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All encompassing 2022 draft thoughts thread

In a perfect world.

Every team does everything different. Players are conformed to coaching & scheme.

The underwear olympics allow scouts to objectively evaluate talent in a controlled environment.

I think weight is warranted, but agree some times too much.
Facts. A need for some team might be bsa for another. The Ravens didn't actually need Lamar Jackson, but they evaluated him and moved up .
 
I'd like to go heavy on offense as well, but I'm just getting a sense that Lovie is going to want his defense to get some skin in the game.
I have Sauce at 3 in my mock and have been banging the drum here to take him there.
I have no problem going defense with HOUs 1st pick but this offense is terrible and desperately needs weapons.
I know. Defense isnt much better.
Next year, they will have a boat load in FA and an entire draft to attend to the defense.

My thoughts are figure out 1st and foremost if Mills is the guy. To do that, you can’t trot him out there with garbage.
HOU needs to surround him with some firepower.
I say go get WR Christian Watson and put him opposite Nico Collins and put Cooks in the slot. Go get a RB like Kenneth Walker III with 68. Another monster athlete with elite speed. And get another TE. I like Likely and Greg Dulcich.
With the rest left, go defense.

Just my 2 cents.
 
I have Sauce at 3 in my mock and have been banging the drum here to take him there.
I have no problem going defense with HOUs 1st pick but this offense is terrible and desperately needs weapons.
I know. Defense isnt much better.
Next year, they will have a boat load in FA and an entire draft to attend to the defense.

My thoughts are figure out 1st and foremost if Mills is the guy. To do that, you can’t trot him out there with garbage.
HOU needs to surround him with some firepower.
I say go get WR Christian Watson and put him opposite Nico Collins and put Cooks in the slot. Go get a RB like Kenneth Walker III with 68. Another monster athlete with elite speed. And get another TE. I like Likely and Greg Dulcich.
With the rest left, go defense.

Just my 2 cents.
We're on the same page.
 
I have Sauce at 3 in my mock and have been banging the drum here to take him there.
I have no problem going defense with HOUs 1st pick but this offense is terrible and desperately needs weapons.
I know. Defense isnt much better.
Next year, they will have a boat load in FA and an entire draft to attend to the defense.

My thoughts are figure out 1st and foremost if Mills is the guy. To do that, you can’t trot him out there with garbage.
HOU needs to surround him with some firepower.
I say go get WR Christian Watson and put him opposite Nico Collins and put Cooks in the slot. Go get a RB like Kenneth Walker III with 68. Another monster athlete with elite speed. And get another TE. I like Likely and Greg Dulcich.
With the rest left, go defense.

Just my 2 cents.
I have finally got it down to three players at the #3 spot for Texans - Neal, Hamilton and Gardner.
These 3 are the safest bets and best prospects at their position.
Breaking it down - I don't think Neal will make it to #3, which leaves Hamilton and Gardner.
I am ecstatic at either of these 2 but the more valuable option is the Sauce.
He will lock down one side of the field which severely restricts passing offenses.
He can also be used in blitz packages and also has an eye for the ball.
He is a constant threat in the secondary and will be a day 1 starter.
With pick #13, I am really warming to Jermaine Johnson, but the offense can do with a primo pick so here I am going with the Oline to boost the trenches and taking Kenyon Green before anyone else does.
Pick #37, more defense but for the trench -
Devontae Wyatt.
Pick #68 - I'm giving Mills another weapon - Skyy Moore.
These 4 young prospects here will give Texans and their fans a real boost.
This list is very feasible - and sensible I might add.
 
I have finally got it down to three players at the #3 spot for Texans - Neal, Hamilton and Gardner.
These 3 are the safest bets and best prospects at their position.
Breaking it down - I don't think Neal will make it to #3, which leaves Hamilton and Gardner.
I am ecstatic at either of these 2 but the more valuable option is the Sauce.
He will lock down one side of the field which severely restricts passing offenses.
He can also be used in blitz packages and also has an eye for the ball.
He is a constant threat in the secondary and will be a day 1 starter.
With pick #13, I am really warming to Jermaine Johnson, but the offense can do with a primo pick so here I am going with the Oline to boost the trenches and taking Kenyon Green before anyone else does.
Pick #37, more defense but for the trench -
Devontae Wyatt.
Pick #68 - I'm giving Mills another weapon - Skyy Moore.
These 4 young prospects here will give Texans and their fans a real boost.
This list is very feasible - and sensible I might add.

If you want Wyatt you need to pick him at 13. Maybe trade down 4 or 5 spots to get him.

I wouldn't be against drafting Sauce/Wyatt and either Watson or Moore at 37. I think you can find 2 starting OG's in the 3rd. But I would use the later 4th 4-108 and 3- 68 to trade up to get Salyer.

I would consider a draft of

1-3 Sauce
1-13 Wyatt
2-37 Moore (I think Watson will be gone)
2- 50 from trade up Salyer
3-80 Strange
4-108 TE- Woods

To be the type of draft that you're adding 4 above avg starter level players and 3 possible star level players. Add to this a couple of highly athletic developmental type guys and the rebuild will be well underway.
 
If you want Wyatt you need to pick him at 13. Maybe trade down 4 or 5 spots to get him.

I wouldn't be against drafting Sauce/Wyatt and either Watson or Moore at 37. I think you can find 2 starting OG's in the 3rd. But I would use the later 4th 4-108 and 3- 68 to trade up to get Salyer.

I would consider a draft of

1-3 Sauce
1-13 Wyatt
2-37 Moore (I think Watson will be gone)
2- 50 from trade up Salyer
3-80 Strange
4-108 TE- Woods

To be the type of draft that you're adding 4 above avg starter level players and 3 possible star level players. Add to this a couple of highly athletic developmental type guys and the rebuild will be well underway.

Agree on this. My interior OL targets for 68 are Salyer, Kinnard, Parham and Strange. But like you I suspect they have to get back into the 2nd to get them. Maybe one will fall to 68 but I would rather go get a guy I feel can be a day one quality starter at the team’s biggest need (interior OL) than sit and wait/hope one is there (EX: Tytus Howard draft). Gaining an extra 2nd from trading one of the firsts will be invaluable here.

For TE in that range i’m happy with any of Woods, Ruckert or Cade Otton to be the Y TE next season.

A late round (205/207 pick) Y TE prospect would be Daniel Bellinger. But I don’t think he is ready to unseat the incumbent Pharaoh Brown like the 4th round targets are just quite yet.
 
I have finally got it down to three players at the #3 spot for Texans - Neal, Hamilton and Gardner.
These 3 are the safest bets and best prospects at their position.
Breaking it down - I don't think Neal will make it to #3, which leaves Hamilton and Gardner.
I am ecstatic at either of these 2 but the more valuable option is the Sauce.
He will lock down one side of the field which severely restricts passing offenses.
He can also be used in blitz packages and also has an eye for the ball.
He is a constant threat in the secondary and will be a day 1 starter.
With pick #13, I am really warming to Jermaine Johnson, but the offense can do with a primo pick so here I am going with the Oline to boost the trenches and taking Kenyon Green before anyone else does.
Pick #37, more defense but for the trench -
Devontae Wyatt.
Pick #68 - I'm giving Mills another weapon - Skyy Moore.
These 4 young prospects here will give Texans and their fans a real boost.
This list is very feasible - and sensible I might add.
Sure. I like it. I wouldn’t go this way, but I can’t complain. They say the Trenches are where games are won and lost. I also don’t think Moore makes it to 68. That would be a miracle. I don’t think I really made myself clear in my overall thoughts of where I think these players I want would go.
Here’s my mock.
03 - AHMAD GARDNER CB CINN
13 - TREVOR PENNING OT N IOWA
37 - CHRISTIAN WATSON WR NDST
68 - KENNETH WALKER III RB MICH ST
80 - ISAIAH LIKELY TE COASTAL CAR
108 - DEMARI MATHIS CB NICKEL PITT
183- THOMAS BOOKER DT STANFORD
205- SPENCER BUFORD G/OT UTSA
208- DYLAN PARHAM C MEMPHIS
246- JEQUEZ EZZARD WR SAM HOUSTON ST

I just don’t know if Watson makes it to 37 now…..
I think we’re on the same page, just our immediate needs are slightly different. I would be open to grabbing a DT or a G at 80 too…
 
Tre McBride TE

“JM: The interview process is also important, and you touched on it briefly. Who are some of the teams you met with formally at the combine, and do you have any virtual visits or in-person top-30 visits coming up?

McBride: I met with just about every team formally and informally at the combine. I met with tight end position coaches, head coaches, scouts, general managers, and so on. Whatever it was, I met with essentially every team. Since then, I’ve been doing some Zoom calls with tight end position coaches and other staff members. I’ve met with the Tennessee Titans, Cincinnati Bengals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and a few others. I have a few top-30 visits coming up as well. It’s been a very exciting process. I’ve probably met with every team. It’s been great.
 
I'm beginning to think Carstereo might want to sit pat at #3. Why? Evan Neal likely falls in the top two picks and Hamilton may not be appropriate value at #3 so Sauce Gardner is the desired target and for good reason.
If he does want to stay at #3, this gives him the luxury of demanding an extremely high price. This will likely turn suitors away. Now, if it doesn't, then we reap the reward in extra capital - either draft picks but more like a combination of picks and personnel.
I am thinking if Gardner is not there, then he may loosen his purse strings so to speak on a trade.
Jags are in the same position Texans were the year we had #1 and took Clowney - think they take Thibodeaux.
Lions just might take Gardner as CB is their top need but, they also have the pick of the QBs in this draft and if they are really high on a guy, they may take him anyway.
So, Texans either get Gardner or their second highest rated guy, Evan Neal, or they trade back.
One last scenario - if Neal and Gardner are gone they may have to take Thibodeaux if they can't find a trade partner.
 
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I'm beginning to think Carstereo might want to sit pat at #3. Why? Evan Neal falls in the top two picks and Hamilton may not be appropriate value at #3 so Sauce Gardner is the desired target and for good reason.
If he does want to stay at #3, this gives him the luxury of demanding an extremely high price. This will likely turn suitors away. Now, if it doesn't, then we reap the reward in extra capital - either draft picks but more like a combination of picks and personnel.
I am thinking if Gardner is not there, then he may loosen his purse strings so to speak on a trade.
Jags are in the same position Texans were the year we had #1 and took Clowney - think they take Thibodeaux.
Lions just might take Gardner as CB is their top need but, they also have the pick of the QBs in this draft and if they are really high on a guy, they may take him anyway.
So, Texans either get Gardner or their second highest rated guy, Evan Neal, or they trade back.
I’m so glad HOU doesn’t have that 1st pick. This is the worst draft to have it.
I also really think Ikem Ekwonu could be a guy they take at 3 and I wouldn’t have a problem with it.
Id rather have Sauce though.
But yes, Neal or Gardner would be ideal.
Thibodeaux is concerning to me as a top 3 draft pick. I just wouldn’t want to be making that selection, and I hope other teams don’t feel that way either. Ive seen some mocks where he’s faling out of the top 5.
 
I’m so glad HOU doesn’t have that 1st pick. This is the worst draft to have it.
I also really think Ikem Ekwonu could be a guy they take at 3 and I wouldn’t have a problem with it.
Id rather have Sauce though.
But yes, Neal or Gardner would be ideal.
Thibodeaux is concerning to me as a top 3 draft pick. I just wouldn’t want to be making that selection, and I hope other teams don’t feel that way either. Ive seen some mocks where he’s faling out of the top 5.

National media is pushing Thib to Houston in recent mocks. But I would rather go another route at 3.

If he fell to 13, sure. But not comfortable with him at 3. Even if addressing edge rusher is Lovie’s top priority (I think strategy is BPA on their board).
 
I'd like to go heavy on offense as well, but I'm just getting a sense that Lovie is going to want his defense to get some skin in the game.
With the Texans having 5 picks in the first three rounds and possibly 6 if they trade back from 13. They will be able to at least acquire 4-6 day one starters. Three of those draftees might have the potential to be game changers. I believe they have enough picks to satisfy both sides of the ball. I do however believe we will have quite of few fans that will be upset. Reason being, there’s a strong possibility they will not draft the players they want. IMO this is a strong class in every position but QB. Some will add in the running back position.
 
National media is pushing Thib to Houston in recent mocks. But I would rather go another route at 3.

If he fell to 13, sure. But not comfortable with him at 3. Even if addressing edge rusher is Lovie’s top priority (I think strategy is BPA on their board).
Agree.
The scenarios I painted are basically bpa.
The #13 however, is wide open.
 
I’m so glad HOU doesn’t have that 1st pick. This is the worst draft to have it.
I also really think Ikem Ekwonu could be a guy they take at 3 and I wouldn’t have a problem with it.
Id rather have Sauce though.
But yes, Neal or Gardner would be ideal.
Thibodeaux is concerning to me as a top 3 draft pick. I just wouldn’t want to be making that selection, and I hope other teams don’t feel that way either. Ive seen some mocks where he’s faling out of the top 5.

I just did a Mock where the Texans trade #3 pick to the Eagles for their 16, 19, and 83 picks.

First 4 picks:
LT- Trevor Penning
DE- Jermaine Johnson
LG- Zion Johnson
DT- Travis Jones

How much would these 4 improve the trenches?
 
This draft is eerily similar to the 2014 draft - no standout QB or RB.
Jags are in a terrible place right now - nobody is going to trade with them.
 
I just did a Mock where the Texans trade #3 pick to the Eagles for their 16, 19, and 83 picks.

First 4 picks:
LT- Trevor Penning
DE- Jermaine Johnson
LG- Zion Johnson
DT- Travis Jones

How much would these 4 improve the trenches?
I’m sure it would I just would love to see some actual weapons on offense. You can’t possibly expect them to roll into next season with no additions but mid and late rounders to give Mills. This is the year to go get a difference maker for him.
 
Earlier I posted some likely scenarios.
Here's another idea - to explain more on one of those.
Neal and Gardner go in the first two picks and Texans trade out of the #3.
If it happens, the likely partners are QB hungry teams - ergo, Panthers or Falcons.
So now, we have Neal, Gardner, QB, Thibodeaux to Jets, Giants take Ekwonu (as per many notable national mockers) #6 - Houston (via Panthers) Aiden Hutchinson.
If Atlanta, then #6, another QB here for Panthers.
#7, Giants again, they take Devin Lloyd, the best LB in this class and a big need for them.
Which brings us to the Texans at #8 - here I have them taking a small reach , Kenyon Green, the best G in this draft.
If y'all want me to ramble on to #13, give us a like. 😉
 
Earlier I posted some likely scenarios.
Here's another idea - to explain more on one of those.
Neal and Gardner go in the first two picks and Texans trade out of the #3.
If it happens, the likely partners are QB hungry teams - ergo, Panthers or Falcons.
So now, we have Neal, Gardner, QB, Thibodeaux to Jets, Giants take Ekwonu (as per many notable national mockers) #6 - Houston (via Panthers) Aiden Hutchinson.
If Atlanta, then #6, another QB here for Panthers.
#7, Giants again, they take Devin Lloyd, the best LB in this class and a big need for them.
Which brings us to the Texans at #8 - here I have them taking a small reach , Kenyon Green, the best G in this draft.
If y'all want me to ramble on to #13, give us a like. 😉
In almost every updated board I've seen, Green has fallen into the 20's. If the opportunity came up I think we could get another second round pick by trading back with the #13 pick. Certainly a third plus, and still have Green available.
 
This draft is eerily similar to the 2014 draft - no standout QB or RB.
Jags are in a terrible place right now - nobody is going to trade with them.
They don't need anyone to trade with them. They have all their picks, they have Etienne coming back from injury, a superbowl winning coach, the #1 qb, and a boatload of money. They can just pick the bpa to them and probably win this division or at least win 8-9 games. They're sitting in the cat bird seat. They can't go wrong unless the player is a bust. Even so, they got money by the boatload.
 
I just don't see Lovie passing up a talent like Thibs or Hutchinson if h
they're there. I really like Sauce, but looking at Lovie and for that matter Caserio, they've never spent high picks on dbs. With the patriots, its a given because hoodie coaches up dbs. Look at all the guys drafted late or not even drafted who turned into probowl and all pro caliber db. My little homie was drafted late last to the Patriots and he was happy happy.
 
I’d like to give my concerns in regards to Kenyon Green (Texas A&M). At the start of the 2021 CFB season, Green was up at the top of the prospects list for OG’s. His season and Senior Bowl performances kept him in the Top 2 with Zion Johnson pushing ahead after the Combine results.

Like I’ve stated, I don’t put a lot of stock into Combine performances but I do look out for caution flags. Green didn’t arrive at the Combine or A&M’s Pro Day like he was prepared to showcase what had made him so high on evaluators charts. Was he out of shape? Had he been partying too much before the 2 events? His drop down the charts may be some warning flags.

My question for these players would always be, what would you do if you won the lottery? I wouldn’t say another word b/c I’d like to hear how he’d like to start spending that money. My fear, he’s spending the money he hasn’t even seen yet b/c he knows he’s getting ready to hit the lottery.
 
Earlier I posted some likely scenarios.
Here's another idea - to explain more on one of those.
Neal and Gardner go in the first two picks and Texans trade out of the #3.
If it happens, the likely partners are QB hungry teams - ergo, Panthers or Falcons.
So now, we have Neal, Gardner, QB, Thibodeaux to Jets, Giants take Ekwonu (as per many notable national mockers) #6 - Houston (via Panthers) Aiden Hutchinson.
If Atlanta, then #6, another QB here for Panthers.
#7, Giants again, they take Devin Lloyd, the best LB in this class and a big need for them.
Which brings us to the Texans at #8 - here I have them taking a small reach , Kenyon Green, the best G in this draft.
If y'all want me to ramble on to #13, give us a like. 😉
The alternate for Texans at #6 is Kyle Hamilton and he is my preferred option here.
Here is the top 6:-
1. Neal - Jags
2. Gardner - Lions
3. QB. Panthers (Trade)
4. Thibodeaux. - Jets
5. Ekwonu. Giants
6. Texans - Hamilton.
7. Hutchinson. Giants
8. QB. Atlanta
9. QB. Seattle
I have 3 QBs going in the top 9. Even though this year's QB class has no studs, that hasn't stopped teams taking them in the past and this year is no different. I can see Willis, Pickett and Strong going here.
10. Davis. Jets
11. Lloyd. Wash.
12. Booth. Vikings.
13. Karlaftis. Texans
The 13th spot here is tricky as the whole board is open to them but here they go bpa, which also happens to be a need.
So going by accepted logic and team needs plus bpa, I have Texans taking the highest graded player in the draft in Safety Kyle Hamilton at #6, and a superbly talented Edge/DE in George Karlaftis at #13.
These two will be day 1 starters and give our defense a much needed boost.
 
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Sure. I like it. I wouldn’t go this way, but I can’t complain. They say the Trenches are where games are won and lost. I also don’t think Moore makes it to 68. That would be a miracle. I don’t think I really made myself clear in my overall thoughts of where I think these players I want would go.
Here’s my mock.
03 - AHMAD GARDNER CB CINN
13 - TREVOR PENNING OT N IOWA
37 - CHRISTIAN WATSON WR NDST
68 - KENNETH WALKER III RB MICH ST
80 - ISAIAH LIKELY TE COASTAL CAR
108 - DEMARI MATHIS CB NICKEL PITT
183- THOMAS BOOKER DT STANFORD
205- SPENCER BUFORD G/OT UTSA
208- DYLAN PARHAM C MEMPHIS
246- JEQUEZ EZZARD WR SAM HOUSTON ST

I just don’t know if Watson makes it to 37 now…..
I think we’re on the same page, just our immediate needs are slightly different. I would be open to grabbing a DT or a G at 80 too…

If you want one of the top guards you need to get him at 68 at the latest. IMHO
 
It’s good to see Texan draft diehards come out of the woodwork again, it’s been a tough, hard road without the joys of dreaming draft picks that make Texans fun and enjoyable.

Group think has already narrowed focus to key prospects we all like. I feel better with Lovie in the building with his experience, of course Romeo Crennel was earlier “experience in the war room” and look how that turned out. Still old school mentality, so tailor picks accordingly.
 
It’s good to see Texan draft diehards come out of the woodwork again, it’s been a tough, hard road without the joys of dreaming draft picks that make Texans fun and enjoyable.

Group think has already narrowed focus to key prospects we all like. I feel better with Lovie in the building with his experience, of course Romeo Crennel was earlier “experience in the war room” and look how that turned out. Still old school mentality, so tailor picks accordingly.
Maybe we can do our annual NFL mock draft again, 4 rounds? I'd be good with that. I'll take the Seahawks.
 
He's got some wheels for a big guy and good hands in contested catches.

His size/measurables are very similar to D Hop.

Hopkins:


Burks:


As important as the speed/explosion measurables are, when you’re a bigger WR who excels in jump ball situations it comes down to having 33+” arms and 10” hands… and knowing how to use them. Hopkins clearly figured that out. Burks might as well.
 
His size/measurables are very similar to D Hop.

Hopkins:


Burks:


As important as the speed/explosion measurables are, when you’re a bigger WR who excels in jump ball situations it comes down to having 33+” arms and 10” hands… and knowing how to use them. Hopkins clearly figured that out. Burks might as well.
He can be our answer to Titans AJ Brown - very similar.
 
His size/measurables are very similar to D Hop.

Hopkins:


Burks:


As important as the speed/explosion measurables are, when you’re a bigger WR who excels in jump ball situations it comes down to having 33+” arms and 10” hands… and knowing how to use them. Hopkins clearly figured that out. Burks might as well.

DHop might be the best receiver in league history at pushing off to gain separation without drawing a flag. And that's a compliment
 
I like speed at the receiver spot and this is one thing the Texans are missing. My favorite is Chris Olave (Ohio State), but he’s going to be a mid RD1 pick. I’m not fully prepared to use the 13th pick on a WR if the team only has 2 RD1 picks. My new favorite, Christian Watson (North Dakota State) brings size, speed, and the desire to do the not so glamorous work of blocking downfield. Watson will be an early RD2 pick…..and this is where the extra RD2 picks would come in handy. I’d still like to get RB- Breece Hall in RD2 but then the team would need a 3rd pick in RD2.
 
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