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NastyNate's mock

NastyNate

I go kerplunk
I'm still in love with trading back but I don't think there is much of a bounty this year or a team to trade with. I'm not personally a fan of Bridgewater or Clowney, and with such little time at the position Barr is a project in my eyes. So without further ado:

1. Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo. Some might think I'm reaching here, but Mack is the best OLB in the draft and he'll make me look smart next year. He solves two of our biggest defensive issues, lack of a pass rush and turnovers (forced fumble and pick machine). Mack continually maneuvers around blockers, rarely getting squared up and patty caking. Just watch his game tape against highly rated Antonio Richardson for proof. His effectiveness against the run is another huge plus, and he is tied for NCAA all time TFL leader. I get a Von Miller 2.0 vibe from Mack and he will be an instant contributor.

2. A.J. McCarron, QB, Alabama. McCarron has faced criticism about having to have everything perfect to be a successful qb in this league, but simply watch the tape and there's no debating he can't make every throw necessary to succeed in the NFL. He doesn't take negative plays, is a proven winner (36-3) and can help turn around this franchise immediately.

3. JuWuan James, OT, Tennessee. A few others have mocked him in the third and I really like the pick. Shores up a shaky spot and allows Quiz to kick inside to LG.

4. Marcel Jensen, TE, Fresno state. Sticky hands and a huge frame allow for a dual threat TE. Excellent blocker and can contribute on special teams play as well. Very capable blocker and a reliable outlet for AJ Mccarron. Not the fastest guy on the field but creates mismatches with his size and vertical.

5a. Ryan Carrethers, DT, Arkansas State. I'm hoping he's still here at this point, excellent push and can drive a pile back. Won't be the most productive sack artist but can take up double teams and allow Mack and Watt to feast.

5b. (comp pick for barwin) Marqueston Huff, FS, Wyoming. One of the only bright spots on an atrocious Wyoming defense. Amazing top end speed and hard to get over the top of, Huff will be able to learn for a year before taking over for Manning.

6. Carrington Byndom, CB, Texas. Really flashed in 2011 when Texas had a quality pass rush up front, had 53 tackles and 12 pass breakups this year. I could see him regaining his old form.

7. Greg Blair, ILB, Cinncinatti. Huge value on an otherwise weak ILB class. Allows us to finally eliminate the Sharpton.
 
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WolverineFan

Hall of Fame
Good mock. First off, I commend you for your 1st pick. Obviously we aren't real GM's here, but that's the kind of confidence in a prospect that I like to see when drafting a guy #1. I think it's a reach, but I really like Mack as a prospect and I can get behind the pick.

As for the rest......I don't dislike McCarron. I think he has a lot of the tools that you look for. My problem is that I don't think he has a very high ceiling. He's already at his peak. I see him as a solid starter in the league, but not a franchise elevating talent.

I like James. Should be a solid RT prospect that has the potential to start. Not familiar with Jensen. I hear a lot about Carrethers on this board, but I haven't watched him. Have heard about Huff, but haven't watched him either. Can't hate on a late round CB or ILB. I like the Blair pick more than the Byndom pick.
 

JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
I don't know a lot about any of them, but I've liked what I've seen of McCarron. He always seems to do what it takes to win the game.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Seem to remember mocking Mack to Texans around #7 before they kept losing week after week, now I would be dissapointed with that pick.
 

bhsman

Rookie
I'd like Mack as the first pick after a trade down, but maybe not at 1-1.

McCarron was absolutely carried by his team during his entire stay at Alabama. Picking him at #33 would be a complete waste of a pick.
 

NastyNate

I go kerplunk
I'd like Mack as the first pick after a trade down, but maybe not at 1-1.

McCarron was absolutely carried by his team during his entire stay at Alabama. Picking him at #33 would be a complete waste of a pick.
I strongly disagree, McCarron has played the best teams in the SEC and rarely made mistakes with the ball. Comes from a pro offense and is a proven winner. I know you're high on Bridgewater but his footwork is no bueno and he takes way too many sacks for the competition they played the last 3 years.

As for Mack, would you take Von Miller at 1-1 this year if you could? Playmaking ability, not penchant for banned substances.
 

TexansFTW

Veteran
I'd like Mack as the first pick after a trade down, but maybe not at 1-1.

McCarron was absolutely carried by his team during his entire stay at Alabama. Picking him at #33 would be a complete waste of a pick.
Completely agree.

The biggest Pro for McCarron by most is that he never/rarely lost football games.

My biggest knock is that HE rarely WON the football games.
 

bhsman

Rookie
I strongly disagree, McCarron has played the best teams in the SEC and rarely made mistakes with the ball. Comes from a pro offense and is a proven winner.
He rarely makes mistakes with the ball because he is rarely called upon to win the game due to having that defense, offensive line, and running game to carry him.

If he ends up becoming a very good pro, it will because of qualities that he's never had to show during his college career.
 

Mr teX

Hall of Fame
He rarely makes mistakes with the ball because he is rarely called upon to win the game due to having that defense, offensive line, and running game to carry him.

If he ends up becoming a very good pro, it will because of qualities that he's never had to show during his college career.
I for the most part agree with you i'd like to see more of him with the game on his shoulders...... but he's had his moments. His performances against a stout LSU team loaded with NFL talent come to mind. I know he had a game winning drive in at least 1 of those games & he played damn well against that same team in the NC game....can't ignore that.

I'd love to snatch him up in the 2nd...
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Only disagreement I have his first and TE in 4th. Texans very successful with that position in 5th. Starter already on team. I'm fan of many of your guys and have mocked most of them Huff could be a stud and really like Blair; anything after round three and he is a steal. I can't imagine why he is rated so low by ESPN, great stats, revies and plays for a winning team. James does not translate to OG or LT but man what a RT! Good work NN.
 

infantrycak

Hall of Fame
Only disagreement I have his first and TE in 4th. Texans very successful with that position in 5th. Starter already on team.
The only TE the Texans have ever drafted in the 5th is James Casey who can't be characterized as very successful at TE.

Not saying they need a TE in any particular round. I just think they should take one sometime in the traditional 2nd day.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
Blair reminds me of Vontaze Burfict without the mental issues. Team leader, fights through blocks, gets to the ball, tackles well. Only thing against him is he is a limited athlete.

I like this draft a lot. A lot of guys in years past were considered "reaches" until it turns out they weren't. If you love a guy you take him. Doesn't matter what the "value" is. It would really suck if there was a future All Pro that you had your eye on but you traded back to get better "value" and somebody else nabbed him in front of you.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
The only TE the Texans have ever drafted in the 5th is James Casey who can't be characterized as very successful at TE.

Not saying they need a TE in any particular round. I just think they should take one sometime in the traditional 2nd day.
yeah, thanks for correction & should have said 5th or later. I was thinking Graham was a 5th (4th) and Griffin was actually a 6th. As the TE is played in Houston, I think Casey's last two seasons were very successful. My position is I would not take a TE before 5th.
 

bhsman

Rookie
I for the most part agree with you i'd like to see more of him with the game on his shoulders...... but he's had his moments. His performances against a stout LSU team loaded with NFL talent come to mind. I know he had a game winning drive in at least 1 of those games & he played damn well against that same team in the NC game....can't ignore that.

I'd love to snatch him up in the 2nd...
As an LSU fan, I'd still argue he wasn't the reason they won those games; even this year against a rare 'bad' LSU defense he couldn't challenge the defense downfield and the only conversion of a 3rd and long came on a penalty. His running game and defense (especially after the offensive line seemingly 'gave up' near the end) won those games.

Anyone who seriously argues him as a 1st-2nd round pick is a joke. Sorry.
 

NastyNate

I go kerplunk
Blair reminds me of Vontaze Burfict without the mental issues. Team leader, fights through blocks, gets to the ball, tackles well. Only thing against him is he is a limited athlete.

I like this draft a lot. A lot of guys in years past were considered "reaches" until it turns out they weren't. If you love a guy you take him. Doesn't matter what the "value" is. It would really suck if there was a future All Pro that you had your eye on but you traded back to get better "value" and somebody else nabbed him in front of you.
Mack is head and shoulders better than Anthony Barr, I still have no idea why draftniks think he isn't. He's the best pass rusher in the Draft including clowney, and he's better at locating the ball carrier and attacking the ball. We'd be the fool for not targeting him.

I really like Blair and truly enjoy the drop in draft value. Gives us a solid ilb in the seventh? I'll take it!
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
I agree that Mack is better than Barr at this point in time. But, I do think that Barr will be he superior player if he is coached up right.
 

NastyNate

I go kerplunk
I agree that Mack is better than Barr at this point in time. But, I do think that Barr will be he superior player if he is coached up right.
Not even close. This is a NastyNate projection as of 12/21/2013 at 0215 that Mack will be DPOY and DROY candidate in 2014. Barr will be another bust. Post marked for smart guy ness...
 

Coachk

Practice Squad
If you want to be in the playoffs year after year, you must not miss on your first selection. It is clear to me the obvious #1 pick for Houston has to be Blake Bortles. I don't think there is anyone with an upside higher than his. He has the size, the mobility, and reads defenses at the line of scrimmage. He is the most pro ready player and clearly the top NFL prospect in this class if he comes out. The Texans cannot afford to miss Blake Bortles. He is a future superstar. Watch: http://youtu.be/ayD9_uCz4K0
 

Trap_Star

SiteContributor
If you want to be in the playoffs year after year, you must not miss on your first selection. It is clear to me the obvious #1 pick for Houston has to be Blake Bortles. I don't think there is anyone with an upside higher than his. He has the size, the mobility, and reads defenses at the line of scrimmage. He is the most pro ready player and clearly the top NFL prospect in this class if he comes out. The Texans cannot afford to miss Blake Bortles. He is a future superstar. Watch: http://youtu.be/ayD9_uCz4K0
call me crazy, but after reading your first 3 posts, I get the sneaky suspicion you like promoting Blake Bortles.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
call me crazy, but after reading your first 3 posts, I get the sneaky suspicion you like promoting Blake Bortles.
I did not watch entire video but he is really assisted by his WRs a complaint made against McCarron. I do like is movement in pocket and behind LOS, seems very athletic.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
yeah, thanks for correction & should have said 5th or later. I was thinking Graham was a 5th (4th) and Griffin was actually a 6th. As the TE is played in Houston, I think Casey's last two seasons were very successful. My position is I would not take a TE before 5th.
This is not really a direct comment to you but more using your post as a segue to something else.

I really feel like TE is the most undervalued position in football. I'm afraid this might turn into an essay so I apologize if it does.

My offensive philosophy is to make the offense as multiple as possible to maximize opportunities to take advantage of defensive matchups. Being able to run a variety of formations and play types without ever substituting personnel. The key to this is the TE. I'll use the Patriots from the last few years as my example, because they run the closest thing to what I envision (sans this year obviously since Gronk has been injured all year and Hernandez...).

With Gronkowski and Hernandez, NE can run pretty much any play in the playbook on consecutive plays. They can line up in ACE with both players at TE. They can line up in the I with Hernandez at FB. Or they can line up in GUN 4 WR with both split out wide. Depending on who the defense has on the field, they can run or pass from whatever formation they want without having to sub.

This forces the defense to play a very bland, simple style. They can't risk going heavy to stop the run because you can go right into no huddle and spread them out. They also can't play nickel or dime too often or you will squeeze in and run it down their throat high tempo without letting them sub.

I realize this post has nothing to do with this thread. I've just been devising this system in my head ever since I saw Gronkowski play at Arizona. He's a TE that can run block like a third OT and catch passes like a third WR. I know those guys aren't a dime a dozen but I really feel like if you can find a similar player somewhere he can be a key piece of your offense.

Essay over.....for now.:kitten:
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
007 I just totally disagree with you. Give me a big fast WR and a Rb that can catch. I have never been fan of TEs and the Gronks of the world are very rare. I am not big on ZBS either.
 
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WolverineFan

Hall of Fame
I think it depends on your philosophy.

Is anyone going to debate that Jimmy Graham or Gronkowski aren't the most indispensable guys on those offenses (outside of the QB obviously)? What about Antonio Gates for all those years in SD? Witten during his prime in Dallas? However, is there any debate about AJ in Houston? Megatron in Detroit? Jones in Atlanta?

It really just depends on the vision you have for your offense.
 
This is not really a direct comment to you but more using your post as a segue to something else.

I really feel like TE is the most undervalued position in football. I'm afraid this might turn into an essay so I apologize if it does.

My offensive philosophy is to make the offense as multiple as possible to maximize opportunities to take advantage of defensive matchups. Being able to run a variety of formations and play types without ever substituting personnel. The key to this is the TE. I'll use the Patriots from the last few years as my example, because they run the closest thing to what I envision (sans this year obviously since Gronk has been injured all year and Hernandez...).

With Gronkowski and Hernandez, NE can run pretty much any play in the playbook on consecutive plays. They can line up in ACE with both players at TE. They can line up in the I with Hernandez at FB. Or they can line up in GUN 4 WR with both split out wide. Depending on who the defense has on the field, they can run or pass from whatever formation they want without having to sub.

This forces the defense to play a very bland, simple style. They can't risk going heavy to stop the run because you can go right into no huddle and spread them out. They also can't play nickel or dime too often or you will squeeze in and run it down their throat high tempo without letting them sub.

I realize this post has nothing to do with this thread. I've just been devising this system in my head ever since I saw Gronkowski play at Arizona. He's a TE that can run block like a third OT and catch passes like a third WR. I know those guys aren't a dime a dozen but I really feel like if you can find a similar player somewhere he can be a key piece of your offense.

Essay over.....for now.:kitten:
+1

If i was devising an offence i would have this strategy in mind. I have been calling for Houston to draft an Elite level TE for a couple of years now. Its not necessarily a position of need at the moment but it sure might be BPA come draft day.
In a trade down situation with the rams or browns, the 2nd of your 2 first rounders or early 2nd round i would be having a very hard look at either Amaro, Ebron or Seferian-Jenkins
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
007 I just totally disagree with you. Give me a big fast WR and a Rb than can catch. I have never been fan of TEs and the Gronks of the world are very rare. I am not big on ZBS either.
Obviously I don't expect everyone to share my philosophy. But I would argue that the Calvin Johnsons and Jamaal Charles' of the world are just as rare.

I'm also not a fan of the ZBS. I believe that zone plays are effective when used correctly but I don't like designing an entire offense around it.

I just believe that the ability to be multiple on offense and defense gives you an advantage over your opponent.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
+1

If i was devising an offence i would have this strategy in mind. I have been calling for Houston to draft an Elite level TE for a couple of years now. Its not necessarily a position of need at the moment but it sure might be BPA come draft day.
In a trade down situation with the rams or browns, the 2nd of your 2 first rounders or early 2nd round i would be having a very hard look at either Amaro, Ebron or Seferian-Jenkins
I'm not a huge fan of Amaro at the next level. I think that he is a great athlete for his size but he doesn't fit what I want from a TE, at least not in the first round, which is where I think he will end up. I like Seferian-Jenkins and C.J. Fiedorowicz (Iowa) the most.
 
I'm not a huge fan of Amaro at the next level. I think that he is a great athlete for his size but he doesn't fit what I want from a TE, at least not in the first round, which is where I think he will end up. I like Seferian-Jenkins and C.J. Fiedorowicz (Iowa) the most.
you like them more based off value??

what don't you like about amaro? physically his elite, has good hands, blocks well but could get better needs to be more ferocious tends to be to relaxed when blocking because of his strength and will not get away with that in the NFL. Runs good routes admittedly its a pretty simple offence for him, a lot of slants and seam routes. Thats my quick analysis of him. i have him as a top 25 player
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
you like them more based off value??

what don't you like about amaro? physically his elite, has good hands, blocks well but could get better needs to be more ferocious tends to be to relaxed when blocking because of his strength and will not get away with that in the NFL. Runs good routes admittedly its a pretty simple offence for him, a lot of slants and seam routes. Thats my quick analysis of him. i have him as a top 25 player
I have him as my #2 TE and #29 overall so obviously I think he is talented. I don't like the way he is used at Texas Tech. He is basically a slot WR. His game as a TE is very unrefined. Yes, he is good at blocking DBs and LBs from the outside in, but I worry about his ability to block on the line of scrimmage. The potential is there, but thus far it remains to be seen.

I think he goes in the first round because his athleticism and size is too much to pass up. I would just rather someone else take the risk. I am much more comfortable with ASJ, and I think Fiedorowicz will be a steal for somebody.
 

leebigeztx

Keep it Movin!
I have him as my #2 TE and #29 overall so obviously I think he is talented. I don't like the way he is used at Texas Tech. He is basically a slot WR. His game as a TE is very unrefined. Yes, he is good at blocking DBs and LBs from the outside in, but I worry about his ability to block on the line of scrimmage. The potential is there, but thus far it remains to be seen.

I think he goes in the first round because his athleticism and size is too much to pass up. I would just rather someone else take the risk. I am much more comfortable with ASJ, and I think Fiedorowicz will be a steal for somebody.
Ocke
If amaro is an elite Y-flex/slot type te,I don't care if he's an in line blocker. U can stick graham or griffin in there to block. You don't se jimmy graham blocking de's. Shannon sharpe didn't really do it either,but when he ran routes,he was a problem
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
Ocke
If amaro is an elite Y-flex/slot type te,I don't care if he's an in line blocker. U can stick graham or griffin in there to block. You don't se jimmy graham blocking de's. Shannon sharpe didn't really do it either,but when he ran routes,he was a problem
He's a great athlete but he's not the athlete that Jimmy Graham is. He's a better athlete than most TEs but not as great an athlete as most slot WRs, so making him a flex TE basically takes away the matchup advantages his athleticism creates. If he's always going to be flexed out then defenses know they don't have to account for him as a blocker in the run game, which means they won't use a LB on him in coverage. He's not going to beat NFL DBs consistently in the seam or over the top. Which means you're basically using a first round pick on a slot WR who is only valuable within 10 yards and isn't athletic enough to consistently get much YAC out of his receptions.

At this point in his development, he is not a NFL TE. He is a H-Back or flex TE. A situational player. Great piece to have if you don't have holes elsewhere, not worth a first round pick for us.

That's not to say that the potential isn't there, just that so far it is untapped. I think he is a bigger risk than a guy like Sefarian-Jenkins for our franchise because he won't make an immediate impact the way a first rounder should.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Obviously I don't expect everyone to share my philosophy. But I would argue that the Calvin Johnsons and Jamaal Charles' of the world are just as rare.

I'm also not a fan of the ZBS. I believe that zone plays are effective when used correctly but I don't like designing an entire offense around it.

I just believe that the ability to be multiple on offense and defense gives you an advantage over your opponent.
Enjoying the back & forth. Don't have to have a Calvin or Jamaal to be huge success, look what Hopkins did first part of the year. On a side note, he has certainly fallen off the success wagon, coaching?
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
Enjoying the back & forth. Don't have to have a Calvin or Jamaal to be huge success, look what Hopkins did first part of the year. On a side note, he has certainly fallen off the success wagon, coaching?
Combination of coaching, play calling, and QB play. The talent is clearly there.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
Combination of coaching, play calling, and QB play. The talent is clearly there.
really disapointing as we all wanted to see improvements. For me I wanted to see our WRs really stretch the defense...so much for that.
 

kiwitexansfan

Hall of Fame
Don't use winner to sell a QB prospect. Put you or me at QB for Alabama and we'd put up a winning record.

Hate the idea of a second round QB. Go big or go home.
 

NastyNate

I go kerplunk
Don't use winner to sell a QB prospect. Put you or me at QB for Alabama and we'd put up a winning record.

Hate the idea of a second round QB. Go big or go home.
I guess I'm curious how much Alabama football you watch? McCarron has all the tools to be a very successful qb at the next level. I can go dig up losers if you like though.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
This is not really a direct comment to you but more using your post as a segue to something else.

I really feel like TE is the most undervalued position in football. I'm afraid this might turn into an essay so I apologize if it does.

My offensive philosophy is to make the offense as multiple as possible to maximize opportunities to take advantage of defensive matchups. Being able to run a variety of formations and play types without ever substituting personnel. The key to this is the TE. I'll use the Patriots from the last few years as my example, because they run the closest thing to what I envision (sans this year obviously since Gronk has been injured all year and Hernandez...).

With Gronkowski and Hernandez, NE can run pretty much any play in the playbook on consecutive plays. They can line up in ACE with both players at TE. They can line up in the I with Hernandez at FB. Or they can line up in GUN 4 WR with both split out wide. Depending on who the defense has on the field, they can run or pass from whatever formation they want without having to sub.

This forces the defense to play a very bland, simple style. They can't risk going heavy to stop the run because you can go right into no huddle and spread them out. They also can't play nickel or dime too often or you will squeeze in and run it down their throat high tempo without letting them sub.

I realize this post has nothing to do with this thread. I've just been devising this system in my head ever since I saw Gronkowski play at Arizona. He's a TE that can run block like a third OT and catch passes like a third WR. I know those guys aren't a dime a dozen but I really feel like if you can find a similar player somewhere he can be a key piece of your offense.

Essay over.....for now.:kitten:
Jordan Najvar is that type TE that you're looking for and he should be available in the 5th due to past injuries and the offense he played in.

Kinda like the TE Wilson from Rice that the Seahawks drafted late. last yr

I would also take a risk on a guy liike Lyerla in the 6-7th rd.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Jordan Najvar is that type TE that you're looking for and he should be available in the 5th due to past injuries and the offense he played in.

Kinda like the TE Wilson from Rice that the Seahawks drafted late. last yr

I would also take a risk on a guy liike Lyerla in the 6-7th rd.
I'll tell you the TE I really wanted last year played right here @ Rice, Vance McDonald. San Francisco drafted him, in the 2nd rd. even though they have Vernon Davis. 6040 267 he has developed his blocking skills into asset both in run & passing game. He also gives them a measure of insurance in case something befalls Davis. The steal of the draft and I missed on him, is Washington Jordan Reed, late 3rd rd. all he's done is have 45 catches, 500 yards & three TD's in a dysfunctional offense while playing though nagging injury's.

I've struggled with making another TE selection, really hard with unknown new regime. Should be easier task once announced, but as several on the board already mention his name frequently I might just as well go ahead & add my endorsement as well for CJ Fiedorowiez, Iowa. Big frame, 6060 265+ stout blocker with surprisingly soft hands. Despite lack of production this past year, 26 receptions compared to 45 his Junior season it should only help his sleeper status so even though he is 2nd rd. talent he will be there in the 3rd if Texans so choose. My issue is that Texans have so many issues how do you reconcile & draft a TE over a RT here?
 

NastyNate

I go kerplunk
When McCarron is getting comparisons to a less-athletic Matt Cassel, things don't look great.
McCarron put together an impressive year, and I don't agree with quite a few talking points in an article that was written in September of last year. If we can target a starting RT in the third round, move Quiz to LG, and use Harris as our swing tackle we'll have a solid line to protect him and he will flourish.
 

bhsman

Rookie
McCarron put together an impressive year, and I don't agree with quite a few talking points in an article that was written in September of last year. If we can target a starting RT in the third round, move Quiz to LG, and use Harris as our swing tackle we'll have a solid line to protect him and he will flourish.
It was written this year? Has any of these things significantly changed about his arm strength or how he's used in the offense since?

And AJ can flourish all he wants if can grab Alabama's schedules, too.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
It was written this year? Has any of these things significantly changed about his arm strength or how he's used in the offense since?

And AJ can flourish all he wants if can grab Alabama's schedules, too.
Virginia Tech 8-4 & bowl, Texas A&M rated #6 when Bama beat them now 8-4 & bowl, Colorado St 8-4 & bowl, Ole Miss #21 when Bama beat them and 7-5 & bowl, LSU rated #13 and now 9-3 #16 and bowl, Miss. St 6-6 but bowl, Auburn rated #4 now #2 12-1 & playing in BCS championship bowl & only team to beat Bama on a stupid play that was coach's fault.Seems lie a pretty tough schedule to me. The soft teams were trounced and that is what you want a team to do.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
When McCarron is getting comparisons to a less-athletic Matt Cassel, things don't look great.
how about when he is compared to Brady?

"The college scouting director of an AFC club suggested just that possibility to NFL Media reporter Albert Breer, and compared the fifth-year senior's skill set to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Week 14: Things we learned
From Jeremy Gallon helping to revive Michigan's offense vs. Ohio State to David Fales outdueling Derek Carr, here are the lessons we learned in Week 14 of college football. More ...
His assessment of the Crimson Tide senior:

"Good size, outstanding touch on all throws, can make all the throws but only has average arm strength. Average running ability but very good feet and movement in the pocket to avoid sacks. Outstanding progression-read quarterback, makes throws to his second and third reads consistently. Doesn't turn the ball over. Winner. Mentally tough. Has the moxie and cockiness most great QBs have. Very similar to Tom Brady in stature, athletic ability, arm strength, touch and the most important category -- wins."http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000291624/article/highlevel-nfl-scout-compares-aj-mccarron-to-tom-brady


I would say his arm is not a cannon but only one or two stand out to me Mettenberger and Mariota come to mind. However, AJ does everything else right. Why not instead of saying he is only a game manager, put him behind a better Oline that we have to build anyway?
 

Texian

Hall of Fame
how about when he is compared to Brady?

Very similar to Tom Brady in stature, athletic ability, arm strength, touch and the most important category -- wins.
In stature, athletic ability, arm strength, touch Brady was considered very average and ordinary. His physical stature was considered not very athletic. Belichick liked him because he won and was exceptional in game winning drive situations.
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
In stature, athletic ability, arm strength, touch Brady was considered very average and ordinary. His physical stature was considered not very athletic. Belichick liked him because he won and was exceptional in game winning drive situations.
"can make all the throws"
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
"can make all the throws"
What opinions do you have when it comes to comparing McCarron's movement skills/arm strength/read progressions/accuracy/poise under pressure and general moxie and Bridgewater who has been said to excel in these areas?
 

badboy

Hall of Fame
What opinions do you have when it comes to comparing McCarron's movement skills/arm strength/read progressions/accuracy/poise under pressure and general moxie and Bridgewater who has been said to excel in these areas?
I rate TB ahead of AJ BUT I have to add in where each are expected to be drafted. Combine that with TB + second round and then #1-1 other player + AJ, I have to go McCarron. It also should concern all how TB played in December.

I am still hoping Mariota declares and then if not I would hope Hundley declares. If all are available, as of now I rank Mariota 1-1, Hundley 2-1 then McCarron in second.
 

bah007

Hall of Fame
What opinions do you have when it comes to comparing McCarron's movement skills/arm strength/read progressions/accuracy/poise under pressure and general moxie and Bridgewater who has been said to excel in these areas?
To be fair, Bridgewater has been under pressure far more than McCarron so he has been easier to scout in this area, and has more practice in it.

Bridgewater is clearly the superior athlete. He is also more elusive in the pocket, dodging rushers but keeping his feet under him and his eyes down the field. But again, McCarron has not been in this situation very often.

Arm strength appears equal but McCarron throws a better deep ball. Bridgewater sometimes tries to put too much touch on his and lets too much air get under it.

They appear somewhat equal in read progression but Bridgewater has to make his decisions quicker. McCarron may be capable of making his reads more quickly but he hasn't had a reason to. He is almost always very well protected.

They are both very poised under pressure. This is one of Bridgewater's best qualities but McCarron is right there with him on this one.

They both appear to possess top notch leadership skills and poise. McCarron hasn't been asked to win games so he's harder to read. Bridgewater definitely has the clutch gene.
 
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