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Steel B's Mock 3.0

steelbtexan

steelbtexan

King of the W. B. Club
Contributor's Club
Now that FA is underway the picture has become clearer on what the Texans needs are and the strengths/weaknesses of the 2025 draft. With that said here's how I would approach the 2025 draft.

1-10 Kelvin Banks LT Texas, very talented, scored well on the things that matter when it comes to OL play. 10 yr starter at LT is worth trading 1-25 and a 2026 1st. Caserio will still have two 2nd rd picks in 2026 so if Caserio has a guy he like in rd 1 in the 2026 draft He will have the ammo to move up and get the guy he wants. Banks improves the OL IQ.

2-58 Mason Taylor TE LSU, Big target that understands how to find the holes in zone coverage. Wins contested catch situations vs man coverage. Good blocker who at 6'6 250 Lbs has a chance to be a really good blocker with NFL coaching. He's as good a blocker as Warren/Loveland. Pro comp would be Zack Ertz. Taylor improves the OL IQ. Dad played in NFL so there are bloodlines there.

3-79 Jack Nelson LT/OG Wisconsin, Nelson is a big 3 yr starter, has started at LT where he's got the feet to be an avg LT. I would put him at RG which he played one yr at Wisconsin and watch him dominate for the next 5-10 yrs. Plays like a typical Wisconsin OL (Smart with a mean streak) Can be dominant in the run game but was solid in pass pro against great competition in big 10. He helps improve the Texans OL IQ, 3 time all Big 10 academic All American. Dad played in NFL so there are bloodlines there. Comp Kevin Zietler.

3-89 Dont'e Thornton WR Tennessee, Big tall super athletic WR 6'5 200 lbs. Good hands, Best deep threat in this draft. Limited route tree, but McDaniels can mold this ball of clay. Needs to get stronger, but is a play miking field stretcher. 1st yr teach him 4 plays and let him learn on the job. (Fly/Post/curl/back shoulder) Has Nico type athletic ability.

5-166 Robert Longerbeam CB Rutgers, Fast, skinny 5'11, 175 lbs guy that should be a quality slot CB with plenty of experience playing outside. sticky CB iwth good hands and creates turnovers. Although he's skinny he's a sure taclker, he is smart 4 time All Aceademic Big 10 guy. Playmaker who only falls this far because of his size. I would trade up for him if need be.

7-241 Jacory Croskey Merrit Arizona, talented traveling man played 1 game for Arizona last yr because of eligibility issues. Stud RB at New Mexico and played at Alabama A&M the yr before that. Solid 5'10 215 taclke breaking RB. Great speed and has good hands. Is a big play waiting to happen anytime he gets the ball in his hands. Willing pass blocker who runs in the 4.3's. Tore up the Shrine game, a steal at this point in the draft and the only reason he's here at this point in the draft is because he bounced around a lot during his college yrs. Isiah Pacheco is my comp for him. I would trade up for this guy also.

7-248 Silas Bolden WR/KR/PR Texas, Bolen is a really good return guy that add speed to the team, Great feel for the return game, fearless small guy when asked to play slot WR.

This mock adds playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Good smart athletic players, many of who I can see as 10 yr starters. This draft adds team speed particularly on the offensive side of the ball. It most of all it adds 2 smart tough NFL ready OL and that is a really good thing after seeing last yrs dumb OL. I really like picks 5-166 and 7-241. Adding a young developmental nickle back to an already strong secondary could give the secondary the depth this team was missing last yr.

I put a lot of thought into this mock and would appreciate feedback.

Thanks SteeB.
 
Great job, Mr. B. I personally would not trade up to 10 for Banks. I'm not sure he's a top-ten pick—nearly certainly top-20—but in any case, I know you like to be aggressive for your guys.

I don't think I'd take the bait and trade a first rounder for Banks. I don't see all-pro in him. Another reason is these guys walk way more often because teams can't afford the 2nd contract, so the 10 year thing? Not so sure anymore. I'd stay at 25 and take whoever is left between Booker, Josh Simmons, or Grey Zabel. I am not sure which one I'd take if all 3 are there...which admittedly is unlikely. But I'd bet one of these guys will be there and I like any of the 3 for this team. But If all three are gone, that's fine. I'll trade up in round 2 which costs far less...and my target is Donovan Jackson who as a bonus is from Cypress.

If my 3 guys are gone, I might then look to trade down and use that asset to trade back up for Jackson. If I stay at 25, I'll choose between Loveland, McMillan, Walter Nolan, Egbuka, Derick Harmon, Grant from MI, Jihaad Campbell, etc. Again, some of these guys will be gone....but any of these guys would help. In short, I'll let the draft come to me.

I like Taylor in your mock in the 2nd, and Nelson in the 3rd. Also good with Thornton IF we've signed a legit FA. If not...I'm going a different way.

All in all, other than the quibble about trading up, great draft.
 
I like Banks but to give up an extra 1st you have to believe they are a special can’t miss prospect. Those trades aren’t to be taken lightly.

When Nick traded up to 3 for Will Anderson it was because he was that prospect and he has lived up to it so far. Anderson has led DeMeco’s culture shift on the Texans defense and even lets fellow pro bowlers know that THEY aren’t cut out to play on his defense. They don’t make many Will Andersons and that’s why Nick paid the toll to move up to 3 on draft night to take him.

I don’t think Banks is that guy. But if he drops low enough to trade up using a day 2 pick I might consider it.

Otherwise i’m fine taking the best OL on the board at 25 and adding them to the competition whether it’s an OT like Simmons or OG like Jackson or Zabel.

On board with Taylor in the 2nd.

Jack Nelson seems interesting from your description, but NFLMockdraftdatabase currently has him going in the 7th. I’d have to look into him more to feel strong enough to give up a day 2 pick for him.

Not that interested in Thornton. Great measurables who has 39 catches last two seasons in a non pro style offense. One trick ponies like him get shut down in the pros and I would rather use that pick on a WR with a more diverse skillset. At least with a top 100 pick. Take those risks day 3 or UDFA.

Other picks are fine position/prospect picks for where they are slotted imo.
 
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Jackson is Day 1 LG.

Taylor could probably unseat the current TE group and earn TE1 by the time Pre Season comes to a close.

Pierce would come to camp to learn the intricacies of the NFL LT position….if he answers the call, great!!! If not, Fisher moves over to interim LT and Cornelius starts at RT which is his natural position. Pierce becomes the swing tackle until he’s ready to start. Would be a good problem to have.

Thornton Jr, Wright, and Edward’s would all get their chances to make depth chart. I’d see Thornton Jr as WR2, Wright SS3/ST, and Edward’s as RB3/ST.

The OL definitely gets its pieces.
 
I wouldn’t trade up that high for Banks. If he was within a five pick window, would pick up the phone. Only tackle I would trade that high up for is Will Campbell, who is worth top 10 consideration.
 
beerlover said:
I wouldn’t trade up that high for Banks. If he was within a five pick window, would pick up the phone. Only tackle I would trade that high up for is Will Campbell, who is worth top 10 consideration.
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I like Banks way more than Campbell.

The way I see things about trading up is if you can get a cheap long term answer at LT. I see Banks as a top 10 pick so if you traded two 1sts, you would only really be trading a 2026 1st because Banks is the 2025 1st. From the Tunsil trade Caserio has enough draft capital to move around as he sees fit and still get top tier talent.
 
steelbtexan said:
I like Banks way more than Campbell.

The way I see things about trading up is if you can get a cheap long term answer at LT. I see Banks as a top 10 pick so if you traded two 1sts, you would only really be trading a 2026 1st because Banks is the 2025 1st. From the Tunsil trade Caserio has enough draft capital to move around as he sees fit and still get top tier talent.
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No thanks. It’s time to move on, pay current studs and top returners while drafting smarter, trading down and gathering more draft capital. We don’t need a Pro Bowl left tackle, we need a cohesive, coherent scheme functional juggernaut.
 
beerlover said:
No thanks. It’s time to move on, pay current studs and top returners while drafting smarter, trading down and gathering more draft capital. We don’t need a Pro Bowl left tackle, we need a cohesive, coherent scheme functional juggernaut.
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Why would you not want pro bowl level players on the team?

Give me a star level player over 2 starter level players.
 
steelbtexan said:
1-10 Kelvin Banks LT Texas, very talented, scored well on the things that matter when it comes to OL play. 10 yr starter at LT is worth trading 1-25 and a 2026 1st. Caserio will still have two 2nd rd picks in 2026 so if Caserio has a guy he like in rd 1 in the 2026 draft He will have the ammo to move up and get the guy he wants. Banks improves the OL IQ.
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If the Texans have a conviction about an OT, then I don't have a problem with this. Me, I see Banks, Campbell, and Simmons as having legit LT talent but with their own flaws. Banks isn't the plus athlete you usually see in the top 10 of drafts. Campbell's arm length does not fit the prototype for NFL LTs (Howie Roseman would not draft him). Simmons has the torn patellar tendon injured in October. These flaws would not deter me from selecting these prospects.

I would have conversations with pretty much every GM from 1.10 to 1.24 to determine what it might take to move up. When two of these OTs come off the board, I would try to make a move up to draft the 3rd. And yes, that might include a future 1st round pick. Unless...

...I had conviction that my future LT is already on the team. The Texans have had Blake Fisher in the building for a year. They know exactly how they feel regarding Fisher's future. If the rumors of Howard moving to LT are true, the Texans don't have that LT conviction with Fisher. Then, it's time to get aggressive.
 
Lucky said:
If the Texans have a conviction about an OT, then I don't have a problem with this. Me, I see Banks, Campbell, and Simmons as having legit LT talent but with their own flaws. Banks isn't the plus athlete you usually see in the top 10 of drafts. Campbell's arm length does not fit the prototype for NFL LTs (Howie Roseman would not draft him). Simmons has the torn patellar tendon injured in October. These flaws would not deter me from selecting these prospects.

I would have conversations with pretty much every GM from 1.10 to 1.24 to determine what it might take to move up. When two of these OTs come off the board, I would try to make a move up to draft the 3rd. And yes, that might include a future 1st round pick. Unless...

...I had conviction that my future LT is already on the team. The Texans have had Blake Fisher in the building for a year. They know exactly how they feel regarding Fisher's future. If the rumors of Howard moving to LT are true, the Texans don't have that LT conviction with Fisher. Then, it's time to get aggressive.
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Banks ran fairly well and had good explosion numbers.

Short arms by 1/2 in wouldn't keep me from drafting Banks. I looked at his play when healthy and he looked elite to me. Good feet and technique.
 
I really like the entire mock draft, but trading up to #10 is awfully expensive. If it were up me, I'd probably put Banks and Simmons in the same basket, and only move up once once of them were gone. (Simmons torn patellar tendon doesn't really bother me, he's reported to be ahead of schedule.) Now if that means #11 I guess I'd have to take that, but hoping to get the price down from 2 #1s is probably worth the risk.
 
steelbtexan said:
Now that FA is underway the picture has become clearer on what the Texans needs are and the strengths/weaknesses of the 2025 draft. With that said here's how I would approach the 2025 draft.

1-10 Kelvin Banks LT Texas, very talented, scored well on the things that matter when it comes to OL play. 10 yr starter at LT is worth trading 1-25 and a 2026 1st. Caserio will still have two 2nd rd picks in 2026 so if Caserio has a guy he like in rd 1 in the 2026 draft He will have the ammo to move up and get the guy he wants. Banks improves the OL IQ.

2-58 Mason Taylor TE LSU, Big target that understands how to find the holes in zone coverage. Wins contested catch situations vs man coverage. Good blocker who at 6'6 250 Lbs has a chance to be a really good blocker with NFL coaching. He's as good a blocker as Warren/Loveland. Pro comp would be Zack Ertz. Taylor improves the OL IQ. Dad played in NFL so there are bloodlines there.

3-79 Jack Nelson LT/OG Wisconsin, Nelson is a big 3 yr starter, has started at LT where he's got the feet to be an avg LT. I would put him at RG which he played one yr at Wisconsin and watch him dominate for the next 5-10 yrs. Plays like a typical Wisconsin OL (Smart with a mean streak) Can be dominant in the run game but was solid in pass pro against great competition in big 10. He helps improve the Texans OL IQ, 3 time all Big 10 academic All American. Dad played in NFL so there are bloodlines there. Comp Kevin Zietler.

3-89 Dont'e Thornton WR Tennessee, Big tall super athletic WR 6'5 200 lbs. Good hands, Best deep threat in this draft. Limited route tree, but McDaniels can mold this ball of clay. Needs to get stronger, but is a play miking field stretcher. 1st yr teach him 4 plays and let him learn on the job. (Fly/Post/curl/back shoulder) Has Nico type athletic ability.

5-166 Robert Longerbeam CB Rutgers, Fast, skinny 5'11, 175 lbs guy that should be a quality slot CB with plenty of experience playing outside. sticky CB iwth good hands and creates turnovers. Although he's skinny he's a sure taclker, he is smart 4 time All Aceademic Big 10 guy. Playmaker who only falls this far because of his size. I would trade up for him if need be.

7-241 Jacory Croskey Merrit Arizona, talented traveling man played 1 game for Arizona last yr because of eligibility issues. Stud RB at New Mexico and played at Alabama A&M the yr before that. Solid 5'10 215 taclke breaking RB. Great speed and has good hands. Is a big play waiting to happen anytime he gets the ball in his hands. Willing pass blocker who runs in the 4.3's. Tore up the Shrine game, a steal at this point in the draft and the only reason he's here at this point in the draft is because he bounced around a lot during his college yrs. Isiah Pacheco is my comp for him. I would trade up for this guy also.

7-248 Silas Bolden WR/KR/PR Texas, Bolen is a really good return guy that add speed to the team, Great feel for the return game, fearless small guy when asked to play slot WR.

This mock adds playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Good smart athletic players, many of who I can see as 10 yr starters. This draft adds team speed particularly on the offensive side of the ball. It most of all it adds 2 smart tough NFL ready OL and that is a really good thing after seeing last yrs dumb OL. I really like picks 5-166 and 7-241. Adding a young developmental nickle back to an already strong secondary could give the secondary the depth this team was missing last yr.

I put a lot of thought into this mock and would appreciate feedback.

Thanks SteeB.
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Haven't studied the draft in depth this year yet but will get around to it eventually.
I like the positions you have targeted though I would have liked to see a big guy on the D on your list? Got any you like?
Oh and my guy I talk Texans with a lot who is very knowledgeable btw, likes your tackle out of Texas. Very high on him.
It's possible NC swings a deal to go get him too.
Would you put him at LG to learn from Howard?
 
Texansphan said:
Haven't studied the draft in depth this year yet but will get around to it eventually.
I like the positions you have targeted though I would have liked to see a big guy on the D on your list? Got any you like?
Oh and my guy I talk Texans with a lot who is very knowledgeable btw, likes your tackle out of Texas. Very high on him.
It's possible NC swings a deal to go get him too.
Would you put him at LG to learn from Howard?
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Howard would never, in a million years, get the opportunity to mentor any of the OL draft picks. I’m still lost as to why he’s still on the roster after purging Tunsil, Green, and Mason. Releasing Howard could still kick some positive money back towards the cap.
 
steelbtexan said:
Why would you not want pro bowl level players on the team?

Give me a star level player over 2 starter level players.
Reality is, All-Pro linemen isn't a requirement for sucess, and for each, add around 25-60 million each. Like resourses focused on skill players, Derek Stingley, Will Anderson JR, CJ Stroud and Nico Collins.
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For one, or couple if 2nd/3rd day OL hit, then your looking at paying them or losing them in 3 or 4 years. Case in point, Colts just lost Will Fries, 7th rounder in 2021, 5 year 88 million. Nice problem to have, cross that path if it happens, difficult for Caserio to fit under this salary cap, which is big reason for trading Tunsil (cap space). Minnesota GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seems to have really caught fire with free agent moves. Interested in his 2nd round OG from his rookie year class 2022 Ed Ingram, now a Texan.
 
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OptimisticTexan said:
Howard would never, in a million years, get the opportunity to mentor any of the OL draft picks. I’m still lost as to why he’s still on the roster after purging Tunsil, Green, and Mason. Releasing Howard could still kick some positive money back towards the cap.
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Dang Op-Tex sounds like you've got a real problem with Howard, and if it turns out that he's Nick & Demecos answer for LT in 2025 then we will be in big trouble ?
 
beerlover said:
For one, or couple if 2nd/3rd day OL hit, then your looking at paying them or losing them in 3 or 4 years. Case in point, Colts just lost Will Fries, 7th rounder in 2021, 5 year 88 million. Nice problem to have, cross that path if it happens, difficult for Caserio to fit under this salary cap, which is big reason for trading Tunsil (cap space). Minnesota GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seems to have really caught fire with free agent moves. Interested in his 2nd round OG from his rookie year class 2022 Ed Ingram, now a Texan.
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Give me proven players over hope guys dont play like Kenyon Green.
 
Texansphan said:
Haven't studied the draft in depth this year yet but will get around to it eventually.
I like the positions you have targeted though I would have liked to see a big guy on the D on your list? Got any you like?
Oh and my guy I talk Texans with a lot who is very knowledgeable btw, likes your tackle out of Texas. Very high on him.
It's possible NC swings a deal to go get him too.
Would you put him at LG to learn from Howard?
Click to expand...
Darius Alexander and Alfred Collins are the 2 guys I really like at 2-58. Really good players. Alexander reminds me of Chris Jones if he can put it all together. DL coach Okam was his DL coach in college.

Simply put Banks is the best OT in this draft. If I had to give up 1-25 and a 1st in 2026 I would do it in a heartbeat. He's a long time starter in the Bills LT Dion Dawkins mode. Smooth mover that can move people in the run game. Only reason he falls to say 10 is he played on an injured ankle last yr.
 
cland said:
I really like the entire mock draft, but trading up to #10 is awfully expensive. If it were up me, I'd probably put Banks and Simmons in the same basket, and only move up once once of them were gone. (Simmons torn patellar tendon doesn't really bother me, he's reported to be ahead of schedule.) Now if that means #11 I guess I'd have to take that, but hoping to get the price down from 2 #1s is probably worth the risk.
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The patellar injury makes Simmons not worth the risk IMHO. He is a top 5 player in this draft if healthy.
 
steelbtexan said:
The patellar injury makes Simmons not worth the risk IMHO. He is a top 5 player in this draft if healthy.
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Yeah that type of injury on an over 300lb offensive lineman would make me nervous. If you want to take a chance on a tackle who is coming off an injury there's always Jalen Rivers from Miami who will be available much later.
 
steelbtexan said:
Darius Alexander and Alfred Collins are the 2 guys I really like at 2-58. Really good players. Alexander reminds me of Chris Jones if he can put it all together. DL coach Okam was his DL coach in college.

Simply put Banks is the best OT in this draft. If I had to give up 1-25 and a 1st in 2026 I would do it in a heartbeat. He's a long time starter in the Bills LT Dion Dawkins mode. Smooth mover that can move people in the run game. Only reason he falls to say 10 is he played on an injured ankle last yr.
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I'm thinking Banks is our likely target. Will take a significant move up but I would be okay with it.
Otoh, why not wait for the second round and make a move for Wyatt Milam? This kid can play too and would be less expensive to acquire. Milam is projected as IOL but I believe he played LT last season at a high level?
I also like Armand Membou.
 
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Texansphan said:
I'm thinking Banks is our likely target. Will take a significant move up but I would be okay with it.
Otoh, why not wait for the second round and make a move for Wyatt Milam? This kid can play too and would be less expensive to acquire.
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Milium played LT at West Virginia. Many feel he will need to kick inside in the NFL. Still, he should go sometime Day 2 as a OG.
 
steelbtexan said:
Darius Alexander and Alfred Collins are the 2 guys I really like at 2-58. Really good players. Alexander reminds me of Chris Jones if he can put it all together. DL coach Okam was his DL coach in college.

Simply put Banks is the best OT in this draft. If I had to give up 1-25 and a 1st in 2026 I would do it in a heartbeat. He's a long time starter in the Bills LT Dion Dawkins mode. Smooth mover that can move people in the run game. Only reason he falls to say 10 is he played on an injured ankle last yr.
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You may wind up being right on him being a top 10 selection, but the mocks I have looked at don't agree. The consensus being late teens through the 20's with some landing him to the Texans at 25. Ultimately, it's up to each team and how they grade him. Just because I haven't seen a recent mock with him even close to 10 doesn't mean that's the consensus of the GM's making the picks...but it's at least worth noting. For the record, I like Simmons a bit better, but I do also like Banks. But definitely not enough to give up next year's first for an unproven asset. No way. No how. Nada chance I would do that deal.
 
Porky said:
You may wind up being right on him being a top 10 selection, but the mocks I have looked at don't agree. The consensus being late teens through the 20's with some landing him to the Texans at 25.
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Here are the top OTs and their consensus mock draft selections

ps://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/big-boards/2025/consensus-big-board-2025?pos=OT
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1.4 Patriots - Will Campbell
1.7 Jets - Armond Membou
1.10 Bears - Kelvin Banks
1.25 Texans - Josh Simmons
1.27 Ravens - Josh Conerly

Now, that's based upon over 900 mock drafts. If you go by a handful that you feel are clued in, that could change significantly.
 
If that is the case I would take Conerly over Simmons. Looking at how thay are graded and measurments Conerly on paper gets the pie. I still think we make ther trade for Banks because we need a LT this year and Banks can be that man.
 
Porky said:
You may wind up being right on him being a top 10 selection, but the mocks I have looked at don't agree. The consensus being late teens through the 20's with some landing him to the Texans at 25. Ultimately, it's up to each team and how they grade him. Just because I haven't seen a recent mock with him even close to 10 doesn't mean that's the consensus of the GM's making the picks...but it's at least worth noting. For the record, I like Simmons a bit better, but I do also like Banks. But definitely not enough to give up next year's first for an unproven asset. No way. No how. Nada chance I would do that deal.
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I don't like Simmons because of his injury history, otherwise he probably would be a top 10 pick.

I like Banks and think he's the long term answer at LT. Well worth two 1sts IMHO. He's proven against the best college talent in the nation.

I'll give you another reason that I would trade up, CJ, WA are going to want extensions next off-season, it sure would be nice to not have to pay a 2026 1st rd pick and use that money on the extensions. Plus you get a long term answer at LT, yeah, sign me up for that
 
By all accounts the knee is good and he should be 100% full go by camp. I always have some concern with injury, but I would rather have him at 25 than Banks at 10. I might even draft him over Banks if both landed at 25 although it’s close imho.

Good discussion my friend. Let’s see how it unfolds.
 
Lucky said:
Here are the top OTs and their consensus mock draft selections



1.4 Patriots - Will Campbell
1.7 Jets - Armond Membou
1.10 Bears - Kelvin Banks
1.25 Texans - Josh Simmons
1.27 Ravens - Josh Conerly

Now, that's based upon over 900 mock drafts. If you go by a handful that you feel are clued in, that could change significantly.
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If the Pats don't take the first OT off the board I hope Nick starts making calls. Membou, Campbell and Banks would all be an upgrade over the current tackles on the roster.
 
Straight-up no trade draft. Focused on OL, WR, and RB. Defense has been fixed….offense has focused on bridge signings. I get the feeling Caserio will focus on long term offensive weapons in the draft.

1742262088857.png

Jackson (OG/OT), Pierce (OT), and Travis (OT) will give the OL a good infusion of young talent.

The WR Room would welcome a couple of instant studs, who should find their receiving opportunities in Higgins and Thornton Jr. I believe CJ would be pretty dammed excited with these guys.

Henderson would be great for CJ, Mixon, and the Texans offense. He’ll be a heck of a RB2 from Day 1.

Finally, a player for Ryans defense. Wright will be a fun addition since he has the size and length to be a thorn in the side of offenses. 6-4 @ 227 lbs with almost 35” arms makes him an elite sized tweener. He plays the run and pass well…..I believe Ryans could elevate his game. He could find his 2025 impact on ST’s while DeMeco helps him develop his game.
 
Lucky said:
Here are the top OTs and their consensus mock draft selections



1.4 Patriots - Will Campbell
1.7 Jets - Armond Membou
1.10 Bears - Kelvin Banks
1.25 Texans - Josh Simmons
1.27 Ravens - Josh Conerly

Now, that's based upon over 900 mock drafts. If you go by a handful that you feel are clued in, that could change significantly.
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Bears go Simmons instead of Banks, he’s more windy city protypical LT. Banks would prefer staying in state texanpride
 
steelbtexan said:
Now that FA is underway the picture has become clearer on what the Texans needs are and the strengths/weaknesses of the 2025 draft. With that said here's how I would approach the 2025 draft.

1-10 Kelvin Banks LT Texas, very talented, scored well on the things that matter when it comes to OL play. 10 yr starter at LT is worth trading 1-25 and a 2026 1st. Caserio will still have two 2nd rd picks in 2026 so if Caserio has a guy he like in rd 1 in the 2026 draft He will have the ammo to move up and get the guy he wants. Banks improves the OL IQ.

2-58 Mason Taylor TE LSU, Big target that understands how to find the holes in zone coverage. Wins contested catch situations vs man coverage. Good blocker who at 6'6 250 Lbs has a chance to be a really good blocker with NFL coaching. He's as good a blocker as Warren/Loveland. Pro comp would be Zack Ertz. Taylor improves the OL IQ. Dad played in NFL so there are bloodlines there.

3-79 Jack Nelson LT/OG Wisconsin, Nelson is a big 3 yr starter, has started at LT where he's got the feet to be an avg LT. I would put him at RG which he played one yr at Wisconsin and watch him dominate for the next 5-10 yrs. Plays like a typical Wisconsin OL (Smart with a mean streak) Can be dominant in the run game but was solid in pass pro against great competition in big 10. He helps improve the Texans OL IQ, 3 time all Big 10 academic All American. Dad played in NFL so there are bloodlines there. Comp Kevin Zietler.

3-89 Dont'e Thornton WR Tennessee, Big tall super athletic WR 6'5 200 lbs. Good hands, Best deep threat in this draft. Limited route tree, but McDaniels can mold this ball of clay. Needs to get stronger, but is a play miking field stretcher. 1st yr teach him 4 plays and let him learn on the job. (Fly/Post/curl/back shoulder) Has Nico type athletic ability.

5-166 Robert Longerbeam CB Rutgers, Fast, skinny 5'11, 175 lbs guy that should be a quality slot CB with plenty of experience playing outside. sticky CB iwth good hands and creates turnovers. Although he's skinny he's a sure taclker, he is smart 4 time All Aceademic Big 10 guy. Playmaker who only falls this far because of his size. I would trade up for him if need be.

7-241 Jacory Croskey Merrit Arizona, talented traveling man played 1 game for Arizona last yr because of eligibility issues. Stud RB at New Mexico and played at Alabama A&M the yr before that. Solid 5'10 215 taclke breaking RB. Great speed and has good hands. Is a big play waiting to happen anytime he gets the ball in his hands. Willing pass blocker who runs in the 4.3's. Tore up the Shrine game, a steal at this point in the draft and the only reason he's here at this point in the draft is because he bounced around a lot during his college yrs. Isiah Pacheco is my comp for him. I would trade up for this guy also.

7-248 Silas Bolden WR/KR/PR Texas, Bolen is a really good return guy that add speed to the team, Great feel for the return game, fearless small guy when asked to play slot WR.

This mock adds playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Good smart athletic players, many of who I can see as 10 yr starters. This draft adds team speed particularly on the offensive side of the ball. It most of all it adds 2 smart tough NFL ready OL and that is a really good thing after seeing last yrs dumb OL. I really like picks 5-166 and 7-241. Adding a young developmental nickle back to an already strong secondary could give the secondary the depth this team was missing last yr.

I put a lot of thought into this mock and would appreciate feedback.

Thanks SteeB.
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Mason is going to be around for the 4th round or at worst take Helm or Ferguson. RB is the hard one with such a good class. You can likely find a starter in the 4th or 5th. I would rather get a stud earlier such as DJ Giddens, Damien Martinez, Kalel Mullings, Quinshon Judkins (who I am pretty sure will be around in the 3rd) are some of my favorite RBs.
 
SnakeEyes said:
Mason is going to be around for the 4th round or at worst take Helm or Ferguson. RB is the hard one with such a good class. You can likely find a starter in the 4th or 5th. I would rather get a stud earlier such as DJ Giddens, Damien Martinez, Kalel Mullings, Quinshon Judkins (who I am pretty sure will be around in the 3rd) are some of my favorite RBs.
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I'm not a fan of any of the TE's other than the top 3. The others cant block worth a crap. If I had to take a flier on a few of guys Ferguson/Arroyo/Fidone/Lachey are the day 3 guys I would look at.

If Mason falls to the 4th rd. I'm trading future picks to get him.

RB's that I like in the 5th or later are

Tuten (if you can get over his fumbling issues.)

Croskey- Merritt- this guy and Tuten are studs, threats to score every time they touch the ball. I said the same things about Achane.

Woody Marks.- best 3rd down RB in this draft. IMHO
 
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To be more specific, length/size all being equal, Bears prefer prototypical pass blocker, keeping Caleb clean in the pocket (focusing on progressions instead of ad libbing on the run). Banks would be a better fit for CJ, because Stroud is more devolped and rounded QB who is better @ both. To be honest, we don’t know Caley system yet for sure, but maybe a run heavy hybrid of New England.
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beerlover said:
To be more specific, length/size all being equal, Bears prefer prototypical pass blocker, keeping Caleb clean in the pocket (focusing on progressions instead of ad libbing on the run). Banks would be a better fit for CJ, because Stroud is more devolped and rounded QB who is better @ both. To be honest, we don’t know Caley system yet for sure, but maybe a run heavy hybrid of New England.
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It will be interesting to see the order selected of these OTs. Can Will Campbell's arm length move him down the board? Simmons injury? Membou's lack of experience at LT? Conerly's strength?

That's why I think Banks is the cleanest prospect of the OTs in this draft.
 
Lucky said:
It will be interesting to see the order selected of these OTs. Can Will Campbell's arm length move him down the board? Simmons injury? Membou's lack of experience at LT? Conerly's strength?

That's why I think Banks is the cleanest prospect of the OTs in this draft.
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I haven't done film study on him, but know Steelbtexan loves his game so thats strong recommendation. There are only two legimate day one starters & Banks is one of them, other is Will Campbell, who’s measurables are outside the box, roughly inch shorter arm length than banks, but longer body & faster. Banks is better in run blocking while Campbell strength is pass pro! Hence my fit, for Bears/Texans. Both dogs, or swarm mentaliy.

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