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2018 Projected Draft Picks

TexansSeminole

TexansSeminole

Hall of Fame
It's early, I know, but I wanted to get an idea of what we were likely to have in the 2018 draft.

We have all of our picks except the 1st and 2nd, and also will likely get 3 compensatory picks. LZ wrote an article that has us receiving a 3rd and two 6th round picks based on the loss of Bouye, Simon, and Demps. I think that's fair. All three started the first two games for their teams. Simon already has 11 tackles and a sack, so if he continues to perform at that level, maybe that becomes a 5th rounder.

So, we are looking at:

3rd round (own)
3rd round (comp)
4th round (own)
5th round (own)
6th round (own)
6th round (comp)
6th round (comp)
7th round (own)

It would seem that we could get into the 2nd round with a combination of picks that we will own, remember that comp picks are now tradable.

Just going off of numbers at each position group in 2018, we will need to grab a few OL and at least one defensive back, probably both a CB and a S. WR looks like a need in that Strong is now gone and Miller hasn't yet improved into a useful player. RB becomes a need if we don't re-sign Blue and especially if we decide to cut Lamar Miller. I expect that we will look at adding an OLB, as our backups are both UDFAs and we only have 2. ILB could be a need if we don't re-sign Peters. I also wouldn't be opposed to drafting a punter late, the kid from Florida is damn good.

Any thoughts on what you'd do with this draft setup in regards to trading and positions targeted?

It's early but I'm interested to see how thoughts evolve throughout the season.
 
There are so many holes to fill now, can't see trading up, maybe down for more? OT, CB, WR, TE, OG, S, OLB, ILB. Something along those lines in order, imo :cheese:
 
I trade up into the 2nd two times using a 3rd and a 4th, then use the comp pick, a 2019 2nd and a 2018 6th.

Then I would draft the best OT/OG I could find in this deep OL class. I would also sign either an OT/OG in FA depending on the draft to give Watson a chance to grow without becoming Carr like.

I would spend the rest of the draft on secondary. Ricky is usually pretty good at finding DB's late in the draft and 3rd wave of FA.

Oh I would also either trade for or bring in a vet FA WR.
 
steelbtexan said:
I trade up into the 2nd two times using a 3rd and a 4th, then use the comp pick, a 2019 2nd and a 2018 6th.

Then I would draft the best OT/OG I could find in this deep OL class. I would also sign either an OT/OG in FA depending on the draft to give Watson a chance to grow without becoming Carr like.

I would spend the rest of the draft on secondary. Ricky is usually pretty good at finding DB's late in the draft and 3rd wave of FA.

Oh I would also either trade for or bring in a vet FA WR.
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Maybe not positionally similar to Rick Smith but you mirror his mindset, trading away picks to move up because you think he's your guy. This is how Texans became roster depth deficient. Must resist temptation and treat draft picks more like gold.
 
beerlover said:
Maybe not positionally similar to Rick Smith but you mirror his mindset, trading away picks to move up because you think he's your guy. This is how Texans became roster depth deficient. Must resist temptation and treat draft picks more like gold.
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Disagree, the reason the team is depth deficient is because Ricky sucks at picking in the 3rd-4th rd and is terrible in FA.
 
steelbtexan said:
Disagree, the reason the team is depth deficient is because Ricky sucks at picking in the 3rd-4th rd and is terrible in FA.
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Because 3rd and later picks the GM is relying almost totally on the scouts

FA also just different scouts.

I believe our scouts are terrible, and RS compounds things with his inability to put team first
 
JB said:
Because 3rd and later picks the GM is relying almost totally on the scouts

FA also just different scouts.

I believe our scouts are terrible, and RS compounds things with his inability to put team first
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Who hired those scouts?

Scouts give RS a list of guys they like. Ricky should be going over those lists and picking out the players he likes. After all he's in charge right?

I'm sure BOB talks to Ricky after the season and says something like we need to improve the team speed. Then Ricky goes out and gets the players to improve the team speed. If those players stink is that BOB's fault?
 
steelbtexan said:
Who hired those scouts?

Scouts give RS a list of guys they like. Ricky should be going over those lists and picking out the players he likes. After all he's in charge right?

I'm sure BOB talks to Ricky after the season and says something like we need to improve the team speed. Then Ricky goes out and gets the players to improve the team speed. If those players stink is that BOB's fault?
Click to expand...

OB is a whole lot more involved than that and you damn well know it.
 
infantrycak said:
Yes you do as they have spoken extensively about it.
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So tell me who makes the final decision on who gets picked.

BOB said Ricky picks the players and he coaches them. BOB must be lying.

Thanks for letting me know that BOB is a liar.
 
SSDD - you want to take one quote in a frustrated moment and have it contradict a host of previous calm quotes. Whatever.
 
steelbtexan said:
Scouts give RS a list of guys they like. Ricky should be going over those lists and picking out the players he likes. After all he's in charge right?
Click to expand...

I would think Rick would look over the candidates who made the list & those who don't & work with the scouts to help them make better lists. They'd go over who made the list, but shouldn't, who didn't make the list, but should have.

Then they'd have to work out some kind of grading system.

Then that graded list should be presented to Billy. Billy & Rick should go over that grading system to make sure they're on the same page. I think Rick' s original list should be as objective as possible. After meeting with Billy & the coaches there should be some subjectivity built into the list. Even moreso after workouts & interviews.

Then they'd work out a strategy & a board.
 
thunderkyss said:
I would think Rick would look over the candidates who made the list & those who don't & work with the scouts to help them make better lists. They'd go over who made the list, but shouldn't, who didn't make the list, but should have.

Then they'd have to work out some kind of grading system.

Then that graded list should be presented to Billy. Billy & Rick should go over that grading system to make sure they're on the same page. I think Rick' s original list should be as objective as possible. After meeting with Billy & the coaches there should be some subjectivity built into the list. Even moreso after workouts & interviews.

Then they'd work out a strategy & a board.
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This is how it should be.

I doubt it works this way.
 
With Blue’s probable exit from the team, Ervin’s injury, and only two other RBs with a single carry this season, RB is becoming more and more of a need.

Braxton Miller has been almost distanced from the team, and while Ellington is a nice surprise and Fuller is stepping up, more depth at receiver is needed.

The OL has been better with Watson, but we all know that we need to address it in the draft.

The lack of depth at OLB and 3-4 end is going to continue to show after the injuries to Mercilus and Watt. Covington and Scarlett are ok depth pieces, but we need better players at those positions. Heath shouldn’t be getting these reps IMO.

Corner and, maybe to a lesser extent, safety are needs. I think we will be looking to add a corner with one of our 3rd round picks.

Beyond the quality of Watt’s play being effected by the injuries, his availability moving forward is shaky at best. He had the back injury, the significant core injuries, another back injury (I still stand by that his first surgery failed), the groin, the hand, the thumb, and now the tibial plateau fracture. I know he’s JJ Watt, but we need to plan for him to a bonus on defense and not someone that we rely on every game.
 
TexansSeminole said:
With Blue’s probable exit from the team, Ervin’s injury, and only two other RBs with a single carry this season, RB is becoming more and more of a need.

Braxton Miller has been almost distanced from the team, and while Ellington is a nice surprise and Fuller is stepping up, more depth at receiver is needed.

The OL has been better with Watson, but we all know that we need to address it in the draft.

The lack of depth at OLB and 3-4 end is going to continue to show after the injuries to Mercilus and Watt. Covington and Scarlett are ok depth pieces, but we need better players at those positions. Heath shouldn’t be getting these reps IMO.

Corner and, maybe to a lesser extent, safety are needs. I think we will be looking to add a corner with one of our 3rd round picks.

Beyond the quality of Watt’s play being effected by the injuries, his availability moving forward is shaky at best. He had the back injury, the significant core injuries, another back injury (I still stand by that his first surgery failed), the groin, the hand, the thumb, and now the tibial plateau fracture. I know he’s JJ Watt, but we need to plan for him to a bonus on defense and not someone that we rely on every game.
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Fix the OL even if you have to trade up.

Draft a WR like Switzer/Beasley that can also PR/KR.

BPA the rest of the draft.

Spend FA $$$$ on a big time CB.
 
I am very disappointed with many of the college players that I hope to be available rounds 3 thru 5. OTs are dropping in rank on several boards besides mine Although Stennie that I like in 5th from James Madison is still there many don't see his value. Also like Timon Parris from Stoney Brook in 6th but he is rated higher by two boards. I am trying to not reach for player just because we need a position addressed. Hopefully the last half of college season players will start to stand out. As of now I am going defense our two third rounders.
 
steelbtexan said:
Fix the OL even if you have to trade up.

Draft a WR like Switzer/Beasley that can also PR/KR.

BPA the rest of the draft.

Spend FA $$$$ on a big time CB.
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I continue to think there are few if any o'line I would spend the required price to trade up to acquire.
 
badboy said:
I continue to think there are few if any o'line I would spend the required price to trade up to acquire.
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If Adams or Williams fall to the 2nd because of injury I would definitely trade up.

Some body that's likely to fall to the middle/backend of the 2nd is Mason Cole and he's worth trading up for.
 
steelbtexan said:
If Adams or Williams fall to the 2nd because of injury I would definitely trade up.

Some body that's likely to fall to the middle/backend of the 2nd is Mason Cole and he's worth trading up for.
Click to expand...

Why are you so fascinated with trading up? It's like a new arbitrary standard for saying the Texans don't want to win if they don't do it your way.
 
infantrycak said:
Why are you so fascinated with trading up? It's like a new arbitrary standard for saying the Texans don't want to win if they don't do it your way.
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What ?

There should be day 1 starting quality talent in the 2nd rd of this draft. I want the Texans to fix the OL so watson can develop properly. I do think the Texans will be making a mistake if the fail (Again) to fix the OL in next yrs draft, FA.

No arbitrary standard here. They wont be true contenders until they fix the OL.
 
Last edited:
steelbtexan said:
What ?

There should be day 1 starting quality talent in the 2nd rd of this draft. I want the Texans to fix the OL so watson can develop properly. I do think the Texans will be making a mistake if the fail (Again) to fix the OL in next yrs draft, FA.

No arbitrary standard here.
Click to expand...

Exactly. If only we had an OL like the Browns, & no QB.
 
steelbtexan said:
What ?

There should be day 1 starting quality talent in the 2nd rd of this draft. I want the Texans to fix the OL so watson can develop properly. I do think the Texans will be making a mistake if the fail (Again) to fix the OL in next yrs draft, FA.

No arbitrary standard here. They wont be true contenders until they fix the OL.
Click to expand...

You were talking trade up in the past draft too.
 
steelbtexan said:
What does this have to do with anything?
Click to expand...

The Brown's did pretty much what you wanted us to do. They fixed their OL this off season, took a 2nd tier QB & most likely will take a 1st round QB next year. But with no QB this year, they're not going to do a whole lot.
 
thunderkyss said:
The Brown's did pretty much what you wanted us to do. They fixed their OL this off season, took a 2nd tier QB & most likely will take a 1st round QB next year. But with no QB this year, they're not going to do a whole lot.
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And this has what to do with fixing the OL in next yrs draft?
 
steelbtexan said:
Disagree, the reason the team is depth deficient is because Ricky sucks at picking in the 3rd-4th rd and is terrible in FA.
Click to expand...
However, he is good even deeper down the draft and in UDFA.
So there is that.
steelbtexan said:
What ?

There should be day 1 starting quality talent in the 2nd rd of this draft. I want the Texans to fix the OL so watson can develop properly. I do think the Texans will be making a mistake if the fail (Again) to fix the OL in next yrs draft, FA.

No arbitrary standard here. They wont be true contenders until they fix the OL.
Click to expand...
We would be in a better situation if XSF (#33 in '14) had of achieved his potential.
Nick Martin (#50 in '16) is looking good.
Brown's holdout obviously hurt the team.
Greg Manzc is a great find out of R7 or UDFA?
Olines take time to nail down as evidenced throughout the league.
 
Texansphan said:
However, he is good even deeper down the draft and in UDFA.
So there is that.
We would be in a better situation if XSF (#33 in '14) had of achieved his potential.
Nick Martin (#50 in '16) is looking good.
Brown's holdout obviously hurt the team.
Greg Manzc is a great find out of R7 or UDFA?
Olines take time to nail down as evidenced throughout the league.
Click to expand...

I think we need to draft an OT regardless. Looks like they like Giacomini at RT better than Lamm. That says something. They also appear to have Davenport slotted for the left side... which doesn't jive just yet.

But we're six games in. The picture may be much clearer come December.

It's too early to strategize a draft plan right now. My opinion, pass rusher should be at the top of the list.
 
thunderkyss said:
I think we need to draft an OT regardless. Looks like they like Giacomini at RT better than Lamm. That says something. They also appear to have Davenport slotted for the left side... which doesn't jive just yet.

But we're six games in. The picture may be much clearer come December.

It's too early to strategize a draft plan right now. My opinion, pass rusher should be at the top of the list.
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Tend to agree.
JJ may never again be a destroyer or even rush effectively again, so another pass rusher would be almost necessary to have.
I see JJ being used as a more traditional DE to preserve his playing days.
Davenport may take time to develop - Mancz was one of those outliers that was good pretty much straight from the get go. It's a shame both he and Nick Martin seem unable to play anything other than C.
Oline has to be a priority though if Brown goes or isn't happy.
FA must be a key part of Texans strategy next season.
 
Texansphan said:
Mancz was one of those outliers that was good pretty much straight from the get go. It's a shame both he and Nick Martin seem unable to play anything other than C.
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Mancz was a good gamble by Rick Smith. He was one of the country's better offensive linemen coming out of college. He had a bad shoulder injury at the Shrine game before the draft. Since being in the NFL he's proven he can play in this league.

I don't know why the Texans favor Allen or X over him.

Texansphan said:
Oline has to be a priority though if Brown goes or isn't happy.
FA must be a key part of Texans strategy next season.
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OL needs to be addressed, I agree. How much of a priority, I don't know. Like I've said before, our OL looked good with Osweiler playing 15 games. RT was the only real "need" then DB76 held out.

With Watson under center, who knows how good our OL can be.

Brown most likely gets his new contract.

Then there's still FA & we'll have plenty of money.
 
thunderkyss said:
Mancz was a good gamble by Rick Smith. He was one of the country's better offensive linemen coming out of college. He had a bad shoulder injury at the Shrine game before the draft. Since being in the NFL he's proven he can play in this league.

I don't know why the Texans favor Allen or X over him.



OL needs to be addressed, I agree. How much of a priority, I don't know. Like I've said before, our OL looked good with Osweiler playing 15 games. RT was the only real "need" then DB76 held out.

With Watson under center, who knows how good our OL can be.

Brown most likely gets his new contract.

Then there's still FA & we'll have plenty of money.
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I am just stoked now that we can really start to build an offense - Fuller hopefully will continue to show improvement like we have seen so I think WR #'s 1 & 2 should be taken care of for a while but I would like to see another potential threat in here to groom for injuries.
I also think the running game is okay now so that leaves TE and OL to concentrate on offensively.
The D does have some needs too now but protecting our shiny new QB must be a high priority.
 
Texansphan said:
I am just stoked now that we can really start to build an offense - Fuller hopefully will continue to show improvement like we have seen so I think WR #'s 1 & 2 should be taken care of for a while but I would like to see another potential threat in here to groom for injuries.
I also think the running game is okay now so that leaves TE and OL to concentrate on offensively.
The D does have some needs too now but protecting our shiny new QB must be a high priority.
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Not to argue with you, but just to add a bit. There are lots of ways to protect a young QB. A dynamic run game, like adding a Jordan Howard or Kareem Hunt from the third round.

Maybe with a better RT/RG Miller or Foreman can be that guy. I don't know. But it's something to think about.

As a side note, Cleveland's got one of the better lines in the league, they're winless. Some wanted us to draft Garrett Bolles, Trevor Siemien is running for his life on every passing down & they can't run the ball.

Drafting any position, just to draft that position doesn't always work out.
 
steelbtexan said:
If Adams or Williams fall to the 2nd because of injury I would definitely trade up.

Some body that's likely to fall to the middle/backend of the 2nd is Mason Cole and he's worth trading up for.
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No way I want injured player for OT and certainly not Williams: ttps://www.si.com/college-football/2017/09/17/texas-longhorns-connor-williams-injury

He looked good at LT as frosh but IMO has looked avg or less this season. Adams or McGlinchey if they fall to us in third but don't see that happening. Notre Dame moving up in rank has helped Mc. I'm not trading up for any of these currently ranked guys. Cole should have remained at OC.
 
thunderkyss said:
Not to argue with you, but just to add a bit. There are lots of ways to protect a young QB. A dynamic run game, like adding a Jordan Howard or Kareem Hunt from the third round.

Maybe with a better RT/RG Miller or Foreman can be that guy. I don't know. But it's something to think about.

As a side note, Cleveland's got one of the better lines in the league, they're winless. Some wanted us to draft Garrett Bolles, Trevor Siemien is running for his life on every passing down & they can't run the ball.

Drafting any position, just to draft that position doesn't always work out.
Click to expand...

Bolles had a season ending injury early in the season. Siemien running for his life right now isn’t due to Bolles.
 
thunderkyss said:
Not to argue with you, but just to add a bit. There are lots of ways to protect a young QB. A dynamic run game, like adding a Jordan Howard or Kareem Hunt from the third round.

Maybe with a better RT/RG Miller or Foreman can be that guy. I don't know. But it's something to think about.

As a side note, Cleveland's got one of the better lines in the league, they're winless. Some wanted us to draft Garrett Bolles, Trevor Siemien is running for his life on every passing down & they can't run the ball.

Drafting any position, just to draft that position doesn't always work out.
Click to expand...
No problem - it's always good to get alternate ideas.
True, a good QB can protect himself to a large degree with the run game, but you must be careful not to be one dimensional and a good oline can lay the foundation for a great run game.
Another way he can protect himself is with quick passes but that will make the passing game one dimensional.
Plus he can also be good at escaping the pocket which DW seems good at.
Let's hope he survives until he becomes proficient at all three.
 
thunderkyss said:
Not to argue with you, but just to add a bit. There are lots of ways to protect a young QB. A dynamic run game, like adding a Jordan Howard or Kareem Hunt from the third round.

Maybe with a better RT/RG Miller or Foreman can be that guy. I don't know. But it's something to think about.

As a side note, Cleveland's got one of the better lines in the league, they're winless. Some wanted us to draft Garrett Bolles, Trevor Siemien is running for his life on every passing down & they can't run the ball.

Drafting any position, just to draft that position doesn't always work out.
Click to expand...
No problem - it's always good to get alternate ideas.
True, a good QB can protect himself to a large degree with the run game, but you must be careful not to be one dimensional and a good oline can lay the foundation for a great run game.
Another way he can protect himself is with quick passes but that will make the passing game one dimensional.
Plus he can also be good at escaping the pocket which DW seems good at.
A good oline helps with all three phases.
Let's hope he survives until he becomes proficient at all three.
 
badboy said:
No way I want injured player for OT and certainly not Williams: ttps://www.si.com/college-football/2017/09/17/texas-longhorns-connor-williams-injury

He looked good at LT as frosh but IMO has looked avg or less this season. Adams or McGlinchey if they fall to us in third but don't see that happening. Notre Dame moving up in rank has helped Mc. I'm not trading up for any of these currently ranked guys. Cole should have remained at OC.
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We view this OL class differently. Williams had a bad 1st game, then got hurt. Ut's OL is missing him badly. See: the OK St. Game.

There's no question that Williams has the ability to be a 10 yr starter at LT, which is why he wont be available in the 2nd rd. The OL I really like is Cole, I think he can be really good at any position on the OL and there's a lot of value in that type of versatility.
 
TexansSeminole said:
Bolles had a season ending injury early in the season. Siemien running for his life right now isn’t due to Bolles.
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I'm not blaming Bolles, just saying drafting a guy doesn't necessarily "fix" an OL. With Trevor Siemien as their QB, their OL is not likely to get fixed because he can't handle pressure, making their OL look worse than it is.

SimChargers1.jpg
 
thunderkyss said:
If Lynch ever gets healthy. Vance seems to be doing everything he can not to play Osweiler.


Did you notice Bolles is playing?
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I thought he was out for the season for sure when he got injured. Shows how much I watch the Broncos. I also didn’t know Lynch was injured.

They need to get Lynch involved and getting time on the field ASAP.
 
Connor Williams reminds me of Lane Johnson (hopefully without the PEDs).

Very similar size. Great athlete, but likely below Johnson in that category. Former TE. Great college success. Better run blocker than pass protector. Great against size, struggles against speed.

I think he has all the tools to be a franchise LT. But there will be a steep curve. I think he has to start out at RT until he improves at blocking speed coming off the edge.

Worth a day one pick based on ability and potential but not a day one starter at LT.
 
steelbtexan said:
If Adams or Williams fall to the 2nd because of injury I would definitely trade up.

Some body that's likely to fall to the middle/backend of the 2nd is Mason Cole and he's worth trading up for.
Click to expand...

steelbtexan said:
We view this OL class differently. Williams had a bad 1st game, then got hurt. Ut's OL is missing him badly. See: the OK St. Game.

There's no question that Williams has the ability to be a 10 yr starter at LT, which is why he wont be available in the 2nd rd. The OL I really like is Cole, I think he can be really good at any position on the OL and there's a lot of value in that type of versatility.
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Cole has hurt his draft stock this year. He's plateaued. Average pass blocker who is a phenomenal run blocker in space but struggles moving bodies on the interior. I disagree that he can play OT at the next level. His play this year at Michigan suggests otherwise.

He's strictly an interior zone blocking guy IMO. I actually like him at OG more than C because he struggles to do much of anything when he gets a beefy NT lined up over him.
 
So I'm thinking that while OL should be the target with the Texans first pick, it may very well be pass rusher or DB. Anyone to look forward to there? How will FA affect the choice?
 
JB said:
So I'm thinking that while OL should be the target with the Texans first pick, it may very well be pass rusher or DB. Anyone to look forward to there? How will FA affect the choice?
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Depends on how KJo looks when he gets back. Clowney/Mercilus/McKinney can all rush the passer. I also think Kamalu has great promise as a pass rusher.

If Ricky goes defense with his highest picks, I hope he goes CB/S and gets some guys who are differencemakers and can cover a crossing route.
 
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