Beerlovers Early Texans 2010 Mock

[beerlover]

My #1 concern is, has been Texans run game so I address it big time. Use the current roster to build depth/expereince between Slaton & Foster. Next address interior OL with impact immediate starter @ LG. This should faciltate moving Bama ex-teammate Caldwell to Center as Brisel returns to RG. Dixon is the thunder to the lightening, a smash mouth between the tackles short yardage specialist, with ability to hurt teams 2nd level. After fixing running game & OL move over to the defensive trenches introducing sleeper DT Joseph (more productive than Dan Willams) who can get after QB's & penetrate spaces Texans have been unable to in past. Did not throw a CB in mix because I think the Texans and Dunta Robinson will come to their collective senses, but I did add Safety Rolle & OLB Kristick who can both cover & lay wood. Finally Special Teams..... Breath.....It's too important to overlook anymore, the cost immeasureable as in losses, missing playoffs & getting coaches axed.


1. C. J. Spiller, RB 5-11 195 Clemson
pro comp: Felix Jones - Explosive burst/change of direction, durable, academic all-american, 2nd team Walter Camp.

2. Mike Johnson, OG 6-5 305 Alabama
pro-comp: Justin Smiley - Athletic, great footwork for ZBS moves freely 2nd level locating assignments, First Team All-American.

3. Anthony Dixon, RB 6-1 235 Mississippi State
pro-comp: Kevan Barlow - Power one-cut downhill style, compilments C.J. has tools to effective blocker, needs work.

4. Linval Joseph, DT 6-6 320 ECU
pro-comp: Marcus Stroud -Dominant interior DT who can penetrates gap or just bull rush over/through blocker. Should have a dominant combine matching up with elite tackles in class.

5. Myron Rolle, S 6-2 222 FSU
pro-comp: Tank Williams - Rhodes Scholar, needless to say possess multiple intangibles also a pretty good safety to throw into Texans depth chart.

5. Leigh Tiffin, K 6-2 212 Alabama
pro-comp: Stephen Gostkowski - First Team All-American. Accountability Kubiak, please. Let's make Travis Johnson pick mean something like winning close games.

6. Keaton Kristick, OLB 6-3-230 Oregon Sate
pro-comp: Thomas Davis - Physcial player, high effort/motor, will out-work Cushing if possible making fearsome tandem on other side. First Team All PAC-10.

7. Clint Gresham, LS 6-3 225 TCU Horned Frogs
pro-comp: better than Pittman - Rated #1 Long snapper in nation. Special Teams is no joke it cost Texans big time. Invited to combine.

 

[steelbtexan]

Like all of the picks except

Tiffin - I feel he's overrated.

Spiller- I understand what you like about Spiller but Dwyer would be my choice.

Love the Joseph pick. If you choose Dwyer you dont have to choose Dixon. In that case I would take Spievey,Wilson or a CB thatmay fall but be rated higher.

Do you have anymore info about Kristick? He sounds like he would be a great ST guy. With potential to become a starter down the road. Intriguing

Great work

 

[awtysst]

My #1 concern is, has been Texans run game so I address it big time. Use the current roster to build depth/expereince between Slaton & Foster. Next address interior OL with impact immediate starter @ LG. This should faciltate moving Bama ex-teammate Caldwell to Center as Brisel returns to RG. Dixon is the thunder to the lightening, a smash mouth between the tackles short yardage specialist, with ability to hurt teams 2nd level. After fixing running game & OL move over to the defensive trenches introducing sleeper DT Joseph (more productive than Dan Willams) who can get after QB's & penetrate spaces Texans have been unable to in past. Did not throw a CB in mix because I think the Texans and Dunta Robinson will come to their collective senses, but I did add Safety Rolle & OLB Kristick who can both cover & lay wood. Finally Special Teams..... Breath.....It's too important to overlook anymore, the cost immeasureable as in losses, missing playoffs & getting coaches axed.


1. C. J. Spiller, RB 5-11 195 Clemson
pro comp: Felix Jones - Explosive burst/change of direction, durable, academic all-american, 2nd team Walter Camp.

2. Mike Johnson, OG 6-5 305 Alabama
pro-comp: Justin Smiley - Athletic, great footwork for ZBS moves freely 2nd level locating assignments, First Team All-American.

3. Anthony Dixon, RB 6-1 235 Mississippi State
pro-comp: Kevan Barlow - Power one-cut downhill style, compilments C.J. has tools to effective blocker, needs work.

4. Linval Joseph, DT 6-6 320 ECU
pro-comp: Marcus Stroud -Dominant interior DT who can penetrates gap or just bull rush over/through blocker. Should have a dominant combine matching up with elite tackles in class.

5. Myron Rolle, S 6-2 222 FSU
pro-comp: Tank Williams - Rhodes Scholar, needless to say possess multiple intangibles also a pretty good safety to throw into Texans depth chart.

5. Leigh Tiffin, K 6-2 212 Alabama
pro-comp: Stephen Gostkowski - First Team All-American. Accountability Kubiak, please. Let's make Travis Johnson pick mean something like winning close games.

6. Keaton Kristick, OLB 6-3-230 Oregon Sate
pro-comp: Thomas Davis - Physcial player, high effort/motor, will out-work Cushing if possible making fearsome tandem on other side. First Team All PAC-10.

7. Clint Gresham, LS 6-3 225 TCU Horned Frogs
pro-comp: better than Pittman - Rated #1 Long snapper in nation. Special Teams is no joke it cost Texans big time. Invited to combine.

I like your thought process and your dilligence. If this was our draft, I would be very happy. However, since its a mock, I had a few disagreements.

1. Spiller or Dixon, not both. I understand the need for a running back, but I don't like the idea of taking both of them. We have Slaton, Foster, and Moats already on the roster. Don't forget Jerimiah Johnson on the IR who should be ready to go. If we draft these two we end up with 6. I think its more prudent to go with 1 drafted RB and 1 undrafted FA. We have more holes on the team.

2. Rolle. I like the player and I like the man. As a person who has pursued education I respect the man that does so as well. However, he is more of a SS type player. And I thought we were set there with Mr. Pollard. Unless Mr. Pollard is not resigned, it seems we are signing Rolle for depth. How about a solid FS in this spot? Nolan last year's 7 was a FS but was injured. Let's draft another one and let them compete with Wilson for the starting spot.

3. Snapper. Way to think outside the box. I like the idea here. I just wonder if we would be better served getting a snapper as an UDFA and using this spot for a monster kick/punt returner?

I really liked all your other picks. The one that stood out to me though was Keaton Kristick. An excellent find and an awesome player I would love to get. I currently have him as a 5th rounder and would love to get him.

Awesome job overall! What separates you from many other online mockers are these awesome finds late in the draft!
Keep up the great work!

 

[El Tejano]

I'll take the kicker from Nebraska.

 

[steelbtexan]

I'll take the kicker from Nebraska.

Is he a SR?

 

[beerlover]

Like all of the picks except

Tiffin - I feel he's overrated.

Spiller- I understand what you like about Spiller but Dwyer would be my choice.

Love the Joseph pick. If you choose Dwyer you dont have to choose Dixon. In that case I would take Spievey,Wilson or a CB thatmay fall but be rated higher.

Do you have anymore info about Kristick? He sounds like he would be a great ST guy. With potential to become a starter down the road. Intriguing

Great work

thanks.

Tiffen - nobody knows for sure how a kicker responds under intense pressure, until the game hangs in the balance & their performance deceides outcome of an entire body of work by your teammates in the heat of battle. You have to earn respect of them first & you focus on that the rest will take care of itself. Leigh has the accuracy & leg strength to become a big time game winning field goal kicker in the National Football League. Well worth the chance on a 5th aquired from a lost cause in the 1st, call it Kharma.

Spiller - Speed kills, Texans need a break away threat from scrimmage to gain respect of defenses. Don't think for a minute that Dennison would not attempt to spread teams out with a weapon like Spiller out of the slot or backfield, heck Denver spent the 12th pick in the draft on a RB last year who doesn't come close to the same break away threat as Spiller who would strike fear into defenses, not the same at all as Dwyer.

Kristick - I think he is playing in the East West Shrine game latter today.

 

[beerlover]

I like your thought process and your dilligence. If this was our draft, I would be very happy. However, since its a mock, I had a few disagreements.

1. Spiller or Dixon, not both. I understand the need for a running back, but I don't like the idea of taking both of them. We have Slaton, Foster, and Moats already on the roster. Don't forget Jerimiah Johnson on the IR who should be ready to go. If we draft these two we end up with 6. I think its more prudent to go with 1 drafted RB and 1 undrafted FA. We have more holes on the team.

2. Rolle. I like the player and I like the man. As a person who has pursued education I respect the man that does so as well. However, he is more of a SS type player. And I thought we were set there with Mr. Pollard. Unless Mr. Pollard is not resigned, it seems we are signing Rolle for depth. How about a solid FS in this spot? Nolan last year's 7 was a FS but was injured. Let's draft another one and let them compete with Wilson for the starting spot.

3. Snapper. Way to think outside the box. I like the idea here. I just wonder if we would be better served getting a snapper as an UDFA and using this spot for a monster kick/punt returner?

I really liked all your other picks. The one that stood out to me though was Keaton Kristick. An excellent find and an awesome player I would love to get. I currently have him as a 5th rounder and would love to get him.

Awesome job overall! What separates you from many other online mockers are these awesome finds late in the draft!
Keep up the great work!

that's pretty high praise maybe I should be the one to rep you

The Texans secondary is evolving into something special & Dunta is a big part of that. As a group, they are smart, read coverages well, know their assingments, are physical in run support & eventually going to become playmakers (Int's/forced fumbles) but not without safety help & that is what Rolle does. I don't get hung up on position if this guys a SS or FS what matters is continuity & range of group together on the field. I think he can play up in nickle or last line of defense & this would allow Pollard freedom to get after QB's which you know they're going to get nervous about. The more versatile our DB's are the more unpredictable they become & guys like Manning are going to have a harder time picking them apart, but you have to be smart about it, which should be easy for a Rhodes Scholar.

Already addressed the RB situation, but in my scenero both Moats & Brown are cut. So really its an overnight transformation. Drastic? Yes but much needed & I want Kubiak to be our coach but not with these backs currently on his roster.

 

[WolverineFan]

Myron Rolle won't last till the 5th round. He's a beast.

 

[Wolf6151]

1. Spiller, I like the pick, great speed and quickness that would fit our one cut a go style of play.
2. Johnson, another good pick, we desperately need talent on the O-line.
3. Dixon, I like the player but I agree with Awtysst, not 2 RB's when we have other major holes that need filling.
4. Joseph, not familiar with him but I like the position picked and size.
5. Rolle, I doubt seriously that he's available here but if so he'd be great depth to Pollard and most likely a ST standout.
5. Tiffin, I like the pick.
6. Kristick, not familiar with the player, I'll take your word for it but I don't see LB as a need.
7. Gresham, I never would have thought of drafting a LS.

 

[rmartin65]

Myron Rolle won't last till the 5th round. He's a beast.

Really? I have him falling to the Texans 6th. The guy spent a year out of football. A year. Remember Clarrett (SP?) after his little hiatus?

 

[thunderkyss]

My #1 concern is, has been Texans run game so I address it big time. Use the current roster to build depth/expereince between Slaton & Foster. Next address interior OL with impact immediate starter @ LG. This should faciltate moving Bama ex-teammate Caldwell to Center as Brisel returns to RG. Dixon is the thunder to the lightening, a smash mouth between the tackles short yardage specialist, with ability to hurt teams 2nd level.

I like the thinking, & I would be happy were our draft to go that way.

I do have concerns however.

You really believe Spiller will still be there? Is there another RB that you believe will go higher? I can't believe we would be the first to draft a RB.

Again, your idea about our starting OL is close to where I am. I believe we'll see a new face, and there will be some re-arranging. But I see a new RT, with Eric moving inside.

 

[SteveSlaton20]

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

i'd rather have this guy. maybe it's the homer in me, but anything can be better than kris brown right now, right?

 

[steelbtexan]

BL
Aren't a healthy Slaton and Spiller redundant?

Dont you think Dwyer and Slaton would be a better cotrasting duo than Spiller and Slaton who are kind of the same RB. IMO

The reason I like Dwyer is he reminds me of Jonathon Stewart. We will see what he runs at the combine.

I bet it will be under 4.5

 

[beerlover]

BL
Aren't a healthy Slaton and Spiller redundant?

You guys are gonna go around & round until figure it out, the Texans lack of a conisistant run game must be improved not just better, much, much better similar to Jets. By changing out stable of RB's & fixing the OL it will balance Air Schaub making the Texans a complete offense. Taking two premium RB's & keeping best of whats left currently on roster there is no question about committment to solving this problem.

 

[thunderkyss]

You guys are gonna go around & round until figure it out, the Texans lack of a conisistant run game must be improved not just better, much, much better similar to Jets. By changing out stable of RB's & fixing the OL it will balance Air Schaub making the Texans a complete offense. Taking two premium RB's & keeping best of whats left currently on roster there is no question about committment to solving this problem.

I agree, this is a do or die season for Kubiak. Can't really take any chances, and hope Slaton can come back and be that guy again. All things being equal, if we could have provided the 2008 running game in 2009, we would be playing in the AFC Championship game today.

Even if we take two running backs in the draft, I'd like to see a couple of FAs on the team as well.

I'm fine with straight up cutting Moats & Brown. But our new draft picks, free agents, Slaton, Foster, Jeremiah Johnson, & Chris Henry will be fighting for 3 spots.

 

[steelbtexan]

You guys are gonna go around & round until figure it out, the Texans lack of a conisistant run game must be improved not just better, much, much better similar to Jets. By changing out stable of RB's & fixing the OL it will balance Air Schaub making the Texans a complete offense. Taking two premium RB's & keeping best of whats left currently on roster there is no question about committment to solving this problem.

Agreed with fixing the run game.

Your mock shows that commitment that's for sure.

Now I get what your saying.

I want the run game to improve too. It should be job 1. I would just go about it a little differently.

Spiller would certianly be a great weapon out of the slot. Like Harvin

It also would allow JJ to become the no.2 receiver and Kevin Walter to walk. The offense would be alot more explosive. Plus they could use the $ they didn't spend on Walter to get help on the OL. In addition to the draft pick.

I could get on board with this.

 

[rmartin65]

My #1 concern is, has been Texans run game so I address it big time. Use the current roster to build depth/expereince between Slaton & Foster. Next address interior OL with impact immediate starter @ LG. This should faciltate moving Bama ex-teammate Caldwell to Center as Brisel returns to RG. Dixon is the thunder to the lightening, a smash mouth between the tackles short yardage specialist, with ability to hurt teams 2nd level. After fixing running game & OL move over to the defensive trenches introducing sleeper DT Joseph (more productive than Dan Willams) who can get after QB's & penetrate spaces Texans have been unable to in past. Did not throw a CB in mix because I think the Texans and Dunta Robinson will come to their collective senses, but I did add Safety Rolle & OLB Kristick who can both cover & lay wood. Finally Special Teams..... Breath.....It's too important to overlook anymore, the cost immeasureable as in losses, missing playoffs & getting coaches axed.


1. C. J. Spiller, RB 5-11 195 Clemson
pro comp: Felix Jones - Explosive burst/change of direction, durable, academic all-american, 2nd team Walter Camp.

2. Mike Johnson, OG 6-5 305 Alabama
pro-comp: Justin Smiley - Athletic, great footwork for ZBS moves freely 2nd level locating assignments, First Team All-American.

3. Anthony Dixon, RB 6-1 235 Mississippi State
pro-comp: Kevan Barlow - Power one-cut downhill style, compilments C.J. has tools to effective blocker, needs work.

4. Linval Joseph, DT 6-6 320 ECU
pro-comp: Marcus Stroud -Dominant interior DT who can penetrates gap or just bull rush over/through blocker. Should have a dominant combine matching up with elite tackles in class.

5. Myron Rolle, S 6-2 222 FSU
pro-comp: Tank Williams - Rhodes Scholar, needless to say possess multiple intangibles also a pretty good safety to throw into Texans depth chart.

5. Leigh Tiffin, K 6-2 212 Alabama
pro-comp: Stephen Gostkowski - First Team All-American. Accountability Kubiak, please. Let's make Travis Johnson pick mean something like winning close games.

6. Keaton Kristick, OLB 6-3-230 Oregon Sate
pro-comp: Thomas Davis - Physcial player, high effort/motor, will out-work Cushing if possible making fearsome tandem on other side. First Team All PAC-10.

7. Clint Gresham, LS 6-3 225 TCU Horned Frogs
pro-comp: better than Pittman - Rated #1 Long snapper in nation. Special Teams is no joke it cost Texans big time. Invited to combine.

1) Spiller is a decent pick here, and would give the Texans a dangerous weapon. However, I worry about his inside running, and the ability to get that one yard at the goal line. I could live with the pick.

2) Good call going OL in the second, I like this pick.

3) I am not a Dixon fan. I dont know what it is, but he does not impress me. I like the idea of going for a power back, but I dont think Dixon is our guy.

4) Good pick!

5) I like Rolle here, although I have him falling more than you do.

5) Same as with 5, I have him falling one more round.

6) I honestly dont know much about this guy. I like the idea of going to the LB corps late. If he is that much of a workout guy, awesome!

7) A LS? Eh, its a 7th rounder. I wont get up in arms about it, but I think we could get depth somewhere and grab this guy as a UDFA.

 

[beerlover]

1) Spiller is a decent pick here, and would give the Texans a dangerous weapon. However, I worry about his inside running, and the ability to get that one yard at the goal line. I could live with the pick.

2) Good call going OL in the second, I like this pick.

3) I am not a Dixon fan. I dont know what it is, but he does not impress me. I like the idea of going for a power back, but I dont think Dixon is our guy.

4) Good pick!

5) I like Rolle here, although I have him falling more than you do.

5) Same as with 5, I have him falling one more round.

6) I honestly dont know much about this guy. I like the idea of going to the LB corps late. If he is that much of a workout guy, awesome!

7) A LS? Eh, its a 7th rounder. I wont get up in arms about it, but I think we could get depth somewhere and grab this guy as a UDFA.

Spiller is an impact player regardless if he lasts this far. It's a best case scenero, unless Earl Thomas is on the board who I also would love Texans to draft. Just a random pull of GBN's 'Big Board' C. J. Spiller is rated #20 while Thomas is #16 which when I did my 1st rd. mock a couple weeks ago is excatly where I had both players going (Thomas to 49'ers #16, Spiller to Texans #20) so at least I'm consistent.

I was intially cold on Mike Johnson he get's so much exposure for an offensive guard, but when I looked at tape he blew me away. He is an elite pulling guard, always downfield impaling would be tacklers. Since Alabama does not pass the ball that much I just figured he lacked pass blocking skills, again not the case. Decent anchor & hand punch to stiffle bull rush & athletic enough to use footwork to reposition on spin moves.

Dixon stocks rising, fast. He would be the Texans power-back in short yardage & appropiate pick in 3rd given Texans lack of power running game. If he is off the board (likely) I have no problem taking a power back later, then maybe getting a CB or FS here where the last good ones are still available.

Joseph is a beast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu9sFXqtPUk

We're at least on the same page

I'm pretty sure the Texan will draft a cover LB somewhere, Im just hoping its not any earlier than this, its a deep group.

Long snapper is a dire need, its always in flux & when Owen went down Dreessen stepped up but it was too much with all the starting reps @ TE. I wouldn't mind I guess if they went TE in the 7th, kept Pittman for long snapping duties, really liked what I saw today in Shrine from a solid TE group Pitta, BYU (gone) Nathan Overbay, E. Washington, 6-5 270 like an extra LT with good hands. In the final cut went with a top tier Long Snapper because I want to see drastic improvement in special teams & continue Dreessen reps @ TE.

 

[steelbtexan]

BL my favorite coverage LB that could be available later in the draft is Dakota Watson. I've watched him play several games at Fla St. He's undersized but is always flying around the field making plays. At the very least he would be a great ST guy. I would draft him in the 5th rd if available.

What rd do you think he goes in?

 

[mussop]

My #1 concern is, has been Texans run game so I address it big time. Use the current roster to build depth/expereince between Slaton & Foster. Next address interior OL with impact immediate starter @ LG. This should faciltate moving Bama ex-teammate Caldwell to Center as Brisel returns to RG. Dixon is the thunder to the lightening, a smash mouth between the tackles short yardage specialist, with ability to hurt teams 2nd level. After fixing running game & OL move over to the defensive trenches introducing sleeper DT Joseph (more productive than Dan Willams) who can get after QB's & penetrate spaces Texans have been unable to in past. Did not throw a CB in mix because I think the Texans and Dunta Robinson will come to their collective senses, but I did add Safety Rolle & OLB Kristick who can both cover & lay wood. Finally Special Teams..... Breath.....It's too important to overlook anymore, the cost immeasureable as in losses, missing playoffs & getting coaches axed.


1. C. J. Spiller, RB 5-11 195 Clemson
pro comp: Felix Jones - Explosive burst/change of direction, durable, academic all-american, 2nd team Walter Camp.

Spiller will likely be gone. He is the most dangerous player in this draft and will be the perfect complement to someones thunder back.


2. Mike Johnson, OG 6-5 305 Alabama
pro-comp: Justin Smiley - Athletic, great footwork for ZBS moves freely 2nd level locating assignments, First Team All-American.

I read all this is his scouting report and eagerly watched as many of his games as I could. I figured we already drafted 2 other players from Bama so its a safe bet he was on our scouts radar. Well I came away unimpressed EVERY time. He is an excellent drive blocker ill give him that. Problem is that all that talk about him being good at locating at the second level was just that, talk. When he gets to the second level he is lost and usually gives up on the play before its over becuase he plays so off balance in the open field.

3. Anthony Dixon, RB 6-1 235 Mississippi State
pro-comp: Kevan Barlow - Power one-cut downhill style, compilments C.J. has tools to effective blocker, needs work.

I really like Dixon but believe after the combine his stock will have at worst the value of a late second round pick.

4. Linval Joseph, DT 6-6 320 ECU
pro-comp: Marcus Stroud -Dominant interior DT who can penetrates gap or just bull rush over/through blocker. Should have a dominant combine matching up with elite tackles in class.

Love this guy here but I would bet after the combine his stock will go up to where we will have to pick him in the second round if we really want him.

If he does have a dominate combine why do you think he will still be available in the 4th round?

5. Myron Rolle, S 6-2 222 FSU
pro-comp: Tank Williams - Rhodes Scholar, needless to say possess multiple intangibles also a pretty good safety to throw into Texans depth chart.

Being smart sure hasnt helped Okam. I wouldnt touch in the draft but I would take a flyer on him as a UFA.

5. Leigh Tiffin, K 6-2 212 Alabama
pro-comp: Stephen Gostkowski - First Team All-American. Accountability Kubiak, please. Let's make Travis Johnson pick mean something like winning close games.

To early for a kicker.

6. Keaton Kristick, OLB 6-3-230 Oregon Sate
pro-comp: Thomas Davis - Physcial player, high effort/motor, will out-work Cushing if possible making fearsome tandem on other side. First Team All PAC-10.

Have a feeling if we draft an OLB it will be someone thats specialty is gettting to the QB. Dont know this guy, how is he at blitzing?

7. Clint Gresham, LS 6-3 225 TCU Horned Frogs
pro-comp: better than Pittman - Rated #1 Long snapper in nation. Special Teams is no joke it cost Texans big time. Invited to combine.

Sorry Im not using a draft pick on a LS. Not even a 7th round one.

 

[mussop]

I was intially cold on Mike Johnson he get's so much exposure for an offensive guard, but when I looked at tape he blew me away. He is an elite pulling guard, always downfield impaling would be tacklers. Since Alabama does not pass the ball that much I just figured he lacked pass blocking skills, again not the case. Decent anchor & hand punch to stiffle bull rush & athletic enough to use footwork to reposition on spin moves.

WOW! We must have watched completely different games. I think he is one of the most overrated players in this draft. Right behind your boy Mays.

 

[texdawg]

Beerlover--I absolutely agree that improving the rushing attack should be priority one this offseason. A better rushing attack means more TOP and we all know that the best defense is the defense that sets on the bench.

I like your approach. C J Spiller reminds me of a bigger Eric Metcalf. If he falls to 20, he is an immediate impact player. Usually, I'm against taking RB's in first round unless a team is very close and needs that extra umph to push them over the top. The Texans are very close IMO and the pick is warranted.

Adding Dixon as a power back puts the whole team on notice that the rushing attack is now longer a compliment to the passing game but a real threat.

The only critique I would offer is to suggest maybe an additional O-line prospect in round 6. Maybe somebody who can be inserted in short yardage jumbo type situations. A mauler, not a finese blocker.

The two most glarring needs for the Texans---consistent rushing attack with improved red zone and short yardage conversion ability and special teams improvement kicking and returning, can be solved with your draft.

I really like this approach and if the draft fell this way, not just playoffs, deep in the playoffs.

 

[beerlover]

Beerlover--I absolutely agree that improving the rushing attack should be priority one this offseason. A better rushing attack means more TOP and we all know that the best defense is the defense that sets on the bench.

I like your approach. C J Spiller reminds me of a bigger Eric Metcalf. If he falls to 20, he is an immediate impact player. Usually, I'm against taking RB's in first round unless a team is very close and needs that extra umph to push them over the top. The Texans are very close IMO and the pick is warranted.

Adding Dixon as a power back puts the whole team on notice that the rushing attack is now longer a compliment to the passing game but a real threat.

The only critique I would offer is to suggest maybe an additional O-line prospect in round 6. Maybe somebody who can be inserted in short yardage jumbo type situations. A mauler, not a finese blocker.

The two most glarring needs for the Texans---consistent rushing attack with improved red zone and short yardage conversion ability and special teams improvement kicking and returning, can be solved with your draft.

I really like this approach and if the draft fell this way, not just playoffs, deep in the playoffs.

excellent feeback, thanks.

to your critique suggesting additional O-Line prospect, yeah I would go for it if he was someone this coaching staff liked. After adding Mike Johnson the Texans starting lineup is LT Brown, LG Johnson, C Caldwell, RG Brisel, RT Winston, with reserves C/OG Chris Myers, OG Kassey Studdard, OG/C Chris White & OT Rashad Butler. Still have LG Chester Pitts unsigned so that would be 9 under contract, Pitts would be 10 another draft pick 11 most likely on PS. I was after impact players who make 53 man roster & if not starting provide key minutes while adding depth.

 

[rmartin65]

Spiller is an impact player regardless if he lasts this far. It's a best case scenero, unless Earl Thomas is on the board who I also would love Texans to draft. Just a random pull of GBN's 'Big Board' C. J. Spiller is rated #20 while Thomas is #16 which when I did my 1st rd. mock a couple weeks ago is excatly where I had both players going (Thomas to 49'ers #16, Spiller to Texans #20) so at least I'm consistent.

I was intially cold on Mike Johnson he get's so much exposure for an offensive guard, but when I looked at tape he blew me away. He is an elite pulling guard, always downfield impaling would be tacklers. Since Alabama does not pass the ball that much I just figured he lacked pass blocking skills, again not the case. Decent anchor & hand punch to stiffle bull rush & athletic enough to use footwork to reposition on spin moves.

Dixon stocks rising, fast. He would be the Texans power-back in short yardage & appropiate pick in 3rd given Texans lack of power running game. If he is off the board (likely) I have no problem taking a power back later, then maybe getting a CB or FS here where the last good ones are still available.

Joseph is a beast. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu9sFXqtPUk

We're at least on the same page

I'm pretty sure the Texan will draft a cover LB somewhere, Im just hoping its not any earlier than this, its a deep group.

Long snapper is a dire need, its always in flux & when Owen went down Dreessen stepped up but it was too much with all the starting reps @ TE. I wouldn't mind I guess if they went TE in the 7th, kept Pittman for long snapping duties, really liked what I saw today in Shrine from a solid TE group Pitta, BYU (gone) Nathan Overbay, E. Washington, 6-5 270 like an extra LT with good hands. In the final cut went with a top tier Long Snapper because I want to see drastic improvement in special teams & continue Dreessen reps @ TE.

I know you like Spiller here, and I am actually warming up to the idea of an offensive weapon. Providing, of course, Thomas or another elite prospect are still available.

Yeah, Johnson is a polarizing player. And it is hard to scout guards. I currently have Johnson as the 3rd best guard after Iupati and Asamoah.

If we are looking for a power back, I would wait a round and take Joique Bell or Charles Scott. I really dislike Dixon for some reason.

Edds is my favorite cover backer, but not great value for the Texans in the 3rd. So waiting this long is a good idea, and you used all the right adjectives to get us interested in this player.

Dont get me wrong, I am not saying Long Snapping is not important. I just think we can get this guy as a UDFA.

 

[beerlover]

WOW! We must have watched completely different games. I think he is one of the most overrated players in this draft. Right behind your boy Mays.

I'm was not the biggest Johnson fan in the world but if you break down game film he would be ideal for Texans ZBS with or without Gibbs. I would like to see him engaged longer in protection situations but for the most part Alabama is a running attack so his assingments require him to attack 2nd level, he's just so active, very athletic, which transcends to desired, balanced Kubiak signature offense

it wouldn't surprise me if this is the only pick I get right

 

[mussop]

I'm was not the biggest Johnson fan in the world but if you break down game film he would be ideal for Texans ZBS with or without Gibbs. I would like to see him engaged longer in protection situations but for the most part Alabama is a running attack so his assingments require him to attack 2nd level, he's just so active, very athletic, which transcends to desired, balanced Kubiak signature offense

it wouldn't surprise me if this is the only pick I get right

It wouldnt surprise me if we drafted him either. He is a mirror image of Caldwell when he was at Bama. After rereading my previous post let me clarify something. When talking about getting to the second level I was refering to him when he pulled and was in open space. Thats when he looks lost to me. He is pretty good at getting to the second level in the box.

I rate him a little higher than I did Caldwell coming out simply because he is a better run blocker. I say a late third at best which is where we will be so we'll see.

 

[mussop]

The only critique I would offer is to suggest maybe an additional O-line prospect in round 6. Maybe somebody who can be inserted in short yardage jumbo type situations. A mauler, not a finese blocker.

This is not Madden! No body does that in real life, nobody. There are only so many roster spots and you have to make sure you have quality depth at your backup spots in case of injuries.

 

[texdawg]

This is not Madden! No body does that in real life, nobody. There are only so many roster spots and you have to make sure you have quality depth at your backup spots in case of injuries.

For the record mussop, i'm 52 yrs old. I do not play Madden.

We can disagree about drafting a player and what direction we think is best for Texans, no problem at all. Thats the fun and educational part of participating in these discussions.

I agree with you that a team should not draft a player just for those short yardage situations only. The guy should be also a legit rotation guy also. I did not mean for my comments to suggest otherwise.

As for teams having a jumbo type of short yardage plan, many teams have used DT's in place of TE's. I recall TB using Sapp. The Bears used "Refrigerator" Perry as a back. Many more examples can be found. I don't know about Madden, but teams have used jumbo packages for as long as I can remember. I just think the Texans could use some help with their jumbo package.

 

[thunderkyss]

For the record mussop, i'm 52 yrs old. I do not play Madden.

That's a shame... uh... not the 52 year old part, but the part about not playing Maden. It's a really good game. I can understand not buying the game every year, but every football fan should own at least one version.

 

[mussop]

For the record mussop, i'm 52 yrs old. I do not play Madden.

We can disagree about drafting a player and what direction we think is best for Texans, no problem at all. Thats the fun and educational part of participating in these discussions.

I agree with you that a team should not draft a player just for those short yardage situations only. The guy should be also a legit rotation guy also. I did not mean for my comments to suggest otherwise.

As for teams having a jumbo type of short yardage plan, many teams have used DT's in place of TE's. I recall TB using Sapp. The Bears used "Refrigerator" Perry as a back. Many more examples can be found. I don't know about Madden, but teams have used jumbo packages for as long as I can remember. I just think the Texans could use some help with their jumbo package.

Thats all I was trying to do, I didnt mean to insult you. Sorry if you took it that way. For future references NEVER take anyting I say personal. Im just here to talk football. I may come off as an ass sometimes but I asure you its not intentional.

 

[WolverineFan]

Really? I have him falling to the Texans 6th. The guy spent a year out of football. A year. Remember Clarrett (SP?) after his little hiatus?

Clarrett and Rolle have nothing in common.

1. Clarrett missed a year because he's an ***** and tried to leave early even though he was ineligible. He then hired an agent and was unable to return to college.

2. Clarrett has had conduct issues his entire career and is now in prison.

3. Rolle has always had his stuff together and took a year off to study in England after winning the Rhodes Scholarship.

He is not only a success on the field, but off of it as well. He won't last till the 5th.

 

[beerlover]

You really believe Spiller will still be there? Is there another RB that you believe will go higher? I can't believe we would be the first to draft a RB.

GBN is a great free website with daily updates here is their latest mock (as of today) & they seem to think Spiller will be there- http://www.gbnreport.com/2010projection.html

January 25, 2010
*Denotes underclssman

1 St. Louis Ndamukong Suh DT Nebraska
2 Detroit *Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma
3 Tampa Bay *Derrick Morgan DE Georgia Tech
4 Washington *Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame
5 Kansas City *Eric Berry SS Tennessee
6 Seattle *Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
7 Cleveland *Carlos Dunlap DE Florida
8 Oakland *Joe Haden CB Florida
9 Buffalo Russell Okung OT Oklahoma State
10 Denver (from Chicago) *Dez Byant WR Oklahoma State
11 Jacksonville *Jason Pierre-Paul DE South Florida
12 Miami *Rolando McClain LB Alabama
13 San Francisco Sergio Kindle LB Texas
14 Seattle (from Denver) *Brian Bulaga OT Iowa
15 New York Giants *Earl Thomas SS Texas
16 Tennessee *Brian Price DT UCLA
17 San Francisco (from Carolina) Trent Williams OT Oklahoma
18 Pittsburgh Mike Iupati OG Idaho
19 Atlanta Taylor Mays FS Southern California
20 Houston C.J. Spiller RB Clemson
21 Cincinnati *Golden Tate WR Notre Dame
22 New England Ricky Sapp DE Clemson
23 Green Bay *Anthony Davis OT Rutgers
24 Philadelphia Brandon Spikes LB Florida
25 Baltimore *Damian Williams WR Southern California
26 Arizona Brandon Graham DE Michigan
27 Dallas *Bruce Campbell OT Maryland
28 San Diego *Jonathan Dwyer RB Georgia Tech
29 New York Jets *Arrelious Benn WR Illinois
30 Minnesota Colt McCoy QB Texas
31 New Orleans *Everson Griffin DE Southern California
32 Indianapolis Jared Odrick DT Penn State

Not that I'm the biggest fan of this mock because they have several prospects that don't belong in the 1st even worse picked ahead of Texans, thus pushing down much better prospects. One being Anthony Davis, OT Rutgers, Todd McShay listed him as his #4 overall prospect in this draft while covering East West Shrine game, I tend to agree in my opinion he is next Ryan Clady, franchise tackle, how could the Texans pass on that?

Bottom line is sometimes people, myself included, make picks based on team needs, but when they become too far off base in terms of bpa then they fail. Spiller is going to be around the Texans pick based off not only team needs but with rich underclassman class adding depth to 2010 draft. That said I would feel a little better if the Texans win the coin toss w/Atlanta

 

[BigBull17]

Agreed with fixing the run game.

Your mock shows that commitment that's for sure.

Now I get what your saying.

I want the run game to improve too. It should be job 1. I would just go about it a little differently.

Spiller would certianly be a great weapon out of the slot. Like Harvin

It also would allow JJ to become the no.2 receiver and Kevin Walter to walk. The offense would be alot more explosive. Plus they could use the $ they didn't spend on Walter to get help on the OL. In addition to the draft pick.

I could get on board with this.

Would allow us to use Slaton like the Saints use Reggie. He is a better running back, and is pretty good out of the backfield/slot.

 

[badboy]

WOW! We must have watched completely different games. I think he is one of the most overrated players in this draft. Right behind your boy Mays.

I have to agree with Beerlover on Mike Johnson. I watched him at least two games & I think he will do pretty well. Seems a bit stiff but that may be due to his size. I, too was concerned at first about his blocking skills on passing plays but that too is alleviated. I'm more concerned than BL how he will adjust to ZBs, but going straight ahead, he is a mauler like Iupati. I have him rated behind Asamoah and also Mitch Petrus 6'3" 315 5.09 from Arkansas.

 

[mussop]

I have to agree with Beerlover on Mike Johnson. I watched him at least two games & I think he will do pretty well. Seems a bit stiff but that may be due to his size. I, too was concerned at first about his blocking skills on passing plays but that too is alleviated. I'm more concerned than BL how he will adjust to ZBs, but going straight ahead, he is a mauler like Iupati. I have him rated behind Asamoah and also Mitch Petrus 6'3" 315 5.09 from Arkansas.

You must not of read all my post on him.

Your discription of him is pretty much exactly what I have said. From one of my earlier post.

It wouldnt surprise me if we drafted him either. He is a mirror image of Caldwell when he was at Bama. After rereading my previous post let me clarify something. When talking about getting to the second level I was refering to him when he pulled and was in open space. Thats when he looks lost to me. He is pretty good at getting to the second level in the box.

I rate him a little higher than I did Caldwell coming out simply because he is a better run blocker. I say a late third at best which is where we will be so we'll see.

As far as him adjusting to a ZB scheme, shouldnt be a problem considering Alabama runs a zone blocking scheme.

 

[badboy]

that's pretty high praise maybe I should be the one to rep you

The Texans secondary is evolving into something special & Dunta is a big part of that. As a group, they are smart, read coverages well, know their assingments, are physical in run support & eventually going to become playmakers (Int's/forced fumbles) but not without safety help & that is what Rolle does. I don't get hung up on position if this guys a SS or FS what matters is continuity & range of group together on the field. I think he can play up in nickle or last line of defense & this would allow Pollard freedom to get after QB's which you know they're going to get nervous about. The more versatile our DB's are the more unpredictable they become & guys like Manning are going to have a harder time picking them apart, but you have to be smart about it, which should be easy for a Rhodes Scholar.

Already addressed the RB situation, but in my scenero both Moats & Brown are cut. So really its an overnight transformation. Drastic? Yes but much needed & I want Kubiak to be our coach but not with these backs currently on his roster.

I can see this happening

 

[badboy]

You must not of read all my post on him.

Your discription of him is pretty much exactly what I have said. From one of my earlier post.

It wouldnt surprise me if we drafted him either. He is a mirror image of Caldwell when he was at Bama. After rereading my previous post let me clarify something. When talking about getting to the second level I was refering to him when he pulled and was in open space. Thats when he looks lost to me. He is pretty good at getting to the second level in the box.

I rate him a little higher than I did Caldwell coming out simply because he is a better run blocker. I say a late third at best which is where we will be so we'll see.

As far as him adjusting to a ZB scheme, shouldnt be a problem considering Alabama runs a zone blocking scheme.

Yeah, sorry. When I posted I had not read your 2nd post.