BL 2016 Bye Week Texan Mock Draft

[beerlover]

If you find this exercise offensive I would tend to agree. Far as I can tell Texans have traded away both 6th & 7th round picks. Would like to include a LB & DT. However if Houston is ever going to come away with a franchise QB to groom he needs a few more pieces surrounding him to be successful, starting with a LT/RT, WR to compliment Hopkins, explosive RB & pass catching TE. Snuck in a great FS prospect if he medically checks out by Texans crack medical staff.

First: Taylor Decker, OT 6-7 315, Ohio State

In discussion of identifying a franchise QB providing him with better protection & improved blocking to establish running game a priority. Decker can start RT just like he did for Ohio State before moving to LT. Decker is a bit nasty much like Duane Brown. Screams NFL tackle, nothing pretty just a solid upgrade to OL.

Second: Josh Doctson, WR 6-2 195 TCU

With improved protection Texans QB's can work progressions & Josh, although slight of build is slippery in & out of breaks making excellent combo with Hopkins adding good length & tight route running to separate from defenders.

Third: Brandon Doughty, QB, 6-3 216 Western Kentucky

Near top of leading nation in stats. Don't see a huge drop-off from popular names mentioned in the first round except he impresses me more with his accuracy (71.8%) mannerisms including leadership & presence. Favorite player he emulates is Peyton Manning. 6th year Senior who is surprisingly cerebral & shows good grasp of clock management along with quick, accurate release.

Fourth: Kenyon Drake, RB 6-0 210, Alabama

Looking for a dual threat & kick returner. Low mileage due to back-up role behind Yeldon 2014 & Henry this year, riser coming off injury, his yards per touch are impressive making him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Against LSU yesterday in a win he averaged 6.8 yards per carry on 10 attempts, 3 receptions for 40 yards & 3 kick-off returns for 55 yards. So he can help Texans in a variety of ways.

Fifth: Kenny Iloka, FS 6-2 209 TCU

Rangy ball hawk to fill in centerfield. 2nd/3rd round talent coming off injury adds great opportunity to fill safety who can cover & tackle need. Local product from Tyler Texas now makes his home in Sugar Land, led nation in tackles coming out of Junior College before signing with TCU. Great upside & address critical need.

Fifth: (New England) Tyler Higbee, TE, 6-5 233 Western Kentucky

Athletic, able to create separation & create miss-matches. Doesn't drop passes, helps his QB convert & move chains, highly productive in the red zone. Through 7 games
31 receptions•463 yards•14.94 yards per catch•6TD's. Familiarity W/Doughty (if drafted) critical.

 

[Marshall]

Perhaps my recall is bad, but I believe we traded away OUR 7th (could have been conditional 6th, but wasn't) when we acquired Mallett, but we obtained 2-7th round picks in trades.

 

[beerlover]

source - http://www.prosportstransactions.com/football/DraftTrades/Years/2016.htm

5 Patriots to

Texans
Traded • Keshawn Martin • 2016 sixth round pick (?-?) to Patriots for •2016 fifth round pick (?-?)on 2015-09-17 So as it stands now Texans have two 5th's but traded away their 6th.
7

Texans to

Patriots
Traded • Ryan Mallett to Texans for •2016 conditional round pick (sixth round if Mallett plays over 40% of Texans snaps in 2014, else seventh round) (?-?)on 2014-08-31
Texans to

Broncos
Traded • Chris Clark to Texans for •2016 seventh round pick (?-?)on 2015-08-31
Unconfirmed if pick is Rams or Texans pick.

So to counter your question with answer no. Texans do not have a 6th or 7th round selection as it stands now in the 2016 NFL Draft. At least per this source. Which is how this mock was played.

 

[rmartin65]

1) Decker- I like going OT. If you dont like any of the QBs, or dont think they will be available at the Texans pick, then address the OL. I like the player too, even if it might look a little early based on some of the boards floating about. But he is a big guy with good athleticism and a mean streak, and such players dont last long on draft day. He needs to refine his technique, as I think he bends a little bit, and could be better getting his hands out there, using his length a bit more. But those are pretty common corrections that young OL need to make coming out of college.

2) I like going WR at some point, and you picked an interesting one here. On the one hand, he breaks jumping ability and routes to the table, but on the other, isn't that what we have with Hopkins? And potentially Strong (I know you dont like Strong, but I am a fan, and have him in our long-term plans)? I think the WR chosen this year needs to be an explosive guy, one who can stretch the field and/or make the short sudden moves to be a slot guy. Good player, and definitely would not dislike the pick, but I think there might be a better fit somewhere.

3) Ah, Doughty. I know you like this guy, but I just dont see it. I see a great NCAA QB, but I dont think he translates to the NFL. Average arm, and I think the offense he plays in helps him out a bit.

4) Drake- I think this pick, and your last 2, help your mock finish strong. Drake is a great talent, and I would look forward to him on the Texans. Does he last this long, though?

5) Yeah, I like Iloka too. Big, athletic, rangy, looks like a future pro.

5) I dont know a lot about him, but I like the position, as well as his height and familiarity with the QB you drafted.

 

[WolverineFan]

Not a huge fan of Decker as a 1st rounder. He's clearly in the tier below Tunsil/Stanley and I think Conklin is better too. He's not a bad player, but picking in the top 15 I think there are a lot of more talented players that could be available.

Love Doctson. Absolute beast with the ball in the air. Would be surprised if he fell to the 2nd round.

I agree with rmartin on Doughty. Very good college QB, but I see a backup at the next level. Just doesn't have the traits to be a starter at the next level, IMO.

Love Drake. Very underrated player. Doesn't get near the pub he should because of Henry. Very similar to how Lacy went under the radar because of Ingram/Richardson.

Iloka is interesting. His older brother is a stud Safety for the Bengals and he certainly looks the part, but has had virtually no production at TCU and is going to miss the remainder of his senior season with a knee injury.

Really like the Higbee pick. Productive TE that is getting virtually no hype right now. I think he could end up being what Garrett Graham was supposed to be.

 

[beerlover]

1) Decker- I like going OT. If you dont like any of the QBs, or dont think they will be available at the Texans pick, then address the OL. I like the player too, even if it might look a little early based on some of the boards floating about. But he is a big guy with good athleticism and a mean streak, and such players dont last long on draft day. He needs to refine his technique, as I think he bends a little bit, and could be better getting his hands out there, using his length a bit more. But those are pretty common corrections that young OL need to make coming out of college.

2) I like going WR at some point, and you picked an interesting one here. On the one hand, he breaks jumping ability and routes to the table, but on the other, isn't that what we have with Hopkins? And potentially Strong (I know you dont like Strong, but I am a fan, and have him in our long-term plans)? I think the WR chosen this year needs to be an explosive guy, one who can stretch the field and/or make the short sudden moves to be a slot guy. Good player, and definitely would not dislike the pick, but I think there might be a better fit somewhere.

3) Ah, Doughty. I know you like this guy, but I just dont see it. I see a great NCAA QB, but I dont think he translates to the NFL. Average arm, and I think the offense he plays in helps him out a bit.

4) Drake- I think this pick, and your last 2, help your mock finish strong. Drake is a great talent, and I would look forward to him on the Texans. Does he last this long, though?

5) Yeah, I like Iloka too. Big, athletic, rangy, looks like a future pro.

5) I dont know a lot about him, but I like the position, as well as his height and familiarity with the QB you drafted.

Good to read your comments 65, as always!

I've been pretty consistent with selecting OT in 1st rd. each of O'Brian's drafts. Not saying Brown is always hurt, banged up or old, that Newton hasn't improved immeasurably but to succeed @ QB position, when there has been none, beefing up the edges, playing nasty physical ball & winning line of scrimmage are essential. I remember in 2013 really liked Lane Johnson out of Oklahoma, thought he could be there in the 2nd., well he wound up being Chip Kelly's first pick as Head Coach & fourth overall. I see a similar player in Decker & he will rise up draft boards higher than people think when all is said & done.

Doctson is a playmaker, someone who can take the cover off a defense when he beats his man in space. Mistake Texans made was never lining up someone opposite of Andre Johnson his whole career here that teams had to respect & fear. This gives Texans a double threat, duo Amigos that can get open, make plays & again help the QB succeed.

First let me say I'm not in love with any of these QB's in this draft. Its upsetting but what you can find is value for position & Doughty looks like he has the tools, mechanics & work ethic to make it with the proper pieces surrounding him. Brady wasn't all that coming out of Michigan but one thing I remember about him was he wasn't afraid to test a defense & throw into tight windows. We need that attacking mentality in a QB, not just a dink & dunk approach. I'm giving you upgraded protection & a dangerous weapon to use with first two selections to aid in this process.

Looking for help in running game, passing game (again) & special teams return ability. There will be some better returner options if certain underclassman declare but also this way can help QB with a dynamic runner.

Iloka is boom or bust but if he recovers medically I have no doubt he can boom & for this long suffering position would be like hitting the loto. Very low risk this late with high upside. I think you see the same in him as I do.

Just watched him last week & he catches everything. Big catching radius & soft hands. Wish Texans had not traded Khari Lee so now they need to recover with a player who can help this QB/offense. Very disappointed in CJ Fiedorowicz production so far, just seems lost @ times, that is why if, in this mock, Texans drafted Doughty, he would be familiar with his TE already.

So as you can see other than FS Iloka, every pick was on the offense, designed to aid in improving QB play. That is my main point, whether I failed in selecting the very best prospect at each respective draft slot is another thing!

 

[beerlover]

Not a huge fan of Decker as a 1st rounder. He's clearly in the tier below Tunsil/Stanley and I think Conklin is better too. He's not a bad player, but picking in the top 15 I think there are a lot of more talented players that could be available.

Love Doctson. Absolute beast with the ball in the air. Would be surprised if he fell to the 2nd round.

I agree with rmartin on Doughty. Very good college QB, but I see a backup at the next level. Just doesn't have the traits to be a starter at the next level, IMO.

Love Drake. Very underrated player. Doesn't get near the pub he should because of Henry. Very similar to how Lacy went under the radar because of Ingram/Richardson.

Iloka is interesting. His older brother is a stud Safety for the Bengals and he certainly looks the part, but has had virtually no production at TCU and is going to miss the remainder of his senior season with a knee injury.

Really like the Higbee pick. Productive TE that is getting virtually no hype right now. I think he could end up being what Garrett Graham was supposed to be.

When you have a minute could you please expound upon your comments about Doughty , what these traits are, what he lacks & what you would like to see, out of this draft?

 

[beerlover]

Brandon Doughty Stats: (threw 10 games, 11/10/2015)

4th in nation in yards passing per game 358.3 down from 371.5 in 2014 but his accuracy has improved up from 67.9% to 72.7% tops in College. I saw him throw his first interception @ home since 2013 on a fade route in the end zone where the defender had perfect position on receiver & timed his jump to snag the ball @ apex of flight, still receiver almost took it away from him over the top. I can live with that.
Brandon passer rating is 177.13 also near tops in nation up from last years 167.11. He threw 49 TD's vs 10 INT's in 2014. So far he has 34 TD's & 6 picks.

Now for the opinions/scouting reports:

Chad Reuter: Doughty (6-3, 220) doesn't possess a rocket arm, but has the quick feet, fast delivery, and no-fear mentality that a successful NFL quarterback needs. If he can digest an NFL playbook, Doughty should at least be a long-time backup, and maybe more.

Brian Bennett (ESPN): Doughty is an unapologetic football junkie. But the sixth-year senior's intense commitment to improving his shortcomings has helped him become the most prolific passer in the FBS the past two seasons.

LSU coach Les Miles: says Doughty is "every bit an SEC quarterback."

Western Kentucky head coach Jeff Brohm: was quarterbacks coach at Florida Atlantic during Doughty's senior year and scouted several of his high school games. He remembers seeing a skinny kid without much speed or athleticism. Still, he ranked Doughty on the top line with then-prospects Blake Bortles and Trevor Siemian as the Owls' top recruiting targets. Bortles is now starting for the Jacksonville Jaguars, while Siemian is on Denver's roster.

"Most people are looking for a dual threat guy or, if not, a big guy with a cannon for an arm," Brohm said. "He didn't have any of that stuff going for him. But he had a good feel for the game and was an accurate passer."

Doughty when asked about himself: "The name I hear a lot is Case Keenum," Doughty said, referring to the former record-breaking gunslinger from Houston. "But I truly think I'm more versatile. I understand the game and I'm not just a spread guy. I'm a guy who has had to [learn] multiple offenses, and I've been successful in multiple offenses, so that's going to help me at the next level."

My Thoughts: Haven't had near enough time to spend scouting or evaluating prospects this year with new job that requires my services 7 days a week. So take this as flash snap shot with limited resources how I would address & prioritize needs on the Texans roster moving forward with available talent coming up in 2016 draft. Whoever Texans whittle it down to in their search for QB going forward I just hope its someone we can all pull for, have belief in & trust can be the leader on offense this organization has coveted since expansion. First glance @ Doughty wasn't too sure, kinda has that Kaeperncik look going, but the more I watched the more impressed I was. He takes command @ the line of scrimmage, good hard counts, audibles/checks off with authority, will stand in the face of rush & complete his progressions/throw, can buy time with footwork, has quick, decisive release & very, very accurate hitting windows with good touch & catchable throws. He is in my opinion your classic, overachieving, competitive fighter who will overcome injury & whatever a defense can throw @ him. Even if its only 3rd round why not take a stand & bring him into camp to compete for chance to be the Houston Texans starting QB?

 

[Mollywhopper]

I've only seen Doughty against LSU, and it's not fair to judge a guy on his worst game, but I didn't see much in that one game to get excited about. He didn't play a particularly poor game, certainly not considering just how out-athlete'd (I know not a word) his side was. But if you took away the dinks and dunks and screens and flare outs he finishes at like 30% completions and maybe crosses midfield a couple of times. I didn't get to see much in the way of next level tools either, no cross the field outs, no drops from the ceiling on 9 routes, no elusiveness in and around the pocket to extend plays, saw a couple instances of progressing reads past the first guy but not much.

Again, it is absolutely not fair to judge a guy on one game, and of course not just his worst, but I didn't get the feel of a guy who does much more than manage an offense that chucks it a lot. I'll have to watch a couple more, just not much encouraging beyond a decent backup so far. I think we're in the market for a bolder move than that this offseason.

 

[beerlover]

I've only seen Doughty against LSU, and it's not fair to judge a guy on his worst game, but I didn't see much in that one game to get excited about. He didn't play a particularly poor game, certainly not considering just how out-athlete'd (I know not a word) his side was. But if you took away the dinks and dunks and screens and flare outs he finishes at like 30% completions and maybe crosses midfield a couple of times. I didn't get to see much in the way of next level tools either, no cross the field outs, no drops from the ceiling on 9 routes, no elusiveness in and around the pocket to extend plays, saw a couple instances of progressing reads past the first guy but not much.

Again, it is absolutely not fair to judge a guy on one game, and of course not just his worst, but I didn't get the feel of a guy who does much more than manage an offense that chucks it a lot. I'll have to watch a couple more, just not much encouraging beyond a decent backup so far. I think we're in the market for a bolder move than that this offseason.

Your numbers seem a little skewed to the facts, 37 for 61 is 60.7% completion percentage with a passer rating of 118.37. 325 yards against one of the best secondary's year after year loaded with NFL talent & yet 3 TD's against 1 Int. Not sparkling granted but legitimate reasons as to why & fact he does compete against NFL talent despite playing @ a smaller school.

http://www.nola.com/lsu/index.ssf/2015/10/leonard_fournette_brandon_doug.html

 

[Mollywhopper]

Your numbers seem a little skewed to the facts, 37 for 61 is 60.7% completion percentage. 325 yards against one of the best secondary's year after year loaded with NFL talent & yet 3 TD's against 1 Int. Not sparkling granted but legitimate reasons as to why & fact he does compete against NFL talent despite playing @ a smaller school.

No, my numbers said if you took away the enormous number of dinks, dunks, screens, and other outlet throws his completion percentage was in the tank that game. Watching the throws he made to receivers anywhere beyond a few yards of the los was evidence of that. And even then I went outside of raw numbers in talking about what tools he didn't really showcase in that game. Arm strength, pocket awareness, accuracy, and getting through first reads were all things I was looking for, and after that game am still looking for. Again, one game does not even close to a complete eval make, and I intend to look at him a little more, but it just wasn't a game that showed a lot more promise than a later round project and NFL journeyman.

 

[beerlover]

Then your only chance unless its some bowl game is November 27th noon on Fox Sports 1 against Marshall.

He should get invite to showcase @ the Senior Bowl? After that Combine & Pro-Days.

Thanks for feedback, I'm very interested in your opinions.

 

[WolverineFan]

When you have a minute could you please expound upon your comments about Doughty , what these traits are, what he lacks & what you would like to see, out of this draft?

My biggest issue is his arm strength. Now, I'm not one of those guys who gets hung up on if a guy can chuck it 60 yards or not. Having a cannon downfield arm is one of the most overrated qualities that people hype up in a QB (see JaMarcus Russell, Cardale Jones). However, I don't see a lot of zip on Doughty's ball and that's my issue. I don't need you to throw it 60 yards but I do need the ball to get there fast when you're throwing over the middle. People were always knocking Teddy Bridgewater's arm strength because his deep ball floated but that was a non-issue to me because he had plenty of zip on his underneath and intermediate throws. I do not see that same zip with Doughty. If you saw his games against very good defenses (Vanderbilt and LSU) he really struggled to complete anything over 10 yards downfield. He's fine throwing underneath, but he had a ton of trouble throwing into the intermediate area. When the windows close down at the next level, I am hesitant to think he will be able to strike the ball through those tighter windows.

Also, while I do think he is accurate for the most part, he does not seem to be very accurate when he's on the move. He can stand in the pocket and deliver perfectly accurate passes but make him move his feet or alter his platform and his accuracy is not nearly as pinpoint. Here's an example...

(I had a GIF of him throwing on the run but it wouldn't load. Instead, here is a GIF of him being pressured and having to quickly alter his platform).

Now don't get me wrong, that is not an easy pass to make. But you expect a top prospect to make it. I've seen Goff and Cook make that throw in their sleep. Throwing accurately with a blitz in your face is a prerequisite in my eyes. Doughty is excellent in rhythm but disrupt the timing and things are nowhere near as clean.

Now, with all this being said, don't get me wrong...I do like him. His command at the LOS and poise in the pocket are things I absolutely love in every QB. He definitely seems to have the intangibles. My hangup is that I'm not seeing a few key things I look for physically. He could be a Brady type with the way he flourishes in the underneath passing game, but when it comes to prospects like him, I always tend to lean backup until he proves to me that he can threaten a defense downfield.

As far as what I'm looking for in this draft. I think Jared Goff is the prototype for what I want out of a guy physically. Arm strength, zip, ball placement, and very good ability to maneuver in the pocket. I love everything about his game physically. The hangup with him as a prospect is mentally. He makes way more reads (post and pre-snap) than most of his fellow air raid QB's but he is still limited to playing in that offense. Tons of screens and quick passes. He will just need some time to digest and get used to running an NFL playbook but I see all the tools requisite to run one. He's also developing some bad habits because he does not have a good supporting cast around him and is trying to do too much. I understand he feels the need to force the ball downfield when you're down 20 points, but it's still a bad habit nonetheless.

 

[beerlover]

Maybe I'm too focused on value? Western Kentucky is one of those schools you can pull undrafted prospects that can play. Just look @ Tennessee Titan RB & Antonio Andrews who went undrafted in 2014. Wouldn't you take him over Blue in 5th or Hillard in 7th? They have another stud RB Leon Allen, but was injured (unspecified knee injury) against Louisiana Tech. He is 5-11 & weighs 235. Since Texans don't seem to have any late round picks left I would love to see them designate him as a priority free agent. Anthony Wales is taking his reps now but flashes some skills, maybe as returner too, explosive, quick & hard nosed like Johnathan Grimes.

I would be totally down with Goff if it happens. Despite his recent struggles even I can see his footwork & release are exceptional. Too bad we can't mix the best of both. Time will tell who has the longer more successful NFL career.

 

[WolverineFan]

Maybe I'm too focused on value? Western Kentucky is one of those schools you can pull undrafted prospects that can play. Just look @ Tennessee Titan RB & Antonio Andrews who went undrafted in 2014. Wouldn't you take him over Blue in 5th or Hillard in 7th? They have another stud RB Leon Allen, but was injured (unspecified knee injury) against Louisiana Tech. He is 5-11 & weighs 235. Since Texans don't seem to have any late round picks left I would love to see them designate him as a priority free agent. Anthony Wales is taking his reps now but flashes some skills, maybe as returner too, explosive, quick & hard nosed like Johnathan Grimes.

I would be totally down with Goff if it happens. Despite his recent struggles even I can see his footwork & release are exceptional. Too bad we can't mix the best of both. Time will tell who has the longer more successful NFL career.

I loved Antonio Andrews coming out of school. I absolutely had him graded higher than both Blue and Hilliard and would have drafted him over those two. Granted, Blue had some potential, but I don't even know how Hilliard got drafted to be honest. I think the issue facing most of these small school guys is just the complete lack of exposure. Even Khalil Mack suffered from it. He had 58 TFL and 18 Sacks in his first 3 years yet hardly anyone put a 1st round grade on him until he single-handedly destroyed Ohio State his senior year. Even then people were quick to knock him until he blew up the Combine as well.

It's beyond me how people can watch a guy like Jarvis Jones get pushed all over the field in the run game but label him a 1st rounder because he plays at Georgia but a guy like Mack has to jump through every hoop in the book because he went to Buffalo.

 

[bah007]

I loved Antonio Andrews coming out of school. I absolutely had him graded higher than both Blue and Hilliard and would have drafted him over those two. Granted, Blue had some potential, but I don't even know how Hilliard got drafted to be honest. I think the issue facing most of these small school guys is just the complete lack of exposure. Even Khalil Mack suffered from it. He had 58 TFL and 18 Sacks in his first 3 years yet hardly anyone put a 1st round grade on him until he single-handedly destroyed Ohio State his senior year. Even then people were quick to knock him until he blew up the Combine as well.

It's beyond me how people can watch a guy like Jarvis Jones get pushed all over the field in the run game but label him a 1st rounder because he plays at Georgia but a guy like Mack has to jump through every hoop in the book because he went to Buffalo.

I was actually berated on this very site for suggesting that Mack was a better NFL prospect than Clowney.

On Andrews, he carried a 3rd/4th round grade from most until he bombed the combine. He tested awfully poor and it raised questions that maybe he only appeared to be as good as he was due to playing against inferior athletes.

 

[beerlover]

I loved Antonio Andrews coming out of school. I absolutely had him graded higher than both Blue and Hilliard and would have drafted him over those two. Granted, Blue had some potential, but I don't even know how Hilliard got drafted to be honest. I think the issue facing most of these small school guys is just the complete lack of exposure. Even Khalil Mack suffered from it. He had 58 TFL and 18 Sacks in his first 3 years yet hardly anyone put a 1st round grade on him until he single-handedly destroyed Ohio State his senior year. Even then people were quick to knock him until he blew up the Combine as well.

It's beyond me how people can watch a guy like Jarvis Jones get pushed all over the field in the run game but label him a 1st rounder because he plays at Georgia but a guy like Mack has to jump through every hoop in the book because he went to Buffalo.

Tell me about it

Oh by the way Doctson has been ruled out rest of season due to wrist injury making 2nd round Texan slot very doable!

 

[WolverineFan]

Tell me about it

Oh by the way Doctson has been ruled out rest of season due to wrist injury making 2nd round Texan slot very doable!

Way to jinx him BL.

 

[badboy]

If you find this exercise offensive I would tend to agree. Far as I can tell Texans have traded away both 6th & 7th round picks. Would like to include a LB & DT. However if Houston is ever going to come away with a franchise QB to groom he needs a few more pieces surrounding him to be successful, starting with a LT/RT, WR to compliment Hopkins, explosive RB & pass catching TE. Snuck in a great FS prospect if he medically checks out by Texans crack medical staff.

First: Taylor Decker, OT 6-7 315, Ohio State

In discussion of identifying a franchise QB providing him with better protection & improved blocking to establish running game a priority. Decker can start RT just like he did for Ohio State before moving to LT. Decker is a bit nasty much like Duane Brown. Screams NFL tackle, nothing pretty just a solid upgrade to OL.

Second: Josh Doctson, WR 6-2 195 TCU

With improved protection Texans QB's can work progressions & Josh, although slight of build is slippery in & out of breaks making excellent combo with Hopkins adding good length & tight route running to separate from defenders.

Third: Brandon Doughty, QB, 6-3 216 Western Kentucky

Near top of leading nation in stats. Don't see a huge drop-off from popular names mentioned in the first round except he impresses me more with his accuracy (71.8%) mannerisms including leadership & presence. Favorite player he emulates is Peyton Manning. 6th year Senior who is surprisingly cerebral & shows good grasp of clock management along with quick, accurate release.

Fourth: Kenyon Drake, RB 6-0 210, Alabama

Looking for a dual threat & kick returner. Low mileage due to back-up role behind Yeldon 2014 & Henry this year, riser coming off injury, his yards per touch are impressive making him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Against LSU yesterday in a win he averaged 6.8 yards per carry on 10 attempts, 3 receptions for 40 yards & 3 kick-off returns for 55 yards. So he can help Texans in a variety of ways.

Fifth: Kenny Iloka, FS 6-2 209 TCU

Rangy ball hawk to fill in centerfield. 2nd/3rd round talent coming off injury adds great opportunity to fill safety who can cover & tackle need. Local product from Tyler Texas now makes his home in Sugar Land, led nation in tackles coming out of Junior College before signing with TCU. Great upside & address critical need.

Fifth: (New England) Tyler Higbee, TE, 6-5 233 Western Kentucky

Athletic, able to create separation & create miss-matches. Doesn't drop passes, helps his QB convert & move chains, highly productive in the red zone. Through 7 games
31 receptions•463 yards•14.94 yards per catch•6TD's. Familiarity W/Doughty (if drafted) critical.

just some thoughts, I think we are going to pick no lower than #8 and a pick that high has to start by year 2 and don't see that at OT. Brown and Newton own. I believe someone like Stanford's Kyle Murphy in round four gives you a solid backup.

I love Doctson and would be cool with another Hopkins but if Henry is there, he's my RB.

 

[Wolf6151]

I like the Decker, Doctson, Drake and Iloka picks but don't know anything about Doughty and I want one of the top 3 QB's or nothing at all. I don't know anything about Higbee-TE, but this is a poor TE draft so I'll pass on a late rounder and grab an OLB or DT prospect.

 

[beerlover]

Way to jinx him BL.

per Matt Miller, NFL Draft Leader Writer-

— Thursday afternoon, SiriusXM radio host Chris Childers tweeted that TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson was out for the year with a wrist injury, according to their interview with Gary Patterson. But wait a minute, after relistening to the audio after the show and contacting Patterson for clarity, it was found that Doctson isn't out and will play this weekend. Doctson, a senior, has a stable first-round grade heading into the last three weeks of the season.

 

[badboy]

per Matt Miller, NFL Draft Leader Writer-

Great find BL. I thought he was out for sure. Here is another article:

The confusion started Thursday morning following Patterson’s weekly appearance on Sirius XM.

Chris Childers, host of Sirius XM College Radio’s Full Ride, tweeted: “Gary Patterson just said star WR Josh Doctson is out for the rest of the season on Full Ride. #TCU”

Forty minutes later, he tweeted: “Sorry for confusion but we just listened back to audio and now we’re not sure if Patterson actually said Josh D. is out. Audio coming soon.”

The audio showed Patterson saying, “Josh Doctson is gonna be gone in three ballgames and a bowl game.” He has made similar statements to reporters this week in the Big 12 coaches conference call and his weekly media luncheon on campus, making the point that TCU will have to get used to life without the senior receiver by next year, anyway.

Patterson had soon texted reporters to tell them Doctson’s season was not over.


Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/sports...university/article44409477.html#storylink=cpy

I think good chance Doctson moves into round one.

 

[beerlover]

Hate to say this WolverineFan but Connor Cook has made more bad throws, decisions on first possession against Maryland than one or two examples you pulled of Doughty his entire game. That being said, I feel strongly Doughty will be a viable starter in the NFL like Brian Hoyer without the baggage. If Connor is in fact the top senior QB this draft he lacks, core strength, consistency, accuracy of a certain 3rd rd. QB, Lol.

 

[WolverineFan]

Hate to say this WolverineFan but Connor Cook has made more bad throws, decisions on first possession against Maryland than one or two examples you pulled of Doughty his entire game. That being said, I feel strongly Doughty will be a viable starter in the NFL like Brian Hoyer without the baggage. If Connor is in fact the top senior QB this draft he lacks, core strength, consistency, accuracy of a certain 3rd rd. QB, Lol.

I won't argue with that. I'm actually not as high on Cook as most people seem to be. I do like how he handles pressure but he looked awful today (albeit while playing injured). The senior QB class this year has a couple of decent options but no real franchise guy IMO.

 

[badboy]

I won't argue with that. I'm actually not as high on Cook as most people seem to be. I do like how he handles pressure but he looked awful today (albeit while playing injured). The senior QB class this year has a couple of decent options but no real franchise guy IMO.

eh..Cook looked fairly awful prior to shoulder injury. He was pulled by coach early after his boo boo

 

[beerlover]

Reading Lynch thread in regards to his ability to audible, change plays line of scrimmage, read & adjust to defense, Doughty does all that. He commands the line of scrimmage & looks more pro ready under center. He's added 10lbs & more core strength from 2014 season to now not to mention another solid year of production between his injury plaqued beginning to his College career.

Here is Dane Brugler scouting report: http://www.bgdailynews.com/blogs/hi...cle_3020aacc-894f-11e5-a7d7-aba7d9080f2a.html

 

[beerlover]

I like the Decker, Doctson, Drake and Iloka picks but don't know anything about Doughty and I want one of the top 3 QB's or nothing at all. I don't know anything about Higbee-TE, but this is a poor TE draft so I'll pass on a late rounder and grab an OLB or DT prospect.

I'm listening. But does it have to be one of the top three (Connor, Lynch or Goff)? Since draft slot has numerically increased since bye week Texans would need to trade up.

Wentz will be graded a borderline 1st early 2nd if he recovers & shows skills @ Senior Bowl. Then climb as his combine athletic tools are on exhibit, teams will be lined up to work him out making him a mid first, best case for Texans would be to lock up future QB here.

If I can convince my Amigo's that is direction I would recommend.

 

[Doppelganger]

1. Decker
Trenches. Its all about the trenches. It's never a bad idea to go with a big, mean, nasty OL to bookend with Brown. I have noticed some footwork issues in his game. At times, he has a tendency to lunge rather than get set and power the defender away. Outside of that he is a fine OL prospect and I would be happy with him on the team.

2. Doctson
I am not sure here. He has a tendency to show up some games and completely vanish others. For example this year against the lowly Minnesota Gophers he completely vanished. If this was the University of Minnesota Ice Hockey team, I would get it, but not against their football team. Seems too hot and cold for me at this high a pick.

3. Doughty.
He reminds me way too much of Case Keenum. High powered college QB that likely will struggle with more complicated NFL defenses.

4. Drake
I LOVE this pick. I would consider Drake in the second round. Getting him in the 4th may be an absolute steal. he is precisely the type of player the Texans need.

5. Iloka
Iloka is a baller. Provided he is healthy, he can definitely help on ST immediately and can compete for a spot as a FS. Great selection!

5. I have to admit I have not watched him too much. I have seen him a little bit when doing research on Doughty. He does look like a player, but may be a bit of a tweaner: not big enough to be a TE and too big to be an effective WR.

Great Job overall!