If we get a top 5 pick...

[Mr teX]

I fully expected Texans to win a few of these match-ups but I was wrong. QB position is beyond psycho this point. Kubiak/Schaub as I've maintained must be joined @ the hip & it's time to severe this relationship from organization. Both must pay the ultimate price, being cut, discharged, fired

Offensive Line is part old/new never developed into a cohesive unit hoped. No longer running the ZBS only abolition the running game has dwindled , becoming incapable of converting 3rd downs or TD's with no depth whatsoever.

The defense runs through one player, Watt, without him there is nothing. Still highly graded stat wise, he is just that good, but I would argue he needs more help than Case Keenum.

For once special teams did not beat you. Yet Texans are 2-8 & 10 1/2 point favorites against Jacksonville?????????????????????? which brings us to distinct possibility both teams will have top 5 picks, both needing a QB/OT/DE. Could be we repeat 2003 draft when Detroit selected #2 & Texans #3, Lions selected Charles Rogers, Texans Andre Johnson?

Point is one team will pull a potential hall of fame player the other maybe not so much. Bridewater/Clowney both most talented prospects offensive/defensive hence both maybe gone by 3-5 selection. So after that do you target highest grade or highest need/grade? Since Texans need everything, doesn't it come back to best player (which Andre was)?

What I would like to see within this thread is for all of us to come to a consensus in order the next 3 best players available.

If bridgewater and clowney are gone, gotta go with matthews.....not sold on mariota. If either of the aforementioned guys are still on the board, i think you've got to think long and hard about both guys.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

If we have a top 5 pick, I am taking either Barr or Matthews, possibly Nix depending on his health situation.

I like Clowney's skill set but there are question marks there that I don't have good enough answers to.

I remember ND Kalu saying that the Texan fans are going to realize just how much Mario meant by having to be accounted for . I guess the same thing could be said about Barwin because he almost got there a bunch last year . JJ is having a good year but he sure could use some help on the pass rush . That's my reason for Barr .

The Texans have gotten old on the OL quick . Wade Smith is down and Ben Jones isn't a guard . Brennan Williams seemed big and athletic but I'm not sure he likes to play football . Quis is a ZBS guy and the new coach may not like that . They need a RT bad so Matthews .

If we continue to suck and I see no reason why not except for the Jags , we get an early 2nd rd pick . You can get a good QB prospect just not as tall , a good RT prospect just may not be a LT in the future , an elite pass rusher will be long gone , a really good guard prospect .

 

[beerlover]

A poll would be nice

3 Matthews 11
4 Barr 11
5 Manziel 11

 

[Texian]

I remember ND Kalu saying that the Texan fans are going to realize just how much Mario meant by having to be accounted for . I guess the same thing could be said about Barwin because he almost got there a bunch last year . JJ is having a good year but he sure could use some help on the pass rush . That's my reason for Barr .

The Texans have gotten old on the OL quick . Wade Smith is down and Ben Jones isn't a guard . Brennan Williams seemed big and athletic but I'm not sure he likes to play football . Quis is a ZBS guy and the new coach may not like that . They need a RT bad so Matthews .

If we continue to suck and I see no reason why not except for the Jags , we get an early 2nd rd pick . You can get a good QB prospect just not as tall , a good RT prospect just may not be a LT in the future , an elite pass rusher will be long gone , a really good guard prospect .

I must agree with much of what you say, I only differ w/ Johnny Texan in RD 1 because the Texans still have no answer to Andrew Luck. I have watched Barr in 3 games this year and came away not impressed. To tall, loses leverage, former RB and as a result looks weak on defense side of the ball, is easily blocked and when engaged can't shake block. If Barr goes top 10 I see a bust. Instead of Barr I like Attachou in Rd 3 (compares to Brian Orakpo) and I think will have a better career than Barr.

I do like OT Brandon Scherff in Rd 2 and is my answer to RT. I also like Trey Hopkins in Rd 7 to play LG. The one and maybe the only thing I like about Longhorns is play by Hopkins, Espinoza and Walters. I'm not sure there is a better interior line in college football. I'm still amazed at how these 3 blew away Oklahoma DL and controlled that game. They were dominant against OK St. I still don't understand how the University of Texas Longhorns has Case McCoy as their QB.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

I must agree with much of what you say, I only differ w/ Johnny Texan in RD 1 because the Texans still have no answer to Andrew Luck. I have watched Barr in 3 games this year and came away not impressed. To tall, loses leverage, former RB and as a result looks weak on defense side of the ball, is easily blocked and when engaged can't shake block. If Barr goes top 10 I see a bust.

I do like OT Brandon Scherff in Rd 2 and is my answer to RT. I also like Trey Hopkins in Rd 7 to play LG. The one and maybe the only thing I like about Longhorns is play by Hopkins, Espinoza and Walters. I'm not sure there is a better interior line in college football. I'm still amazed at how these 3 blew away Oklahoma DL and controlled that game. They were dominant against OK St. I still don't understand how the University of Texas Longhorns has Case McCoy as their QB.

The road is littered with QB studs from Texas who didn't go to UT the past decade .

Hopkins is from North Shore isn't he ?

I think Johnny can be a good player , a cross between Russell Wilson and Brees . His off the field stuff doesn't compare with some of the all time greats like Favre .

The Texans have to get better OLBs if they continue the 3-4 . If they don't I hope the move Cushing back to OLB .

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

A poll would be nice

3 Matthews 11
4 Barr 11
5 Manziel 1

With all the mocks up , that's a poll . I think the players change but the positions of needs the same .

 

[beerlover]

With all the mocks up , that's a poll . I think the players change but the positions of needs the same .

yeah, but easier to keep up with, lol

http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=1429

 

[WolverineFan]

I remember ND Kalu saying that the Texan fans are going to realize just how much Mario meant by having to be accounted for . I guess the same thing could be said about Barwin because he almost got there a bunch last year . JJ is having a good year but he sure could use some help on the pass rush . That's my reason for Barr.

Part of the reason is because Wade changed the defense. Last year we were running a 3-4 Over. Without getting technical, this means Reed and Ninja had favorable matchups while Watt had to deal with double teams inside and Barwin has to two-gap on the backside. That's tough duty for Barwin, but it's something he and Mario were pretty good at. It's tough for Watt also, but he's a freak.

This year we changed to a 3-4 Under. The reason we changed is because Wade didn't think Mercilus was strong enough against the run to two-gap like Barwin did last year or Mario did the year before. So you shift the line under so that he basically has a 1-on-1 matchup every play. This hurts Reed because now he has to two-gap on the strong side. The reason he two-gaps is because you don't want to two-gap Watt. Two-gaping Watt is a waste of elite talent while two-gaping Reed is not. Reed is basically a contain end which is why he hasn't offered much of anything in the form of pass rush.

To add onto your post, if you draft Barr then he would play SLB. He's athletic enough to rush the passer and cover TE's. However, you don't want him two-gapping on the outside because that's wasting elite talent. So you would basically slide everything back to an Over and give him a favorable matchup and ask Mercilus to grow up and two-gap the backside. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. He had decent production at WLB last year, but it was mainly on passing downs. I'm not sure how he holds up two-gapping the backside on run downs.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Part of the reason is because Wade changed the defense. Last year we were running a 3-4 Over. Without getting technical, this means Reed and Ninja had favorable matchups while Watt had to deal with double teams inside and Barwin has to two-gap on the backside. That's tough duty for Barwin, but it's something he and Mario were pretty good at. It's tough for Watt also, but he's a freak.

This year we changed to a 3-4 Under. The reason we changed is because Wade didn't think Mercilus was strong enough against the run to two-gap like Barwin did last year or Mario did the year before. So you shift the line under so that he basically has a 1-on-1 matchup every play. This hurts Reed because now he has to two-gap on the strong side. The reason he two-gaps is because you don't want to two-gap Watt. Two-gaping Watt is a waste of elite talent while two-gaping Reed is not. Reed is basically a contain end which is why he hasn't offered much of anything in the form of pass rush.

To add onto your post, if you draft Barr then he would play SLB. He's athletic enough to rush the passer and cover TE's. However, you don't want him two-gapping on the outside because that's wasting elite talent. So you would basically slide everything back to an Over and give him a favorable matchup and ask Mercilus to grow up and two-gap the backside. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. He had decent production at WLB last year, but it was mainly on passing downs. I'm not sure how he holds up two-gapping the backside on run downs.

What if Wade's not back ? What if Clowney is there ?

 

[WolverineFan]

What if Wade's not back ? What if Clowney is there ?

Then all bets are off. That's why I'm hesitant to fall in love with any prospect right now. We have no idea who will be coaching the team next year, thus no idea what offense or defense we will be running.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Then all bets are off. That's why I'm hesitant to fall in love with any prospect right now. We have no idea who will be coaching the team next year, thus no idea what offense or defense we will be running.

You are Wolverine fan because of Michigan ?

 

[WolverineFan]

You are Wolverine fan because of Michigan ?

Yes

 

[aussie_texan]

if you take clowney does that mean you move to a 4-3??
If so what happens to reed and mercilus?
Who plays outside 'backer ??

i think this would be a very tough transition

 

[badboy]

if you take clowney does that mean you move to a 4-3??
If so what happens to reed and mercilus?
Who plays outside 'backer ??

i think this would be a very tough transition

Do not forget Trevardo Williams in this scenario.

 

[Texian]

if you take clowney does that mean you move to a 4-3??
If so what happens to reed and mercilus?
Who plays outside 'backer ??

i think this would be a very tough transition

I think Clowney would be even better at OLB.

 

[steelbtexan]

if you take clowney does that mean you move to a 4-3??
If so what happens to reed and mercilus?
Who plays outside 'backer ??

i think this would be a very tough transition

Not really,

They could move Cushing outside and draft a MLB. Or leave Cushing at MLB move Reed to the strong side and draft a WLB. I see Mercilus as a situational pass rushing DE. Mercilus/Mitchell/Watt/Clowney will be able to get to the QB regularly.

 

[bhsman]

Not really,

They could move Cushing outside and draft a MLB. Or leave Cushing at MLB move Reed to the strong side and draft a WLB. I see Mercilus as a situational pass rushing DE. Mercilus/Mitchell/Watt/Clowney will be able to get to the QB regularly.

This is more than likely a dream scenario, but let's say we settle around the 5-6 mark, and Pittsburgh/San Diego/LT-needy team is in the 12-15 range and wants a shot at Taylor Lewan (or even Jake Matthews if the picks beforehand are all QBs+Clowney), and offer a trade: a swap of firsts and thirds, as well as their second-round pick this year. We proceed as follows:

1st round: Johnny Manziel, QB - Texas A&M (alternatively, Khalil Mack or Van Noy if we aim for a QB later like Mettenberger/Morris/stick with Keenum)

2nd round: Cameron Irving, Tackle - FSU (or best-available Tackle)

2nd round: Anthony Johnson, Defensive Tackle, LSU (or best-available DT; I could see Freak dropping due to lack of production this year, but he'd make life easier for Watt and hell for opposing offensive lines together)

3rd round: Shane Skove, ILB - Stanford (or BA-ILB or BA-QB)

4th round: Best available safety

5th round: Best available cornerback

5th round (conditional pick for Barwin): Best available Guard/DE/TE

6th round: Best available TE/DE

7th round: Best available RB

If we run with Manziel, that gives us a franchise QB, a shiny new olineman to compete with Williams, Jones, and Q for the LG/RT positions in the offseason, and a defensive setup that looks like this:

Watt - Johnson - Mitchell - Mercilus

Reed - Cushing - Skov

Joseph - Swearinger - Manning - Jackson

Fill free to swap in Harris, Smith (who gets re-signed, I think), Crick, etc., all as rotational players.

 

[aussie_texan]

Not really,

They could move Cushing outside and draft a MLB. Or leave Cushing at MLB move Reed to the strong side and draft a WLB. I see Mercilus as a situational pass rushing DE. Mercilus/Mitchell/Watt/Clowney will be able to get to the QB regularly.

hmmm not sure if reed can play OLB. i would think he should be playing where he did in college as a DE with his hand in the dirt. He doesn't operate well enough in space.

My overall problem drafting clowney AND moving to the 4-3 is that we would have to many DE and not enough OLB

 

[TexansSeminole]

In regards to Brooks Reed, I think the bottom line is that he isn't a very good player. He's not effective enough at OLB. People want to move him inside or move him to a more traditional LB role, assuming we move to a 4-3, because it's convenient. The problem is that he hasn't shown the ability to be a good player in that role. You end up with defensive problems when you start moving guys around simply for convenience. Bottom line, like I said, is that he isn't very good and is another failed draft pick by this administration. I'd look at just replacing him period.

 

[bhsman]

Reed gets a lot of crap because he isn't getting sacks, but the way the scheme is set up this year doesn't put him in a position to get sacks. Maybe switching back to 4-3 DE would work, but I plug him at 4-3 OLB with the assumption that it's more for convenience than the hopes that we have the perfect guy at every position in a defensive switch.

 

[steelbtexan]

In regards to Brooks Reed, I think the bottom line is that he isn't a very good player. He's not effective enough at OLB. People want to move him inside or move him to a more traditional LB role, assuming we move to a 4-3, because it's convenient. The problem is that he hasn't shown the ability to be a good player in that role. You end up with defensive problems when you start moving guys around simply for convenience. Bottom line, like I said, is that he isn't very good and is another failed draft pick by this administration. I'd look at just replacing him period.

I get that, which is why Leaving Cushing at MLB and drafting somebody like Reilly in the 3d or trading up for somebody like your boy Christian Jones in the middle of the 2nd rd, would address the LB need.

All of the holes cant be filled in one offseason. I would be happy if they fixed the trenches this yr. The below would make mevey happy. Pass ush fixed, run defense much improved, RT albatross removed. Then you've got the rds 4-7 to fill in depth. If somebody like Belue or Skov fell to the bottom of the 3rd the new regime would have the ammo to move up and pick them.

Being at the top of the 4-5th rd can be used to add another impact player. The bottom of the 3rd/top of the 4th seems to be the breaking point talent wise in this draft. IMHO

Rd.1 Clowney
Rd.2 Schreff
Rd.3 Carrethers

 

[WolverineFan]

I see a lot of guys mocking Scherff to us in the 2nd round. That isn't going to happen. He's either going to get a top 25 grade and go pro or go back for his Senior year.

He will be a top 15 pick in 2015 if he goes back for another year.

 

[Texian]

I see a lot of guys mocking Scherff to us in the 2nd round. That isn't going to happen. He's either going to get a top 25 grade and go pro or go back for his Senior year.

He will be a top 15 pick in 2015 if he goes back for another year.

Jake Matthews seems to be the consensus #1 OT and Top 5 pick. How do rank the following: Cyrus Kouandjio, Taylor Lewan, Cameron Erving, Antonio Richardson, Brandon Scherff.

Do you see them all as 1st RD draft picks? Highly unusual for 6 OT to be drafted in the 1st RD, might be a record. On average 3-4, last year 5.

Cedric Ogbuehi has stated he's returning to Texas A&M and moving over to LT to take Jake Matthews spot.

 

[WolverineFan]

Jake Matthews seems to be the consensus #1 OT and Top 5 pick. How do rank the following: Cyrus Kouandjio, Taylor Lewan, Cameron Erving, Antonio Richardson, Brandon Scherff.

Do you see them all as 1st RD draft picks? Highly unusual for 6 OT to be drafted in the 1st RD, might be a record. On average 3-4, last year 5.

Cedric Ogbuehi has stated he's returning to Texas A&M and moving over to LT to take Jake Matthews spot.

1. Matthews (top 5)
2. Kouandjio (top 10)
3. Richardson (top 15)
4. Lewan (top 20)
5. Erving (top 30)
6. Scherff (top 30)

This year is loaded at OT. Scherff will probably go back and be a top 15 pick or higher instead of being a late 1st-early 2nd this year. I think Erving will declare, but if he doesn't then OT will be loaded again next year.

 

[Corrosion]

1. Matthews (top 5)
2. Kouandjio (top 10)
3. Richardson (top 15)
4. Lewan (top 20)
5. Erving (top 30)
6. Scherff (top 30)

This year is loaded at OT. Scherff will probably go back and be a top 15 pick or higher instead of being a late 1st-early 2nd this year. I think Erving will declare, but if he doesn't then OT will be loaded again next year.

I have them a bit different ....


Matthews
Erving
Lewan
Kouandjo
Scherff


You could probably ask 10 scouts and they would all have them differently too ... I think Erving & Lewan are very close in talent.

 

[infantrycak]

Highly unusual for 6 OT to be drafted in the 1st RD, might be a record.

Purely as trivia, Duane Brown was the 7th T taken in the 1st round in 2008.

 

[eriadoc]

Things will probably change after the combine, but with what we know now, I don't see an impact rookie QB coming out. So to me, that's not worth a first round pick when you need talent at so many other spots. IMO, you can pick up a QB in the 3rd round this year and probably have close to the same chance of success as the currently projected first rounders.

IMO, Derek Newton is the worst player on offense. He's atrocious in pass pro. I mean, a fkn cone would provide more of an obstacle on some of the pressures and sacks he's given up. His play is an abomination. So the team doesn't have an NFL level right tackle right now. So Matthews would be my choice (or whatever consensus #1 RT is available). Apart from that:

ILB: There are no starters on this team outside of Cushing. There hasn't been a starting caliber ILB on this team outside Cushing for two years. Maybe they should think about getting one, hmm?

NT: Last good nose tackle the Texans had is doing radio on SR610.

RB: Tate will be gone and Foster has been overworked. I don't feel comfortable relying on Foster 100% and his best play has come when he's had true competition pushing him. Get a replacement for Tate. Good RBs can be had in rounds 3-5 typically.

QB: Take one in the 2nd or 3rd round, IMO. Murray has potential to be the best of the bunch, I think. If Keenum totally craters and the team has no faith in him, grab Mariota in the first round. Either way, it should be an open competition.

Positions of lesser need:

G/C: Quessenberry gives me hope for this position. Ben Jones is awful, so I'm not counting on him at all. Brandon Brooks looks like he could develop; we'll see. Would be good to pick one up in later rounds.

S: Not sure about Manning's contract situation, but I'd like to see someone better than Keo out there with Swearinger.

CB: Always need CBs in a passing league, and none of the Texans CBs are all that great. McCain might be the worst player on defense, so he has to go.

So I guess my ideal draft would look something like T, NT/QB/LB in 2-4, RB/G/CB in 5-6, dealer's choice in rd 7. That still leaves holes, but they didn't create this mess overnight and it won't be fixed overnight (or three nights, in the case of the draft).

 

[kiwitexansfan]

Everytime I see this thread title it bugs me, if? IF? there is no IF.

WHEN we get a Top 5 pick....

 

[Rey]

I think quess is a better fit at RT.

 

[mussop]

Things will probably change after the combine, but with what we know now, I don't see an impact rookie QB coming out. So to me, that's not worth a first round pick when you need talent at so many other spots. IMO, you can pick up a QB in the 3rd round this year and probably have close to the same chance of success as the currently projected first rounders.

IMO, Derek Newton is the worst player on offense. He's atrocious in pass pro. I mean, a fkn cone would provide more of an obstacle on some of the pressures and sacks he's given up. His play is an abomination. So the team doesn't have an NFL level right tackle right now. So Matthews would be my choice (or whatever consensus #1 RT is available). Apart from that:

ILB: There are no starters on this team outside of Cushing. There hasn't been a starting caliber ILB on this team outside Cushing for two years. Maybe they should think about getting one, hmm?

NT: Last good nose tackle the Texans had is doing radio on SR610.

RB: Tate will be gone and Foster has been overworked. I don't feel comfortable relying on Foster 100% and his best play has come when he's had true competition pushing him. Get a replacement for Tate. Good RBs can be had in rounds 3-5 typically.

QB: Take one in the 2nd or 3rd round, IMO. Murray has potential to be the best of the bunch, I think. If Keenum totally craters and the team has no faith in him, grab Mariota in the first round. Either way, it should be an open competition.

Positions of lesser need:

G/C: Quessenberry gives me hope for this position. Ben Jones is awful, so I'm not counting on him at all. Brandon Brooks looks like he could develop; we'll see. Would be good to pick one up in later rounds.

S: Not sure about Manning's contract situation, but I'd like to see someone better than Keo out there with Swearinger.

CB: Always need CBs in a passing league, and none of the Texans CBs are all that great. McCain might be the worst player on defense, so he has to go.

So I guess my ideal draft would look something like T, NT/QB/LB in 2-4, RB/G/CB in 5-6, dealer's choice in rd 7. That still leaves holes, but they didn't create this mess overnight and it won't be fixed overnight (or three nights, in the case of the draft).

Just curious, what about manzel don't you like?

 

[eriadoc]

Just curious, what about manzel don't you like?

A few things. First, I tend to favor guys who have put in at least three years in college. More reps, more prep, less of a transition to the pro game. If they run a pro style offense in college, I take that into consideration. Second, I don't prefer running QBs. I like guys who can run, but don't want to. Injuries happen, age happens, and I want a QB that has success because of his mind and arm rather than his legs. Finally, I want a guy at the QB position that doesn't come off as immature. Manziel's not a bad guy, but I believe he has a little growing up to do (many of us did at that age). The pro lifestyle is going to eat him up if he comes at it with the same mindset that he has done in college, IMO. Think about the things that JJ Watt says and does and the things Manziel says and does, for example.

All that said, I don't dislike Manziel as a player or prospect. But I tend to think he's going to move up the draft boards and I don't see the first round value there that some team will be willing to spend. I feel the same way about Mariota. He is most likely going in the first round, but to me he's a bit of a project. I don't really like for the team to take a project in the first round. JMO. If the Texans could pick up Manziel in the second round like the 49ers got Kaepernick, I'd be happy about that. But even he sat on the bench for a year behind Alex Smith. Who knows if he would have looked as good as a true rookie?

Moreover, I feel like the team should look for value at the QB position this year, because I don't feel like any one of these QBs is the next no-brainer, top-of-the-first QB that you just have to take because you sucked that year. Hell, I wouldn't be opposed to going into next year with Keenum, some vet or pseudo-vet, and TJ Yates. Then go after Winston the following year. That's a guy I can get excited about if his current trajectory of play continues.

 

[Hervoyel]

All I can think of is "Are the Aggie nut-huggers going to be as bad as the Longhorn nut-huggers were?"

I mean, us UH nut-huggers are by our very nature limited in number and more or less used to not being able to garner much support among the masses. Longhorn nut-huggers were insufferable and we've got six games to go before the season is even over and I'm already gagging every time one of you guys brings up Manziel.

It's going to be a long, long, long......long offseason.

 

[Wolf]

We need to get Watt some help.
Or
We need to shore up the offensive line

Early

Wade smith will be gone IIRC

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

All I can think of is "Are the Aggie nut-huggers going to be as bad as the Longhorn nut-huggers were?"

I mean, us UH nut-huggers are by our very nature limited in number and more or less used to not being able to garner much support among the masses. Longhorn nut-huggers were insufferable and we've got six games to go before the season is even over and I'm already gagging every time one of you guys brings up Manziel.

It's going to be a long, long, long......long offseason.

Hey ... don't be dissing Petty from Baylor . He could be another Joe Montania .

 

[steelbtexan]

I think quess is a better fit at RT.

If that's the case then that would open up Richardson/Jackson/Steen in rds 2-3.

 

[aussie_texan]

G/C: Quessenberry gives me hope for this position. Ben Jones is awful, so I'm not counting on him at all. Brandon Brooks looks like he could develop; we'll see. Would be good to pick one up in later rounds.
.

its been really hard for me to evaluate Brooks season because the RT next to him has been abysmal. But i think he gets the starting job next year and Ques plays at LG. hopefully the torn labrum of Williams heals well and his our RT.
that would be a huge bonus going into the draft process

 

[aussie_texan]

In regards to Brooks Reed, I think the bottom line is that he isn't a very good player. He's not effective enough at OLB. People want to move him inside or move him to a more traditional LB role, assuming we move to a 4-3, because it's convenient. The problem is that he hasn't shown the ability to be a good player in that role. You end up with defensive problems when you start moving guys around simply for convenience. Bottom line, like I said, is that he isn't very good and is another failed draft pick by this administration. I'd look at just replacing him period.

yeah i agree to the point that i think moving him to OLB wouldn't be a good idea. your fitting a square peg into a round hole.

rather him play at DE in a 4-3.

But i don't think his been as bad as some think this year. his an average player but for a 2nd round pick, this isn't good enough

 

[Scooter]

its been really hard for me to evaluate Brooks season because the RT next to him has been abysmal. But i think he gets the starting job next year and Ques plays at LG. hopefully the torn labrum of Williams heals well and his our RT.
that would be a huge bonus going into the draft process

i think brooks is going to be just fine. he still has some technique issues to improve, but most of his errors seem to be coming from scheme and the talent beside him. it could be my imagination but myers seems to almost always go left when pass blocking and newton sucks - brooks often being left on an island. when part of a gelling line brooks has shown to be downright beastly, stoning his man in pass pro and generates a good push when blocking.

 

[Texian]

All I can think of is "Are the Aggie nut-huggers going to be as bad as the Longhorn nut-huggers were?"

I mean, us UH nut-huggers are by our very nature limited in number and more or less used to not being able to garner much support among the masses. Longhorn nut-huggers were insufferable and we've got six games to go before the season is even over and I'm already gagging every time one of you guys brings up Manziel.

It's going to be a long, long, long......long offseason.

FYI - I am neither a an Aggie or a Longhorn. I like Manziel simply because I haven't seen another draft eligible college QB who can do what he does on a football field. As for the Longhorns I am very impressed with Mason Walters-Dominic Espinosa-Trey Hopkins, they may be the best interior OL in college football. Not that the impressed the other Horns. So I am really an impartial evaluator.

 

[Texian]

A few things. First, I tend to favor guys who have put in at least three years in college. More reps, more prep, less of a transition to the pro game. If they run a pro style offense in college, I take that into consideration. Second, I don't prefer running QBs. I like guys who can run, but don't want to. Injuries happen, age happens, and I want a QB that has success because of his mind and arm rather than his legs. Finally, I want a guy at the QB position that doesn't come off as immature. Manziel's not a bad guy, but I believe he has a little growing up to do (many of us did at that age). The pro lifestyle is going to eat him up if he comes at it with the same mindset that he has done in college, IMO. Think about the things that JJ Watt says and does and the things Manziel says and does, for example.

All that said, I don't dislike Manziel as a player or prospect. But I tend to think he's going to move up the draft boards and I don't see the first round value there that some team will be willing to spend. I feel the same way about Mariota. He is most likely going in the first round, but to me he's a bit of a project. I don't really like for the team to take a project in the first round. JMO. If the Texans could pick up Manziel in the second round like the 49ers got Kaepernick, I'd be happy about that. But even he sat on the bench for a year behind Alex Smith. Who knows if he would have looked as good as a true rookie?

Moreover, I feel like the team should look for value at the QB position this year, because I don't feel like any one of these QBs is the next no-brainer, top-of-the-first QB that you just have to take because you sucked that year. Hell, I wouldn't be opposed to going into next year with Keenum, some vet or pseudo-vet, and TJ Yates. Then go after Winston the following year. That's a guy I can get excited about if his current trajectory of play continues.

Good post, well thought out, common sense. The NFL tends to agree with your assessment of 3 years. Conventional wisdom says rookie NFL QBs tend have better early success if they've 30 college starts. That's why so many college QBs return to school. In the case of Manziel he would finish up with 26 starts. He's already doing so much more than other QBs I'm not sure another 4 college games will do anything for him.

I understand your maturity comments. I must say I can overlook many of Manziels Heisman travails. However the Manning Passing Academy episode does bother me. I would want to talk to the Mannings and question JF about it. This could be a deal breaker for me.

Finally, you're in Indy with just under two minutes, you trail 24-31 and you've the ball. Whose hands do you want to put the ball in? Jake Matthews? Jadevon Clowney? Anthony Barr? Teddy Bridgewater? Marcus Mariota? or Johnny Manziel? For me this is a no brainer, it's Johnny Manziel.

 

[Texecutioner]

Why would anyone want a guy like Clowny after having Mario Williams all of those years. Same exact attitude and mindset Mario had coming out of college. Freakish size and athleticism, but takes plays off and plays when he wants to. I hated having Mario here for years with how overrated he was. Some fans just never learn though.the last player you ever want to invest a high draft pick on is a lazy ass player who takes plays off.

 

[bhsman]

Why would anyone want a guy like Clowny after having Mario Williams all of those years. Same exact attitude and mindset Mario had coming out of college. Freakish size and athleticism, but takes plays off and plays when he wants to. I hated having Mario here for years with how overrated he was. Some fans just never learn though.the last player you ever want to invest a high draft pick on is a lazy ass player who takes plays off.

I would correct you and point out what others have already said about Clowney's injuries and him being schemed against, but on the other hand the perpetuation of this line of thinking by you and others just means it's more likely that Clowney will fall to us.

 

[Dutchrudder]

Why would anyone want a guy like Clowny after having Mario Williams all of those years. Same exact attitude and mindset Mario had coming out of college. Freakish size and athleticism, but takes plays off and plays when he wants to. I hated having Mario here for years with how overrated he was. Some fans just never learn though.the last player you ever want to invest a high draft pick on is a lazy ass player who takes plays off.

Clowney does seem an awful lot like Mario coming out of college. If he really does take off plays, that should be a red flag to everyone. We had the same sort of warning signs about Sam Montgomery in college (not nearly the same talent/athlete), but still somewhat similar. So we should be wary of that.

Mario is doing pretty well on the Bills though, he has 11 sacks already this year, and is on pace to outdo his career high of 14 sacks. He's certainly not worth the money he's making, but he's not a dud either.