Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

What you going to do when Nick comes to you?

Your choice and why

  • As many choices as you want

  • Tell us why you chose as you did.


Results are only viewable after voting.
Why do you like Collins so much? For this team, I’m meh on him.
6 ft 6 330 + lb and played for a major School that went to playoffs. Not only is he a monster in the middle with 55 tackles but also has 7 passes broken up. That is excellent for his position. He is extremely disruptive in the middle and has a force fumble as well as a sack. On the pbus, he led all defensive line on his team.

You can get a feel for his play in the game against Arkansas and also the two playoff games.

Here is another evaluation:

He is primo brisket!
 
Alfred Collins? He's a big dude that can move and is a run stopper. He's got great movement skills and even played some 5 tech last yr. He's got talent but has some pass rush from the interior, but needs to develop a better pass rush plan, particularly with his hands. That's to be expected since he's a one yr starter. With Ryans track record of developing successful DT's Collins floor is Jonathan Allen/ his ceiling is Chris Jones. He's got that type of talent. Very few 335 lbs men move like Collins does. I've got him just below Nolen/Harmon with a chance to be as good or better than them. He has a pretty good chance as being as good as Graham after working with Ryans for a yr. As a rookie he will be a great run stopper who will be a rotational guy. IMHO
Excellent eval and for others reading , he played behind some pretty good talents his first years with the Longhorns. He's also a Texas boy from Bastrop which would be an interest to Nick.
 
Excellent eval and for others reading , he played behind some pretty good talents his first years with the Longhorns. He's also a Texas boy from Bastrop which would be an interest to Nick.

I like Collins, but I said I'm meh on him for THIS team. DeMeco likes his tackles to be ninjas. Agile and athletic penetrating lineman who play on the other side of the line of scrimmage and disrupt the passer.

That said...I could see DeMeco falling in love with a guy like Collins. He would make a huge difference against the run...then you let your pass rushers loose on 3rd down.

I think it's a bit of a longshot in terms of him being a Texan, but if he's there at 58, I think he's worth consideration as a run-down stalwart.
 
Has anyone noticed that Cam Skattebo is dropping? I'm assuming it's because of his bad 40 time at the combine.

Who dropped him? Did you pick him up?

How can anyone drop when the draft hasn't started. Are you saying he is dropping in mocks? I've mostly seen him in the 3rd or 4th. Where is he dropping to in mocks? How many mocks? If it's one or two at most...I wouldn't call that dropping. Different guys have different eval's on players.
 
Why do you like Collins so much? For this team, I’m meh on him.
*Hot take alert*

I would rather get his teammate Broughton with one of the 3rds or if Texans could add a 4th than Collins in the 2nd. I see Broughton having a Denico Autry type career. He is more disruptive and a better fit in this defense. More “swarm”…

That being said, Collins is a fine player I just think Broughton is a better value for this team. I have Collins more of a 3rd rounder in this year’s class.
 
*Hot take alert*

I would rather get his teammate Broughton with one of the 3rds or if Texans could add a 4th than Collins in the 2nd. I see Broughton having a Denico Autry type career. He is more disruptive and a better fit in this defense. More “swarm”…

That being said, Collins is a fine player I just think Broughton is a better value for this team. I have Collins more of a 3rd rounder in this year’s class.

I like that very warm take! It's not quite piping hot...but it's getting there. One thing is for sure...if you need a DT, this is a year to take one, and I strongly believe we'll be taking one in the first 4 rounds. Yes I know the Texans don't have a 4th. Nick may create one though. I'd be surprised if we don't end up with a 4th come hell or high water.
 
If NC was at a bar chatting with me and asked what I would do I would say BPA at PON.
For instance, you don't take BPA overall unless he is an outright stud and definitely not if he is (in our case) a QB.
And somehow, I just don't see Texans taking RB at #25 either.
I think the book is open on just about every other position except CB and probably DT. I see DT being a second or third round pick.
 
Senior Bowl Measurements
34” arm length, issue this year @ Combine with who and how most all prospects measured out.
Offensive LineJosh Conerly Jr.6'4 1/8"31310 3/8"34"6'9"


Sounds overly reasonable, but here’s the thing. This swarm mentality has become Texans culture, which I’m all on board with, but Conerly gives me Andre Johnson vibes. Is Andre Johnson not swarm? Leave it at that. Can’t wait for draft to get here.
:logo:

Is Conerly someone ya'll are expecting steps in as the day 1 starter at LT?
 
Is Conerly someone ya'll are expecting steps in as the day 1 starter at LT?
Cam Robinson will start. Ideal for Josh Conerly to grow and learn system/speed of NFL. Cam has been a durable starter in the league for many years, but so was Diggs and look what happened. Duane Brown had to start as rookie and he struggled but year two he quickly ascended to become franchise LT.
 
This draft is make or break on 3 positions

OL- 1st or 2nd round
DT- 2nd or 3rd
WR- This was my top 2. But many guys in the drafts first 3 rounds. So, if we take one in our top 4 picks, I call that a win

TE and RB are honorable mention positions. Ferguson has it all but late 3rd? Don't see him in the 4th. RB I think you can get in the late 3rd or 4th. Neither is a set starting caliber guy. However, many need a little experience in the NFL and they could be starters by 2026. And a lucky slip and as deep as the position is you MIGHT get a starter in the 3rd or 4th.
 
Banks and Conerly aren’t Joe Alt. Not worth the first next year.
There is a big difference in projecting a top 5 pick vs a top 25 pick. I'm on the Conerly or trade down and pick Ratledge at the top of the 2nd rd. What I'm really thinking of is what can Andy Reid do with Conerly?
 
There is a big difference in projecting a top 5 pick vs a top 25 pick. I'm on the Conerly or trade down and pick Ratledge at the top of the 2nd rd. What I'm really thinking of is what can Andy Reid do with Conerly?
Franchise LT, under control five years on rookie contract. Guess it makes more sense for them since Mahomes is getting paid.
 
I like Collins, but I said I'm meh on him for THIS team. DeMeco likes his tackles to be ninjas. Agile and athletic penetrating lineman who play on the other side of the line of scrimmage and disrupt the passer.

That said...I could see DeMeco falling in love with a guy like Collins. He would make a huge difference against the run...then you let your pass rushers loose on 3rd down.

I think it's a bit of a longshot in terms of him being a Texan, but if he's there at 58, I think he's worth consideration as a run-down stalwart.
Point is, he's just scratching the surface of his talent. There's so much morethere to be had. I'm very confident Ryans can get this out of him. He's an acending player, the pass rush will come.
 
*Hot take alert*

I would rather get his teammate Broughton with one of the 3rds or if Texans could add a 4th than Collins in the 2nd. I see Broughton having a Denico Autry type career. He is more disruptive and a better fit in this defense. More “swarm”…

That being said, Collins is a fine player I just think Broughton is a better value for this team. I have Collins more of a 3rd rounder in this year’s class.
I can respect this.

Are you looking at talent, or are you value shopping at this point? If you're value shopping give me Caldwell after trading up into the 4th.
 
There is a big difference in projecting a top 5 pick vs a top 25 pick. I'm on the Conerly or trade down and pick Ratledge at the top of the 2nd rd. What I'm really thinking of is what can Andy Reid do with Conerly?
Exactly. So why would you trade a future first if you’re projecting a non top 5 talent? That’s the definition of reaching for need which everyone knows is a recipe for subpar talent on your team.
 
I can respect this.

Are you looking at talent, or are you value shopping at this point? If you're value shopping give me Caldwell after trading up into the 4th.
I’m just wondering how much they value a true two gapper in this scheme. They want their DL to get upfield and shoot the gaps and they rotate them quite a bit. They have Settle as their “big DT”. And are happy with Azeez filling the gaps behind them and stopping the run if a back gets through.

That being said, if a 330 type guy like Kenneth Grant who can also shoot the gaps is available i’m sure they would consider it. I think that’s why him, Tyleik Williams and Alfred Collins were 30 visits. Probably working them out and seeing if they could “fit”. I don’t think DeMeco will field a traditional space eater.
 
If Nick asked me to run the draft with him. I'm going as follows

25- BPA at PON- WR/OG/DT any of the 3
58- BPA at PON (not taken at 25)
79- BPA at PON (not taken in top 2 rounds)
89- RB or TE Both HIGH needs that many skip of the high need. Here I want RB
166- RB or TE seeing I snagged a RB with the last pick TE Ferguson who I pray is still there
Trade both 7ths for a 6th we have all needs covered so I go with BPA and I think DB is the call.
 
Exactly. So why would you trade a future first if you’re projecting a non top 5 talent? That’s the definition of reaching for need which everyone knows is a recipe for subpar talent on your team.
Because I consider both Banks and Conerly to be top 15 picks in this draft. They're 2 of the most talented guys in this draft, not subpar talent as you suggest. IMHO
 
If NC was at a bar chatting with me and asked what I would do I would say BPA at PON.
For instance, you don't take BPA overall unless he is an outright stud and definitely not if he is (in our case) a QB.
And somehow, I just don't see Texans taking RB at #25 either.
I think the book is open on just about every other position except CB and probably DT.
What is PON? I’m lost.
Position of need
 
Again, you don’t trade future firsts unless you’re locking in a top 5 talent. Will Anderson is a guy you do that for.
If you think Conerly will be as good as Tunsil over the next 5-10 yrs you do. Think players and try to get the best you can. Think quality over quantity, particularly at premium positions. Plus it's not like Caserio wouldn't have the draft capital to move back into the 2026 1st rd even if he traded his 2026 1st.
 
I’m just wondering how much they value a true two gapper in this scheme. They want their DL to get upfield and shoot the gaps and they rotate them quite a bit. They have Settle as their “big DT”. And are happy with Azeez filling the gaps behind them and stopping the run if a back gets through.

That being said, if a 330 type guy like Kenneth Grant who can also shoot the gaps is available i’m sure they would consider it. I think that’s why him, Tyleik Williams and Alfred Collins were 30 visits. Probably working them out and seeing if they could “fit”. I don’t think DeMeco will field a traditional space eater.

No, he has to be able to move and have good feet. That's why a guy like Watson sounds good at 420+lbs. But, watching him play a game you will notice that he starts wearing out and plays upright and hardly moves his feet
 
If you think Conerly will be as good as Tunsil over the next 5-10 yrs you do. Think players and try to get the best you can. Think quality over quantity, particularly at premium positions. Plus it's not like Caserio wouldn't have the draft capital to move back into the 2026 1st rd even if he traded his 2026 1st.
No thanks. Also, it looks like you’re falling into recency bias just a bit along with your well-documented inclination to eff them picks.

Conerly is not as good a prospect as Tunsil was… just because he is comped to Tunsil does not mean he’s gonna be Tunsil. Laremy was a blue chip top 5 talent in his class that fell due to the draft night gas mask video.

And as good a prospect as Laremy was… as good a player as Laremy was… the OL was never good with him. That conversation has been beaten to death on these boards but it just demonstrates one all pro talent does not make an OL good. Look at the Joe Thomas Cleveland OLs as another example.

I’m not trading a future 1st unless the player is a top 5 talent. Conerly aint it. And now i’m getting angry you’re making me come off negatively regarding Conerly by stating he’s not as good a prospect as Laremy. No, i’m bashing that you’ll trade a future first every freaking year for whatever prospect you “gotta have”!
 
Last edited:
No thanks. Also, it looks like you’re falling into recency bias just a bit along with your well-documented inclination to eff them picks.

Conerly is not as good a prospect as Tunsil was… just because he is comped to Tunsil does not mean he’s gonna be Tunsil. Laremy was a blue chip top 5 talent in his class that fell due to the draft night gas mask video.

And as good a prospect as Laremy was… as good a player as Laremy was… the OL was never good with him. That conversation has been beaten to death on these boards but it just demonstrates one all pro talent does not make an OL good. Look at the Joe Thomas Cleveland OLs as another example.

I’m not trading a future 1st unless the player is a top 5 talent. Conerly aint it. And now i’m getting angry you’re making me come off negatively regarding Conerly by stating he’s not as good a prospect as Laremy. No, i’m bashing that you’ll trade a future first every freaking year for whatever prospect you “gotta have”!

I would trade every 2025 draft pick (and a couple of 2026 mid-rounders) for (6-time All Pro) Joe Thomas. I know that wasn't exactly what you were saying, but Joe Thomas ranks up there with Orlando Pace and Walter Jones territory.
 
No thanks. Also, it looks like you’re falling into recency bias just a bit along with your well-documented inclination to eff them picks.

Conerly is not as good a prospect as Tunsil was… just because he is comped to Tunsil does not mean he’s gonna be Tunsil. Laremy was a blue chip top 5 talent in his class that fell due to the draft night gas mask video.

And as good a prospect as Laremy was… as good a player as Laremy was… the OL was never good with him. That conversation has been beaten to death on these boards but it just demonstrates one all pro talent does not make an OL good. Look at the Joe Thomas Cleveland OLs as another example.

I’m not trading a future 1st unless the player is a top 5 talent. Conerly aint it. And now i’m getting angry you’re making me come off negatively regarding Conerly by stating he’s not as good a prospect as Laremy. No, i’m bashing that you’ll trade a future first every freaking year for whatever prospect you “gotta have”!
What recency bias? We just disagree on how good of a prospect Conerly is. He's going to be a top tier LT as he ages IMHO. You dont believe this and that's fine.

I dont want to trade future 1sts every yr. (I dont know where you get this from. In fact I was for trading down last yr. BTW, I'm not against trading down this yr either unless a top talent falls to say 1-15, then I would trade up. (Banks/Conerly)

What I'm usually for each yr is (Depending on the draft class) adding a star level player and 2 starter or better level players. Like last yr, where they drafted Lassiter, drafted Fisher and traded up in the 3rd for a starter level guy in Bullock. Quality over Quantity. I'm just glad Caserio appears to see things this way and has positioned the team to make moves in the 2025 draft to add talent. Along with positioning the team very well in the 2026 draft. Texans fans are very fortunate to have Caserio as the GM.
 
Last edited:
I would trade every 2025 draft pick (and a couple of 2026 mid-rounders) for (6-time All Pro) Joe Thomas. I know that wasn't exactly what you were saying, but Joe Thomas ranks up there with Orlando Pace and Walter Jones territory.
Yes he is. 3rd overall pick in his draft as well. Top 5 talents warrant trading future firsts. Because if they hit they’ll get a gold jacket.
 
Yes he is. 3rd overall pick in his draft as well. Top 5 talents warrant trading future firsts. Because if they hit they’ll get a gold jacket.
You dont know who's going to be a top HOF level talent in the draft. Particularly in this muddled draft. Finding a long time starter is the key, how much risk they're willing to take is the key. In this draft you could do a lot worse than drafting Jakson/Taylor/Egbuka etc... Solid long time starters. But to get true difference makers you have to accept a certain amount of risk. I'm not sure this draft is the draft to accept a lot of risk.
 
If you think Conerly will be as good as Tunsil over the next 5-10 yrs you do. Think players and try to get the best you can. Think quality over quantity, particularly at premium positions. Plus it's not like Caserio wouldn't have the draft capital to move back into the 2026 1st rd even if he traded his 2026 1st.
Your comment is exactly the reason I did so many trade possibilities over the year for Laremy Tunsil. Josh Conerly is exactly the kind of left tackle that can be an annual pro bowler Plus we might get him at 25 in my opinion and have the draft picks.
I understand your willingness to trade up but in this draft I just don't think we should do that. If he is not there, I would probably go with Egbuka and then have Grant as my fall back.
 
No, he has to be able to move and have good feet. That's why a guy like Watson sounds good at 420+lbs. But, watching him play a game you will notice that he starts wearing out and plays upright and hardly moves his feet
I want Watson to clog the middle and not chase the ball. If he disrupts the quarterback even better. At 6 ft 6 he also should interfere with a few passing Lanes especially with his vertical. Losing 40 to 50 lb would definitely help with his stamina and I think that will be a goal for his rookie year.
 
Where does Conerly rank on your big board?
1. Hunter
2. Jeanty
3. Carter
4. Warren
5. Mike Green
6. Nolen
7. Graham
8. Nolen
9. Barron
10. Harmon
11. Campbell
12. Loveland
13 Banks
14. Conerly
15 Membou
16. Golden
17. Jihad Campbell
18. McMillan
19 Will Johnson (Although he scares me)
20. Starks
21. Jalon Walker
22. Donovan Jackson
23. Zabel
24. Emannwori
25. Maxwell Hairston
26. Shemar Stewart
27 James Pierce
28. Hampton
29. Carson Sweschinger
30. Trayveon Henderson
31 Egbuka
32. Mason Taylor
 
Your comment is exactly the reason I did so many trade possibilities over the year for Laremy Tunsil. Josh Conerly is exactly the kind of left tackle that can be an annual pro bowler Plus we might get him at 25 in my opinion and have the draft picks.
I understand your willingness to trade up but in this draft I just don't think we should do that. If he is not there, I would probably go with Egbuka and then have Grant as my fall back.
It's a matter of risk (I'm a risk taker) and projection. I really like how Conerly projects out in the future because he's so young. I see Conerly as more of a David Bahktiari type LT than a Tunsil type OT. Not powerful but strong enough. Difference between what I project Conerly to be and what Tunsil is, the problem really wasn't Tunsil lining up and knocking people off of the ball. It was a problem of hitting Tunsil being able to hit his targets on the 2nd level and being able to get out and lead the screen game. This was the trade off you got with Tunsil and his elite pass protection skills, which is why Tunsil gets paid. Elite pass protectors are worth their weight in gold.
 
Last edited:
You dont know who's going to be a top HOF level talent in the draft. Particularly in this muddled draft. Finding a long time starter is the key, how much risk they're willing to take is the key. In this draft you could do a lot worse than drafting Jakson/Taylor/Egbuka etc... Solid long time starters. But to get true difference makers you have to accept a certain amount of risk. I'm not sure this draft is the draft to accept a lot of risk.
So you agree this isn’t the draft to trade a future 1st?
 
So you agree this isn’t the draft to trade a future 1st?
Depends on how the board falls. If the draft fell where Banks/Conerly were on the board I would probably trade up. However I would think long and hard about this because I really like Donavon Jackson.
 
No thanks. Also, it looks like you’re falling into recency bias just a bit along with your well-documented inclination to eff them picks.

Conerly is not as good a prospect as Tunsil was… just because he is comped to Tunsil does not mean he’s gonna be Tunsil. Laremy was a blue chip top 5 talent in his class that fell due to the draft night gas mask video.

And as good a prospect as Laremy was… as good a player as Laremy was… the OL was never good with him. That conversation has been beaten to death on these boards but it just demonstrates one all pro talent does not make an OL good. Look at the Joe Thomas Cleveland OLs as another example.

I’m not trading a future 1st unless the player is a top 5 talent. Conerly aint it. And now i’m getting angry you’re making me come off negatively regarding Conerly by stating he’s not as good a prospect as Laremy. No, i’m bashing that you’ll trade a future first every freaking year for whatever prospect you “gotta have”!

This is a hard pass. Projects as a 2nd round pick due to his weaknesses. Which are NOT in the league of Laremy. Sorry, but if this was our 1st or 2nd pick over a few others...our draft grade is already a B - before any other pick

 
This is a hard pass. Projects as a 2nd round pick due to his weaknesses. Which are NOT in the league of Laremy. Sorry, but if this was our 1st or 2nd pick over a few others...our draft grade is already a B - before any other pick

You just don't want Conerly or any OL in the first.
From your link:
In a deep tackle class, Conerly separates himself by being both floor and ceiling. While other prospects are either polished with limited upside or raw with elite traits, he gives you the best of both worlds. This is a blue-chip left tackle prospect with Pro Bowl potential by year three. The tape, the testing, the trajectory - it all points to a player who should be gone by pick 30. Any team running outside zone that passes on him in the first round going to regret it.
 
Last edited:
1. Hunter
2. Jeanty
3. Carter
4. Warren
5. Mike Green
6. Nolen
7. Graham
8. Nolen
9. Barron
10. Harmon
11. Campbell
12. Loveland
13 Banks
14. Conerly
15 Membou
16. Golden
17. Jihad Campbell
18. McMillan
19 Will Johnson (Although he scares me)
20. Starks
21. Jalon Walker
22. Donovan Jackson
23. Zabel
24. Emannwori
25. Maxwell Hairston
26. Shemar Stewart
27 James Pierce
28. Hampton
29. Carson Sweschinger
30. Trayveon Henderson
31 Egbuka
32. Mason Taylor
Will Johnson falling?
 
Until proven otherwise, when it comes to offensive linemen, Texans evaluation of position must be met with some skepticism.

Booker is their slam dunk #1 prospect on big board (we will never see it, but its fairly obvious). So if he falls to #25 Tyler Booker will be a Texan.

Donovan Jackson, darling of Aaron Wilson, must also be high on their list, so I can live with it. He offers a little more scheme versatility whatever Caley runs.

Zabel has to also be considered. Personally love him as Center prospect. Sick & tired of debating Scruggs or Patterson starting. Clearly nothing more than depth pieces and should not preclude upgrading position,

Josh Conerly Jr. is a fantastic LT prospect. Very buttoned up in regards to his top 30 visit. Wildcard pick.

:logo:
 
This is a hard pass. Projects as a 2nd round pick due to his weaknesses. Which are NOT in the league of Laremy. Sorry, but if this was our 1st or 2nd pick over a few others...our draft grade is already a B - before any other pick

Did you even read the article you referred to? He is considered number 34 player overall in the draft. I suggest you read the article as it seems you focused on just one word. The article called him a blue chip player and a pro bowler by year three which is very comparable to Tunsil. As for his weakness, the same article said he would need help from the guard for power rushers for a brief time as he gains strength as do ALL players.

After reading the article, a simple whoops from you would be cool. If not and you maintain your position, I would recommend all others to read your link so they would know not only did you not evaluate the player, you did not evaluate the evaluation correctly.
 
Where does Conerly rank on your big board?

Just to weigh in on my final view on Conerly, I would stick where we are and draft him if he's there. Conerly has the "potential" to develop into a good to great LT, but he's not there yet. I really only trade up (with big picks) if the guy has already arrived (or is right on the cusp) of being great.

I've mentioned that he needs to get stronger, but that's not quite as simple as staying in the NFL weight room for a year and calling it a day. In regards to the Tunsil comparison, Laremy benched 225 34 times, Conerly is at 24. Being able to keep the lateral moves/quickness while adding more strength/mass to get to that level is still an unknown. I like that he's young as it looks like he has some upward trending as he gets older, so I'm willing to take the chance, but the dice are still rolling.

Here are my final draft scenario's: A. Draft (1) Conerly, (2) a G, (3) a WR. OR B. (if Conerly isn't there) Draft (1) G, (2) WR, (2nd 2nd - via trading up both thirds) Charles Grant. In either scenario, you have a moldable LT who should be ready to start in 2026, though I feel Grant will be a little behind Conerly in 2026 due to the fact he needs more development.
 
Me, I like Conerly…but he’s not the starting LT when the season kicks off. I could go developmental LT a bit later and still have them working the sideline.

LG is the position that must get an answer b/c anyone who’s watched Texans football knows Howard isn’t the answer period. Donovan Jackson is capable of coming in and supplanting Howard in a straight up competition. DJ is a 10 year answer at the position.

I don’t see much of a change going into next season with Patterson at Center, Scruggs at RG, and Fisher at RT. LG needs an answer now, not next season. LT has some veterans to go thru while a prospect puts his time in.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top