Death to Google Ads! Texans Talk Tip Jar! 🍺😎👍
Thanks for your support!

2014 draft to 2021 roster

Toro Bravo

Rookie
It's amazing how many players on the current 2021 Texans roster were drafted in the 2014 draft - none by the Texans.
1-20 Brandin Cooks
1-31 Bradley Roby
2-64 Justin Britt
3-71 Christian Kirksey
3-79 Terrence Brooks
3-90 Donte Moncrief (recently cut)
4-132 Kevin Pierre-Louis
7-254 Terrance Mitchell

There is not 1 player drafted by the Texans in the 2014 draft that is still with the team.

1-1 Jadeveon Clowney
2-33 Xavier Sua Filo
3-65 CJ Fiedorowicz
3-83 Louis Nix
4-135 Tom Savage
6-177 Jeoffrey Pagen
6-181 Alfred Blue
6-211 Jay Prosch
7-216 Andre Hal
7-256 Lonnie Balentine

Not sure if this means we're old or just can't draft. Maybe a little of both.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
What could have been? The pick should have been between Mack and Donald. Mack was the clear 3-4 OLB fit, Donald a fire plug DT who was overlooked because we had Watt and his height, but that motor..

OT has been a dagger in the heart post Duane Brown, who knew then how that would crumble…. X had some talent but not in Texan system. Was very serviceable for Cowboys when not hurt.

I really liked Fiedorowicz coming out of Iowa. He was slow to develop but did eventually fulfill his draft promise until concussions knocked him out.

Savage was supposed to be just a serviceable back-up but was forced into starting role, had devastating injury and never able to fully recover.

Jeoffrey Pagen was a solid DE in College for Alabama who just never could handle NFL reps, little undersized and fit 4-3 not 3-4.

Alfred Blue, hung around and OB loved him. Very serviceable back-up & core special teams. Good pick, again to high expectations.

Jay Prosch was supposed to be replacement for James Casey who followed the legend Vonta Leach. This position is generally considered both valuable and wasted roster spot. Core special teams player, lead blocker and short yardage situations.

Andre Hall was dope but unfortunately was diagnosed with Cancer. Really terrific player and individual.

Lonnie Ballantine was a shot in the dark, big physical corner, they went back to well with in 2019 a different but similar Lonnie, Johnson 2nd rd.

Drafts are a reflection of an organizations continuity well as free agents acquired. Texans have never had, other than early Kubiak regime, shared vision. The GM has to select his Head Coach and be in lock step to succeed.

Don’t want to dig into how OB was selected by Rick Smith. Suffice to say, it was a bad marriage after Kubes. I don’t care for the Bellichick tree down here in Texas. Cal McNair doesn’t follow his roots or common sense, likes to think of himself as a Maverick and surround himself with yes, businessmen. This has not bode well for Texans football. Not in the field which leads to apathy in the stadium.

This **** will make you old.
 

TheRealJoker

Hall of Fame
Unfortunate for sure. But in terms of Texan draft failures does not rank near some other horrible drafts in hindsight.

The team had solid production from Fiedo and Hal (Hal especially for his draft position) but their careers were cut short.

Prosch and Blue had solid value for their draft position. Clowney, while not living up to draft position was an impact player while here. Of course the draft did have busts and was not the franchise changing draft you’d want when picking 1 but it wasn’t awful.

2006 was the Texans best draft though :)
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
It's amazing how many players on the current 2021 Texans roster were drafted in the 2014 draft - none by the Texans.
1-20 Brandin Cooks
1-31 Bradley Roby
2-64 Justin Britt
3-71 Christian Kirksey
3-79 Terrence Brooks
3-90 Donte Moncrief (recently cut)
4-132 Kevin Pierre-Louis
7-254 Terrance Mitchell

There is not 1 player drafted by the Texans in the 2014 draft that is still with the team.

1-1 Jadeveon Clowney
2-33 Xavier Sua Filo
3-65 CJ Fiedorowicz
3-83 Louis Nix
4-135 Tom Savage
6-177 Jeoffrey Pagen
6-181 Alfred Blue
6-211 Jay Prosch
7-216 Andre Hal
7-256 Lonnie Balentine

Not sure if this means we're old or just can't draft. Maybe a little of both.
It means RS sucked at his job.
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
Agreed. While those first 2 rounds produced lots of elite non QB talent the draft was pretty slim pickings overall.
I'm not apoligizing for the Texans effort that year. Just that a team needed to be both good and lucky to come away with a good draft. The Texans were neither.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JB

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I'm not apoligizing for the Texans effort that year. Just that a team needed to be both good and lucky to come away with a good draft. The Texans were neither.
Or have a better GM.

The fact is some teams are great in the draft, some are poor and some are mediocre. Giving RS the benefit of the doubt he was mediocre at best. For instance in that draft would you rather have had Mack or Matthews rather than Clowney? Clowney was a good pick (We didn't get to see his best because of the NRG turf and the McNair's are to blame for that.) With that said, even if healthy imagine where the franchise would be if RS had drafted a 10 yr starter at LT like Matthews or Mack who's flat out a better player.

BTW, I was a Clowney guy but there were many who wanted Matthews/Mack and one in particular that wanted Bortles.
 

TheRealJoker

Hall of Fame
Or have a better GM.

The fact is some teams are great in the draft, some are poor and some are mediocre. Giving RS the benefit of the doubt he was mediocre at best. For instance in that draft would you rather have had Mack or Matthews rather than Clowney? Clowney was a good pick (We didn't get to see his best because of the NRG turf and the McNair's are to blame for that.) With that said, even if healthy imagine where the franchise would be if RS had drafted a 10 yr starter at LT like Matthews or Mack who's flat out a better player.

BTW, I was a Clowney guy but there were many who wanted Matthews/Mack and one in particular that wanted Bortles.
The lack of franchise QB options didn’t help either in terms of trading the #1 pick.
 

beerlover

Hall of Fame
The vision wasn’t very well planned as I don’t think OB and RS ever on same page. That spells death for a franchise. RS and Kubiak was a much better working relationship since both came from the Shanahan system. Only problem was they both banked on fools gold Matt Schwab that ended in Lisfrank injury on a goal line QB sneak then barrage of pick 6’s.
 

JB

Innocent Bystander
Contributor's Club
Or have a better GM.

The fact is some teams are great in the draft, some are poor and some are mediocre. Giving RS the benefit of the doubt he was mediocre at best. For instance in that draft would you rather have had Mack or Matthews rather than Clowney? Clowney was a good pick (We didn't get to see his best because of the NRG turf and the McNair's are to blame for that.) With that said, even if healthy imagine where the franchise would be if RS had drafted a 10 yr starter at LT like Matthews or Mack who's flat out a better player.

BTW, I was a Clowney guy but there were many who wanted Matthews/Mack and one in particular that wanted Bortles.
:uprights:

No team had a great draft in 2014
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
:uprights:

No team had a great draft in 2014
I will have to look back, but I'm pretty sure the Raiders had a really good draft and I'm sure there were quite a few others.

I really wasn't talking about a great draft though. I was talking about if the GM would've picked Matthews or Mack how much better shape the franchise would be in today.

Example 1: Would Mack help solve some of the pass rush issues?

Example 2: If Matthews had been drafted, then there would be no need to make the Tunsil trade.
 

TheRealJoker

Hall of Fame
I will have to look back, but I'm pretty sure the Raiders had a really good draft and I'm sure there were quite a few others.

I really wasn't talking about a great draft though. I was talking about if the GM would've picked Matthews or Mack how much better shape the franchise would be in today.

Example 1: Would Mack help solve some of the pass rush issues?

Example 2: If Matthews had been drafted, then there would be no need to make the Tunsil trade.
A quick scan through 2014 draft regrades has the Raiders on top.

They nailed their first 3 picks.

Mack in round 1, who even though they traded the value still holds because they got a pair of 1st round picks and more in return when he was traded.

Derek Carr in the 2nd. While we can argue whether he can take them deep in the playoffs you’ll be hard pressed to find a better QB drafted outside of the 1st round recently. Off the top of my head Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott and Brady are the only QBs above him that were drafted lower. If you want to argue Cousins above him as well feel free but doesn’t change getting a QB like Carr in the 2nd is a good value.

Gabe Jackson in the 3rd. Quality starting OG.

Add in Justin Ellis in the 4th. Not a great player but they got a few years out of him where he was their starter so decent value in this slot.

This was the best draft of any NFL team in 2014.

The Texans in redraft grades i’ve looked at land somewhere around B+ or A-. Also interesting to note that the Raiders had the best draft of 2014 by everyone’s account… yet only Carr will be there for them opening day 2021.
 
Last edited:

leebigeztx

Keep it Movin!
I will have to look back, but I'm pretty sure the Raiders had a really good draft and I'm sure there were quite a few others.

I really wasn't talking about a great draft though. I was talking about if the GM would've picked Matthews or Mack how much better shape the franchise would be in today.

Example 1: Would Mack help solve some of the pass rush issues?

Example 2: If Matthews had been drafted, then there would be no need to make the Tunsil trade.
Why draft Matthews when Brown was top flight? Never wanted Clowney because he wasn't an elite pass rusher. Not a bust, but not a pass rusher
 

OptimisticTexan

2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
Why draft Matthews when Brown was top flight? Never wanted Clowney because he wasn't an elite pass rusher. Not a bust, but not a pass rusher
Personally, Clowney wasn’t a bust…..he was drafted by a team who insisted on making him an OLB versus having him play as a DE in a 4-3 front. Texans did the same dam thing when they drafted Mercilus knowing they were going to transition him to an OLB in a 3-4 front. That took almost 3 seasons to look average.

I’ll stand by my earlier statements regarding a front that would feature Watt, Reader, Wilfork, and Clowney. I think this front takes a lot of pressure and wear-n-tear off of Watt And Clowney.
 

Dejaview

All Pro
Personally, Clowney wasn’t a bust…..he was drafted by a team who insisted on making him an OLB versus having him play as a DE in a 4-3 front. Texans did the same dam thing when they drafted Mercilus knowing they were going to transition him to an OLB in a 3-4 front. That took almost 3 seasons to look average.

I’ll stand by my earlier statements regarding a front that would feature Watt, Reader, Wilfork, and Clowney. I think this front takes a lot of pressure and wear-n-tear off of Watt And Clowney.
From a health standpoint Clowney was a bust.
 

Dejaview

All Pro
It means RS sucked at his job.
I’ll agree with this for the most part. The coaches can run any O or D they want. It is the GM’s job to match the personnel to each position And to load up those positions that must rotate to remain effective. A lot of this got lost on me over the past few years as my interest waned. But for me the interest is starting to rise again. I’m hearing fundamental football preached and for the purposes of this thread I’m reading and hearing discussions concerning player profiles for each position and we are seeing the RB, OL, and DL being loaded up to rotate these positions throughout the game. This should/better guide our drafts into the future So that we may start seeing players stick around longer.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Why draft Matthews when Brown was top flight? Never wanted Clowney because he wasn't an elite pass rusher. Not a bust, but not a pass rusher
Speaking of Matthews

Just like when the Oilers selected when the Oilers selected Munchak/Matthews/Steinkuhler investing in the OL/protecting your QB is never the wrong thing to do. Put Matthews at RT for a couple of yrs and upgrade that spot for a couple of yrs then when DB wants a new contract you let him move on and move Matthews to LT.

This is why I admire the Packers 2020 draft so much. They knew where things were headed with Rodgers so they planned ahead and took Love. To a certain extent they knew Jamal Williams would be leaving and took Dillon and let him learn for a yr. Now he's ready to step into a bigger role now that Williams has moved on in FA. Plus Love/Dillon represented great value when they were picked. A truly forward thinking org. It's the reason teams like the Steelers/Packers have been so good for the last 20-30 yrs.

With this said I wanted Clowney or Mack.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Texans had clear shot at Mack and Donald so yeah Clowney was a bust pick.

Can’t wait to see if the real Jadeveon Clowney shows his promise in Cleveland? Heck every franchise had a shot at him but only the Browns replied.
For the record you wanted Donald.

I think you were alone on this mountain.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Nobody on the '13, '15 or '16 drafts are still on this team either. In fact, from '13-'18 only 4 players out of 47 drafted are still on the team, and 1 of those is DW4. I don't understand the exercise here, except to rehash the same ol rehash.
It's to prove how bad the previous GM's were and hopefully brighter times are ahead with Caserio in charge.
 

leebigeztx

Keep it Movin!
Speaking of Matthews

Just like when the Oilers selected when the Oilers selected Munchak/Matthews/Steinkuhler investing in the OL/protecting your QB is never the wrong thing to do. Put Matthews at RT for a couple of yrs and upgrade that spot for a couple of yrs then when DB wants a new contract you let him move on and move Matthews to LT.

This is why I admire the Packers 2020 draft so much. They knew where things were headed with Rodgers so they planned ahead and took Love. To a certain extent they knew Jamal Williams would be leaving and took Dillon and let him learn for a yr. Now he's ready to step into a bigger role now that Williams has moved on in FA. Plus Love/Dillon represented great value when they were picked. A truly forward thinking org. It's the reason teams like the Steelers/Packers have been so good for the last 20-30 yrs.

With this said I wanted Clowney or Mack.
You cant compare pre salary cap era to now.
 

leebigeztx

Keep it Movin!
True

Also some franchises historically value the OL more than others.
Its not matter of value, its what the NFL has become in terms of depth and quality depth. Your team has to be able to develop players because the qb is going to force players to leave. Thats the nature of the cap. When Dallas had those highest paid players on the oline, the had a qb making 4th rd pick money. They also got Collins as an because of the pre-draft false claims. Look at the best oline the Texans had under Kubes. 1 1st rd pick, traded a 5th for Myers, 3rd for Winston, got the rg from KC. The oline was young and developed together.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Its not matter of value, its what the NFL has become in terms of depth and quality depth. Your team has to be able to develop players because the qb is going to force players to leave. Thats the nature of the cap. When Dallas had those highest paid players on the oline, the had a qb making 4th rd pick money. They also got Collins as an because of the pre-draft false claims. Look at the best oline the Texans had under Kubes. 1 1st rd pick, traded a 5th for Myers, 3rd for Winston, got the rg from KC. The oline was young and developed together.
I dont disagree with you.

But Alex Gibbs was a special kind of guy. RIP

Drafting Matthews would've meant the DB holdout would've meant nothing.

My theory is draft a replacement player a yr before a guy like DB is coming up for big $$$$$. Then you dont end up feeling pressure to do a Tunsil type deal.
 

leebigeztx

Keep it Movin!
I dont disagree with you.

But Alex Gibbs was a special kind of guy. RIP

Drafting Matthews would've meant the DB holdout would've meant nothing.

My theory is draft a replacement player a yr before a guy like DB is coming up for big $$$$$. Then you dont end up feeling pressure to do a Tunsil type deal.
If you redo Brown deal, which the did early for JJ, you dont have to make the Tunsil deal. Here we are and Brown is still a top 5-7 left tackle.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
If you redo Brown deal, which the did early for JJ, you dont have to make the Tunsil deal. Here we are and Brown is still a top 5-7 left tackle.
You're right, but if RS was going to play hardball he needed a backup plan in case the DB thing went south, which it did.

But I wanted DB off the team.

Sign a deal, play for that deal.

Besides, DB didn't want to play for the McNair's anymore.
 

sandman

Brexit Advisor
If you redo Brown deal, which the did early for JJ, you dont have to make the Tunsil deal. Here we are and Brown is still a top 5-7 left tackle.
Brown is now 36 years old and rated lower this year than Tunsil by PFF. He had a bad 2019 and rebounded in 2020, but at 36 it is a crap shoot as to the type of season he may have. Would the Texans after the 2019 season have kept him at 34 coming off one of his worst years? Maybe, maybe not.

Would they have used that 2020 first round pick used in the Tunsil deal to draft a new LT? All of the good OT's were gone by #26 so clearly a package to move up would have been needed and they would still be out multiple picks to get a rookie OT that may start. Willis at #10 with Cleveland, Becton at #11 with NY Jets and Wirfs at #13 with the Bucs were the starting tackles taken in the first round. That is a lot of draft capital to move from #26 to at least #13.

So was the added 2021 first round pick to get Tunsil, an established starter in the league, worth it? Time will tell, but at 27 he is almost a decade younger and has been the better player since 2019.
 

TexansBull

Hall of Fame
Brown is now 36 years old and rated lower this year than Tunsil by PFF. He had a bad 2019 and rebounded in 2020, but at 36 it is a crap shoot as to the type of season he may have. Would the Texans after the 2019 season have kept him at 34 coming off one of his worst years? Maybe, maybe not.

Would they have used that 2020 first round pick used in the Tunsil deal to draft a new LT? All of the good OT's were gone by #26 so clearly a package to move up would have been needed and they would still be out multiple picks to get a rookie OT that may start. Willis at #10 with Cleveland, Becton at #11 with NY Jets and Wirfs at #13 with the Bucs were the starting tackles taken in the first round. That is a lot of draft capital to move from #26 to at least #13.

So was the added 2021 first round pick to get Tunsil, an established starter in the league, worth it? Time will tell, but at 27 he is almost a decade younger and has been the better player since 2019.
Great stuff.

For me the Tunsil stuff is water under the bridge. Move on with him. Renegotiate, or extend his contract when able to if he is still a top tier LT which he should be based on DB. Whatever QB we develop will need a solid LT protecting him so that he doesn’t get Carr’d.
 
Top