New to the site- Might as well do a Texans mock draft

[texan_joe]

Hey everybody. New to this site. I've been a HUGE Texans fan since inception and I used to read a different site until I started looking at this one and saw how bogus the other site is.
Anyway, I've been doing mocks for a few years and I decided to share my VERY early mock with you guys. Let me know what you think.

ROUND 1.1.
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER-QB-LOUISVILLE-6'3"-218
I think this guy has a strong chance to be phenomenal. Aaron Rodgers type
ceiling. Pass first QB who can pull the ball down and run if necessary. Has quick feet and deceptive speed. He's accurate rolling out both ways, squares his shoulders before making the throw. Gym rat. Adept at reading defenses. Ran a pro-style offense at Louisville. Improved every year. Doesn't have a cannon but he has enough of an arm to make all the throws and is very accurate. Rarely makes a mistake with the ball. He's gutsy. Played thru a few injuries without hurting his team. Leader. Team first guy. Decent size but honestly could stand to put on another 15-20 pounds. Didn't face great competition at Louisville but stepped up when he did.

ROUND 2.1.
KYLE VAN NOY-OLB-BYU-6'3"-245
I originally wanted to mock Austin Seferian-Jenkins here but I think OLB is a more pressing need.
A do-it-all LB. Extremely versatile. Ballhawk. Very good at locating the ballcarrier in traffic. Once he locates the ball he has a quick first step to get to it. Good in zone coverage, average in man. Moves his feet well, has good balance and change of direction. Squares up on ballcarriers. Sure tackler. Could stand to spend some time in the weight room. Needs to improve technique on pass rush situations. Doesn't always wrap up.

ROUND 3.1
DEANTHONY THOMAS-RB-OREGON-5'9"-176
EXPLOSIVE. Versatile. Great receiving skills out of the backfield. Can occasionally line up in the slot against smaller nickelbacks. Difference maker in the return game. The epitome of a threat. Dangerous in the open field using very good cutback ability to make defenders look foolish. Combines great speed and acceleration with excellent body control and balance. Really undersized. Could probably add another 10 pounds without hurting speed. Sometimes relies to much on his speed, doesn't always wait for the play to develop or the hole to open. Had some injuries at Oregon. Strange in the fact that considering his size he runs upright a lot of the times opening himself up to bigger hits.

ROUND 4.1.
DANIEL MCCULLERS-NT-TENNESSEE- 6'6"-377
Massive. Actually carries his weight very well. Knows how to use his enormous size. Incredibly strong, has the ability to drive OL into the backfield and collapse the pocket. Quicker than you would think but slower off the ball than you would like. Will tie up multiple blockers. Doesn't posess any pass rush moves outside of a bullrush. Doesn't use his hands very well and his size occasionally allows OL to get under his pads.

ROUND 5.1.
JAYLEN WATKINS-CB-FLORIDA-6'0"-187
Good not great size/speed combination. Good hands. Progressed every year in the SEC. Decent fluidity in hips, can turn and run with receivers. Good initial burst on the ball. Average play recognition. Played some safety. Needs to become a better tackler. Has a hard time wrapping up and seems unwilling at times on some of the film/games I watched. Not particularly strong. Better in man coverage than zone. Doesn't always keep his responsibilities in zone so he can occasionally be caught out of position. Misses jams at the line but I think he can be coached up.

ROUND 6.1.
ISAIAH CROWELL-RB-ALABAMA ST.-5'11"-215
This is more of a wishful thought than anything as I don't think the Texans would touch him with a 20 foot pole.
Great athlete. Explosive and shifty, good change of direction. Lowers his pads when taking on tacklers allowing him to break tackles. Didn't do a lot of receiving in college but he has the ability. Good in protection. WILL be a syarter in the NFL if given the chance. He's a little lean but really the only knock on him is major character concerns. Was dismissed from Georgia after his freshman year after being charged with 2 felony gun charges. Charges were eventually dropped. I think the reward is well worth the 6th round risk.


I rarely do a 6th or 7th round pick but I wanted to get Crowell's name out there. After that pick though if I had to have a 7th pick, I would actually try and trade up to the top of the 6th and pick up James Morris. Linebacker from Iowa.
I know some will disagree with this but I did watch a lot of games and film of these guys except Crowell ( I wrote what I saw about him based on what I saw from his freshman year at Georgia).
I know Bridgewater won't be a popular pick around here with Clowney and Manziel as options.
Let me have some feedback guys.

 

[NCTexan]

Welcome to the board!

There's actually a section for mock draft stuff, I suspect one of the mods will move it over there.

I like rd 1, 2, 4, 5. I think we have more pressing needs than a RB in the third, and definitely not pro-spending two picks on RBs. I would like to see an OT or OG in there as well, who do you see as LG and RT next year? Also would like to see a DE to replace Smith, but I'm not sure where I would slot one in this mock.

 

[bah007]

Love the Bridgewater pick. Think it's the one that needs to happen.

Like Van Noy as well. Very solid player.

Honestly can't stand the Thomas pick. He reminds me of Dante Hall, who while a good player, I wouldn't have used a third round pick on. I love the explosiveness, but he leaves a lot to be desired. I'd rather see an OT like JuWaun James here.

Don't like the McCullers pick either. He's just a big guy. That's it. Nothing he does on the field is impressive. I'd rather take Carrethers here.

Watkins is okay as a fifth rounder. Good depth.

Crowell and Morris are both home runs. Crowell has all the talent in the world, just needs to get straightened out. Morris is great LB depth. Underrated with a nose for the ball.

You obviously do your homework. Welcome to the board.

 

[texan_joe]

Welcome to the board!

There's actually a section for mock draft stuff, I suspect one of the mods will move it over there.

I like rd 1, 2, 4, 5. I think we have more pressing needs than a RB in the third, and definitely not pro-spending two picks on RBs. I would like to see an OT or OG in there as well, who do you see as LG and RT next year? Also would like to see a DE to replace Smith, but I'm not sure where I would slot one in this mock.

Thanks for the welcome.
I was kinda hesitant to mock 1 RB to the Texans, much less 2, but I just think DeAnthony Thomas is to much of a weapon to pass on. I think he can be a Darren Sproles type that this offense desperately needs. And like I said about Crowell, that guy is mega talented but it's more wishful thinking.
I was really thinking about DE to replace Antonio, and if I had to grab one I would probably try and grab Adrian Hubbard in the 2nd ( he would need to put on about 25 pounds and he is RAW) or DeAndre Coleman in the 3rd in replace of Thomas. I'd like to get him in the 4th but I would hate to pass over McCullers and Coleman won't fall to the 5th.
As for LG & RT..... I doubt Wade Smith is back but there's not a guard on the team to replace him, so I try and get a second tier guy like Chris Williams or Eben Britton. As for RT, I give Quessenberry or Williams a shot and see if they can be coached up (hopefully by Munchak) or if we get a 3rd or 4th round compensatory pick (probably no chance for a 3, but I'm sure we will get a 4 for Quin) I take Seantrel Henderson from Miami.

 

[Insideop]

Welcome to the board!

I like the Bridgewater pick and think he is the most NFL ready of the big 3 (TB, JFF, and BB). He may not have the ceiling the other 2 have but I think his floor is higher than theirs is.

Like Van Noy too and think he would be a great addition. It would allow them to move Reed to ILB.

Not sure I would go this way with the 3rd pick. For me I'd probably go with another big TE like Fiedorowicz since O'Brien likes big TE's and I'm not sure if they keep OD this season. Or, like bah007, I might go OT.

McCullers I'm hearing bad things about at the Sr. Bowl. They say he plays soft for someone that size and has been getting pushed around.

Not sure about Watkins or Crowell in the 5th and 6th. We need depth in those areas so they could be good finds.

I like Morris from Iowa even though he might need to add some weight. Still would be good depth and could always use more help on ST's.

Overall, good job and welcome again to the boards!

 

[texan_joe]

Love the Bridgewater pick. Think it's the one that needs to happen.

Like Van Noy as well. Very solid player.

Honestly can't stand the Thomas pick. He reminds me of Dante Hall, who while a good player, I wouldn't have used a third round pick on. I love the explosiveness, but he leaves a lot to be desired. I'd rather see an OT like JuWaun James here.

Don't like the McCullers pick either. He's just a big guy. That's it. Nothing he does on the field is impressive. I'd rather take Carrethers here.

Watkins is okay as a fifth rounder. Good depth.

Crowell and Morris are both home runs. Crowell has all the talent in the world, just needs to get straightened out. Morris is great LB depth. Underrated with a nose for the ball.

You obviously do your homework. Welcome to the board.

Thank you for the welcome.
Like I said about Thomas, I think he can easily put another 10 pounds on his frame without hurting his explosiveness. He can be a dynamite weapon, more Sproles than Hall I believe.

I 100% agree about JuWaun James. I just don't think he's sliding out of the 2nd. I didn't really pay to much attention to him until the S.C. game. He had some help a few times but he pretty mucg negated Clowney by himself. After that I watched him consistently and went back a few games to watch him and I loved what I saw. Quick feet. Great balance. But I think he's ginna move up on boards and won't hit the 3rd round. I'd be all for trading back up to the 2nd to snag him.
If I were to take an OT in the 3rd it would probably be Morgan Moses out of Virginia. Big guy. More run blocker than pass protector but he has the potential to be awesome at that aspect also. The Texans are gonna move to more of a power running team than zone blocking I think and Moses would be perfect for that.
As for McCullers... to each their own. It just depends on what your preference is. Like I said, he's not explosive off the ball but he keeps his balance well and his sheer size will tie up multiple blockers allowing other players like JJ and the blitzing ILB more room.

 

[texan_joe]

Welcome to the board!

I like the Bridgewater pick and think he is the most NFL ready of the big 3 (TB, JFF, and BB). He may not have the ceiling the other 2 have but I think his floor is higher than theirs is.

Like Van Noy too and think he would be a great addition. It would allow them to move Reed to ILB.

Not sure I would go this way with the 3rd pick. For me I'd probably go with another big TE like Fiedorowicz since O'Brien likes big TE's and I'm not sure if they keep OD this season. Or, like bah007, I might go OT.

McCullers I'm hearing bad things about at the Sr. Bowl. They say he plays soft for someone that size and has been getting pushed around.

Not sure about Watkins or Crowell in the 5th and 6th. We need depth in those areas so they could be good finds.

I like Morris from Iowa even though he might need to add some weight. Still would be good depth and could always use more help on ST's.

Overall, good job and welcome again to the boards!

Thanks for the welcome.
I was really hoping when I looked at the other teams needs that I could slot Van Noy to the Texans. He tore up my Longhorns.
You're exactly right. This move allows them to slide Brooks Reed inside where he won't have much coverage responsibilities. I think its about time to end the Mercilus OLB experiment. He's a 4/3 DE. He could add weight to play 3/4 DE but I think it'll take away his quickness. I'm curious to see what Trevardo Williams can do.

 

[bah007]

Thank you for the welcome.
Like I said about Thomas, I think he can easily put another 10 pounds on his frame without hurting his explosiveness. He can be a dynamite weapon, more Sproles than Hall I believe.

I 100% agree about JuWaun James. I just don't think he's sliding out of the 2nd. I didn't really pay to much attention to him until the S.C. game. He had some help a few times but he pretty mucg negated Clowney by himself. After that I watched him consistently and went back a few games to watch him and I loved what I saw. Quick feet. Great balance. But I think he's ginna move up on boards and won't hit the 3rd round. I'd be all for trading back up to the 2nd to snag him.
If I were to take an OT in the 3rd it would probably be Morgan Moses out of Virginia. Big guy. More run blocker than pass protector but he has the potential to be awesome at that aspect also. The Texans are gonna move to more of a power running team than zone blocking I think and Moses would be perfect for that.
As for McCullers... to each their own. It just depends on what your preference is. Like I said, he's not explosive off the ball but he keeps his balance well and his sheer size will tie up multiple blockers allowing other players like JJ and the blitzing ILB more room.

Honestly I don't see the Sproles comparison at all. Sproles is about 15 pounds heavier despite being four inches shorter. He is much thicker and far more powerful. Sproles is more like a miniature Maurice Jones-Drew. The closest comparison to Thomas would either be Hall or maybe Dexter McCluster.

I'm with you on James. I have him graded in the 2nd round right now. I also like what Insideop said about Fiedorowicz. He's probably my favorite TE in this draft after Ebron.

I don't see McCullers tying up multiple blockers at the next level. He's a huge man but he isn't as strong as his size would indicate. I think a starting NFL interior lineman could handle him one on one pretty consistently. Being big isn't enough in the pros.

 

[kiwitexansfan]

I'm a Bridgewater fan so I am happy with that pick.

I'm really starting to like Van Noy after hearing how well he is doing in coverage at the senior bowl.

Thomas I am not sold on. I don't like drafting RBs in general. I get the weapon rationale, but I have read he wants to be a between the tackles traditional back in the NFL. Think we could go another direction here.

McCullers has gotten bad press at the senior bowl for being weak, maybe pro strength and conditioning can fix that. He is huge though so Crennel might like that.

Watkins, I guess by the 5th round your going to be drafting flawed players so he does cover an area where we need help so I am okay with it.

RB in the 6th, pass. If draft has gone this way we need to take an OL here.

 

[texan_joe]

Honestly I don't see the Sproles comparison at all. Sproles is about 15 pounds heavier despite being four inches shorter. He is much thicker and far more powerful. Sproles is more like a miniature Maurice Jones-Drew. The closest comparison to Thomas would either be Hall or maybe Dexter McCluster.

I'm with you on James. I have him graded in the 2nd round right now. I also like what Insideop said about Fiedorowicz. He's probably my favorite TE in this draft after Ebron.

I don't see McCullers tying up multiple blockers at the next level. He's a huge man but he isn't as strong as his size would indicate. I think a starting NFL interior lineman could handle him one on one pretty consistently. Being big isn't enough in the pros.

On the Sproles comparision I was going more potential weapon than body type. I just think his explosiveness is something this team sorely needs.
On McCullers.... when I watched him I did see him get pushed around some but I think it was more of a problem with the OL to get there hands inside of him. That was a knock on Marcus Stroud coming out so I think it can be coached up. He's not as violent as I would like my NT to be but I can live with that if he learns to use his hands better which I think he can.
On the subject on TE.... Fiedorowicz is someone I think I might like more the more I get to watch him. I have ASJ as my 2nd TE. I don't see any way ODDS is back with the Texans next season. I say see what you really have with Graham and Griffin and if need be there are a few decent TE coming out next year in Rory Anderson and Nick O'Leary. If you're set on a TE this year, keep your eye and watch some tape on Joe Don Duncan.

 

[TexansFTW]

On the Sproles comparision I was going more potential weapon than body type. I just think his explosiveness is something this team sorely needs.
On McCullers.... when I watched him I did see him get pushed around some but I think it was more of a problem with the OL to get there hands inside of him. That was a knock on Marcus Stroud coming out so I think it can be coached up. He's not as violent as I would like my NT to be but I can live with that if he learns to use his hands better which I think he can.
On the subject on TE.... Fiedorowicz is someone I think I might like more the more I get to watch him. I have ASJ as my 2nd TE. I don't see any way ODDS is back with the Texans next season. I say see what you really have with Graham and Griffin and if need be there are a few decent TE coming out next year in Rory Anderson and Nick O'Leary. If you're set on a TE this year, keep your eye and watch some tape on Joe Don Duncan.

Good stuff bro. Welcome. Whereas I might differ with some things you've done in this, I completely respect your rationale and won't go further than what others have said.

I also really like ASJ. In my mock I have him in the 2nd. I agree w/ you about OD being gone, at least I hope so. Graham is gone too BTW unless we resign him. He's a free man now.

I've been telling everyone too don't sleep on QBerry and Williams. I think they have what it takes to play in the NFL so everyone always mocking Tackles in the 2nd I feel is jumping the gun a little too quickly.

I think Kubiak IR'd those dudes way too quickly because he had this STUPID blind loyalty to garbage "athletes" like Derek Newton. I also believe you can find straight VALUE on the OLine late in the draft. I've done comparisons between pro bowlers and draft position and the OLine is ALWAYS the most stacked with late round picks compared to other NFL positions.

Good stuff though bro. I assume we are getting a comp'd 4 and 6. Who do you draft with those 2?

 

[texan_joe]

Hat

Good stuff bro. Welcome. Whereas I might differ with some things you've done in this, I completely respect your rationale and won't go further than what others have said.

I also really like ASJ. In my mock I have him in the 2nd. I agree w/ you about OD being gone, at least I hope so. Graham is gone too BTW unless we resign him. He's a free man now.

I've been telling everyone too don't sleep on QBerry and Williams. I think they have what it takes to play in the NFL so everyone always mocking Tackles in the 2nd I feel is jumping the gun a little too quickly.

I think Kubiak IR'd those dudes way too quickly because he had this STUPID blind loyalty to garbage like Derek Newton. I also believe you can find straight VALUE on the OLine late in the draft. I've done comparisons between pro bowlers and draft position and the OLine is ALWAYS the most stacked with late round picks compared to other NFL positions.

Good stuff though bro. I assume we are getting a comp'd 4 and 6. Who do you draft with those 2?

I 100% agree on Kubiak's blind loyalty. I'm more sold on Williams than Quessenberry but I think either is an upgrade especially if they can bring in Munchak to coach the OL. That being said......
If we get a compensatory 4 I'm taking Seantrel Henderson, OTHER out of Miami.
If we get a 6 I might look to add some more depth at DE. Maybe a Paul Crawford out of Florida International or depth at S if Kenny Ladler out of Vanderbilt slips that far.
I think I would also like to see about Logan Thomas if he is around. He has struggled at Virginia Tech but he has EVERY physical tool you could want. He has between the ear problems, but an extra QB with talent in camp can't hurt anything.
Thanks for the welcome.

 

[badboy]

Hey everybody. New to this site. I've been a HUGE Texans fan since inception and I used to read a different site until I started looking at this one and saw how bogus the other site is.
Anyway, I've been doing mocks for a few years and I decided to share my VERY early mock with you guys. Let me know what you think.

ROUND 1.1.
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER-QB-LOUISVILLE-6'3"-218
I think this guy has a strong chance to be phenomenal. Aaron Rodgers type
ceiling. Pass first QB who can pull the ball down and run if necessary. Has quick feet and deceptive speed. He's accurate rolling out both ways, squares his shoulders before making the throw. Gym rat. Adept at reading defenses. Ran a pro-style offense at Louisville. Improved every year. Doesn't have a cannon but he has enough of an arm to make all the throws and is very accurate. Rarely makes a mistake with the ball. He's gutsy. Played thru a few injuries without hurting his team. Leader. Team first guy. Decent size but honestly could stand to put on another 15-20 pounds. Didn't face great competition at Louisville but stepped up when he did.

ROUND 2.1.
KYLE VAN NOY-OLB-BYU-6'3"-245
I originally wanted to mock Austin Seferian-Jenkins here but I think OLB is a more pressing need.
A do-it-all LB. Extremely versatile. Ballhawk. Very good at locating the ballcarrier in traffic. Once he locates the ball he has a quick first step to get to it. Good in zone coverage, average in man. Moves his feet well, has good balance and change of direction. Squares up on ballcarriers. Sure tackler. Could stand to spend some time in the weight room. Needs to improve technique on pass rush situations. Doesn't always wrap up.

ROUND 3.1
DEANTHONY THOMAS-RB-OREGON-5'9"-176
EXPLOSIVE. Versatile. Great receiving skills out of the backfield. Can occasionally line up in the slot against smaller nickelbacks. Difference maker in the return game. The epitome of a threat. Dangerous in the open field using very good cutback ability to make defenders look foolish. Combines great speed and acceleration with excellent body control and balance. Really undersized. Could probably add another 10 pounds without hurting speed. Sometimes relies to much on his speed, doesn't always wait for the play to develop or the hole to open. Had some injuries at Oregon. Strange in the fact that considering his size he runs upright a lot of the times opening himself up to bigger hits.

ROUND 4.1.
DANIEL MCCULLERS-NT-TENNESSEE- 6'6"-377
Massive. Actually carries his weight very well. Knows how to use his enormous size. Incredibly strong, has the ability to drive OL into the backfield and collapse the pocket. Quicker than you would think but slower off the ball than you would like. Will tie up multiple blockers. Doesn't posess any pass rush moves outside of a bullrush. Doesn't use his hands very well and his size occasionally allows OL to get under his pads.

ROUND 5.1.
JAYLEN WATKINS-CB-FLORIDA-6'0"-187
Good not great size/speed combination. Good hands. Progressed every year in the SEC. Decent fluidity in hips, can turn and run with receivers. Good initial burst on the ball. Average play recognition. Played some safety. Needs to become a better tackler. Has a hard time wrapping up and seems unwilling at times on some of the film/games I watched. Not particularly strong. Better in man coverage than zone. Doesn't always keep his responsibilities in zone so he can occasionally be caught out of position. Misses jams at the line but I think he can be coached up.

ROUND 6.1.
ISAIAH CROWELL-RB-ALABAMA ST.-5'11"-215
This is more of a wishful thought than anything as I don't think the Texans would touch him with a 20 foot pole.
Great athlete. Explosive and shifty, good change of direction. Lowers his pads when taking on tacklers allowing him to break tackles. Didn't do a lot of receiving in college but he has the ability. Good in protection. WILL be a syarter in the NFL if given the chance. He's a little lean but really the only knock on him is major character concerns. Was dismissed from Georgia after his freshman year after being charged with 2 felony gun charges. Charges were eventually dropped. I think the reward is well worth the 6th round risk.


I rarely do a 6th or 7th round pick but I wanted to get Crowell's name out there. After that pick though if I had to have a 7th pick, I would actually try and trade up to the top of the 6th and pick up James Morris. Linebacker from Iowa.
I know some will disagree with this but I did watch a lot of games and film of these guys except Crowell ( I wrote what I saw about him based on what I saw from his freshman year at Georgia).
I know Bridgewater won't be a popular pick around here with Clowney and Manziel as options.
Let me have some feedback guys.

I am okay with much of your mock and appreciate the effort and welcome. I agree with others on McCullers as too much of a project. He needs to lose a bit of fat and become better with slides and stronger up top. Reseach a guy from Arkansas State named Ryan Carrethers; dude is a crazy good tackler with some sacks also. I have a DE in 5th Taylor Hart 6'6 287 you may like. I would be pleasantly surprised to get a comp before round five. You gotta have a tackle and I recommend Cyril Richardson Baylor who can play OT/OG either side and who will be there #33.