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Grade the 2021 draft selections

Thorn

Dirty Old Man
The thought occurred to me that one of the things folks always complain about is opinions immediately following the draft is to soon. Well, how about after one year? I'm going to start a new tradition of grading the draft selections a year later after the next draft. And what are the odds I'll actually remember to do this next year? So, what are your grades/thoughts on our 2021 selections after their first year?

Round 3

No. 67 QB Davis Mills, 13 games/11 starts
No. 89 WR Nico Collins, 14 games/8 starts

Round 5

No. 147 TE Brevin Jordan, 9 games/2 starts
No. 170 LB Garret Wallow, 17 games/2 starts

Round 6

No. 195 DT Roy Lopez, 16 games/15 starts
 

Thorn

Dirty Old Man
Keeping in mind the rounds they were selected in:

Mills A
Collins B
Jordan C
Wallow C
Lopez A <- just because he started the most games of all the draftees. I actually can't remember him at all from last year. LOL
 

The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
For me, it's still an incomplete picture.

At this point, Mills and Lopez look like hits. Collins and Wallow showed a flash here and there but were JAGs, and Jordan was a step down from that. I had high hopes for Jordan.

I think if you compare this to most teams' 3rd day picks, they're pretty good. On that basis, it's looking like last year was at least a B, possibly an A-.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
Round 3

No. 67 QB Davis Mills, 13 games/11 starts
Y'all may not remember, but I didn't like this pick. & even though I've been impressed with Mills' poise, demeanor, & progress in season on a bad team, I still don't think I'd have drafted him in the 3rd in hindsight.

It puts the Texans on the clock. Too much, "we have to do this for Davis, we have to find out about Davis, we have to give Davis every opportunity " talk & I'd rather focus on building a team.

Grade C


Round 3

No. 89 WR Nico Collins, 14 games/8 starts
Looks like he'll be a solid player. He could probably hang around on a roster for years, like a Chris Conley, or Phillip Dorset. Might even have a great game two or three times a season frustrating ff fans. I don't think he's going to be a draft surprise/steal like AB or Tyreek Hill.

Grade B-


Round 5

No. 147 TE Brevin Jordan, 9 games/2 starts
I think the talent is there to be a star in the league. Not Gronk/Kelce level star. Maybe Kittle/Higbee ish. But I thought that about most of the TEs that have passed through Houston for a while now, so.....

Grade B+


Round 5


No. 170 LB Garret Wallow, 17 games/2 starts
smdh

They drafted the bigger better version already. Can't imagine we see him on the other side of training camp.

Grade F


Round 6

No. 195 DT Roy Lopez, 16 games/15 starts
I think he's a stud. Hopefully he'll develop faster than Reader did so they can base the 2nd contract on more than one good year.

Grade A+
 

Speedy

Former Yeller Dweller
My immediate post draft grade was a D. Limited picks to start with, using the 1st (3rd round) on a QB who had very little experience, trading up to get a WR who opted out of 2020, drafting their obligatory TE, and moving up TWO times to get a 5th round LB.

Add in the player's performances after 1 year, Collins had one of the worst catch rates in football, had just 3 games where he had more than 3 catches in a game, and didn't score his 1st and only TD until week 16.

Brevin Jordan didn't even put the uniform on the 1st 7 weeks of the season, then averaged 2.2 catches and 19.7 yards per game. Of course the Kelly/O'Brien offense seemed unaware most of the time that TEs were allowed to catch passes.

Garrett Wallow was the worst of the bunch. They moved up TWICE to grab him and he barely saw the field. If not for injuries and Covid, he wouldn't have. He played 15 defensive snaps the 1st 12 weeks of the season, 0 from weeks 6-12.

Roy Lopez started 15 games, which for a 6th rounder is pretty impressive. Was that because he was good or because of a lack of talent? In the end he was on the field for just 46% of the snaps, 20 solo tackles, 5 TFL and 1 sack. I'll take that out of a 6th rounder.

And then there's Mills. Forced to start his career in week 2, back to the bench for 4 games, then taking it the rest of the way. In that 1st stint, he was pretty bad, but then you'd expect that from a guy with as little experience as he had. 7 TD, 8 INT, 6.5 Y/A, 80.2 PR, and the Texans averaged 10.1 points per game.

Part II looked a little different. 9 TD, 2 INT, 7.1 Y/A, 98.6 PR, and the Texans averaged 23.2 points per game in his final 5 starts.

Home/road splits were crazy. 12 TD, 1 INT, 109.5 PR at home, 4 TD, 9 INT, 63.1 PR on the road.

So with Mills' improvement in the 2nd half, along with Lopez's contributions being a 6th, I give last year's draft a full letter grade bump from D to C. We'll see if year 2 can keep that grade trending up.
 

Dejaview

All Pro
Y'all may not remember, but I didn't like this pick. & even though I've been impressed with Mills' poise, demeanor, & progress in season on a bad team, I still don't think I'd have drafted him in the 3rd in hindsight.

It puts the Texans on the clock. Too much, "we have to do this for Davis, we have to find out about Davis, we have to give Davis every opportunity " talk & I'd rather focus on building a team.

Grade C




Looks like he'll be a solid player. He could probably hang around on a roster for years, like a Chris Conley, or Phillip Dorset. Might even have a great game two or three times a season frustrating ff fans. I don't think he's going to be a draft surprise/steal like AB or Tyreek Hill.

Grade B-



I think the talent is there to be a star in the league. Not Gronk/Kelce level star. Maybe Kittle/Higbee ish. But I thought that about most of the TEs that have passed through Houston for a while now, so.....

Grade B+



smdh

They drafted the bigger better version already. Can't imagine we see him on the other side of training camp.

Grade F



I think he's a stud. Hopefully he'll develop faster than Reader did so they can base the 2nd contract on more than one good year.

Grade A+
So what is your alternative for Mills now? Remember to scale this at the same value.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
Round 3

No. 67 QB Davis Mills, 13 games/11 starts: B+. Showed tremendous improvement towards the end of the season. Last 5 games

No. 89 WR Nico Collins, 14 games/8 starts: C+ . After that injury his progressions halted there for a minute. Once he came back he just wasn’t getting open enough.

Round 5

No. 147 TE Brevin Jordan, 9 games/2 starts: C+. He had a few decent games but couldn’t beat out the guys in front of him. Have to improve every phase of his game.

No. 170 LB Garret Wallow, 17 games/2 starts. C+ He showed some flashes, had one really good game.

Round 6

No. 195 DT Roy Lopez, 16 games/15 starts: B- From where he was drafted and to start 15 games was pretty impressive to me. He still has a ways to go. Played solid even after the injury.
[/QUOTE]
Total grade C+
 

michaelm

vox nihili
For me, it's still an incomplete picture.

At this point, Mills and Lopez look like hits. Collins and Wallow showed a flash here and there but were JAGs, and Jordan was a step down from that. I had high hopes for Jordan.

I think if you compare this to most teams' 3rd day picks, they're pretty good. On that basis, it's looking like last year was at least a B, possibly an A-.
If Mills was a hit, the draft was an A+
 

michaelm

vox nihili
It puts the Texans on the clock. Too much, "we have to do this for Davis, we have to find out about Davis, we have to give Davis every opportunity " talk & I'd rather focus on building a team.
I get your point but disagree.
You'd want to put the same or similar talent around any QB, rookie or veteran.
I don't think Mills existence changed the way they approached building the offense very much, if at all.
 

LikeMike

Veteran
If Mills was a hit, the draft was an A+
Define hit. For a 3d round QB you probably can be ok if he developes into a great backup like Case Keenum. You definetly have to be happy if he becomes a starter.

But you probably need at least a top 15 level QB (or even top 10) to compete for a Super Bowl. So are we happy if he turns into someone like Schaub? Or Dalton? That's definetly a hit for a 3d round QB, but he might then be too good to cut or to draft high enough to get an elite QB talent and too bad to compete. I am happy with his developement but so far I see Schaub and Dalton as his ceiling, and I am not happy with going with that - but like I always say: I don't really have any idea what I am talking about, so I may be completely wrong..
 

Thorn

Dirty Old Man
Define hit. For a 3d round QB you probably can be ok if he developes into a great backup like Case Keenum. You definetly have to be happy if he becomes a starter.

But you probably need at least a top 15 level QB (or even top 10) to compete for a Super Bowl. So are we happy if he turns into someone like Schaub? Or Dalton? That's definetly a hit for a 3d round QB, but he might then be too good to cut or to draft high enough to get an elite QB talent and too bad to compete. I am happy with his developement but so far I see Schaub and Dalton as his ceiling, and I am not happy with going with that - but like I always say: I don't really have any idea what I am talking about, so I may be completely wrong..
Even after one year a lot of us still don't know what we have in Mills. I think we'll find out this season whether or not we'll need to draft a QB high next year.

Lesser QBs than Schaub have won SBs if they have a good team around them.
 

Toro Bravo

Rookie
Even after one year a lot of us still don't know what we have in Mills. I think we'll find out this season whether or not we'll need to draft a QB high next year.

Lesser QBs than Schaub have won SBs if they have a good team around them.
I think the coaching staff does know, or think they do, what we have in Mills. My 2021 draft grades;

Mills = A-. Passes the eye test and has great form, composure and intelligence. Didn't have much help.
Collins = C+. Nice measurables but didn't show much considering we moved up to get him.
Jordan = B-. Performed well once he got on the field. Very good with the ball in his hands.
Wallow = C-. JAG. I haven't seen anything special.
Lopez = B+. Second best pick of the draft considering position, production and value.

Overall Grade = B. All 5 draft picks played and contributed in their rookie season, although much was due to poor competition. Caserio was thrust into a terrible situation and he was able to navigate us through it. Now we are on the other side and things are looking up.
 

michaelm

vox nihili
Define hit. For a 3d round QB you probably can be ok if he developes into a great backup like Case Keenum. You definetly have to be happy if he becomes a starter.

But you probably need at least a top 15 level QB (or even top 10) to compete for a Super Bowl. So are we happy if he turns into someone like Schaub? Or Dalton? That's definetly a hit for a 3d round QB, but he might then be too good to cut or to draft high enough to get an elite QB talent and too bad to compete. I am happy with his developement but so far I see Schaub and Dalton as his ceiling, and I am not happy with going with that - but like I always say: I don't really have any idea what I am talking about, so I may be completely wrong..
I didn't have a definition for the word hit in mind when I replied.
Mine was more a commentary that, if anyone considers the Mills pick to be a hit, by whatever definition they use, then to me the entire draft would grade an A+.

But in regards to grading the 2021 draft, I'd define the Mills pick as a hit if the he becomes the starter on a level that causes the team to not use picks the the immediate subsequent drafts looking for a starter. Actually if they don't have to use any assets in the next few years trying to find a starter, then I'd consider it a hit.
 

The Pencil Neck

Hall of Fame
Define hit. For a 3d round QB you probably can be ok if he developes into a great backup like Case Keenum. You definetly have to be happy if he becomes a starter.

But you probably need at least a top 15 level QB (or even top 10) to compete for a Super Bowl. So are we happy if he turns into someone like Schaub? Or Dalton? That's definetly a hit for a 3d round QB, but he might then be too good to cut or to draft high enough to get an elite QB talent and too bad to compete. I am happy with his developement but so far I see Schaub and Dalton as his ceiling, and I am not happy with going with that - but like I always say: I don't really have any idea what I am talking about, so I may be completely wrong..
I was the one who first used the term "hit" and what I was meaning was simply that it was a successful pick. More of a pass/fail grade than a more nuanced letter grade.

For me, a third round QB is a successful pick if he can mature into at least high-level backup/low-level starter. Mills looks like he can be at least a mid-level backup. So that pick is looking like it could be a hit, which is all I was saying. If he turns into a mid-level starter, then this draft is an A+.

Mills may not be our eventual starter who leads us to the promised land, but that's not what my use of the word "hit" was meant to imply. There were no other real options for that in last year's draft and probably in this year's draft.

Mills could be our experienced backup to the guy we draft to be The Guy next year or the year after that, depending on what the QB classes look like. In the meantime, we can rebuild the team and get the pieces in place so when we do get The Guy, we won't waste time.

But I disagree about a guy of Schaub's caliber being able to get a team to the SB. If guys like Brad Johnson and Trent Dilfer can win SBs, then a guy like Schaub can as well. They just need the right team and a lot more help.
 

Porky

Hall of Fame
Dilfer had a historically good defense to help him. He was on a team that won a SB, but he didn't lead a team to a SB.

Mills is that same guy imho, although I haven't completely closed the door on the idea that he could be "the guy". That's why we have to go through this year. Right now, I'm looking at you CJ Stroud!

Mills = B. His first stint was an F, and his second stint was a B+. I'm very concerned about his home/road/weather issues. He's got to clean that up and play well on the road and not just at home. That said, for a 3rd rounder that looks to have a "good backup" floor, this was a good pick.
Collins = C. I take any trades into account when grading. I'd give him a B- on just him, but we moved up to get him for no particular reason. Sort of like Metchie this year. It's stupid.
Jordan = D+. Didn't see the field for weeks on a terrible team. Is he a JAG or is there something there? I thought he showed some flashes, but he has to show significant improvement.
Wallow = F+. Again, player is a D but we traded up for no particular reason so he drops a bit for the trade. He's the NFL - not for long. I see nothing special.
Lopez = B+. Thinking about where he was taken vs. rookie production, best pick of the draft. The guy has some real upside, and stupid Nick didn't waste additional picks to do it. I'm not sure he gets to DJ Reader level, but I see a good solid starter in Lopez. Hopefully this time they keep their good players.

Overall it's too early for a final grade, but I'll grade based on a curve. I don't blame Nick for the earlier messes, so based on what he had to work with, I'll go C+. Wallow works against this grade as does his penchant for unnecessarily trading up for jag players for no reason. The counterweights are Mills and Lopez. He goes those picks right, and Collins and Jordan are both wait and see with some upside.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Dilfer had a historically good defense to help him. He was on a team that won a SB, but he didn't lead a team to a SB.

Mills is that same guy imho, although I haven't completely closed the door on the idea that he could be "the guy". That's why we have to go through this year. Right now, I'm looking at you CJ Stroud!

Mills = B. His first stint was an F, and his second stint was a B+. I'm very concerned about his home/road/weather issues. He's got to clean that up and play well on the road and not just at home. That said, for a 3rd rounder that looks to have a "good backup" floor, this was a good pick.
Collins = C. I take any trades into account when grading. I'd give him a B- on just him, but we moved up to get him for no particular reason. Sort of like Metchie this year. It's stupid.
Jordan = D+. Didn't see the field for weeks on a terrible team. Is he a JAG or is there something there? I thought he showed some flashes, but he has to show significant improvement.
Wallow = F+. Again, player is a D but we traded up for no particular reason so he drops a bit for the trade. He's the NFL - not for long. I see nothing special.
Lopez = B+. Thinking about where he was taken vs. rookie production, best pick of the draft. The guy has some real upside, and stupid Nick didn't waste additional picks to do it. I'm not sure he gets to DJ Reader level, but I see a good solid starter in Lopez. Hopefully this time they keep their good players.

Overall it's too early for a final grade, but I'll grade based on a curve. I don't blame Nick for the earlier messes, so based on what he had to work with, I'll go C+. Wallow works against this grade as does his penchant for unnecessarily trading up for jag players for no reason. The counterweights are Mills and Lopez. He goes those picks right, and Collins and Jordan are both wait and see with some upside.
So you're against a GM trading up to get his guys?
 

maverick512000

Hall of Fame
Y'all may not remember, but I didn't like this pick. & even though I've been impressed with Mills' poise, demeanor, & progress in season on a bad team, I still don't think I'd have drafted him in the 3rd in hindsight.

It puts the Texans on the clock. Too much, "we have to do this for Davis, we have to find out about Davis, we have to give Davis every opportunity " talk & I'd rather focus on building a team.

Grade C
I honestly don't understand this thinking, we had a chance to grab in the third round the guy that everyone said if he had waited one more year would have been the top QB in this last draft. Granted considering how weak the class was its not like finding Brady in the 6th but it still addresses a huge need for at least long enough to get to a stronger class. There was no other player there in the 3rd that would be as big a difference maker as Mills will be if he works out and if he doesn't then that just means we can plan to move on next year when the QB class is stronger. Its hard to focus on building a team when you just have 1 year temps at QB eating alot of your cap and knowing that you are going no where with them. Mills allows us to do exactly what you said and focus on rebuilding because we at least know who is going to be the QB. The only pick they might have done different in the last draft is Green at 15 but even then maybe not because he's a run block specialist.
 

Toro Bravo

Rookie
So you're against a GM trading up to get his guys?
I don't think Nick necessarily trades up with a particular player in mind. I think he usually trades up to get a better draft position, with the thought that means a better player - he even said this in an interview after last years draft. The problem with doing this is your locked in to the position and could end up over drafting or picking a player you could have had at the original position, without giving up capital.
He did it this year before the draft with the Patriots trade, as well as during the draft.
 
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KA4Texan

Woof!
Contributor's Club
for Jags or injury concern players, yes. Keep your powder dry and the draft will come to you.
Sometimes though, hesitation or letting things happen leads to an awful lot of coulda woulda shouldas rather than making things happen.

Me personally I don't care if they lube the picks up and Watson them. I just want them to have plenty to provide plenty of optioms.

I'd rather see my team have a high level of accountability over always letting things come to them or always trying to make things happen.

I agree that targeting a player with injury history may not be ideal, but if its the guy they want, I say let them ride or die with their pick.

IMO Better to give them the team they want than endless excuses of "that's not my guy".

I just hope the era of error using the practice of promoting dismal failures is at an end, never to return.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
for Jags or injury concern players, yes. Keep your powder dry and the draft will come to you.
I get this, and there's a difference in philosophy. I want a GM to get his guys. If you have to trade up to get a guy like Metchie because he's you're guy then I'm on board. I'm willing to give Caserio the Derrick drafts before I can say Caserio did a good job or not. I will tell you I like the Mills pick.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I don't think Nick necessarily trades up with a particular player in mind. I think he usually trades up to get a better draft position, with the thought that means a better player - he even said this in an interview after last years draft. The problem with doing this is your locked in to the position and could end up over drafting or picking a player you could have had at the original position, without giving up capital.
He did it this year before the draft with the Patriots trade, as well as during the draft.
Disagree, any time you trade up it should be to get a particular guy. Other wise why bother going through the process.

Just my philosophy
 

leebigeztx

Keep it Movin!
Disagree, any time you trade up it should be to get a particular guy. Other wise why bother going through the process.

Just my philosophy
I just think when you have so many holes on a sorry roster, the pool of players are going to be very close in terms of talent. They could've selcted 13 or 14 players and all could make this squad. When you have a sorry roster, I believe in volume. Even in the 7th rd there were players there nobody would still be there as well as those that went undrafted. If you have those picks 4th rd down,especially in this draft, alot of like talent was there for the taking. I mean if you have a high end playoff roster, I get it, but not a team like the Texans
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
I just think when you have so many holes on a sorry roster, the pool of players are going to be very close in terms of talent. They could've selcted 13 or 14 players and all could make this squad. When you have a sorry roster, I believe in volume. Even in the 7th rd there were players there nobody would still be there as well as those that went undrafted. If you have those picks 4th rd down,especially in this draft, alot of like talent was there for the taking. I mean if you have a high end playoff roster, I get it, but not a team like the Texans
We have different philosophies, I certainly respect what you're saying in this post.
 

Porky

Hall of Fame
Steel - look at what Eric De Costa did with the Ravens. Every year, they kill the draft, and this year was no different. They don't try to be the smartest guy in the room. They make trades when it makes good logical sense, but generally they don't fall in love with a guy and end up giving up valuable draft capital for injured JAG's or near JAG's.

On a team with a bad roster, I want as many swings of the bat I can get while standing on the dish. Simple logic and math tells me that the more chances I have at something, the better my odds. If I walk into a room with 12 pretty girls, my chances for a date are higher then if I dismiss 6 of them because they aren't quite as pretty as the other 6.

And what player was Nick after by moving up 13 spots before the draft ever started?

The one that bothers me the most by far is the Metchie trade. Maybe I'll end up (gladly) eating my words, but I see a guy coming off injury that while a good overall prospect isn't "special" and those are not the kind of guys I'm giving up multiple picks to jump up and acquire. There were players sitting at their original slot they could have taken, and still kept their picks in the 4th.

Taking guys like Metchie and Stingley at the top are simple unforced errors in talent acquisition and that is his most important job by far. Swinging for the fences makes more sense when you're a playoff team and you're looking for a piece or two to push you over the top. Taking unnecessary risk and giving up picks willy nilly like they are cotton candy at the state fair when you're the worst roster in the league strikes me as totally overthinking things - aka "smartest guy in room" syndrome.
 

leebigeztx

Keep it Movin!
Steel - look at what Eric De Costa did with the Ravens. Every year, they kill the draft, and this year was no different. They don't try to be the smartest guy in the room. They make trades when it makes good logical sense, but generally they don't fall in love with a guy and end up giving up valuable draft capital for injured JAG's or near JAG's.

On a team with a bad roster, I want as many swings of the bat I can get while standing on the dish. Simple logic and math tells me that the more chances I have at something, the better my odds. If I walk into a room with 12 pretty girls, my chances for a date are higher then if I dismiss 6 of them because they aren't quite as pretty as the other 6.

And what player was Nick after by moving up 13 spots before the draft ever started?

The one that bothers me the most by far is the Metchie trade. Maybe I'll end up (gladly) eating my words, but I see a guy coming off injury that while a good overall prospect isn't "special" and those are not the kind of guys I'm giving up multiple picks to jump up and acquire. There were players sitting at their original slot they could have taken, and still kept their picks in the 4th.

Taking guys like Metchie and Stingley at the top are simple unforced errors in talent acquisition and that is his most important job by far. Swinging for the fences makes more sense when you're a playoff team and you're looking for a piece or two to push you over the top. Taking unnecessary risk and giving up picks willy nilly like they are cotton candy at the state fair when you're the worst roster in the league strikes me as totally overthinking things - aka "smartest guy in room" syndrome.
Thats my feeling also. When I was single, if I bat .250, I'm doing better than the dude trying to bat 1000. They should have as many drafted players as possible even in the 6th and 7th rounds. I also agree about Metchie in terms of moving up.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
Steel - look at what Eric De Costa did with the Ravens. Every year, they kill the draft, and this year was no different. They don't try to be the smartest guy in the room. They make trades when it makes good logical sense, but generally they don't fall in love with a guy and end up giving up valuable draft capital for injured JAG's or near JAG's.

On a team with a bad roster, I want as many swings of the bat I can get while standing on the dish. Simple logic and math tells me that the more chances I have at something, the better my odds. If I walk into a room with 12 pretty girls, my chances for a date are higher then if I dismiss 6 of them because they aren't quite as pretty as the other 6.

And what player was Nick after by moving up 13 spots before the draft ever started?

The one that bothers me the most by far is the Metchie trade. Maybe I'll end up (gladly) eating my words, but I see a guy coming off injury that while a good overall prospect isn't "special" and those are not the kind of guys I'm giving up multiple picks to jump up and acquire. There were players sitting at their original slot they could have taken, and still kept their picks in the 4th.

Taking guys like Metchie and Stingley at the top are simple unforced errors in talent acquisition and that is his most important job by far. Swinging for the fences makes more sense when you're a playoff team and you're looking for a piece or two to push you over the top. Taking unnecessary risk and giving up picks willy nilly like they are cotton candy at the state fair when you're the worst roster in the league strikes me as totally overthinking things - aka "smartest guy in room" syndrome.
But they did not address the most glaring need for that team. And that’s a top flight wide receiver/s for Jackson to throw to.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Steel - look at what Eric De Costa did with the Ravens. Every year, they kill the draft, and this year was no different. They don't try to be the smartest guy in the room. They make trades when it makes good logical sense, but generally they don't fall in love with a guy and end up giving up valuable draft capital for injured JAG's or near JAG's.

On a team with a bad roster, I want as many swings of the bat I can get while standing on the dish. Simple logic and math tells me that the more chances I have at something, the better my odds. If I walk into a room with 12 pretty girls, my chances for a date are higher then if I dismiss 6 of them because they aren't quite as pretty as the other 6.

And what player was Nick after by moving up 13 spots before the draft ever started?

The one that bothers me the most by far is the Metchie trade. Maybe I'll end up (gladly) eating my words, but I see a guy coming off injury that while a good overall prospect isn't "special" and those are not the kind of guys I'm giving up multiple picks to jump up and acquire. There were players sitting at their original slot they could have taken, and still kept their picks in the 4th.

Taking guys like Metchie and Stingley at the top are simple unforced errors in talent acquisition and that is his most important job by far. Swinging for the fences makes more sense when you're a playoff team and you're looking for a piece or two to push you over the top. Taking unnecessary risk and giving up picks willy nilly like they are cotton candy at the state fair when you're the worst roster in the league strikes me as totally overthinking things - aka "smartest guy in room" syndrome.
Give me one of the top 6 girls. I'm betting on me hitting it off with one of them. Quality over quantity.

I didn't like the Metchie trade because of injury. If he hadn't gotten hurt he would have been worth the trade up. He's that good. IMHO, Coming off of injury I wouldn't have taken the risk. He
still could recover and become a great player. He's a big game guy that the stage isn't too big.

I feel the same way about Stingley. Because of injury I would've picked Sauce. However if Stingley can stay healthy he's the best player in this draft. IMHO. I came to this conclusion after reading CnD's stuff.

This is a high risk, high reward draft. This draft was all about risk tolerance and Caserio/Lovie/Dr. Lowe have a high risk tolerance.

The Ravens are in a different situation, they've always been a let their guys walk and take the comp picks team. They also trade guys like Brown a yr early for picks. They're a really smart org that I hope Caserio follows how they do business when the talent is in place.
 
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Porky

Hall of Fame
But they did not address the most glaring need for that team. And that’s a top flight wide receiver/s for Jackson to throw to.
Drafting for need over better players at other positions is what losing teams do.

Or let's compare drafts and season ending records for the last decade and how about that we both agree that the team with the better 10 year record probably drafts better.
 

Porky

Hall of Fame
Give me one of the top 6 girls. I'm betting on me hitting it off with one of them. Quality over quantity.

I didn't like the Metchie trade because of injury. If he hadn't gotten hurt he would have been worth the trade up. He's that good. IMHO, Coming off of injury I wouldn't have taken the risk. He
still could recover and become a great player. He's a big game guy that the stage isn't too big.

I feel the same way about Stingley. Because of injury I would've picked Sauce. However if Stingley can stay healthy he's the best player in this draft. IMHO. I came to this conclusion after reading CnD's stuff.

This is a high risk, high reward draft. This draft was all about risk tolerance and Caserio/Lovie/Dr. Lowe have a high risk tolerance.

The Ravens are in a different situation, they've always been a let their guys walk and take the comp picks team. They also trade guys like Brown a yr early for picks. They're a really smart org that I hope Caserio follows how they do business when the talent is in place.
"Betting" 1x
"Injury/hurt" 3x
"I wouldn't/would've" 2x
"could" 1x
"Didn't like" 1x
"If" 2x
"high risk/risk" 2x

You're trying like hell to convince yourself aren't you? You've jumped into bed with NC and can't dare to peek over the covers at this point, because you don't want to lose face.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
Drafting for need over better players at other positions is what losing teams do.

Or let's compare drafts and season ending records for the last decade and how about that we both agree that the team with the better 10 year record probably drafts better.
That is not 100% accurate. The Chiefs needed a Hill replacement and what did the champs do? That’s right drafted a WR. The knock on the Ravens was and is not having a number 1 receiver for Jackson to throw to.
And let’s not get colorful here , because sometimes you have to draft players of need. They traded away Brown and didn’t draft his replacement.
 

Porky

Hall of Fame
That is not 100% accurate. The Chiefs needed a Hill replacement and what did the champs do? That’s right drafted a WR. The knock on the Ravens was and is not having a number 1 receiver for Jackson to throw to.
And let’s not get colorful here , because sometimes you have to draft players of need. They traded away Brown and didn’t draft his replacement.
They didn't get cute unlike NC. And let's see which team has the better record this year, or pretty much any year and then tell me who drafts better.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
They didn't get cute unlike NC. And let's see which team has the better record this year, or pretty much any year and then tell me who drafts better.
How did Nick get cute? And this is actually his first full draft. With limited resources last season he did pretty darn good. I really don’t understand why some of y’all have to nitpick everything coming out of the Texans camp.

Every team has hit and missed on the draft.

The Ravens are the better team because they are already established. While the Texans are rebuilding. So of course they’ll more and likely have the better record.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
"Betting" 1x
"Injury/hurt" 3x
"I wouldn't/would've" 2x
"could" 1x
"Didn't like" 1x
"If" 2x
"high risk/risk" 2x

You're trying like hell to convince yourself aren't you? You've jumped into bed with NC and can't dare to peek over the covers at this point, because you don't want to lose face.
What a BS post,

I haven't jumped in bed with anybody other than my wife in yrs.

As a fan I realize the risk and the possible reward he took drafting Stingley and Metchie. That's all.
 

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
They didn't get cute unlike NC. And let's see which team has the better record this year, or pretty much any year and then tell me who drafts better.
How did NC get cute? He drafted the CB Lovie wanted and traded up to get his guy Metchie. He also traded up to get another Lovie guy in Harris. Do you think trading up to get guys you want is getting cute? If it is then this is where we disagree. Of course I'm a risk taker at heart and I realize not everybody is wired this way. Go big or go home. BTW, before the draft I wanted Stingley at #3 until CnD gave his opinion. There's no denying though, Stingleys talent is real.
 

thunderkyss

Just win baby!!!
Staff member
Contributor's Club
You're trying like hell to convince yourself aren't you? You've jumped into bed with NC and can't dare to peek over the covers at this point, because you don't want to lose face.
I could go both ways…. :thinking:

different teams do it different ways. I don’t care which way Nick goes, as long as it works.

At the same time I cringe when we put the 6th round DB out there.
 

xtruroyaltyx

Hall of Fame
I just think when you have so many holes on a sorry roster, the pool of players are going to be very close in terms of talent. They could've selcted 13 or 14 players and all could make this squad. When you have a sorry roster, I believe in volume. Even in the 7th rd there were players there nobody would still be there as well as those that went undrafted. If you have those picks 4th rd down,especially in this draft, alot of like talent was there for the taking. I mean if you have a high end playoff roster, I get it, but not a team like the Texans
I’ll be honest….I don’t see the point of that approach.
You can always sign JAGs in FA.

If you’re going to put as much effort and resources into scouting as these nfl teams do and you identify specific guys you really like, why wouldn’t you get them if possible? In lieu of drafting a group of guys that you don’t like as much that you’ll probably be moving on from sooner rather than later?
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
You can always sign JAGs in FA.
You can. And it will always cost more than guys on rookie deals.

I prefer the shotgun approach to drafting for a rebuilding team. Take as many guys as possible, and give your coaches the opportunity to develop them. Rather than sign a bunch of guys who have already failed to impress in the league.
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
Thanks to Coach Culley, the 2021 class didn't get enough snaps to give a solid evaluation. Guys like Jordan and Wallow should have seen the field much earlier. Mills should have never been pulled for Taylor after the Taylor injury.

I'm hoping Lovie gets his rookie class on the field ASAP. That's how this franchise gets better.
 

xtruroyaltyx

Hall of Fame
You can. And it will always cost more than guys on rookie deals.

I prefer the shotgun approach to drafting for a rebuilding team. Take as many guys as possible, and give your coaches the opportunity to develop them. Rather than sign a bunch of guys who have already failed to impress in the league.

Even if you don’t really like those guys as much as someone you identify as having specific qualities you’re looking for?

Yeah I just don’t understand that approach. Id rather use free agency to sign jags to fill out the roster.

Money isn’t usually an issue when talking about Jag level players. And also not talking about “failed to impress” guys either. Talking about decent guys that have shown enough or have potential to occupy a roster spot.

The Jags are easy to come by. I’d rather a rebuilding team try to find and identify guys they are confident will be long term contributors than just picking a bunch of guys just to pick them.

Rebuilding teams need foundational pieces, not jags.
 

Lucky

Ride, Captain, Ride!
Staff member
Even if you don’t really like those guys as much as someone you identify as having specific qualities you’re looking for?
i don't think any team is going to nail 100% of the "guys they really like". The miss % on those guys will be same as everyone else. And at many selections, there's discussion on whom to pick. All I'm saying is, take as many of those guys as possible. Let the coaches sort them out on the field.
 

Texansballer74

The Marine
You can. And it will always cost more than guys on rookie deals.

I prefer the shotgun approach to drafting for a rebuilding team. Take as many guys as possible, and give your coaches the opportunity to develop them. Rather than sign a bunch of guys who have already failed to impress in the league.

What team went with this approach and was successful?
 
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