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Hall of Fame
- Texans have solidified the #1 selection (unexpectedly) in the 2014 draft & are in process of replacing Head Coach Gary Kubiak with Bill O'Brian (hopefully) who developed Tom Brady in New England among other accomplishments which should ease some worry's about developing a young QB into what this city so desperately needs a franchise QB, above all other Football needs. This is WolverineFan along with yours truly attempt to presume we know something about this years upcoming draft & the prospects who shall fill it. We hope you enjoy our work, as always its a fluid process, but we've identified key components to upgrade QB, OL, DL/pass rush, secondary, LB & RB depth, w/exception of flyer on Colt (plus value & O'Brian prizes big, athletic TE's) are Texan worthy!
1) Teddy Bridgewater - QB, Louisville (6-3, 205)
- Texans fans have been unduly tested over the years when it comes to QB position, so we respect and understand any skepticism directed at prospects for position. However we have both come to consensus that Teddy garners the highest draft grade in his class (assuming he declares for the NFL Draft) beyond any shadow of doubt. He possess the total package of skills needed to become a franchise QB. Both his mind and arm as well as his cool demeanor under stress. He is above a 70% completion average guy that is both accurate and precise in his timing of routes. He gives his receivers the ability to run after catch without breaking stride or putting them in harms way. With 31 TD's to 4 int's in 2013, he is a pocket passer with excellent awareness and athletic ability to move and extend plays. He can play in any system and is one of the few to play in a pro style offense taking snaps under center. There will be many articles written about him now to the end of draft process and QB is the Texans #1 need, so suffice to say, this will assure them of the opportunity to either address this need or use Teddy Bridgewater stock value to trade down and stockpile picks. We are not here to suggest what will happen only that Teddy offers Texans the chance to turnaround this franchise into a winner.
2) Aaron Donald - DT, Pittsburgh (6-0, 285)
- Texans really need to bolster the pass rush in this draft. It starts here. With Antonio Smith set to leave in FA, re-sign Mitchell as the NT or bring in a FA and draft Donald to play Ninjas DE spot. Donald is a quick, penetrating interior lineman that has experience playing in both the 3-4 and 4-3. He would be an ideal fit in Wades one-gap penetrating front because of his ability to get off explosively and be disruptive at the line of scrimmage and in the backfield. His lack of size is the reason he will drop in the draft, but in a one-gap system where he wont have to face many double teams, he could be a very disruptive force. 10 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss as a senior and 28.5 sacks and 64.0 tackles for loss in his career. Lots of talk about addressing OLB or NT here, but we feel adding a versatile pass rusher up front is more beneficial. We wouldnt draft Donald if a new HC moves to a more traditional 3-4, but to make things simple, this mock is done on the premise that the defense remains the same.
3) Morgan Moses - OT, Virginia (6-6, 335)
- OT is the most obvious need on this team outside of QB. With QB addressed already, its time to find a RT. Moses is a 4-year starter with 43 career starts under his belt, with the majority of those coming at RT. He played LT as a senior and could have a future there with some development. A massive human being at 6-6, 335 lbs. He is a mauler in the run game who plays with a mean streak and will drive guys off the ball. Great when blocking on the edge or pulling to the outside. If he locks you up when driving it is over. He is also an underrated pass protector. Good technique and good hand use. Has a strong anchor, but needs to work on his flexibility because he tends to play high sometimes. Does a great job of using his length when pass protecting and has great feet when sliding. More athletic than you would expect from a guy his size, but needs to drop a little bit of weight to maximize his athleticism. Should be a quality option to start at RT from day one.
4) Jonathan Dowling - S, Western Kentucky (6-3, 200)
- Texans need depth in the secondary and a possible replacement for Danieal Manning. Dowling is a former Florida recruit. Transferred to WKU after his freshman year. 2-year starter and 2-time 1st Team All-Sun Belt selection. A big hitter who excels in zone coverage. Has good instincts and does a great job of reading the QB and anticipating the throw. Aggressive in the box and does a good job of staying off blocks and maintaining leverage. At 6-3, 200 lbs he has the size to matchup with TEs and the athleticism to cover WRs. Because of his instincts, range, and closing speed he has potential as a FS in the NFL. He could be groomed as Mannings replacement at FS with Swearinger locking down the job at SS. In 2 years at WKU he had 135 tackles, 9 interceptions, 14 pass deflections, and 8 forced fumbles.
5a) Antonio Andrews - RB, Western Kentucky (6-0, 215)
- Productive and capable feature back to replace Ben Tate. Develop under Foster until ready to take over. Very durable. Rushed for 3463 yards and scored 27 TD's the last two seasons. Can also return kicks and play special teams. Well built, compact with good balance and low center of gravity. Downhill runner with great vision that breaks a lot of tackles. Very good receiver and is dangerous after the catch. Three down back that has starting potential as a pro.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiI9NSFijf0
5b) (compensatory selection based off FA losses) Colt Lyerla - TE, Oregon (6-5, 245)
- 2nd/3rd round talent. Dropped because of drug charges (possession of cocaine), will serve his time (10 days), and be required to complete drug program. After which he will be training in Nevada with Dwight Ross of Performance Athletics in Nevada. Lyerla started 12 games for the Ducks in his career, catching 34 passes for 565 yards and 12 touchdowns. Effective blocker despite his size, but also has the frame to put on more weight. Very effective receiver downfield and in the middle of the field. Only started one year and is pretty raw as a true TE because of spread offense. Has tons of NFL potential for team willing to take the risk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2WmPZZ3TWI
6) Brandon Thomas - OG, Clemson (6-3, 315)
- Adding multiple quality O-Lineman prospects should be a priority this year and should help bolster trenches. Thomas is a gig, nasty plug 'n play OG with Tackle experience. Has started 35 consecutive games. Was a 1st Team All-ACC selection by coaches in 2013 and in 2012 by media. Played LT against Jadeveon Clowney and held his own. Could become a terrific LG at next level even possibly filling in swing tackle role if needed.
7) Jordan Zumwalt - ILB, UCLA (6-3, 240)
- Tough, physical player. Typical of a late round pick who will compete to make an NFL roster. He has good instincts and can find the ball. Coached under Jim Mora. When initially blocked, his motor will wear down anything technically unsound to beat his man and slip blocks. Finds his way to fill at the point and make plays. In pass coverage, he has a good drop and shows awareness in zone. Will have to earn his way through outstanding special teams play. Will get stronger in the NFL and add some bulk, but still should test well at the combine for his group.
1) Teddy Bridgewater - QB, Louisville (6-3, 205)
- Texans fans have been unduly tested over the years when it comes to QB position, so we respect and understand any skepticism directed at prospects for position. However we have both come to consensus that Teddy garners the highest draft grade in his class (assuming he declares for the NFL Draft) beyond any shadow of doubt. He possess the total package of skills needed to become a franchise QB. Both his mind and arm as well as his cool demeanor under stress. He is above a 70% completion average guy that is both accurate and precise in his timing of routes. He gives his receivers the ability to run after catch without breaking stride or putting them in harms way. With 31 TD's to 4 int's in 2013, he is a pocket passer with excellent awareness and athletic ability to move and extend plays. He can play in any system and is one of the few to play in a pro style offense taking snaps under center. There will be many articles written about him now to the end of draft process and QB is the Texans #1 need, so suffice to say, this will assure them of the opportunity to either address this need or use Teddy Bridgewater stock value to trade down and stockpile picks. We are not here to suggest what will happen only that Teddy offers Texans the chance to turnaround this franchise into a winner.
2) Aaron Donald - DT, Pittsburgh (6-0, 285)
- Texans really need to bolster the pass rush in this draft. It starts here. With Antonio Smith set to leave in FA, re-sign Mitchell as the NT or bring in a FA and draft Donald to play Ninjas DE spot. Donald is a quick, penetrating interior lineman that has experience playing in both the 3-4 and 4-3. He would be an ideal fit in Wades one-gap penetrating front because of his ability to get off explosively and be disruptive at the line of scrimmage and in the backfield. His lack of size is the reason he will drop in the draft, but in a one-gap system where he wont have to face many double teams, he could be a very disruptive force. 10 sacks and 26.5 tackles for loss as a senior and 28.5 sacks and 64.0 tackles for loss in his career. Lots of talk about addressing OLB or NT here, but we feel adding a versatile pass rusher up front is more beneficial. We wouldnt draft Donald if a new HC moves to a more traditional 3-4, but to make things simple, this mock is done on the premise that the defense remains the same.
3) Morgan Moses - OT, Virginia (6-6, 335)
- OT is the most obvious need on this team outside of QB. With QB addressed already, its time to find a RT. Moses is a 4-year starter with 43 career starts under his belt, with the majority of those coming at RT. He played LT as a senior and could have a future there with some development. A massive human being at 6-6, 335 lbs. He is a mauler in the run game who plays with a mean streak and will drive guys off the ball. Great when blocking on the edge or pulling to the outside. If he locks you up when driving it is over. He is also an underrated pass protector. Good technique and good hand use. Has a strong anchor, but needs to work on his flexibility because he tends to play high sometimes. Does a great job of using his length when pass protecting and has great feet when sliding. More athletic than you would expect from a guy his size, but needs to drop a little bit of weight to maximize his athleticism. Should be a quality option to start at RT from day one.
4) Jonathan Dowling - S, Western Kentucky (6-3, 200)
- Texans need depth in the secondary and a possible replacement for Danieal Manning. Dowling is a former Florida recruit. Transferred to WKU after his freshman year. 2-year starter and 2-time 1st Team All-Sun Belt selection. A big hitter who excels in zone coverage. Has good instincts and does a great job of reading the QB and anticipating the throw. Aggressive in the box and does a good job of staying off blocks and maintaining leverage. At 6-3, 200 lbs he has the size to matchup with TEs and the athleticism to cover WRs. Because of his instincts, range, and closing speed he has potential as a FS in the NFL. He could be groomed as Mannings replacement at FS with Swearinger locking down the job at SS. In 2 years at WKU he had 135 tackles, 9 interceptions, 14 pass deflections, and 8 forced fumbles.
5a) Antonio Andrews - RB, Western Kentucky (6-0, 215)
- Productive and capable feature back to replace Ben Tate. Develop under Foster until ready to take over. Very durable. Rushed for 3463 yards and scored 27 TD's the last two seasons. Can also return kicks and play special teams. Well built, compact with good balance and low center of gravity. Downhill runner with great vision that breaks a lot of tackles. Very good receiver and is dangerous after the catch. Three down back that has starting potential as a pro.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiI9NSFijf0
5b) (compensatory selection based off FA losses) Colt Lyerla - TE, Oregon (6-5, 245)
- 2nd/3rd round talent. Dropped because of drug charges (possession of cocaine), will serve his time (10 days), and be required to complete drug program. After which he will be training in Nevada with Dwight Ross of Performance Athletics in Nevada. Lyerla started 12 games for the Ducks in his career, catching 34 passes for 565 yards and 12 touchdowns. Effective blocker despite his size, but also has the frame to put on more weight. Very effective receiver downfield and in the middle of the field. Only started one year and is pretty raw as a true TE because of spread offense. Has tons of NFL potential for team willing to take the risk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2WmPZZ3TWI
6) Brandon Thomas - OG, Clemson (6-3, 315)
- Adding multiple quality O-Lineman prospects should be a priority this year and should help bolster trenches. Thomas is a gig, nasty plug 'n play OG with Tackle experience. Has started 35 consecutive games. Was a 1st Team All-ACC selection by coaches in 2013 and in 2012 by media. Played LT against Jadeveon Clowney and held his own. Could become a terrific LG at next level even possibly filling in swing tackle role if needed.
7) Jordan Zumwalt - ILB, UCLA (6-3, 240)
- Tough, physical player. Typical of a late round pick who will compete to make an NFL roster. He has good instincts and can find the ball. Coached under Jim Mora. When initially blocked, his motor will wear down anything technically unsound to beat his man and slip blocks. Finds his way to fill at the point and make plays. In pass coverage, he has a good drop and shows awareness in zone. Will have to earn his way through outstanding special teams play. Will get stronger in the NFL and add some bulk, but still should test well at the combine for his group.
