Reminded me more of a .... Steelers draft from the Chuck Noll & Bill Cowher era's.
Bunch of big nasty types that wont get pushed around ....
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What grade would you give this draft?
- Thread starter LikeMike
- Start date
Reminded me more of a .... Steelers draft from the Chuck Noll & Bill Cowher era's.
Bunch of big nasty types that wont get pushed around ....
EllisUnit
Vote RED!!!
haha yeah i had to look and see who that lone wolf was. Was assuming you hit the wrong button but you never know.
To me this is one of the best drafts i have seen from the texans !
Guh. I love the draft and give it an A-
...that awkward moment when you realize you may have drafted five starters and realize how low your team has dropped when you draft five starters...
1. Clowney, an expected pick and best player in the draft. A
2. Su'a Filo, surprising but we got the best OG in the draft. A+
3. Fiedorowicz, good player but there was better talent available at positions of need. The player is a B, the pick is a head scratcher. C-
3b. Nix, best NT in the draft and if he stays healthy this pick is a conditional A+
4. Savage, he's got potential, I give the pick a B.
6. Pagan, he's a rotational body with decent size and there was better talent still available. C+
6b. Blue, head scratcher when you consider that Lache Seastrunk was still available. F
6c. Prosch, This pick makes no sense, haven't we already taken 2 FB's in the last 2 yrs., now we've got 3. In a very deep draft it's a wasted pick. F
7. Hal, grade based on potential alone, there were better prospects still available. C
7b. Ballentine, size and speed is what you look for in the 7th. B+
It seems that O'Brien was in charge of the first 4 rounds and that he then turned it over to Rick Smith who had no clue who any of these players were. Smith continues to treat the late rounds of the draft like they don't matter, and in possibly the deepest draft ever that's inexcuseable. Taking Blue in the 6th when Lache Seastrunk was available to you makes no sense what so ever, an injured rotational backup over one of the best RB prospects available? The first 5 picks are an A-, the last 5 picks are a C-/D+ I average it out to a B-
2. Su'a Filo, surprising but we got the best OG in the draft. A+
3. Fiedorowicz, good player but there was better talent available at positions of need. The player is a B, the pick is a head scratcher. C-
3b. Nix, best NT in the draft and if he stays healthy this pick is a conditional A+
4. Savage, he's got potential, I give the pick a B.
6. Pagan, he's a rotational body with decent size and there was better talent still available. C+
6b. Blue, head scratcher when you consider that Lache Seastrunk was still available. F
6c. Prosch, This pick makes no sense, haven't we already taken 2 FB's in the last 2 yrs., now we've got 3. In a very deep draft it's a wasted pick. F
7. Hal, grade based on potential alone, there were better prospects still available. C
7b. Ballentine, size and speed is what you look for in the 7th. B+
It seems that O'Brien was in charge of the first 4 rounds and that he then turned it over to Rick Smith who had no clue who any of these players were. Smith continues to treat the late rounds of the draft like they don't matter, and in possibly the deepest draft ever that's inexcuseable. Taking Blue in the 6th when Lache Seastrunk was available to you makes no sense what so ever, an injured rotational backup over one of the best RB prospects available? The first 5 picks are an A-, the last 5 picks are a C-/D+ I average it out to a B-
xtruroyaltyx
Hall of Fame
Draft gets an A from me.
We didn't draft any Whitney Mercilus fake football players. Most of the guys we picked I already knew a great deal about...A couple of the others I've been brushing up on them and I like what little I've seen.
First four picks were home runs as far as I'm concerned.
Savage is going to have to put in the work to be a starting QB in the NFL. I'm intrigued by him and cautiously optimistic. Hopefully he becomes a star, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Love Prosch and Blue. Especially Prosch. I think he's going to be a Texan for a long, long time.
Pagan has the ability...He just needs to get the consistent motor and desire. I think his adrenaline as a rookie will help take care of that though. But the guy is solidly built. Strong. Perfect fit at 34 DE.
Overall this team used this draft to get bigger and stronger and flat out more talented.
We didn't draft any Whitney Mercilus fake football players. Most of the guys we picked I already knew a great deal about...A couple of the others I've been brushing up on them and I like what little I've seen.
First four picks were home runs as far as I'm concerned.
Savage is going to have to put in the work to be a starting QB in the NFL. I'm intrigued by him and cautiously optimistic. Hopefully he becomes a star, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Love Prosch and Blue. Especially Prosch. I think he's going to be a Texan for a long, long time.
Pagan has the ability...He just needs to get the consistent motor and desire. I think his adrenaline as a rookie will help take care of that though. But the guy is solidly built. Strong. Perfect fit at 34 DE.
Overall this team used this draft to get bigger and stronger and flat out more talented.
leebigeztx
Keep it Movin!
That's me. I think the best player taken was the ucla guard. Nix and clowney can really mke this draft special if the can live up to some of what they display talent wise. Not a savage fan. I feel like if the texans wanted a big,inaccurate passer to fix,why not josh freeman? Better yet,why not a guy like boyd? I like the iowa te. He's not gonna make anyone bracket him,but he runs better than his 40. Kinda wanted seastrunk vs blue,but that's me. Ballentine has a lot of upside and he probably get stashed for a yr. I like the randy bullock pick as a udfa.
The Pencil Neck
Hall of Fame
I'm not sure what you're referring to here.
No. We haven't taken any FBs the past 2 years and although we've got 1 FB on the team right now, he's a guy we picked up from the Browns -- I think he was a street FA.
Last year, we picked up Greg Jones from the Jags. But that was a 1 year contract and he's gone now.
We also traded a couple of years ago for a FB but he's no longer on the team.
What I'm referring to were UDFA's Zach Boren-2013 who was supposed to be a very good FB, Jason Ford-2012, FA Greg Jones-2013, and some guy you say we picked up as a street FA from the Browns. Brad Smelley is on the roster now, not sure if that's the guy your referring to from the Browns. That's 4 FB's in the last 2 yrs.. I understand Jones left for better money elsewhere, but Boren was supposed to be a very good FB. You'd think that one of these guys could stick with the team. We've got a revolving turnstile at FB. I just think there was better talent on the board to be had than drafting a FB.
The first 5 picks in the draft were very good, and the last 5 picks were bad when you consider the other talent on the board.
Here's my take:
- Clowney: I've never been sold on him. I hope I'm wrong, but someone who was regularly handled the whole year and plays with an inconsistent motor bothers me. I worry we'll have another Mario: tremendous potential with flashes but never really becoming a true difference-maker. There were 4 or 5 others I'd have put higher.
- Sua'Filo: Really like this pick.
-Fiedorowicz: Not so sure at first, but as I've learned more about him, I'm very happy about this pick, also.
- Nix: Love this pick. Hope whatever was causing him to drop turns out to be a non-issue, though.
- Savage: Not sure he is any better than what we already had
- 6th and 7th round picks: OK, I guess, but nothing spectacular. Prosch is the one pick out of this group that I really like - I'm surprised we need a FB, but he seems like a good one.
- Overall: we went into this draft with one gigantic need: QB. I don't think that Savage is the answer there. Between not being so high on the Clowney pick and not getting a top QB prospect, I can't give this an A. There are some other really good picks, though, so I'll go with a B.
- Clowney: I've never been sold on him. I hope I'm wrong, but someone who was regularly handled the whole year and plays with an inconsistent motor bothers me. I worry we'll have another Mario: tremendous potential with flashes but never really becoming a true difference-maker. There were 4 or 5 others I'd have put higher.
- Sua'Filo: Really like this pick.
-Fiedorowicz: Not so sure at first, but as I've learned more about him, I'm very happy about this pick, also.
- Nix: Love this pick. Hope whatever was causing him to drop turns out to be a non-issue, though.
- Savage: Not sure he is any better than what we already had
- 6th and 7th round picks: OK, I guess, but nothing spectacular. Prosch is the one pick out of this group that I really like - I'm surprised we need a FB, but he seems like a good one.
- Overall: we went into this draft with one gigantic need: QB. I don't think that Savage is the answer there. Between not being so high on the Clowney pick and not getting a top QB prospect, I can't give this an A. There are some other really good picks, though, so I'll go with a B.
The Pencil Neck
Hall of Fame
You were making it sound like we'd drafted 2 FBs in the previous couple of years and we haven't.
Greg Jones is an OLD FB and was only on a 1 year contract. The other guys were just guys, UDFA guys that we hoped would be able to come in and make a difference. But. Still. UDFA guys. Not guys you should put a lot of hope in.
But most importantly, KUBIAK guys. This is a different staff looking for different qualities.
You make a good point on the 4 guys being Kubiak guys, but I'd think that 4 guys at 1 position in 2 yrs. one of them should be able to stick. I also think that there were more important positions like ILB, OLB, and OT to fill.
I agree with your post for the most part... but that fat boy, Nix, worries me. If he comes into camp "in shape" then maybe he's a lock, but I won't count on him starting until we see him week 1 @ 330 or less.
The Pencil Neck
Hall of Fame
I was also rooting for an ILB and we ended up getting one as a UDFA that I was hoping we'd draft. So I'm not worried about that and I think that resolves two positions.
We can't solve every problem in one draft and we don't really know how RAC and OB see our current players fitting into what they want to do. When it comes to the OL, I think OB sees it as:
Brown - XSF - Myers - Brooks - Q
I think that's a pretty good young line.
The linebacker situation has me guessing, to be honest. We're thin there and RAC doesn't seem to be too concerned about it. So I'm interested in seeing how they go on that front. Right now, I'm seeing it as:
Reed - Cush - Bullough - Clowney
But that's because I had expected Bullough to be drafted. It's really too much to expect a 6th, 7th, or UDFA rookie to come in and start. It could be:
Mercilus - Cush - Reed - Clowney
That combination worries me unless we're going back to playing Wade Phillips' 5-2.
Getting the best FB in the draft... I'm not considering that a bad thing. Especially with the way OB seems to be setting up our offense as more of a pound the ball, throw vertical sort of thing.
Carr Bombed
Hall of Fame
Okay, who is the turd in the punch bowl?
Thorn
Dirty Old Man
Sounds like he hit the wrong button.
Texian
Hall of Fame
1.1 Clowney - ?
At this point hard to say, is he Willie McGinest or is he Aundray Bruce. 3 Sacks and to many accusations he's LAZY suggest Bruce. It was the safe, conventional, inside the box pick.
2.1 Xavier Sua-Filo G - B
A good pick that doesn't make sense. Texan Redundancy, recent drafts = Williams, Quessenberry, Brooks, Jones w/ White and Kuper on the roster.
3.1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE - A
Maybe the best blocking TE in the draft. Replaces Dreessen, Texans best year running the ball was when Joel was here.
3.19 Louis Nix NT - C
At one point Nix was consensus top 15 pick. He dropped badly, every team seemed to know why but Texans. Shades of Williams and Montgomery. Not a fan of trading away #101 and #141 for someone who will only play 20%-30% of the defensive snaps. Played like a 4th-5th rd pick in 2013.
4.35 Tom Savage QB - D
Two time transfer, that indicates mental makeup likely "me" and "I" instead of team. Makes as many bad decisions as good decisions. 2 time transfer says he wasn't good enough to be #1 QB for two teams.
Rounds 6-7 = C
Prior to the draft I didn't think it possible that the Texans with the first pick in every round could possibly have an average and ordinary draft.
At this point hard to say, is he Willie McGinest or is he Aundray Bruce. 3 Sacks and to many accusations he's LAZY suggest Bruce. It was the safe, conventional, inside the box pick.
2.1 Xavier Sua-Filo G - B
A good pick that doesn't make sense. Texan Redundancy, recent drafts = Williams, Quessenberry, Brooks, Jones w/ White and Kuper on the roster.
3.1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE - A
Maybe the best blocking TE in the draft. Replaces Dreessen, Texans best year running the ball was when Joel was here.
3.19 Louis Nix NT - C
At one point Nix was consensus top 15 pick. He dropped badly, every team seemed to know why but Texans. Shades of Williams and Montgomery. Not a fan of trading away #101 and #141 for someone who will only play 20%-30% of the defensive snaps. Played like a 4th-5th rd pick in 2013.
4.35 Tom Savage QB - D
Two time transfer, that indicates mental makeup likely "me" and "I" instead of team. Makes as many bad decisions as good decisions. 2 time transfer says he wasn't good enough to be #1 QB for two teams.
Rounds 6-7 = C
Prior to the draft I didn't think it possible that the Texans with the first pick in every round could possibly have an average and ordinary draft.
PHILLYTEXANFAN
Saddle Up Partner
He left Rutgers after he had a good year and the coach told him he'd still have to compete for his job, he left Arizona because he said due to scheme fit, or Imo he was intimidated by Foles
C thought we did not leverage the No 1 pick to gain more picks. Not sold on JC. Nix may be good but injury problems. Like guard.
Still same slow plodding team on offense. JC only possible impact player but he is on defense. I do agree defense needed to be upgraded but no skill players on offense.
Hope no big surprise with AJ this year.
Just my opinion
Still same slow plodding team on offense. JC only possible impact player but he is on defense. I do agree defense needed to be upgraded but no skill players on offense.
Hope no big surprise with AJ this year.
Just my opinion
beerlover
Hall of Fame
similar feelings so I can relate to this being avid mock draft guy myself but it's a given Texans have far reaching resources beyond our means as well as private information, medical/background. The 3rd day no doubt are coaching inspired picks presented by Texans scouting department to fill priority needs on this roster. much rep to you for telling your side of story
Texian
Hall of Fame
What is almost always the case why people transfer is they weren't good enough to get the playing time they want. Jevan Snead, Garrett Gilbert and Storm Johnson are recent player transfers many folks can identify with.There are rare exceptions where a player graduates and can transfer w/o having to wait a year, as was the case w/ Russell Wilson.
Honoring Earl 34
Something Witty !
First Round
1.1 Jadeveon Clowney DE/OLB A
Best prospect in the draft and it didn't make sense to reach for just a guy .
Second Round
2.1 Xavier Su’a-Filo G A
Best guard in the draft and they needed a guard . You can't complain about building the trenches and then complain cause they did .
Third Round
3.1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE B+
The big target we've been asking for plus the best blocking TE in the draft . Newton or the RT may get help .
3.19 Louis Nix NT A
Wanted him in the 2nd because you can't teach big . He's not going to be asked to be a ballet dancer or run 5Ks , he's a NG .
Fourth Round
4.35 Tom Savage QB B
I think BOB got his man and hope Belichick drafted Grap by mistake . Savage has better arm talent than the big 3 QBs and he went the equivalent of a 2 year Mormon mission that made him grow up .
Sixth Round
6.1 Jeoffrey Pagan DE A
Needed a big strong 5 technique and he's been around a winning team .
6.5 Alfred Blue HB B
Like a back with few carries . Dude still has his legs and is a plus receiver .
6.35 Jay Prosch FB B+
Hard Nosed old school FB with good hands . Best blocking FB in the draft
Seventh Round
7.1 Andre Hal CB INC
Don't know anything about him yet .
7.41 Lonnie Ballentine FS B+
I like the fact the Texans want to get bigger faster stronger . No more 4.7 40's cause he's a player .
Overall and A for
1. Best prospect
2. Best OG
3. Best blocking TE
3. Best NG
6. Best blocking FB
FA brings beast at ILB .
I'm a half full type guy this time of year it makes it more enjoyable .
http://www.ourlads.com/nfl-combine-ratings/2014/
1.1 Jadeveon Clowney DE/OLB A
Best prospect in the draft and it didn't make sense to reach for just a guy .
Second Round
2.1 Xavier Su’a-Filo G A
Best guard in the draft and they needed a guard . You can't complain about building the trenches and then complain cause they did .
Third Round
3.1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE B+
The big target we've been asking for plus the best blocking TE in the draft . Newton or the RT may get help .
3.19 Louis Nix NT A
Wanted him in the 2nd because you can't teach big . He's not going to be asked to be a ballet dancer or run 5Ks , he's a NG .
Fourth Round
4.35 Tom Savage QB B
I think BOB got his man and hope Belichick drafted Grap by mistake . Savage has better arm talent than the big 3 QBs and he went the equivalent of a 2 year Mormon mission that made him grow up .
Sixth Round
6.1 Jeoffrey Pagan DE A
Needed a big strong 5 technique and he's been around a winning team .
6.5 Alfred Blue HB B
Like a back with few carries . Dude still has his legs and is a plus receiver .
6.35 Jay Prosch FB B+
Hard Nosed old school FB with good hands . Best blocking FB in the draft
Seventh Round
7.1 Andre Hal CB INC
Don't know anything about him yet .
7.41 Lonnie Ballentine FS B+
I like the fact the Texans want to get bigger faster stronger . No more 4.7 40's cause he's a player .
Overall and A for
1. Best prospect
2. Best OG
3. Best blocking TE
3. Best NG
6. Best blocking FB
FA brings beast at ILB .
I'm a half full type guy this time of year it makes it more enjoyable .
http://www.ourlads.com/nfl-combine-ratings/2014/
beerlover
Hall of Fame
In reverse order (I'm sick to death of focus on #1).
256) Lonnie Ballentine, FS, Memphis 6030 219
Similar body build to Randy Moss. Did not follow this prospect however could be a gem & addresses coveted FS position I projected much earlier (Bucannon). Very high ceiling developmental prospect, classic true boom or bust. sure scouting did their homework so will defer to them & ability to sell him to new coaching staff. check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoD3ZpaUzxs day after grade B
216) Andre Hall, CB, Vanderbilt 5103 188
Studied this polished CB & actually selected him for Philly 7th rd. 237, so I agree with rating & along with Lonnie addresses db need could see some reps in nickle coverage & very good on special teams, hard worker & will compete. B
211) Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn 6010 256
Texans have struggled ever since Vonta Leach left team, if he can lead block for Foster like Leach this is solid value & replaces much costlier Greg Jones while signalling end to FB by committee experiment. Loved that power running attack Auburn used, this pick is more about system than player alone B+.
181) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU 6023 223
Not crazy about Blue but possess plus size, similar to Foster. Back-up to prized #1 Jeremy Hill should be use to back-up role behind Foster. Plenty of tread life left on his wheels so should be fresh & fit into the power scheme. C
177) Jeffrey Pagan, DE/DT, Alabama 6034 319
Back-up DE/NT. not explosive or athletically gifted but does have heavy hands & space eater. Had medical issues & played only one year as starter. See him as reach pick to fill need. C
135) Tom Savage, QB, Pitt 6037 228
Pocket QB with some mobility to extend plays. In mold of a Bortles or Tom Brady but must be developed by O'Brian in his toughest task to date. Some Cougar fans aren't going to like this but project Keenum to practice squad with TJ back-up to Fitzpatrick, Savage as backup to TJ. Goodbye Case & good luck! Had a solid 4th rd. grade throughout this process on Savage & given the need he gets a solid B.
83) Louis Nix III, NT/NG, Notre Dame 6023 331
Only reason I can think of why he dropped this far was his surgically repaired season-ending torn meniscus. Texans medical staff had to give assurances or at least a positive prognosis moving forward. So while I love this player/prospect we should be careful & not expect too much right away. Texans also gave up 4th & 5th rd. picks to Philadelphia to move up to acquire him. Some added cost that I hope will be well worth it, plus I really like his personality, he cracks me up & should keep locker room loose. B+
65) CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6054 265
Favorite pick of Texan draft. 3rd rd. grade but could easily gone earlier. limited production based off conservative Iowa offense, under utilized but developed polish as in line & down-field blocker. Was scared to death Texans drafted him to trade to New England in exchange for Mallet. Fits the Gronk profile w/o injury concerns. A
33) Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA 6041 307
What separates him beside Samoan bloodline from Zach Martin (who went to Jerry Jones hopeless Cowgirls 16th overall) is his superior length & athletic ability. Gets to second level better than most OG's I've ever seen, should have went earlier, in most years he would have gone in first. Did/Could not project him being available for Texans. Strong & explosive in his play as teammate DE/OLB Anthony Barr (9th overall to Vikings)was defensively. A
1) Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina 6052 266
BPA. Cannot go wrong with that approach especially on a team that struggled in pass rushing that had created double & triple teams on Texans best defensive player JJ Watt. This gives Clowney an outstanding opportunity to play in a Romeo Crennel defense & being coached up personally with one of the hottest up & coming coaches in Mike Vrabel. Watt-Nix-Crick in front then Clowney-Cushing-Brooks-Mercilus in middle with Joseph-Lewis-Swearinger-Jackson back-end. A
Overall, without bias Texans B+
256) Lonnie Ballentine, FS, Memphis 6030 219
Similar body build to Randy Moss. Did not follow this prospect however could be a gem & addresses coveted FS position I projected much earlier (Bucannon). Very high ceiling developmental prospect, classic true boom or bust. sure scouting did their homework so will defer to them & ability to sell him to new coaching staff. check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoD3ZpaUzxs day after grade B
216) Andre Hall, CB, Vanderbilt 5103 188
Studied this polished CB & actually selected him for Philly 7th rd. 237, so I agree with rating & along with Lonnie addresses db need could see some reps in nickle coverage & very good on special teams, hard worker & will compete. B
211) Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn 6010 256
Texans have struggled ever since Vonta Leach left team, if he can lead block for Foster like Leach this is solid value & replaces much costlier Greg Jones while signalling end to FB by committee experiment. Loved that power running attack Auburn used, this pick is more about system than player alone B+.
181) Alfred Blue, RB, LSU 6023 223
Not crazy about Blue but possess plus size, similar to Foster. Back-up to prized #1 Jeremy Hill should be use to back-up role behind Foster. Plenty of tread life left on his wheels so should be fresh & fit into the power scheme. C
177) Jeffrey Pagan, DE/DT, Alabama 6034 319
Back-up DE/NT. not explosive or athletically gifted but does have heavy hands & space eater. Had medical issues & played only one year as starter. See him as reach pick to fill need. C
135) Tom Savage, QB, Pitt 6037 228
Pocket QB with some mobility to extend plays. In mold of a Bortles or Tom Brady but must be developed by O'Brian in his toughest task to date. Some Cougar fans aren't going to like this but project Keenum to practice squad with TJ back-up to Fitzpatrick, Savage as backup to TJ. Goodbye Case & good luck! Had a solid 4th rd. grade throughout this process on Savage & given the need he gets a solid B.
83) Louis Nix III, NT/NG, Notre Dame 6023 331
Only reason I can think of why he dropped this far was his surgically repaired season-ending torn meniscus. Texans medical staff had to give assurances or at least a positive prognosis moving forward. So while I love this player/prospect we should be careful & not expect too much right away. Texans also gave up 4th & 5th rd. picks to Philadelphia to move up to acquire him. Some added cost that I hope will be well worth it, plus I really like his personality, he cracks me up & should keep locker room loose. B+
65) CJ Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6054 265
Favorite pick of Texan draft. 3rd rd. grade but could easily gone earlier. limited production based off conservative Iowa offense, under utilized but developed polish as in line & down-field blocker. Was scared to death Texans drafted him to trade to New England in exchange for Mallet. Fits the Gronk profile w/o injury concerns. A
33) Xavier Su'a-Filo, OG, UCLA 6041 307
What separates him beside Samoan bloodline from Zach Martin (who went to Jerry Jones hopeless Cowgirls 16th overall) is his superior length & athletic ability. Gets to second level better than most OG's I've ever seen, should have went earlier, in most years he would have gone in first. Did/Could not project him being available for Texans. Strong & explosive in his play as teammate DE/OLB Anthony Barr (9th overall to Vikings)was defensively. A
1) Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina 6052 266
BPA. Cannot go wrong with that approach especially on a team that struggled in pass rushing that had created double & triple teams on Texans best defensive player JJ Watt. This gives Clowney an outstanding opportunity to play in a Romeo Crennel defense & being coached up personally with one of the hottest up & coming coaches in Mike Vrabel. Watt-Nix-Crick in front then Clowney-Cushing-Brooks-Mercilus in middle with Joseph-Lewis-Swearinger-Jackson back-end. A
Overall, without bias Texans B+
Honoring Earl 34
Something Witty !
NE seemed to like LSU backs it seems , Kevin Faulk and Steven Ridley as examples .
Thorn
Dirty Old Man
The video was impressive to say the least. I liked those ones where he came across the field and chased the guy down. Wonder how he'll be against true NFL speed?
Honoring Earl 34
Something Witty !
bhsman
Rookie
1) Clowney - A+
Best player in the draft. Helps Watt and helps the defense as a whole. No overthinking here.
2) Su'a-Filo - A+
We had a need at Guard and got potentially the best one in the draft. Great at pulling and loves finishing blocks from what tape I've seen. Love it; we could potentially have a really great line once everyone develops in Brown/Su'a-Filo/Myers/Brooks/Quessenberry.
3a) Fiedorowicz - A
Would've really liked to have Garoppolo here, but the best blocking TE in the draft with similar measureables to guys like Gronkowski and Sefarian-Jenkins who doubles as a red-zone threat? Love it.
3b) Nix - A+(++++)
An awesome player and even more awesome person, and in the middle of the third? Amazing value; even if Nix isn't used as a DT in 4-man fronts, he is PERFECT for this defense and should keep guys like Cush (and Reed, presumably) clean. Defense can't double him AND Watt AND Clowney and expect to get away with it.
4) Savage - B+
Would've preferred Garoppolo here, as I mentioned, but I was higher on Savage than most and getting him in the bottom of the 4th is good value. Let him sit for the season and see how things shake out draft-wise in 2015 (and because Savage is a late-4th pick, we aren't chained to him if a guy like Hundley or Mariota somehow fall to us). Good pick.
6a) Pagan - B+
Good scheme fit with lots of athletic potential; should be great DE depth if nothing else. My sole knock is his lack of playing time at Alabama, though that also means he's not riddled with injuries due to Saban's coaching.
6b) Blue - B+
Bluuuuuuuuuuuue! Feels like he's the heir apparent to Brown (and potentially Foster). Big back with good speed and a threat in the red zone; decent hands, too. Relatively low lack of carries means he's still got a lot of tread left.
6c) Prosch - A+
Best blocking fullback in the draft; he can run a 4.7 and can power clean 400lbs. In addition, he has decent hands an is a threat to catch. Love the pick.
7a) Hal - A+
I'm a believer in Brett Kollmann, and Brett loves this guy. For a 7th round pick, I love it.
7b) Ballentine - A
Raw player with great tools; he should contribute early and often on special teams, and if he improves technique-wise he should make a great Free Safety.
Overall, I give the draft an A. Who knows how some of these picks will look in retrospect, but it's difficult not to feel great about it now. We potentially have 4 starters alone from this draft.
Best player in the draft. Helps Watt and helps the defense as a whole. No overthinking here.
2) Su'a-Filo - A+
We had a need at Guard and got potentially the best one in the draft. Great at pulling and loves finishing blocks from what tape I've seen. Love it; we could potentially have a really great line once everyone develops in Brown/Su'a-Filo/Myers/Brooks/Quessenberry.
3a) Fiedorowicz - A
Would've really liked to have Garoppolo here, but the best blocking TE in the draft with similar measureables to guys like Gronkowski and Sefarian-Jenkins who doubles as a red-zone threat? Love it.
3b) Nix - A+(++++)
An awesome player and even more awesome person, and in the middle of the third? Amazing value; even if Nix isn't used as a DT in 4-man fronts, he is PERFECT for this defense and should keep guys like Cush (and Reed, presumably) clean. Defense can't double him AND Watt AND Clowney and expect to get away with it.
4) Savage - B+
Would've preferred Garoppolo here, as I mentioned, but I was higher on Savage than most and getting him in the bottom of the 4th is good value. Let him sit for the season and see how things shake out draft-wise in 2015 (and because Savage is a late-4th pick, we aren't chained to him if a guy like Hundley or Mariota somehow fall to us). Good pick.
6a) Pagan - B+
Good scheme fit with lots of athletic potential; should be great DE depth if nothing else. My sole knock is his lack of playing time at Alabama, though that also means he's not riddled with injuries due to Saban's coaching.
6b) Blue - B+
Bluuuuuuuuuuuue! Feels like he's the heir apparent to Brown (and potentially Foster). Big back with good speed and a threat in the red zone; decent hands, too. Relatively low lack of carries means he's still got a lot of tread left.
6c) Prosch - A+
Best blocking fullback in the draft; he can run a 4.7 and can power clean 400lbs. In addition, he has decent hands an is a threat to catch. Love the pick.
7a) Hal - A+
I'm a believer in Brett Kollmann, and Brett loves this guy. For a 7th round pick, I love it.
7b) Ballentine - A
Raw player with great tools; he should contribute early and often on special teams, and if he improves technique-wise he should make a great Free Safety.
Overall, I give the draft an A. Who knows how some of these picks will look in retrospect, but it's difficult not to feel great about it now. We potentially have 4 starters alone from this draft.
Hardcore Texan
Magnet Man
Very solid draft, I am real happy with it. One glaring concern though, we didn't draft any OL, so are we rolling with Newton next season?
WolverineFan
Hall of Fame
No OL? We drafted Su'a-Filo in the 2nd round. Perhaps you meant OT? I think we have an open competition at RT between Newton and 2 of our O-Line picks last year (David Quessenberry and Brennan Williams). I would be surprised if Newton wins that competition.
LT - Brown
LG - Su'a-Filo
C - Myers
RG - Brooks
RT - Quess / Williams / Newton
TexanBorn51
All Pro
Short and sweet reply from a non coaching guy. The only player I heard of was Clowney (duh) but I did read up on the selected players and prior mocks. I also learn and continue to read board posts and threads daily if not yearly here. If the player improves and fills a need then it's easy to grade the selection. Time will tell if the grade stays true on the field.
1.1 Clowney A
Defintiely improves defense needs
2.1 Su'a-Filo A
Definitely improves offensive line needs
3.1 Fiedorowicz A
Definitely improves TE needs
3.19 Nix A
Definitely improves defensive line needs
4.35 Savage A
Fills depth and competition as appears Fitz is 2015 starter (for non believers I suggest at least take one year at a time..focus 2015)
6.1 Pagan A
Definitely improves defensive line needs
6.5 Blue A
Definitely improves in running passing game needs
6.35 Prosch A
Definitely improves in running pass blocking game n special teams needs
7.1 Hal and Ballentine A
Definitely improves competition and invites hidden talents
Compare to what happened last year it should definitely improve the team. All of the new 26 of 27 coaches, asst coaches, coordinators, QB, injured rookies last year, players that left, and this year draftees can now emerge and develop.
I believe after this it's fair to allow them this yearly time to show and play a competitive and winning season. As a fan it can be rough and impatient sometime through past seasons. I'm hoping they should at least get to a sane 8-8 this year and above to stay away from this total complete assessment.
1.1 Clowney A
Defintiely improves defense needs
2.1 Su'a-Filo A
Definitely improves offensive line needs
3.1 Fiedorowicz A
Definitely improves TE needs
3.19 Nix A
Definitely improves defensive line needs
4.35 Savage A
Fills depth and competition as appears Fitz is 2015 starter (for non believers I suggest at least take one year at a time..focus 2015)
6.1 Pagan A
Definitely improves defensive line needs
6.5 Blue A
Definitely improves in running passing game needs
6.35 Prosch A
Definitely improves in running pass blocking game n special teams needs
7.1 Hal and Ballentine A
Definitely improves competition and invites hidden talents
Compare to what happened last year it should definitely improve the team. All of the new 26 of 27 coaches, asst coaches, coordinators, QB, injured rookies last year, players that left, and this year draftees can now emerge and develop.
I believe after this it's fair to allow them this yearly time to show and play a competitive and winning season. As a fan it can be rough and impatient sometime through past seasons. I'm hoping they should at least get to a sane 8-8 this year and above to stay away from this total complete assessment.
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I somewhat agree with him , for me the grade on this draft is based off of the top 4 players taken .... the rest don't appear to be special. Don't take that to mean I think they were bad choices or poor players. Its no lock that any of them make the final 53.
Clowney A
Su'a-Filo A
Fiedorowicz C (like the player , not the choice)
Nix A
After that , I wasn't particularly thrilled with any choice. They do appear at first glance to be average to ordinary.
Savage - Incomplete Has a full box of tools , lots of potential, more likely a wasted pick. Hard for me to believe that a late 4th round pick is going to be a starting QB in the NFL. (yeah I know there are exceptions).
Jeffrey Pagan C , Definite need pick with only Watt & Crick on the roster at DE. I probably would have taken a DE (or OT) in place of Savage. Should be in the rotation at DE.
Alfred Blue C , Another need pick. Average talent , backup in college.
Jay Prosch B , Best player at his position in the draft. Hard to complain about. Not a sexy pick but a good one even if the position is devalued.
Andre Hall B , Cant knock picking a CB here. Special teams player , that unit really needs improvement.
Lonnie Ballentine B , Athletic safety high reward low risk.
None of those guys from Savage on down blows you away. They did what they were suppose to do , filled needs with guys who they believe fit the systems they will implement.
Prosch will likely be the day one starter at FB , Pagan should be in the DE rotation , Blue will be a backup unless Foster implodes, Hall & Ballentine may make the roster , may not probably depends upon their performance on ST.
They went into the draft with one BIG need and likely didn't fill it (Hope I'm wrong). I give them a pass tho because they got three guy's in Clowney , Nix and Su'a-Filo with first round talent & the QB's don't appear to be franchise types , taking any one of them would likely have been a reach.
Now I hope they read this and set out to prove me wrong ....
Thorn
Dirty Old Man
Put down the bong you've had to much today.
Lord Bills
Destruction
Im giving it a B because everything depends on Clowney living up his hype.
If Manziel or any of the QBs who we passed on become great and Clowney's red flags (lazy, self entitled, no motor) come to fruition then this is officially another failed draft.
we needed a qb yet we waited until the middle rounds to get one despite the fact that most of the top rated qbs were still there to be had.
If Manziel or any of the QBs who we passed on become great and Clowney's red flags (lazy, self entitled, no motor) come to fruition then this is officially another failed draft.
we needed a qb yet we waited until the middle rounds to get one despite the fact that most of the top rated qbs were still there to be had.
They are building this team like I like football teams - Big, Strong, Tough!
I love what they were able to do in a single draft.
And I don't agree about not filling the biggest hole (QB), I would rather they wait and try to find the QB through another avenue than to waste a pick on anyone they aren't sold with.
I don't think any of the QB's in this draft excited O'Brien.
The position I'm looking at is running back. Can Foster fit in this style (grind it out) Offense?
drs23
Veteran
Well, except for the Eeyore folks of coarse and every fanbase needs a resident Eeyore. Thanks so much for being (one of) ours.
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Sure , I agree completely .... just that those guys taken from 4:35 on down may not make the final 53 , they were average to ordinary players (in terms of NFL talent) and that's why they were available at those spots.
Like I said , I give them a pass on the QB spot .... no reason to reach for a player who you don't believe in. They resisted that temptation .... In this pass happy league of instant results , that's tough to do.
If Savage turns out to be a starter , great. If not , they can find their QB of the future at a later date ... no issue with this at all. He was a gamble worth taking .... full box of tools.
That's a good question & he does have a lot of wear & tear on his body .... not to mention coming off of surgery.
I think they could surprise some people. This defense looks like it's going to be very good.
Its not out of the realm of possibility that they make the playoffs right out of the gate with a journeyman QB at the helm.
The schedule is favorable , two other teams in their division have questions under center.
Win those 4 games and you are half way to 8-8 with a last place schedule while last years playoff contenders will face opposition that finished with better records last season outside of those games decided by divisional rotation.
I can see them finishing ~9-7 if they get some breaks along the way.
I completely missed that you said you give them a pass on the QB spot.
Sorry about that, I need to read slower.
Uncle Rico
Ur apology should be as loud as Ur disrespect was
Only thing I disliked about this draft was the reach at TE with the 3rd pick. If you wanted a blocker why not draft that Moses kid and stick him on the right side? TE's are very easy to find in this league.
B+ draft.
B+ draft.
nytexan
Waterboy
Solid B. I like the direction they're heading in. Big and strong. First 4 picks get an A from me. Afterward although I hope Savage works out, I don't see anything in his game that makes me think he'll be anything other than a typical late 4 early 5 round backup QB.
I would have rather have an R-OT or an ILB in that spot. Pagan and Prosch will decide if this was a really good draft or not. I still think their QB of the future is in next years draft. I would have picked several other RB's than Blue in that spot also. I hope I'm wrong on him.
I would have rather have an R-OT or an ILB in that spot. Pagan and Prosch will decide if this was a really good draft or not. I still think their QB of the future is in next years draft. I would have picked several other RB's than Blue in that spot also. I hope I'm wrong on him.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
You may not like the position choice but the player was no reach.
Playoffs
Hall of Fame
Correct. Richard Rodgers and Crockett Gilmore were pressed up into the end of the 3rd, as TE was light on depth and high on team's needs.
Getting the TE they liked, the trade up to get Nix, and still getting their developmental QB 47 picks later was pretty masterfully played imo.
Texaninlild
Veteran
Anyone notice the C the chron readers are giving the draft? I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
Playoffs
Hall of Fame
beerlover
Hall of Fame
no doubt CJ will be the best TE in Texan history, Kubiak to his credit seemed to get by with 4th rd. picks with great success. O'Brian treasures TE position. blocking is a huge plus but he will surprise you with his ability to pluck the ball & bull ahead for important conversions & touchdowns. I don't blame the average fan, especially those who don't follow College Football. If I where to compare him to an NFL player you might be more familiar with how about Pittsburgh Steeler Heath Miller, selected in the 1st rd. 30th overall in 2005. Two time Pro-Bowler, 40TD's & 5,279 yards while being primarily Big Ben's pass blocker.
beerlover
Hall of Fame
good point I never considered. just focused on player with most upside or highest ceiling, which in this case I feel there where better prospects. Do like his size, this whole bigger, stronger thing is kinda catchy, lol
