Well, the 2014 draft is over. The Texans have added ten new players to the team. How do you think they did? **I know grades following the draft are meaningless. This thread is purely for amusement and discussion of the new additions. If you dont want to participate, then please leave the thread for those of us that do. Thanks for not being a ***********
Round 1, Pick 1: South Carolina OLB Jadeveon Clowney Grade: B+
I dont think anybody is really surprised with this pick. In short, Clowney has all the physical ability he needs to become a dominate pass rusher in the NFL, but there are concerns over his motivation, injury history (bone spurs), and production (just 3 sacks this past year). I strongly believe that the Texans tried to trade out of this pick, but received no satisfactory offers. In sum, I think this is a B+ pick. While I would have taken Robinson, the Texans must be commended for not getting cute and trying to be the smartest in the room. They took the near consensus top prospect, whose upside is undenyable. Whether he reaches it or not is another question. Day 1 starter.
Round 2, Pick 33: UCLA OG Xavier Sua-Filo Grade: A
I think we all knew the Texans needed to upgrade the OL, and this pick does just that. XSF (I am not going to write his name, ever) is a strong, athletic, and nasty interior line prospect, who reportedly has a very strong work ethic. Truthfully, I am surprised that he was not taken earlier. Day 1 starter.
Round 3, Pick 65: Iowa TE CJ Fiedorowicz Grade: A
I cant tell you guys how much I like this pick; Fiedorowicz has been on my radar for years. Fiedo possesses a large frame, and is much more athletic than people give him credit for. He is a dominant in-line blocker, and is a great red zone target and short-to-intermediate safety blanket for whatever QB becomes the starter. Day 1 starter.
Round 3, Pick 83: Notre Dame NT Louis Nix III Grade: A
The Front Office nailed another pick, trading up to get, in my opinion, the top NT prospect in the draft. Louis Nix III is the space-eater most of us have been coveting for years, and, unlike most other big guys, exhibits quick feet and good effort on most plays. There are concerns over his weight and injury history, but I am going to put some trust in the FO. Day 1 starter.
Round 4, Pick 135: Pitt QB Tom Savage Grade: B+
First, I want to say that, while I liked Bridgewater, I am glad the Texans did not reach for a QB despite an organizational need for one. Savage has prototypical size, a big arm, and has demonstrated that he can learn a variety of offenses. Now, I am concerned that he did not play for over 1,000 days, largely as a result of his double transfer. It really worries me that he transferred from Rutgers instead of gritting his teeth and battling, but you have to remember, he was young. People make mistakes, people mature. Again, I am putting some trust in the FO. Savage should not start this year, but weirder things have happened.
Round 6, Pick 177: Alabama DE Jeoffrey Pagan Grade: A
I dont know a ton about this guy, but what I do know, I like. A big guy with excellent strength and surprising agility, Pagan seems to be a perfect fit as a 3-4 end. He should not start this year, but I do expect him to see significant playing time.
Round 6, Pick 181: LSU RB Alfred Blue Grade: C
I am a little surprised here, and confess that I dont know much about Blue. A big back with average speed, Blue was mainly utilized as a member of a RB rotation at LSU. Runs hard, does not have great lateral agility, and apparently has good hands out of the backfield (per pro day reports). Honestly, I would have gone with another position, or even a different RB. That said, it is becoming clear the type of offense the new HC wants, and Blue seems to be a fit. I have high hopes, but pretty low expectations.
Round 6, Pick 211: Auburn FB Jay Prosch Grade: B
Well, if we are going to run a power offense, Prosch is a good player to have. Not a huge threat in the passing game, Prosch is a run-blocking monster. Squares up well, and really hits the defenders in the mouth. Should make the roster due to his skill set (blocking ace) and special teams ability.
Round 7, Pick 216: Vanderbilt CB Dre Hal Grade: C
To be honest, this is the first time I have heard about him. We need a CB and he returns kicks, so he fits an organizational need, but after reading some scouting reports, I have to wonder if he even makes the roster. However, the guy at BRB likes him a bunch, so hopefully he has it right. Since I have no eval of my own, I have to go with a C here. Subject to change once I get around to finding some film.
Round 7, Pick 256: Memphis S Lonnie Ballentine Grade: C
Again, I don't know anything about this guy. A quick look at some draft sides show that he is more athlete than football player at this point. A good project guy for the future.
Overall Grade: A
Easy. This draft was awesome.