pick despite how obvious it was. Smith is a solid interior lineman who fits the zone blocking scheme as is experienced from him time at Colorado State. Hes got great athleticism and can get to the second level with ease. Hes actually a pretty fierce competitor too and has a solid mean streak. As far as weaknesses, Smith needs to be stronger at the point of attack like many zone blocking prospects. I also question what he adds that we dont already have. Overall, hes solid depth with a chance to earn playing time years down the road.
YEAR 1 IMPACT: I see little to no impact here unless major injuries happen again like 2009. Shelley actually has an uphill battle to make the roster and prove that we want to keep 5 OGs on the roster (unless Brisiel is still hurt). I dont see him stealing time and wouldnt be surprised if he didnt see any action in 2010.
GRADE: 85 OVERALL (85 NEED, 85 BPA)
