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Ourlads/Dan Shonka Mock

Playoffs

Hall of Fame
Pick Team Player Pos. School HT WT 40 Time

1. Indianapolis Andrew Luck* QB Stanford 6040 234 4.67
Junior entry. Improved in all phases of his game in 2011 including ball placement, touch, accuracy moving left, play action fakes, and his ability to process information quickly. The Colts by rule can start negotiating a contract as early as Friday 2/24/12

2. Washington Robert Griffin III* QB Baylor 6023 223 4.41
St. Louis trades with Washington for a switch of # 1s in this draft, Redskins 2nd rd this draft and the Redskins 1st in 2013 & 2014 .RG III is a polished passer with good arm strength. He possesses good footwork and balance in the pocket with the ability to create and extend plays.

3. Minnesota Matt Kalil* LOT USC 6065 306 4.99
Was voted the Morris Award in the Pac-10. The Morris Award is unique in that it is earned by a vote of the league’s defensive linemen. Kalil is the younger brother of the Panthers’ Ryan Kalil. The rangy knee bending left tackle also blocked two field goals and two PATs this fall. Ponder must be protected. Frazier is a former secondary player & coach and he sees Claiborne as a matchup corner for their NFC North division of Greg Jennings/Green Bay,Brandon Marshall/Chicago and Megatron/Detroit can't blame him but a left tackle overrides a corner....

4. Cleveland Trent Richardson* RB Alabama 5092 228 4.48
Richardson is a powerful back who presses the hole with balance and a strong lower body. He regularly breaks the first tackle attempt. Total package of running skills, receiving ability, and blocking courage. Has recent minor surgery on knee. Brown's new Offensive Coordinator Brad Childress drafted Adrian Peterson at Minnesota. NO Combine workout.

5. Tampa Bay Morris Claiborne* DC LSU 5111 188 4.52
Claiborne is physical in man to man coverage. Elevated his game during his junior year playing opposite sophomore sensation Tyrann Mathieu. Plays the ball in the air. Athletic with with good ball skills.One of the top 6 players in this draft.

6. St. Louis Justin Blackmon* WR Oklahoma State 6010 215 4.46
Blackmon is a physical and athletic receiver who has big play DNA.Has the ability and desire to reach, extend, and lay out for the ball. A clutch receiver who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Has had problems in some games with drops and ball security.

7. Jacksonville Fletcher Cox* DE/DT Mississippi State 6040 298 4.77
Junior entry. Explosive up field player that can play both DT and DE.He collected 56 tackles including 14.5 for losses,five sacks and 3 QB hurries Outstanding Combine workout where he rated 4th out of 27 defensive tackles.Almost beat Poe by a second in the 3 cone drill. 7.07 to 7.90.

8. Miami Riley Reiff* OT Iowa 6056 313 5.16
Reiff is a fundamentally sound technician who gives a consistent effort week after week. A physical player who uses his hands effectively and plays with a good base.The Dolphins may try to move up for a QB. A free agent QB remains a strong possibility. Jake Long is in the last year of his contract. If the Fins fail to resign him Reiff moves over to left tackle.

9. Carolina Quinton Coples DE North Carolina 6056 284 4.75
WE like Coples best inside where he looked strong as a junior. 2 for 1 guy. Has the flexibility to play as an end in the 4-3 or five technique in a 3-4 scheme. SENIOR BOWL NOTES: 6056, 281,hands 10 1/8”, arms 33 ¼”, wing span 80 ¼”. Possesses an immense amount of talent, but switches his ability off and on. Appears lackadaisical and loses focus at times. Consistently has a breakdown in fundamentals. Everything is a flash. He fails to use his skills and explosiveness every down. Tendency to get inopportune penalties. Question instincts and awareness at times. Lacks a sense of urgency. Plays when he wants to.

10. Buffalo Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6025 220 4.45
Floyd, a power player similar to Terrell Owens in his play but faster. Excellent ball skills, hand catching ability, and run after catch power. Best value on the board.OT , DE and DC are other options. Floyd caught 271 passes in his career. He was the best football player each of his 4 years at Notre Dame.

11. Kansas City Luke Kuechly* IB Boston College 6032 242 4.59
.Sometimes the term tackling machine can be overstated, but not in the case of Kuechly (Keekly). He made 191 tackles in 2011 averaging 15.9 tackles per game. Intense, focused, and instinctive. Kuechly will make up in his ability to read and react any questions about his 40 time. He is always waiting at the pass for the ball carrier. A 3 down linebacker.

12. Seattle Andre Branch OB/DE Clemson 6042 259 4.67
Branch has good use of hands,arms, and leverage at the point of attack. Sudden first step. He was clocked in a 1.60/10 at the Combine. Uses a variety of pass rush moves. Disruptive. Seahawks may take David DeCastro to bolster line.

13. Arizona Jonathan Martin* OT Stanford 6053 312 5.10
Jonathan Martin pops his hands up quickly and locks onto the breast plate of a defender. Plays square in pass protection and is physical on down blocks. He is an ascending player that is alert and athletic coming from a pro scheme in college where he played with his hand in the dirt. Levi Brown was resigned but the right tackle is a turnstile for pass rushers. A 4 for one player.

14. Dallas David DeCastro* OG Stanford 6047 316 5.32
DeCastro is the best guard we've evaluated since Steve Hutchinson in 2001. DeCastro is intense, explosive, patient, and has excellent recoverability in pass protection. Jerry Jones brought in Bill Callahan to coordinate the running game offense. DeCastro helps solidify the line in pass protection and in the running game. The Cowboys have signed two free agent journeymen guards but Callahan may consider moving DeCastro to center...he developed Nick Mangold into an all pro for the Jets.

15. Philadelphia Michael Brockers* DT LSU 6050 322 5.00
Brockers will help get push up the middle to force the ball to the edges . Red shirt soph.Started 14 games in his career. In 2011 had 9.5 tackles for loss.He had 6 tackles in the SEC Championship game vs Georgia

16. New York Whitney Mercilus DE Illinois 6035 261 4.68
Outstanding junior year and great workout.Fills big pass rushing need. Ran a 1.55 /10 That is running back territory.16 sacks, 22.5 TFL, 9 forced fumble in 2011

http://www.ourlads.com/nfl-mock-draft/2012/
 
Pick Team Player Pos. School HT WT 40 Time

17. Cincinnati f/Oakland Stephon Gilmore DC South Carolina 6004 190 4.38
Good size, athletic ability, loose hips, good in transition, physical in run support..all the tools to start as a rookie and less baggage than other corners..

18. San Diego Nick Perry* DE USC 6026 271 4.59
Perry is a high motor, flash edge player with excellent quickness. He gave Stanford’s Jonathan Martin a battle in the overtime game. Perry had 9 ½ sacks and 13 tackles for loss, totaling 54 tackles. The Chargers need a pass rush.

19. Chicago Devon Still DT Penn State 6047 303 5.01
Still is the Big 10 Defensive lineman of the year. gets push up inside. The Bears need a DT that is active in the interior.

20. Tennessee Courtney Upshaw OB/DE Alabama 6015 271 4.79
Upshaw is a big physical tough football player. A playmaker who is aware and instinctive. He can turn speed to power. Has the talent. May be a 4-3 left run stuffing end.

21. Cincinnati Dre Kirkpatrick* DC Alabama 6015 186 4.54
Kirkpatrick is Alabama’s cover corner and has started 24 games. In 2011 he has 9 pass breakups and two forced fumbles. A linear corner with good ball skills.The Bengals may consider drafting TWO corners in the 1st round and move Kirkpatrick to safety.

22. Cleveland Mike Adams OT Ohio State 6072 323 5.34
Mike Adams moves from LOT to ROT if available.He is a zone blocking tackle.
He missed the first five games but when he returned, his footwork was smooth in pass protection and on combo blocks. Demonstrates good awareness and mobility on blitz pickup. Works to finish.SENIOR BOWL NOTES: 6070, 323, hands 11”, arms 33 ¾”, wingspan 82 ½”. Had a good week of practice and was one of the most dominant linemen on either side of the ball in the game. Patient in pass protection.Lets the defender come to him. The rangy tackle plays with good knee bend, base, and balance. Good flexibility for a big man. Redirects and stays square with the ability to mirror a pass rusher. Light feet and finish ability. Competed well against every end including Upshaw and Ingram.

23. Detroit Cordy Glenn OT Georgia 6056 345 5.06
Glenn played left tackle in 2011 but has experience at right and left guard. An athlete with good initial quickness and body control. Plays with good base and balance.SENIOR BOWL NOTES: 6054, 346, hands 10”, arms 35 1/8”,wing span 84 5/8”. Had a dominant week of practice and showed his versatility playing left guard and both tackle positions. A big man who can pull and be productive in space. Good angles and feet to seal linebackers on the second level. Powerful and mobile with good balance.

24. Pittsburgh Melvin Ingram OLB South Carolina 6014 264 4.74
Collected 13.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He also intercepted two passes, was credited with six quarterback hurries and scored three touchdowns, including a 68-yard run on a fake punt in the Gamecocks' win at Georgia.A player without a position.Had a good week of practice beating blockers in one-on-one competition, but in the game he did not make one sack, tackle, batted pass, etc. His arm length of 30 ½” is major concern. He struggled to disengage from the best pass protectors. He is explosive, quick, and athletic. He looks like a 3-4 rush end, a spot that was unavailable in the Senior Bowl Game because of the rules. Another toy for Dick LeBeau.

25. Denver Dontari Poe DT/NT Memphis 6034 346 4.93
In three years Poe accounted for 101 tackles, 21.5 TFL,5 sacks,4 PBU, 4 FF against a fringe level of competition. Talented athlete. But lacks the quick twitch of great D-Linemen. Will only be limited by his will to succeed in the NFL.Fills a major need for the Broncos

26. Houston Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech 6040 215 4.31
A big and fast receiver to take the pressure off Andre Johnson. Kendall Wright is an option but bigger is better.


27. New England f/New Orleans Mark Barron SS Alabama 6010 213 4.55
Barron is a big time run enforcer. All opposing wide receivers know where he’s at when going across the middle. Sudden to get downhill when supporting the run. Good instincts to read and react quickly. Did not workout at the Combine due to double hernia surgery.

28. Green Bay Doug Martin RB Boise State 5092 223 4.46
Senior Bowl notes: Martin is a physical football player who would be an asset to any team. Physical runner who runs hard with good contact balance. A few notes on his game performance include a tackle on an interception, cut block that got Melvin Ingram on the ground, a downfield block on a touchdown run, broke tackles with his strong running style and returned kickoffs – enough said.Two-and-a-half year starter who saw playing time on defense as a sophomore and still scored 15 touchdowns when he moved back to offense. Will also contribute on all special teams’ coverage and return units. A physical runner who runs hard with good contact balance.

29. Baltimore Dont`a Hightower* IB Alabama 6022 265 4.62
Hightower, is a physical run stuffer with strength and ability to shed quickly at the point of attack. Played ILB in Bama's base 3-4 but would also rush off the edges on pass downs. We think Hightower is an ascending player just coming around to the inside run stuffer he was before his knee surgery 1 yr ago.

30. San Francisco Coby Fleener TE Stanford 6060 247 4.49
Fleener is a big target who is consistent as a motion and move tight end. Snatches the ball in his strong hands.Competes for the ball. Big and fast. Stephon Hill is another option. Fleener impressed his former coach with his speed at the Stanford pro day.

31. New England Kendall Reyes DE Connecticut 6041 299 4.84
Reyes is a big athletic defensive lineman. OLB Zach Brown is also a consideration. As is Peter Konz a OC/OG Also a trade down is a real possiblity

32. New York Peter Konz OC/OG Wisconsin 6050 314 5.20
The Giants could go several ways but they will take the Best Player Value on their board. Konz is the top center in the draft but can help several places on the OL. They may have VaTech RB David Wilson, Defensive linemen like Jerel Worthy, Lber Zach Brown are a couple of options

http://www.ourlads.com/nfl-mock-draft/2012/
 
That's a good mock. He has wright falling out of the first which inthink is possible.

I still don't know how I feel about hill though.

I think I like him at 26 more than randle though.
 
This mock has San Fran taking Coby Fleener when they already have Vernon Davis. Lol. Davis is coming off a tremendous season and with the addition of Moss and Manningham, I don't see why they would pick Fleener. They could take a qb to groom behind Alex Smith.
 
This mock has San Fran taking Coby Fleener when they already have Vernon Davis. Lol. Davis is coming off a tremendous season and with the addition of Moss and Manningham, I don't see why they would pick Fleener. They could take a qb to groom behind Alex Smith.

I could see them taking flesher and really putting their offense over the top.

This isn't the first mock I've seen where they take fleener. Plus he has the harbaugh connection.
 
i keep seeing more and more mocks having us take Hill. which makes me think more and more in aint gonna happen!

I won't hate it if we do take him but I hope we don't. He might very well turn out to be a great player but there is too much risk involved. With our first pick I want to take as little risk as possible.


As far as the mock goes, I can see Ingram falling like that. He is only going to fit into certain schemes. Funny last night they brought up a tomba Hali comparison. That is who I compare him to. If he fell to us would you take him?
 
I say if Wright looks like he's going to fall in the 2nd, you go ahead and get you an OLB or CB with our #1 and go try and get Wright or Hill in the 2nd.
 
I say if Wright looks like he's going to fall in the 2nd, you go ahead and get you an OLB or CB with our #1 and go try and get Wright or Hill in the 2nd.

I'll agree with that...

I like Alshon a lot and I think he has a good chance of going ahead of Wright, Hill and Randle...

I think even better for us would be to trade down if there are still a lot of good WR's on board at our pick (and there most likely will be).
 
This mock has San Fran taking Coby Fleener when they already have Vernon Davis. Lol. Davis is coming off a tremendous season and with the addition of Moss and Manningham, I don't see why they would pick Fleener. They could take a qb to groom behind Alex Smith.

Two stud TE's is working pretty well for New England. Seems like it would make quite a bit of sense if that's the way they go.
 
I won't hate it if we do take him but I hope we don't. He might very well turn out to be a great player but there is too much risk involved. With our first pick I want to take as little risk as possible.


As far as the mock goes, I can see Ingram falling like that. He is only going to fit into certain schemes. Funny last night they brought up a tomba Hali comparison. That is who I compare him to. If he fell to us would you take him?

i would definitely have a long hard look at him. but to be honest i have done enough research on him to give a proper analysis
 
I would either take Worthy or Fleener. Hightower wouldn't be a bad choice. To high for Reyes or Konz IMO.

I'd take Worthy.

Not sure why he doesn't get more love around here. Our front seven would be awesome with him causing havoc in the middle.
 
i think the ideal is trading down, and having one of randle, jeffery, sanu, hill, wright available. this would probably be the dream scenario. it all depends on who falls in the draft so that someone needs to trade up to get him.

maybe if one of the top DE/OLB falls to us, one of the dolphins or rams wants to get in front of the patriots and green bay we could trade back to them.
just food for thought.
 
I'd take Worthy.

Not sure why he doesn't get more love around here. Our front seven would be awesome with him causing havoc in the middle.

Me either! Some here say he doesn't fit th 3/4. They are right except for the fact that we don't run a traditional 3/4. We run a one gap penetrating style which is Worthys best attribute. Him and Thompson are the two best one penetrating DT's in this draft. Either one would be an upgrade over Cody. Having a DT that can actually get penetration up the middle would be huge for this defense.
 
Keep in mind even the best pre-draft mock score is only around 75% accurate. Still by this time with only three weeks or so boards across internet become more aligned. There is a group of players or directions Texans could choose come draft day depending on who actually is available & what if any offers come calling.

Per Dan Shonka I would advise changing his Texan pick to Hightower. In my own mock as well as others (post Texans trading DeMeco Ryans) ILB Dont'a Hightower makes most sense he would be a plug & play fit :specnatz:
 
Keep in mind even the best pre-draft mock score is only around 75% accurate. Still by this time with only three weeks or so boards across internet become more aligned. There is a group of players or directions Texans could choose come draft day depending on who actually is available & what if any offers come calling.

Per Dan Shonka I would advise changing his Texan pick to Hightower. In my own mock as well as others (post Texans trading DeMeco Ryans) ILB Dont'a Hightower makes most sense he would be a plug & play fit :specnatz:

When Meco was traded, a lot of people around here wanted us to go ILB with the first pick. I maintained that ILB would not be a great choice in the first round becuase of the way Wade called his defense. More often than not on 3rd down, Wade pulled an ILB and had an extra DB on the field along with 3 DL and 3 LBs(Cush in the middle and 2 pass rushers around him).

I went back to look at Hightower and I have to admit I have changed my tune on him. If he was strictly a ILB, I wouldn't want him, but he brings one other key element to the table: pass rushing. He can rush the passer up the middle or from the OLB spot. This makes him an ultra versatile pick. He can be a pass rusher or can be used as an OLB. Combine him with Barwin, Reed, Nading, and Htown now has a solid passrushing group.
 
I'd take Worthy.

Not sure why he doesn't get more love around here. Our front seven would be awesome with him causing havoc in the middle.

Me either! Some here say he doesn't fit th 3/4. They are right except for the fact that we don't run a traditional 3/4. We run a one gap penetrating style which is Worthys best attribute. Him and Thompson are the two best one penetrating DT's in this draft. Either one would be an upgrade over Cody. Having a DT that can actually get penetration up the middle would be huge for this defense.

My problem with Worthy is that he seems inconsistent. One series he will be all over the backfield, the next he will completely dispensary. I haven't seen a ton of tape, but one thing that worries me he seemed to give up easily. He'd make an initial move to get into the backfield. If he got there, success. If not, he pretty much shut it down and tried the next play. That's not the way this Texans D plays. This Texans D plays relentlessly until the whistle rather than giving up on plays. We saw many sacks last year from Watt, Reed, Barwin, and Cush that didn't come from the first move, but the forth or fifth.
 
Shonka updated w/minor tweaks: http://www.ourlads.com/nfl-mock-draft/2012/

Still Hill over Wright for Texans. I've asked him about Randle, who Greg Cosell is raving about.

I think if we were going to pass over Wright at 26 we'd be smart trade down 8-10 spots and pick up a later round OL/CB prospect.

I wish one of the local radio stations would book him for an interview re:Texans draft.
 
Shonka updated w/minor tweaks: http://www.ourlads.com/nfl-mock-draft/2012/

Still Hill over Wright for Texans. I've asked him about Randle, who Greg Cosell is raving about.

I think if we were going to pass over Wright at 26 we'd be smart trade down 8-10 spots and pick up a later round OL/CB prospect.

I wish one of the local radio stations would book him for an interview re:Texans draft.

Fleener is sitting right there, even bigger receiver than Hill who ran in the 4.4's & lifted 27 reps. Dresseen signed with Denver to play for Elway & Manning, & Daniels is the only weapon outside of Andre left that Schaub can depend on. If he can step up in pass pro (good down the field blocker already) he will assist in keeping Schaub clean as well becoming a favored target in Kubiak's two TE sets.
 
Fleener is sitting right there, even bigger receiver than Hill who ran in the 4.4's & lifted 27 reps. Dresseen signed with Denver to play for Elway & Manning, & Daniels is the only weapon outside of Andre left that Schaub can depend on. If he can step up in pass pro (good down the field blocker already) he will assist in keeping Schaub clean as well becoming a favored target in Kubiak's two TE sets.
I see that, and liked it before. But reading Greg Cosell's stuff lately, I see us as needing a #2 and a #3 WR. I think best value for WRs is 2nd round, so would we go TE 1st & WR 2nd???
 
Fleener is sitting right there, even bigger receiver than Hill who ran in the 4.4's & lifted 27 reps. Dresseen signed with Denver to play for Elway & Manning, & Daniels is the only weapon outside of Andre left that Schaub can depend on. If he can step up in pass pro (good down the field blocker already) he will assist in keeping Schaub clean as well becoming a favored target in Kubiak's two TE sets.

I wouldn't mind the Fleener pick at all, but I disagree that OD is the only other weapon in the passing game other than Andre. Foster is huge in the passing game, both as a blocker and a receiver.
 
Dan Shonka ‏ @Ourlads_Shonka Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Reuben Randle is the better player right now..Hill better down the road..

Ummm, yeah, cause thats when we need to when. Down the road. Not right now. Nevermind that AJ and Schaub as a tandem are coming to a close.
 
Ummm, yeah, cause thats when we need to when. Down the road. Not right now. Nevermind that AJ and Schaub as a tandem are coming to a close.

Randle was a top rated high school WR prospect that hasn't shown the development, upside promised. Hill is raw & needs to develop his route tree but impressive physical specimen who demonstrates willingness to work hard & develop those strengths.
 
Updated mock for Texans using his board:

26. Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech
58. Mychal Kendricks IB California
76. Antonio Allen SS South Carolina
99. Orson Charles TE Georgia
121. Matt Reynolds OT BYU
161. Bradie Ewing FB Wisconsin
195. Quentin Saulsberry OC Mississippi State
233. Blair Walsh PK Georgia
 
Pick Team Player Pos. School HT WT 40 Time

1. Indianapolis Andrew Luck* QB Stanford 6040 234 4.67
Junior entry. Improved in all phases of his game in 2011 including ball placement, touch, accuracy moving left, play action fakes, and his ability to process information quickly. The Colts by rule can start negotiating a contract as early as Friday 2/24/12

2. Washington Robert Griffin III* QB Baylor 6023 223 4.41
St. Louis trades with Washington for a switch of # 1s in this draft, Redskins 2nd rd this draft and the Redskins 1st in 2013 & 2014 .RG III is a polished passer with good arm strength. He possesses good footwork and balance in the pocket with the ability to create and extend plays.

3. Minnesota Matt Kalil* LOT USC 6065 306 4.99
Was voted the Morris Award in the Pac-10. The Morris Award is unique in that it is earned by a vote of the league’s defensive linemen. Kalil is the younger brother of the Panthers’ Ryan Kalil. The rangy knee bending left tackle also blocked two field goals and two PATs this fall. Ponder must be protected. Frazier is a former secondary player & coach and he sees Claiborne as a matchup corner for their NFC North division of Greg Jennings/Green Bay,Brandon Marshall/Chicago and Megatron/Detroit can't blame him but a left tackle overrides a corner....

4. Cleveland Trent Richardson* RB Alabama 5092 228 4.48
Richardson is a powerful back who presses the hole with balance and a strong lower body. He regularly breaks the first tackle attempt. Total package of running skills, receiving ability, and blocking courage. Has recent minor surgery on knee. Brown's new Offensive Coordinator Brad Childress drafted Adrian Peterson at Minnesota. NO Combine workout.

5. Tampa Bay Morris Claiborne* DC LSU 5111 188 4.52
Claiborne is physical in man to man coverage. Elevated his game during his junior year playing opposite sophomore sensation Tyrann Mathieu. Plays the ball in the air. Athletic with with good ball skills.One of the top 6 players in this draft.

6. St. Louis Justin Blackmon* WR Oklahoma State 6010 215 4.46
Blackmon is a physical and athletic receiver who has big play DNA.Has the ability and desire to reach, extend, and lay out for the ball. A clutch receiver who is dynamic with the ball in his hands. Has had problems in some games with drops and ball security.

7. Jacksonville Fletcher Cox* DE/DT Mississippi State 6040 298 4.77
Junior entry. Explosive up field player that can play both DT and DE.He collected 56 tackles including 14.5 for losses,five sacks and 3 QB hurries Outstanding Combine workout where he rated 4th out of 27 defensive tackles.Almost beat Poe by a second in the 3 cone drill. 7.07 to 7.90.

8. Miami Riley Reiff* OT Iowa 6056 313 5.16
Reiff is a fundamentally sound technician who gives a consistent effort week after week. A physical player who uses his hands effectively and plays with a good base.The Dolphins may try to move up for a QB. A free agent QB remains a strong possibility. Jake Long is in the last year of his contract. If the Fins fail to resign him Reiff moves over to left tackle.

9. Carolina Quinton Coples DE North Carolina 6056 284 4.75
WE like Coples best inside where he looked strong as a junior. 2 for 1 guy. Has the flexibility to play as an end in the 4-3 or five technique in a 3-4 scheme. SENIOR BOWL NOTES: 6056, 281,hands 10 1/8”, arms 33 ¼”, wing span 80 ¼”. Possesses an immense amount of talent, but switches his ability off and on. Appears lackadaisical and loses focus at times. Consistently has a breakdown in fundamentals. Everything is a flash. He fails to use his skills and explosiveness every down. Tendency to get inopportune penalties. Question instincts and awareness at times. Lacks a sense of urgency. Plays when he wants to.

10. Buffalo Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6025 220 4.45
Floyd, a power player similar to Terrell Owens in his play but faster. Excellent ball skills, hand catching ability, and run after catch power. Best value on the board.OT , DE and DC are other options. Floyd caught 271 passes in his career. He was the best football player each of his 4 years at Notre Dame.

11. Kansas City Luke Kuechly* IB Boston College 6032 242 4.59
.Sometimes the term tackling machine can be overstated, but not in the case of Kuechly (Keekly). He made 191 tackles in 2011 averaging 15.9 tackles per game. Intense, focused, and instinctive. Kuechly will make up in his ability to read and react any questions about his 40 time. He is always waiting at the pass for the ball carrier. A 3 down linebacker.

12. Seattle Andre Branch OB/DE Clemson 6042 259 4.67
Branch has good use of hands,arms, and leverage at the point of attack. Sudden first step. He was clocked in a 1.60/10 at the Combine. Uses a variety of pass rush moves. Disruptive. Seahawks may take David DeCastro to bolster line.

13. Arizona Jonathan Martin* OT Stanford 6053 312 5.10
Jonathan Martin pops his hands up quickly and locks onto the breast plate of a defender. Plays square in pass protection and is physical on down blocks. He is an ascending player that is alert and athletic coming from a pro scheme in college where he played with his hand in the dirt. Levi Brown was resigned but the right tackle is a turnstile for pass rushers. A 4 for one player.

14. Dallas David DeCastro* OG Stanford 6047 316 5.32
DeCastro is the best guard we've evaluated since Steve Hutchinson in 2001. DeCastro is intense, explosive, patient, and has excellent recoverability in pass protection. Jerry Jones brought in Bill Callahan to coordinate the running game offense. DeCastro helps solidify the line in pass protection and in the running game. The Cowboys have signed two free agent journeymen guards but Callahan may consider moving DeCastro to center...he developed Nick Mangold into an all pro for the Jets.

15. Philadelphia Michael Brockers* DT LSU 6050 322 5.00
Brockers will help get push up the middle to force the ball to the edges . Red shirt soph.Started 14 games in his career. In 2011 had 9.5 tackles for loss.He had 6 tackles in the SEC Championship game vs Georgia

16. New York Whitney Mercilus DE Illinois 6035 261 4.68
Outstanding junior year and great workout.Fills big pass rushing need. Ran a 1.55 /10 That is running back territory.16 sacks, 22.5 TFL, 9 forced fumble in 2011


http://www.ourlads.com/nfl-mock-draft/2012/

Just a quick flashback to see that Whitney Mercilus was in fact considered a top 20 pick by many respected draft sites. How he slipped to #26 was like a perfect storm for the Texans, hence the recent article in the Chron by John McClain - http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/08/texans-may-have-struck-gold-by-picking-olb-mercilus/
After watching outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus make an outstanding debut in the 26-13 preseason victory at Carolina, Texans general manager Rick Smith and coach Gary Kubiak must have felt like they hit the lottery with their first-round draft choice
Before the draft, Kubiak and general manager Rick Smith said privately they would love to be able to draft Mercilus and let Phillips and Herring turn him into a pass-rushing outside linebacker in their 3-4. But Smith and Kubiak both said they didn’t think Mercilus would be available when they made the 26th pick in the first round. Smith even considered trying to trade up to get Mercilus, but he didn’t want to sacrifice his precious draft choices
 
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Just a quick flashback to see that Whitney Mercilus was in fact considered a top 20 pick by many respected draft sites. How he slipped to #26 was like a perfect storm for the Texans, hence the recent article in the Chron by John McClain - http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/08/texans-may-have-struck-gold-by-picking-olb-mercilus/


It looks like we got lucky with Mercilus falling to us, but only time will tell if he's a great player or not. It's early in the evaluation process but it's looking pretty good so far. Props to Smith and Co. for recognizing the talent and jumping on the pick when available.
 
Everyone knew the guy was a project. Phenomenal talent, but he needs a lot of coaching and conditioning.

Same could be said about "one year wonder" Whitney Mercilus. What separates them? Look @ Kareem Jackson year one thrown to the wolves by Bush compared to year two, revamped under Wade. Look @ Watt & Brooks late season heroics when needed. I think superior coaching is way underrated. When doing our mocks this must weigh-in, a prospect should fit system being drafted into as seamless as possible. We as Texan fans, the players trying out & entire coaching staff are honored to have Wade Phillips leadership.
 
Same could be said about "one year wonder" Whitney Mercilus. What separates them? Look @ Kareem Jackson year one thrown to the wolves by Bush compared to year two, revamped under Wade. Look @ Watt & Brooks late season heroics when needed. I think superior coaching is way underrated. When doing our mocks this must weigh-in, a prospect should fit system being drafted into as seamless as possible. We as Texan fans, the players trying out & entire coaching staff are honored to have Wade Phillips leadership.

Poe never had the sort of production Mercilus had, did he? He was more of a workout warrior, flashing a gaudy bench and some good stats at the combine, right? I'm going purely from memory here and could be wrong, but that's what I recall.
 
Poe never had the sort of production Mercilus had, did he? He was more of a workout warrior, flashing a gaudy bench and some good stats at the combine, right? I'm going purely from memory here and could be wrong, but that's what I recall.

You are correct sir, but they are completely different positions. Even a great NT doesn't put up gaudy production in Poe's defense he has to dominate one on one & require double teams with ability to explode through holes & create pressure on QB's. In our discussions it was my opinion he would be better served finishing school. I guess getting paid & working on third teams is their best practice to prepare him for future success? Some teams place higher value on measureables over production.
 
Everyone knew the guy was a project. Phenomenal talent, but he needs a lot of coaching and conditioning.
You don't draft a project that high, except QBs. Poe is "expected" to be a starter this year. At the moment, he's behind last year's 6th round pick.
 
Just a quick flashback to see that Whitney Mercilus was in fact considered a top 20 pick by many respected draft sites. How he slipped to #26 was like a perfect storm for the Texans, hence the recent article in the Chron by John McClain - http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2012/08/texans-may-have-struck-gold-by-picking-olb-mercilus/

BL: Pitt took David DeCastro at 24 and he was rated in that same 10-20 as Merciluss. What would you have done if both DeCastro and Mercillus were available at 26? (No trade down:))
 
BL: Pitt took David DeCastro at 24 and he was rated in that same 10-20 as Merciluss. What would you have done if both DeCastro and Mercillus were available at 26? (No trade down:))

Mercilus had a higher draft grade & pass rusher trumps OL everytime unless it's a franchise LT.
 
BL: Pitt took David DeCastro at 24 and he was rated in that same 10-20 as Merciluss. What would you have done if both DeCastro and Mercillus were available at 26? (No trade down:))


I know this wasn't directed to me but I've got to agree with BL, if both are available I'm taking Mercilus. We got Brooks in the 3rd round anyway and he's going to be a stud at RG in the very near future and for a long time to come. To me an OG in the 1st round is a wasted pick unless your team is just loaded with talent and high quality depth everywhere else.
 
Mercilus had a higher draft grade & pass rusher trumps OL everytime unless it's a franchise LT.

Agreed

However DeCastro would've been a massive upgrade for an OL that really needed one. DeCastro is a 10 yr starter from day 1. IMHO

Also Mercilus was a great value and adds great depth to the LB corps. It was badly needed. The LB's are the key to Wades defense. This is why I would be willing to let Schaub walk if it meant keeping Cushing/Barwin along with LT Brown.

If Schaub is allowed to walk do you think Rick would have the $$$$ available to re-sign Cushing/Barwin/Quin on defense and Brown on offense?

I repped you for post #34. Great post, it should be required reading for all MB members.
 
Agreed

However DeCastro would've been a massive upgrade for an OL that really needed one. DeCastro is a 10 yr starter from day 1. IMHO

Also Mercilus was a great value and adds great depth to the LB corps. It was badly needed. The LB's are the key to Wades defense. This is why I would be willing to let Schaub walk if it meant keeping Cushing/Barwin along with LT Brown.

If Schaub is allowed to walk do you think Rick would have the $$$$ available to re-sign Cushing/Barwin/Quin on defense and Brown on offense?

I repped you for post #34. Great post, it should be required reading for all MB members.

You flatter me sir, thanks.

Now that Brown is resigned to a cap friendly deal the secret is out. Identify foundation pieces to lucrative yet reasonable deals. Losing Mario was tough but bringing in Mercilus to fill elite depth void @ OLB was the game changer. I'm not a brown nose, suck-up employee of anyone little lone Rick Smith & Company but it sure seams since Wade Phillips walked into the Kirby campus this franchise has evolved 180%. And yes I do think Connor will be next in line to ink a new deal in Duane's footsteps :handshake:
 
It would be a tough decision, but I would take DeCastro.

Ability-wise, DeCastro was the best OG prospect to come out of school since Steve Hutchinson. While Mercilus is a great looking prospect, he isn't the best one to come out this decade (I had Orakpo, Von Miller, and Julius peppers, Mario off the top of my head).

DeCastro's value is that he would have improved multiple positions immediately with his selection. He would be an immediate starter at LG. His strength, footwork, and natural ability would help create holes for Foster and keep the QB clean. By starting at LG, he would slide Wade Smith over to RG. This would be a good thing becuase as a wiley veteran, Smith could help out Butler/Newton as they adjust to the RT spot. It would allow the Texans to have a stronger more powerful OL to control the clock, pound the rock, keep the QB clean, and wear down the opposing defense. Mercilus is a great prospect, but he doesn't have the ability to start out of the gate. He won't supplant anyone right now. Can you imagine an Oline of Brown-DeCastro--Jones-Brooks- Newton? Footwork, strength, size, and power. That wouldn't be your daddy's ZBS!

That said, I am thrilled to have Mercilus on the squad and think he can become a dynamic pass rusher and in time an all round OLB. But, I would have preferred to have had DeCastro.
 
It would be a tough decision, but I would take DeCastro.

Ability-wise, DeCastro was the best OG prospect to come out of school since Steve Hutchinson. While Mercilus is a great looking prospect, he isn't the best one to come out this decade (I had Orakpo, Von Miller, and Julius peppers, Mario off the top of my head).

DeCastro's value is that he would have improved multiple positions immediately with his selection. He would be an immediate starter at LG. His strength, footwork, and natural ability would help create holes for Foster and keep the QB clean. By starting at LG, he would slide Wade Smith over to RG. This would be a good thing becuase as a wiley veteran, Smith could help out Butler/Newton as they adjust to the RT spot. It would allow the Texans to have a stronger more powerful OL to control the clock, pound the rock, keep the QB clean, and wear down the opposing defense. Mercilus is a great prospect, but he doesn't have the ability to start out of the gate. He won't supplant anyone right now. Can you imagine an Oline of Brown-DeCastro--Jones-Brooks- Newton? Footwork, strength, size, and power. That wouldn't be your daddy's ZBS!

That said, I am thrilled to have Mercilus on the squad and think he can become a dynamic pass rusher and in time an all round OLB. But, I would have preferred to have had DeCastro.

Mario > Winston/Brisel hence Mercilus replaces a more valued position/player.

You also must take into how well each player fits in the system. I don't see DeCastro a ZBS fit here, better off in Pittsburgh & Mercilus looks like a more natural fit in Wade Phillips 3-4 @ OLB.

So I believe, end of the day they made the best decision even if it were possible....
 
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