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Hottoddie's time to fix the offensive line mock draft

Hottoddie

Hottoddie

Veteran
I know some have a problem with taking an IOL in the first round, but we have to fix the line once & for all. Otherwise, CJ is going to get hurt & we might have to start searching all over again for a franchise QB. In this mock, I wanted to trade back into the 2nd round, but there were no good offers being made & Tate Ratledge (plug & play RG on day one) is consistently being taken late in the first round on this website (NFL Draft Buzz). Jackson is listed as an OT, but he made his name as a LG at Ohio State. So, this is how my mock went.

Tate Ratledge Head Shot

PICK: 25 RND: 1 (HOU)
Tate Ratledge
OG Georgia
PROFILE

Donovan Jackson Head Shot

PICK: 58 RND: 2 (HOU)
Donovan Jackson
OT Ohio State
PROFILE

TreVeyon Henderson Head Shot

PICK: 89 RND: 3 (HOU)
TreVeyon Henderson
RB Ohio State
PROFILE

Elic Ayomanor Head Shot

PICK: 126 RND: 4 (HOU)
Elic Ayomanor
WR Stanford
PROFILE

Jay Higgins Head Shot

PICK: 165 RND: 5 (HOU)
Jay Higgins
LB Iowa
PROFILE

Thor Griffith Head Shot

PICK: 241 RND: 7 (HOU)
Thor Griffith
DL Louisville
 
Trading Tunsil this off-season probably doesn’t make a lot of sense financially. I’d be fairly excited with an investment in OT/OG- Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) and Marcus Wehr (Montana State) to go with the current group minus the release of Howard and Mason after June 1st.

I still wouldn’t mind adding C- Ryan Kelly (IND) as an UFA signing. Colts may not want to make a fair market value offer and could choose to draft a new center. Texans would have to be aggressive if they would like to see Kelly wearing Steel Blue.

I’ve lost zero faith in Patterson, but view the move to obtain Kelly as a measure to help CJ gain a lot of trust in his OL.

The team would still have Scruggs and two new tough as nails OL. Even if Caserio couldn’t land Kelly, the OL would be in good hands with Patterson returning as center in 2025.
 
I will give you a preview of my post Sr. Bowl mock.

Rd. 1 Zabel because both Booker and Jackson are gone

2. Tez Johnson because Savior Williams and Jalen Royals are gone

3. Jalen Rivers, even if I had to trade up a bit.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Trading Tunsil this off-season probably doesn’t make a lot of sense financially. I’d be fairly excited with an investment in OT/OG- Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) and Marcus Wehr (Montana State) to go with the current group minus the release of Howard and Mason after June 1st.

I still wouldn’t mind adding C- Ryan Kelly (IND) as an UFA signing. Colts may not want to make a fair market value offer and could choose to draft a new center. Texans would have to be aggressive if they would like to see Kelly wearing Steel Blue.

I’ve lost zero faith in Patterson, but view the move to obtain Kelly as a measure to help CJ gain a lot of trust in his OL.

The team would still have Scruggs and two new tough as nails OL. Even if Caserio couldn’t land Kelly, the OL would be in good hands with Patterson returning as center in 2025.
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? You do not think that 21 plus million dollars added to the salary cap is a financial positive move of Tunsil?
 
badboy said:
? You do not think that 21 plus million dollars added to the salary cap is a financial positive move of Tunsil?
Click to expand...

Personally, I’d love to see it happen but my practical side tells me Caserio wouldn’t dump (3) starting OL in one off season.

I’d like to have an early RD1 (inside 15) and more if possible for Tunsil. I would hope like hail that I could secure SS- Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) and maybe OL- Grey Zabel (ND State) in RD1.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Personally, I’d love to see it happen but my practical side tells me Caserio wouldn’t dump (3) starting OL in one off season.

I’d like to have an early RD1 (inside 15) and more if possible for Tunsil. I would hope like hail that I could secure SS- Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) and maybe OL- Grey Zabel (ND State) in RD1.
Click to expand...
I was hoping that Chip Kelly and Frye could change the ZBS and therefore move Tunsil for a huge trade package. That seems to not be a consideration. Again, I am not pushing to trade Tunsil but rather trying to replace him with a comparable if not exact left tackle and then get a massive trade package.
What would be the purpose of cutting players like howard, mason, Autry or Schultz if we're not going to go out and sign sigificant free agents? If nothing else I expect Nick to use those monies to extend Bennett and Stingly and perhaps Diggs.
 
Lucky said:
What deal in recent memory would you cite that had a LT netting a "massive trade package"? Define a "mass trade package."
Click to expand...
I'm surprised that you asked as the trade package that brought Tunsil to Houston has been discussed as a very massive trade package.

A team like the Bears could make a very good trade offer for someone to protect their new shiny quarterback. It would also bring good PR to the team's fans. Almost annually, we see teams making trades that make us shake our heads but it still happens. We benefit from the Browns trade for Watson. In my opinion, quarterback and left tackles are less likely to be found than wide receivers, cornerbacks or running backs.
 
badboy said:
I'm surprised that you asked as the trade package that brought Tunsil to Houston has been discussed as a very massive trade package.

A team like the Bears could make a very good trade offer for someone to protect their new shiny quarterback. It would also bring good PR to the team's fans. Almost annually, we see teams making trades that make us shake our heads but it still happens. We benefit from the Browns trade for Watson. In my opinion, quarterback and left tackles are less likely to be found than wide receivers, cornerbacks or running backs.
Click to expand...

A knee-jerk trade by O’Brien was the only reason the Dolphins got the return they did for Tunsil.

Texans could in no way find another useful idiot tandem (Owner/GM) that would have Tunsil high enough on their wish list for the Texans to even remotely dream of getting a similar return.

A Tunsil trade will yield what it will. I don’t think there’s an early RD1 (1-10) buyer in the NFL.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
A knee-jerk trade by O’Brien was the only reason the Dolphins got the return they did for Tunsil.

Texans could in no way find another useful idiot tandem (Owner/GM) that would have Tunsil high enough on their wish list for the Texans to even remotely dream of getting a similar return.

A Tunsil trade will yield what it will. I don’t think there’s an early RD1 (1-10) buyer in the NFL.
Click to expand...
Watson and Earl Campbell and it only takes one. If it doesn't happen, we have lost absolutely nothing.
You would not trade 1.10 for Tunsil? I would.
 
badboy said:
I'm surprised that you asked as the trade package that brought Tunsil to Houston has been discussed as a very massive trade package.

A team like the Bears could make a very good trade offer for someone to protect their new shiny quarterback. It would also bring good PR to the team's fans. Almost annually, we see teams making trades that make us shake our heads but it still happens. We benefit from the Browns trade for Watson. In my opinion, quarterback and left tackles are less likely to be found than wide receivers, cornerbacks or running backs.
Click to expand...

OK, that’s not happening. Hold on to Tunsil until O’Brien gets another GM gig. A 2025 2nd with a 2026 3rd may be possible.
 
badboy said:
Watson and Earl Campbell and it only takes one. If it doesn't happen, we have lost absolutely nothing.
You would not trade 1.10 for Tunsil? I would.
Click to expand...

All things being equal .... agree .... but, I don't think he's particularly good for the other players .... well, OLine at least .... big contract - part of what your purchasing is character .... no ?
 
badboy said:
I'm surprised that you asked as the trade package that brought Tunsil to Houston has been discussed as a very massive trade package.

A team like the Bears could make a very good trade offer for someone to protect their new shiny quarterback. It would also bring good PR to the team's fans. Almost annually, we see teams making trades that make us shake our heads but it still happens. We benefit from the Browns trade for Watson. In my opinion, quarterback and left tackles are less likely to be found than wide receivers, cornerbacks or running backs.
Click to expand...
Agreed, so let's trade our less likely to be found LT?

SMH
 
Lucky said:
OK, that’s not happening. Hold on to Tunsil until O’Brien gets another GM gig. A 2025 2nd with a 2026 3rd may be possible.
Click to expand...
I think a team like the Redskins or the Dolphins (ironically) might give up a 1st for Tunsil.
 
badboy said:
Watson and Earl Campbell and it only takes one. If it doesn't happen, we have lost absolutely nothing.
You would not trade 1.10 for Tunsil? I would.
Click to expand...

I would in a heartbeat…..problem, Bears would never use their RD1-10 pick to get Tunsil. I believe every GM in the NFL views Tunsil as a finesse one-trick pass blocking LT. That’s not RD1 pick material.
 
justmy2cents said:
All things being equal .... agree .... but, I don't think he's particularly good for the other players .... well, OLine at least .... big contract - part of what your purchasing is character .... no ?
Click to expand...
It's Tunsil's fault that Green, Mason sucked, or Scruggs is dumb as a box of rocks? What character concerns does Tunsil have? 2 yrs ago he played fairly well on a knee that needed surgery and last yr played on a bum ankle. That's not a guy I would consider a low character player.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
I would in a heartbeat…..problem, Bears would never use their RD1-10 pick to get Tunsil. I believe every GM in the NFL views Tunsil as a finesse one-trick pass blocking LT. That’s not RD1 pick material.
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I can name several teams that would give up a 1st and more for Tunsil. I'm hoping they draft real talent to put next to Tunsil like Jackson, Booker or Zabel then we will see how good Tunsil is. When you play next to crap like Green, Howard the stench is going to run off on you.
 
steelbtexan said:
It's Tunsil's fault that Green, Mason sucked, or Scruggs is dumb as a box of rocks? What character concerns does Tunsil have? 2 yrs ago he played fairly well on a knee that needed surgery and last yr played on a bum ankle. That's not a guy I would consider a low character player.
Click to expand...
 
steelbtexan said:
I can name several teams that would give up a 1st and more for Tunsil. I'm hoping they draft real talent to put next to Tunsil like Jackson, Booker or Zabel then we will see how good Tunsil is. When you play next to crap like Green, Howard the stench is going to run off on you.
Click to expand...

Quick get them on speed dial. You had me at hello.
 
Porky said:
Quick get them on speed dial. You had me at hello.
Click to expand...
Yep, let's give away a top 10 LT who also happens to be the best on on the team by far. Brilliant, I'm sure glad Caserio, Ryans don't see things like you do. Now if you say draft a guy like Simmons and put him at LG and in 2026 trade Tunsil and put Simmons at LT then I can get on board with that.

Tell me, what would it take for Tunsil to change your opinion of him?
 
Okay guys, let's keep it civil.

As for the trade Tunsil discussion, it's my opinion that he won't be traded this year. He's got two years left on his contract. It's also my opinion that Fisher was drafted as the future LT for the Texans. But, he's not quite ready to start this year. We'll have a better idea after next year if he's ready to take over at LT. That's when I believe they might offer Tunsil up for trade. For those that don't want to trade Tunsil, you have to keep in mind that it's just a business. While Tunsil is still playing at a top 5 LT level, he will be 33 years old when his contract comes up for renewal & since it will most likely be his last big payday, he won't come cheap. It's also my opinion that a lot of the off-sides penalties are a result of him feeling his age & trying to get an edge on the defender. If Fisher is ready to take over at that time, he'll still be on his rookie contract & only 24 years old.

As for trade value, no top 10-15 team will give a 1st round pick for him since there are usually several plug & play left tackles available in that range. The only teams that might consider giving up their 1st round pick would be established teams in the bottom of the 1st round. This year, that would be Baltimore, Washington & Kansas City. All three are Superbowl contenders & are in need of a starting LT.

In my opinion, the Texans would most likely get a 2nd round pick & other considerations for Tunsil. It won't be a massive trade package as was alluded to in another post, but it should be a very nice package for a player that is still productive, but getting older & nearing retirement age. As you can see in the screenshot below, trading Tunsil this year pre-June 1st will only give us $13,850,000 in cap relief & leave us with a $15,000,000 dead money hit. But, next year, we'd get $21,350,000 in cap relief with a $7,500,000 dead money hit.

Of course, when it's all said & done, the Texans might just renew his contract for another 3 years like they did in 2023 (see the terms at the bottom of the screenshot below).

The bottom line is that if you can get some good compensation for a veteran & plug in a much younger player for a lot less money, then you have to do it. That's how the best teams stay on top of their game. But, that's just my opinion.

1739658222867.png

Fisher's contract:

1739658730783.png
 
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As for my original post, I see now that I should've taken Booker with the 25th pick & Ratledge in the 4th round. The site I was using has since been adjusted to reflect that, but unfortunately, everyone knows about Booker & there are several teams ahead of us that also need IOL help. If NC can sign a starting LG in free agency, then we could still take Ratledge in the 4th or with our late 3rd. Ratledge might not be the glamour pick, but he's a blue collar worker that just gets the job done.
 
Assuming NC signs a starting LG in free agency, here's my second try at a mock draft.

Walter Nolen Head Shot

PICK: 25 RND: 1 (HOU)
Walter Nolen
DT Ole Miss
PROFILE

Nick Emmanwori Head Shot

PICK: 58 RND: 2 (HOU)
Nick Emmanwori
S South Carolina
PROFILE

Tate Ratledge Head Shot

PICK: 89 RND: 3 (HOU)
Tate Ratledge
OG Georgia
PROFILE

TreVeyon Henderson Head Shot

PICK: 127 RND: 4 (HOU)
TreVeyon Henderson
RB Ohio State
PROFILE

Terrance Ferguson Head Shot

PICK: 167 RND: 5 (HOU)
Terrance Ferguson
TE Oregon
PROFILE

Smael Mondon Jr. Head Shot

PICK: 243 RND: 7 (HOU)
Smael Mondon Jr.
LB Georgia
 
Want to fix the OL, Not that I would do this

Draft

Donovan Jackson
Trade 2-58, and a 2026 2nd Draft Grey Zabel

Trade 4-121 for Micheal Mayer TE Raiders

FA- sign Will Fries RG - Colts. Sign 2 cheap FA WR's

3-89 Draft Tez Johnson

Offense is fixed, Just gotta have the conviction to get this done. This is going all in on CJ/Caley.
 
Hottoddie said:
Assuming NC signs a starting LG in free agency, here's my second try at a mock draft.

Walter Nolen Head Shot

PICK: 25 RND: 1 (HOU)
Walter Nolen
DT Ole Miss
PROFILE

Nick Emmanwori Head Shot

PICK: 58 RND: 2 (HOU)
Nick Emmanwori
S South Carolina
PROFILE

Tate Ratledge Head Shot

PICK: 89 RND: 3 (HOU)
Tate Ratledge
OG Georgia
PROFILE

TreVeyon Henderson Head Shot

PICK: 127 RND: 4 (HOU)
TreVeyon Henderson
RB Ohio State
PROFILE

Terrance Ferguson Head Shot

PICK: 167 RND: 5 (HOU)
Terrance Ferguson
TE Oregon
PROFILE

Smael Mondon Jr. Head Shot

PICK: 243 RND: 7 (HOU)
Smael Mondon Jr.
LB Georgia
Click to expand...
That would be a decent draft!
 
Hottoddie said:
Okay guys, let's keep it civil.

As for the trade Tunsil discussion, it's my opinion that he won't be traded this year. He's got two years left on his contract. It's also my opinion that Fisher was drafted as the future LT for the Texans. But, he's not quite ready to start this year. We'll have a better idea after next year if he's ready to take over at LT. That's when I believe they might offer Tunsil up for trade. For those that don't want to trade Tunsil, you have to keep in mind that it's just a business. While Tunsil is still playing at a top 5 LT level, he will be 33 years old when his contract comes up for renewal & since it will most likely be his last big payday, he won't come cheap. It's also my opinion that a lot of the off-sides penalties are a result of him feeling his age & trying to get an edge on the defender. If Fisher is ready to take over at that time, he'll still be on his rookie contract & only 24 years old.
Click to expand...
Excellent post with a lot of information.

I will say this. The Texans will need to renegotiate some hefty contracts to get cap space. And Caserio usually makes a stop at the Bank of Tunsil to help make that happen. So as you allude to, an extension is likely for Tunsil this offseason, adding an additional year of guaranteed money and maybe some void years after that to spread out the cap hit. It also makes sense with a future Fisher extension, as the Texans would be negotiating a RT deal rather than a LT deal. Then when Laremy moves on, you have a LT on a RT contract.
 
Lucky said:
Excellent post with a lot of information.

I will say this. The Texans will need to renegotiate some hefty contracts to get cap space. And Caserio usually makes a stop at the Bank of Tunsil to help make that happen. So as you allude to, an extension is likely for Tunsil this offseason, adding an additional year of guaranteed money and maybe some void years after that to spread out the cap hit. It also makes sense with a future Fisher extension, as the Texans would be negotiating a RT deal rather than a LT deal. Then when Laremy moves on, you have a LT on a RT contract.
Click to expand...
What makes posters think Fisher is a LT?

Didn't play LT in college, was barely avg at LT last yr.
 
steelbtexan said:
Didn't play LT in college, was barely avg at LT last yr.
Click to expand...
Barely average as a rookie at LT bodes well for the future. Fisher started out at LT as a freshman at Notre Dame but was injured. Alt moved from RT to LT and stayed when Fisher returned a year later. Fisher could have transferred and been a LT. He has the length and feet. Played strictly at LT last preseason, so I think the Texans believe he has a future there. It's just not in the near future.
 
Lucky said:
Barely average as a rookie at LT bodes well for the future. Fisher started out at LT as a freshman at Notre Dame but was injured. Alt moved from RT to LT and stayed when Fisher returned a year later. Fisher could have transferred and been a LT. He has the length and feet. Played strictly at LT last preseason, so I think the Texans believe he has a future there. It's just not in the near future.
Click to expand...
Playing a few games as a Freshman at LT doesn't scream LT of the future. I'm just hoping Fisher can improve to being an avg to above avg RT. But time will tell.
 
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