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Running Game - Mock Draft

I am hoping that Mason's lack of production was due to the complete turmoil of the entire line all season.
I'm thinking our Oline coach has been doing a decent job. Having to constantly triage with different personnel and making a semblance of a line would be a trying task.
Do we have the same Oline coach back this year? I hope so as he already has familiarity with his charges.
 
I'll tell you what, as much as I love Lassiter, the above mock draft I posted last off-season sure does look pretty nice. Knowing now what I didn't know then, I would replace the RB with Calen Bullock.
 
for my mock I like Kaleb Johnson Iowa and Ollie Gordon OK State as both have proven themselves and can be had in 4th
 
RD1: SS- Nick Emmanwori / South Carolina / 6-3 @ 226 lbs / 4.37-40

RD2: WR- Isiah Bond / Texas / 5-11 @ 182 lbs / 4.28-40

RD3: OG- Earnest Greene III / Georgia / 6-4 @ 320 lbs / 35” Arms

RD4: RB- Dylan Sampson / Tennessee / 5-11 @ 190 lbs / 4.37-40 / Top RB SEC

RD5: DT- Thor Griffith / Louisville / 6-2 @ 320 lbs / 4.95-40 / Bench 225-45 Times / 4 YR Starter Harvard 5th YR Louisville

RD7: OT- Fernando Carmona Jr / Arkansas / 6-5 @ 324lbs / Not sure why he was still on PFN Draft Simulator this late. He has the tools and foot speed to handle the OT position. The best developmental OT in the draft this late.

Did this on my phone and couldn’t get the copy and paste feature to work. It works on my iPad. Anyways, I like how this draft fell.

I’m still very high on Emmanwori to be the perfect gift to the defense as a Day1 impact player that will give DeMeco several options as to how he could deploy him.

I really liked adding Bond at this point. WR2 from the moment he arrives. His 4.2-40 speed would make DC’s respect his ability to get behind their defense.

I like Greene’s size and 35” arms….so much so that I’d definitely move him inside to LG.

Talking about a blind squirrel finding his winter nut….getting Sampson in RD4 would be a steal. He’d also be a nice complimentary back to Mixon. Top SEC RB makes him battle tested for the next level.

Getting Thor and Fernando in RD’s 5&7 are simple but solid addition to the trenches. Thor probably hits the rotation slightly ahead of Fernando, but both could be nice contributors later in the season.
 
RD1: SS- Nick Emmanwori / South Carolina / 6-3 @ 226 lbs / 4.37-40

RD2: WR- Isiah Bond / Texas / 5-11 @ 182 lbs / 4.28-40

RD3: OG- Earnest Greene III / Georgia / 6-4 @ 320 lbs / 35” Arms

RD4: RB- Dylan Sampson / Tennessee / 5-11 @ 190 lbs / 4.37-40 / Top RB SEC

RD5: DT- Thor Griffith / Louisville / 6-2 @ 320 lbs / 4.95-40 / Bench 225-45 Times / 4 YR Starter Harvard 5th YR Louisville

RD7: OT- Fernando Carmona Jr / Arkansas / 6-5 @ 324lbs / Not sure why he was still on PFN Draft Simulator this late. He has the tools and foot speed to handle the OT position. The best developmental OT in the draft this late.

Did this on my phone and couldn’t get the copy and paste feature to work. It works on my iPad. Anyways, I like how this draft fell.

I’m still very high on Emmanwori to be the perfect gift to the defense as a Day1 impact player that will give DeMeco several options as to how he could deploy him.

I really liked adding Bond at this point. WR2 from the moment he arrives. His 4.2-40 speed would make DC’s respect his ability to get behind their defense.

I like Greene’s size and 35” arms….so much so that I’d definitely move him inside to LG.

Talking about a blind squirrel finding his winter nut….getting Sampson in RD4 would be a steal. He’d also be a nice complimentary back to Mixon. Top SEC RB makes him battle tested for the next level.

Getting Thor and Fernando in RD’s 5&7 are simple but solid addition to the trenches. Thor probably hits the rotation slightly ahead of Fernando, but both could be nice contributors later in the season.
If we can solidify the offensive line in free agency as I hope, I would be really down with your first second and round four.
 
If we can solidify the offensive line in free agency as I hope, I would be really down with your first second and round four.

If the Texans free up some cap by cutting ties with Howard and Mason after June 1st…..I’d be onboard with moving that money towards UFA’s OC- Ryan Kelly (Colts) and LG- Dalton Risner (Vikings). Both of these veterans would be excellent bridge linemen. They could play out the probable 3 year contracts and if any of the young guys progress quicker than expected, they’d both be solid assets that could return something in the offseason or before the trade deadline.
 
If the Texans free up some cap by cutting ties with Howard and Mason after June 1st…..I’d be onboard with moving that money towards UFA’s OC- Ryan Kelly (Colts) and LG- Dalton Risner (Vikings). Both of these veterans would be excellent bridge linemen. They could play out the probable 3 year contracts and if any of the young guys progress quicker than expected, they’d both be solid assets that could return something in the offseason or before the trade deadline.
Kelly desperately wants to remain with Indianapolis and I expect them to work out a deal in the approximate 5 million range. Also, will fries and Trey Smith could be ours with 5-year contracts as they are both in their Prime and not just bridge players. Just my thoughts.
 
If the Texans free up some cap by cutting ties with Howard and Mason after June 1st…..I’d be onboard with moving that money towards UFA’s OC- Ryan Kelly (Colts) and LG- Dalton Risner (Vikings). Both of these veterans would be excellent bridge linemen. They could play out the probable 3 year contracts and if any of the young guys progress quicker than expected, they’d both be solid assets that could return something in the offseason or before the trade deadline.
Still doesn't mean I wouldn't draft Booker in the 1st. I've got him as a top 20 player in this draft and at a position of need.
 
I agree with SB drafing a plug & play IOL that we can depend on for 10yrs. It is a long shot that Kelly can be accquired and we don’t need a bridge IOL when we can get the best rated IOL in this draft if he is still there.
13.

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama. Previously: 13 Avg. 16.6 per 14
01/07/25: Booker has been superb this season for the Crimson Tide. Booker dominated against LSU helping Jalen Milroe produce four rushing touchdowns. All season, Booker has been stonewalling bull rushes, tying up speed rushers, and getting movement at the point of attack in the ground game. The powerful Booker can get a serious push at the point of attack with brute physicality and power. He is a people mover in the ground game and looks like a plug-and-play starter at guard in the NFL. Booker could be a first- or second-round pick next April.
 
I agree with SB drafing a plug & play IOL that we can depend on for 10yrs. It is a long shot that Kelly can be accquired and we don’t need a bridge IOL when we can get the best rated IOL in this draft if he is still there.
13.

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama. Previously: 13 Avg. 16.6 per 14
01/07/25: Booker has been superb this season for the Crimson Tide. Booker dominated against LSU helping Jalen Milroe produce four rushing touchdowns. All season, Booker has been stonewalling bull rushes, tying up speed rushers, and getting movement at the point of attack in the ground game. The powerful Booker can get a serious push at the point of attack with brute physicality and power. He is a people mover in the ground game and looks like a plug-and-play starter at guard in the NFL. Booker could be a first- or second-round pick next April.
Are we changing to a power blocking offensive scheme?
 
Are we changing to a power blocking offensive scheme?
I have been very disappointed in our IOL lack of power to move the line of srimage and power block for our RB plays. Booker can provide that day one and can pass block as well. This can be a10yr investment on out IOL however i see other prospect positions that can help day one at our 1st draft spot. I want a dominate IOL early in our draft. We have selected some good Ol players that need development however I believe Booker is fully ready for NFL.
 
I have been very disappointed in our IOL lack of power to move the line of srimage and power block for our RB plays. Booker can provide that day one and can pass block as well. This can be a10yr investment on out IOL however i see other prospect positions that can help day one at our 1st draft spot. I want a dominate IOL early in our draft. We have selected some good Ol players that need development however I believe Booker is fully ready for NFL.
I've got Booker/Harris/Milum/Warren/Loveland as top 20 players in this draft.
 
I have been very disappointed in our IOL lack of power to move the line of srimage and power block for our RB plays. Booker can provide that day one and can pass block as well. This can be a10yr investment on out IOL however i see other prospect positions that can help day one at our 1st draft spot. I want a dominate IOL early in our draft. We have selected some good Ol players that need development however I believe Booker is fully ready for NFL.
I agree with everything you say but he is not a zone blocking scheme guard.
 
WR Matthew Golden
TE Harold Fannin
DE Jordan Burch 8.5 sk 6 PBU
S Andrew Mukuba
LT Charles Grant
WR Jaden Higgins
Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku 80 Ts; 16.5 sacks; 1 PBU 1 FF
RB Cam Skattebo
CB Justin Wally
S Malachi Moore
RB Dylan Sampson
RT Ajani Cornelius

WR Xavier Restrepo
OC Jake Majors
RB Raheim Sanders
S/CB Jordan Hancock


All projected to be third round or later. How many of those can we get with trade downs out of round one and round two?
 
Texans would have to trade up then. Think about a 2nd rounder who will likely move up the boards, maybe smaller school who fit our scheme & locker room.
I think one of my 5 guys falls to 1-25, because 2 of them are TE's and another is strictly an OG. Guy I like to move up are Mike Green, Barron, Benjamin Morrison, Omarion Hampton, Isiah Simmons/Josh Conerly, Aireontae Ersery
 
I think one of my 5 guys falls to 1-25, because 2 of them are TE's and another is strictly an OG. Guy I like to move up are Mike Green, Barron, Benjamin Morrison, Omarion Hampton, Isiah Simmons/Josh Conerly, Aireontae Ersery
I like Simmons or Connerly however if we don’t go OL in 1st, Cameron Williams/Ersery should be at our 2nd spot.
 
Would your thoughts change if you knew starters 2025 were:
Tunsil Tytus Patterson Scruggs Fisher?
You don't use cap on FA starters but probably Nick signs low $ Gs & backup tackles. We will not be drafting starters but guys who could fit in if a starter goes down. Trading out of round 1 and 2 could be enticing for Nick and Demeco.

What if you got
Fannin, Golden, Restrepo and Grant round three.
Skattebo, Mukuba, Cornelius and Majors round 4
Cb Ohio State Jordan Hancock round 5. Raheim Sanders probably there also.
That is a heck of a draft.
 
Have you reviewed Dylan Sampson?

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165. Dont’e Thornton Jr
WR Tennessee

Thornton isn’t on the available list, but he has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft so I would invest the Texans RD5 pick on this WR instead of TE-Briningstool of Clemson. Could be very similar to a Nico Collins type. He’s 6-5 @ 214 lbs. Has a CFB career average of 21.9 YPC. He has a projected 4.43-40 time, but is expected to be more than capable of taking the top off defenses. He’s had some injury issues, but could be worth a RD5 rolling of the dice. Adding Higgins and Thornton Jr to the mix with Nico could make for a nice WR room.

Regarding Sampson…..being the top SEC RB isn’t a bad hill to conquer. He’s a complete back that would be an excellent compliment back to Mixon. He’s got a 40 time of 4.35 in 2023…..but they’re saying he’s popped a 4.19 in 2024…..WTF, how has this been missed? No way this guy slides to late RD4 if he pops a 4.19 at the NFL Combine….no way in hail. I just found this new 40 time, hadn’t seen it last week when I added him to my last Mock.

Oh shite….don’t ask me how Nick Emmanwori was available at 25, but if he were….I still wouldn’t hesitate. This guy would give Ryans a big SS for his defensive backfield that has all the traits coveted. TE’s dicing the Texans defense could be a thing of the past.
 
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165. Dont’e Thornton Jr
WR Tennessee

Thornton isn’t on the available list, but he has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft so I would invest the Texans RD5 pick on this WR instead of TE-Briningstool of Clemson. Could be very similar to a Nico Collins type. He’s 6-5 @ 214 lbs. Has a CFB career average of 21.9 YPC. He has a projected 4.43-40 time, but is expected to be more than capable of taking the top off defenses. He’s had some injury issues, but could be worth a RD5 rolling of the dice. Adding Higgins and Thornton Jr to the mix with Nico could make for a nice WR room.

Regarding Sampson…..being the top SEC RB isn’t a bad hill to conquer. He’s a complete back that would be an excellent compliment back to Mixon. He’s got a 40 time of 4.35 in 2023…..but they’re saying he’s popped a 4.19 in 2024…..WTF, how has this been missed? No way this guy slides to late RD4 if he pops a 4.19 at the NFL Combine….no way in hail. I just found this new 40 time, hadn’t seen it last week when I added him to my last Mock.

Oh shite….don’t ask me how Nick Emmanwori was available at 25, but if he were….I still wouldn’t hesitate. This guy would give Ryans a big SS for his defensive backfield that has all the traits coveted. TE’s dicing the Texans defense could be a thing of the past.
Man can truck:

I waited until after Ravens because I foolishly hoped players and coaches might step up.. we know how that went. This mock is done with change of at least O'Line coach Strausser and hopefully Slowik. Just FYI, Tytus Howard improved his PFF grades:
pre Ravens PB 74.8 post 75.6; RB 59.3 to 61.9 and overall 70.2 to 71.8. I continue to hope he will be a post June cut opening up cap space but I don't see it occurring. Also, I have zero hope that Nick can lure Trey Smith from right guard @ KC as Chiefs will find $ to extend as they did Chris Jones. My priority list: 2 offensive guards; two wide receivers; at least one backup RB with 2-3 UDFA to look at and maybe a FA.. cheap.

1 Wyatt Milum West Virgina left tackle who I move to RG. 6'4 317 pass blocking 96 run 92

2. WR outside Tre Harris may move up out of range after combine. 6'2 " 210 4.55 2023 at Louisiana Tech 65/935 @ 14.38 10 TDs
He transferred to Ole Miss 2024 60/1,030 @ 17.2 with 7 TDs NOTE he missed 4 games hip/groin. He's been compared to Rome Odunze; Drake London and Brian Thomas. He played QB in HS and has exceptional catch radius and is a beast in contested or jump ball passes. A red zone terror, he can play X, Y or Z and against top tier opponents gets separation with quick off LOS. A QB friend and we need that. *If gone, I would next go Xavier Restrepo.

3. LT {of the future} Charles Grant I play at LG behind Howard. He is 6'4" 300 lbs William & Mary but few evaluators are overly concerned. Pass blocking 98 run blocking 98 best if in a movement offense. Compared to Cody Mauch who moved from LT to OG with Tampa who PB is 75 and RB 70.5. Grant has it all [except NFL experience] to be our LT for a decade.

4. RB Dylan Sampson Tennessee 5'11" 190 Jr 4.35 20 YOA considered a work horse back in college compared to Jaylen Wright and Dameon Pierce. Sampson was HS standout in track 22-23 MPH with clean injury history despite heavy workload. Excellent academic.

5. SS/LB Sonny Stiles Ohio State Jr 6'4" 235 4.48 with 39" vertical; 22 mph GPS at slightly lower weight; 600 lb squat noted. His father Lorenzo played LB at Ohio State and won SB with NFL Rams and Sonny's brother Jr is on roster. A 19 yoa true junior with stats of 81 tackles with 4 passes defensed.

6 no pick {at this time}


7. CB outside or slot/ SS/LB Jordan Hancock I had this guy at round 3 IIRC and he keeps sliding for no apparent reason. 6'1" 195 Ohio State 4.45 and good coverage in Man-press or zone. 34 tackles with 22 solo and 6 passes defended and 1 INT.

UDFA WR/Returner Barion Brown extremely fast with good return stats. could replace Robert Woods
Despite heavy work load.. clean injury history. We have options; just saying.
 
Texans lazer focus should be run game period, it’s really held CJ and Slowick offense back. Like to add legitimate FB to this roster (Brooks recovery) or either through free agency, late rd (7th) pick. Far as RB, after seeing how important a bell cow (Joe Mixon) is, need to get his mirror understudy, even if it means using a 2nd day pick. Want a RB who checks all the boxes, size, speed, ball skills and pass pro. It’s too early of course but keep your eye on Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, Jr, 5116, 219, 4.45. Hopefully he doesn’t blow up out of range in second rd. but like last years run on OT’s this is where run begins, not 3rd (as I thought earlier) importance and injuries to backfield rosters will drive multiple teams to jump on talent.


 
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Texans lazer focus should be run game period, it’s really held CJ and Slowick offense back. Like to add legitimate FB to this roster (Brooks recovery) or either through free agency, late rd (7th) pick. Far as RB, after seeing how important a bell cow (Joe Mixon) is, need to get his mirror understudy, even if it means using a 2nd day pick. Want a RB who checks all the boxes, size, speed, ball skills and pass pro. It’s too early of course but keep your eye on Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, Jr, 5116, 219, 4.45. Hopefully he doesn’t blow up out of range in second rd. but like last years run on OT’s this is where run begins, not 3rd (as I thought earlier) importance and injuries to backfield rosters will drive multiple teams to jump on talent.



I’d have no issues checking with the Cowboys regarding their under used FB, Hunter Luepke (North Dakota State). The Cowboys have misused him in the worst way. I wouldn’t mind offering Metchie, since both are about equal in production. I believe HL could be Rathman like, if Slowick would find a way to get a FB involved in the offense. On a side note….HL is solid blocker and above average FB receiver.
 
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I’d have no issues checking with the Cowboys regarding their under used FB, Hunter Luepke (North Dakota State). The Cowboys have misused him in the worst way. I wouldn’t mind offering Metchie, since both are about equal in production. I believe HL could be Rathman like, if Slowick would find a way to get a FB involved in the offense. On a side note….HL is solid blocker and above average FB receiver.
Dallas isn't trading HL
 
Dallas isn't trading HL

They should consider it since they’ve done little to nothing to get him involved. Luepke will be coming up as an UFA after the 2025 season. If they haven’t figured out how to get him involved next season….he’ll sign elsewhere anyways.
 
It will be interesting to see if Slowik will migrate away or towards the ZBS system next year. I feel like right now we've had to try a little bit of everything (zone/gap/pulling) to find something that will work. I'll tell you this though, number 1 on my radar is 'How does the G react to stunts and blitzes!!!'
 

@steelbtexan he was cooking everybody
Look at how he runs routes, that's a true weapon. You can tell he used to be a WR. He also runs hard, has great vision and is really fast. I compare him to Achane. What I didn't see is how good is he in pass pro? That can be taught though.

My thoughts are that he's a 4th rd pick. Unfortunately Caserio/Ryans will probably value a solid all around guy that lacks homerun speed like Devin Neal over Smith. Smith is a difference maker who would be a perfect compliment to Mixon IMHO.
 
Mixon will be back, Pierce has another year and British Brooks will be back. They may not look at RB until the 6th rd again...last year they took a similar player, Jawhar Jordan, in the 6th rd.
 
Mixon will be back, Pierce has another year and British Brooks will be back. They may not look at RB until the 6th rd again...last year they took a similar player, Jawhar Jordan, in the 6th rd.
Agreed, but a RB like Brashard Smith would be a game changer. He's a threat to score any time he touches the ball. Plus being a former WR he's a guy you can use against S/LB's and create mismatches. He would be CJ's new best friend. As a bonus you could use Smith in the slot and other creative ways to get 2 weapons like Mixon/Smith on the field at the same time. Kinda like how the Redskins use Robinson/Ekeler, only more dynamic.
 
Agreed, but a RB like Brashard Smith would be a game changer. He's a threat to score any time he touches the ball. Plus being a former WR he's a guy you can use against S/LB's and create mismatches. He would be CJ's new best friend. As a bonus you could use Smith in the slot and other creative ways to get 2 weapons like Mixon/Smith on the field at the same time. Kinda like how the Redskins use Robinson/Ekeler, only more dynamic.
I like Smith as a weapon. I hope they finalize the offensive coordinator hire soon so we can continue dreaming up the types of players and offensive strategies they might want to bring in.
 
Mixon will be back, Pierce has another year and British Brooks will be back. They may not look at RB until the 6th rd again...last year they took a similar player, Jawhar Jordan, in the 6th rd.
If that's the answer, we still have a problem. Every 3rd down and 4 plus, Dare would come in. Guess what? Defense knew it was 100% pass down so they would pressure the ish out of CJ. You insert Smith, much like Gibbs, Achane, Bijan, you have to account for him. He's going to put alot of pressure on your pressure package. He can turn a 5 yd angle route into a 60 yd td.
 
If that's the answer, we still have a problem. Every 3rd down and 4 plus, Dare would come in. Guess what? Defense knew it was 100% pass down so they would pressure the ish out of CJ.
A huge failure of Slowick
 
A huge failure of Slowick
You can only use the talent you have on hand

Dare is a great ST's guy. But he shouldn't be getting any playing time. Defenses don't fear him and that's what lead to some of the issues.

Defenses will fear Smith.
 
Mixon will be back, Pierce has another year and British Brooks will be back. They may not look at RB until the 6th rd again...last year they took a similar player, Jawhar Jordan, in the 6th rd.

Agreed, but a RB like Brashard Smith would be a game changer. He's a threat to score any time he touches the ball. Plus being a former WR he's a guy you can use against S/LB's and create mismatches. He would be CJ's new best friend. As a bonus you could use Smith in the slot and other creative ways to get 2 weapons like Mixon/Smith on the field at the same time. Kinda like how the Redskins use Robinson/Ekeler, only more dynamic.

I see Tennessee RB, Dylan Sampson as a bigger weapon. He did lead the SEC in rushing. He handles his blocking assignments and catches the ball just fine. I’m really curious to see his 40 time at the Combine b/c there’s word that he was time at 4.19 in the 40 this season. He’d be the ideal match in the backfield with Mixon.
 
Texans lazer focus should be run game period, it’s really held CJ and Slowick offense back. Like to add legitimate FB to this roster (Brooks recovery) or either through free agency, late rd (7th) pick. Far as RB, after seeing how important a bell cow (Joe Mixon) is, need to get his mirror understudy, even if it means using a 2nd day pick. Want a RB who checks all the boxes, size, speed, ball skills and pass pro. It’s too early of course but keep your eye on Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, Jr, 5116, 219, 4.45. Hopefully he doesn’t blow up out of range in second rd. but like last years run on OT’s this is where run begins, not 3rd (as I thought earlier) importance and injuries to backfield rosters will drive multiple teams to jump on talent.


Would anyone here be butt hurt if Texans take RB Cam Scattebo with 2nd rd. selection?
 
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