2018 NFL Draft: How The Texans Can Acquire A First Round Pick

[IDEXAN]

Finding “your guy” in theNFL Draftcan be a blessing or a curse. If you have identified a franchise-altering player in the first round, you spare no expense to go get him. Last year, theTexansdid so bysurrendering their first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draftto acquire Deshaun Watson. From the glimpse of a rookie season thatended in an ACL injury, Watson seems to be “The Guy” for the foreseeable future.

That move, which no one is going to say was a bad decision in March of 2018, has put the Texans in quite a predicament. With no first or second round pick (theCleveland Brownsalso own our second round pick thanks tothe HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED trade), the Texans do not have a pick until the first of three selections in the third round. Listed below are the eight picks the Texans currently have in the 2018 NFL Draft.
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https://www.battleredblog.com/2018/3/2/17070988/how-the-texans-will-acquire-a-first-round-pick
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So the guys over at Battleredblog.com have got some interesting ideas on how the Texans could move up all the way into the first round to draft "their guy" in 2018.
Might want to check it out if you are really into the Draft ?

 

[Lucky]

None of the proposed deals come close to obtaining a 2018 1st. First, the Texans would have to start with their 2019 1st round pick. Then add two of the Texans 2018 3rd round picks. Not sure why a team would want to drop all the way to the 3rd from the bottom of the 1st round.

Of course we would have to endure another "How the Texans will acquire a 1st round pick" article next year.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

None of the proposed deals come close to obtaining a 2018 1st. First, the Texans would have to start with their 2019 1st round pick. Then add two of the Texans 2018 3rd round picks. Not sure why a team would want to drop all the way to the 3rd from the bottom of the 1st round.

Of course we would have to endure another "How the Texans will acquire a 1st round pick" article next year.

I'm with this line of thinking. I've actually been thinking that the Texans are in cat-bird seat in RD3 and RD4 based on 4th position in both rounds. If the Texans have targets still on the board, I would be all for trading back no more than 5-6 picks (RD3 / RD4-9-10) while picking up additional picks in RD4 and RD5.

 

[beerlover]

First mistake, he who shall not be named, name is already taken.
Second, what tackle end of first is worth all that?
Third, trading current players, least those coming of injury’s have dimenished value.

Now let’s focus on more constructive and reasonable venues to upgrade OT/OL. First we’ll just have to wait and see if Texans Gaine a starting LT via free agency. Second, identity the best of the rest of this OT to develop. All contingent on free agent acquisition dictating just how aggressive Texans need to be.

 

[IDEXAN]

First we’ll just have to wait and see if Texans Gaine a starting LT via free agency. Second, identity the best of the rest of this OT to develop. All contingent on free agent acquisition dictating just how aggressive Texans need to be.

Agree with that. Who are the better LT prospects who might hit free agency along with Nate Solder ? If they can get a starting LT in FA we will then some flexibilty in FA and the Draft.

 

[steelbtexan]

First mistake, he who shall not be named, name is already taken.
Second, what tackle end of first is worth all that?
Third, trading current players, least those coming of injury’s have dimenished value.

Now let’s focus on more constructive and reasonable venues to upgrade OT/OL. First we’ll just have to wait and see if Texans Gaine a starting LT via free agency. Second, identity the best of the rest of this OT to develop. All contingent on free agent acquisition dictating just how aggressive Texans need to be.

Gambling on Cordy Glenn and drafting guys like Corbett/Cappa/Harrison/Crosby/Richardson/Nigeian dude to develop is the way I would go. Even if GLenn only plays 10 games it gives the rookies/Davenport more time to develop. If you get lucky Glenn stays healthy and we get to see how good Watson looks behind a competent OL.

 

[beerlover]

Somehow they need to balance talent acquisition with something on the field now as well as future for long term, cohesive growth OL.

It’s not a great offensive tackle class but after the higher graded prospects are scooped up that doesn’t mean there won’t be decent talent to fit the Bill.

Would love to bring in a 25 year old Greg Robinson and plant him on the right side & move up 10 or 15 picks to get a LT that could start immediately.

Still to early to guess, have about three right now I would grade middle to late 2nd (not including Orlando Brown) one named O’Neill, another Jones and last but not least Okorafor.

Also supplemental picks are tradeable now so while not huge trade up value they could be used to move up a few slots. I don’t want to trade Mercilus or Kareem for discounts. I hate cutting Cushing and Andre Johnson for poor monetary excusses. They both have far more value, deserve more loyalty and should have finished careers as Texans.

 

[beerlover]

Gambling on Cordy Glenn and drafting guys like Corbett/Cappa/Harrison/Crosby/Richardson/Nigeian dude to develop is the way I would go. Even if GLenn only plays 10 games it gives the rookies/Davenport more time to develop. If you get lucky Glenn stays healthy and we get to see how good Watson looks behind a competent OL.

Nigerian dude, lol

FYI, Robinson could always kick inside if Davenport works out @ RT.

 

[steelbtexan]

Nigerian dude, lol

FYI, Robinson could always kick inside if Davenport works out @ RT.

Taking a couple of these guys in the 3rd would solve some problems. I think for instance Noteboom/Crosby/Richardson/Harrison can be avg as rookies and that would be a huge upgrade over last yr.

Noteboom has had a really good combine, very athletic, always seemed to understand angles last yr. I really liked him and then he had an avg Sr Bowl week. That will make him fall to the Texans in the 3rd. I think he can start as a rookie and hold his own. Maybe even at LT. He's a very smart player, with proper coaching he could become a long time starter. IMHO

Thoughts?

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Somehow they need to balance talent acquisition with something on the field now as well as future for long term, cohesive growth OL.

It’s not a great offensive tackle class but after the higher graded prospects are scooped up that doesn’t mean there won’t be decent talent to fit the Bill.

Would love to bring in a 25 year old Greg Robinson and plant him on the right side & move up 10 or 15 picks to get a LT that could start immediately.

Still to early to guess, have about three right now I would grade middle to late 2nd (not including Orlando Brown) one named O’Neill, another Jones and last but not least Okorafor.

Also supplemental picks are tradeable now so while not huge trade up value they could be used to move up a few slots. I don’t want to trade Mercilus or Kareem for discounts. I hate cutting Cushing and Andre Johnson for poor monetary excusses. They both have far more value, deserve more loyalty and should have finished careers as Texans.

I could go with this since I've mentioned Robinson on several previous post. I've been reflecting on some of thoughts and might be just as satisfied with the following approach:

1. Primary signing: LT Solder. Give him the money to make it convincing. Then get he Solder Family a tour of Texas Children's Hospital, considered one of the finest Children's Hospital's in the world so their son can get his treatment and be very convenient travel wise for the entire family.

2. Primary signing: LG Sitton: This move would lock up the left side of the OL with a pair of guys that should keep Watson and the running game in good spirits.

3. Primary move: Get Mancz back into playing Center. Even though Martin started last season, his season wasn't as effective as the one Mancz produced in 2016. Mancz could be even better with Sitton on his left.

4. Primary move: Move Martin to RG. I would like to see Martin preparing for this move all off-season.

5. Secondary signing: RT Robinson: He didn't have a horrible season with the Lions last season and I think he's in self-preservation mode. The Texans can get him "possibly" on a veteran's minimum contract that is laced with achievable bonuses.

These moves possibly give the Texans a starting OL for this season and beyond but the draft should be focused on getting competition for the right side. My draft (After the Combine) might focus on a few guys who could be available in RD3 - RD6:

1. OG: Clapp (LSU) / Gossett (Appalachian St)

2. OT: Parker (NC A&T) / Senat (Wagner) / Spain (NC) **My sleeper. Didn't get a Combine invite but watch for his Pro Day. I think he might score points that would make him a nice late round investment**

Texans would still have the money needed to pursue other positions of need via FA but getting the left side of line taken care of should make everyone breathe easier.

 

[DocBar]

Finding “your guy” in theNFL Draftcan be a blessing or a curse. If you have identified a franchise-altering player in the first round, you spare no expense to go get him. Last year, theTexansdid so bysurrendering their first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draftto acquire Deshaun Watson. From the glimpse of a rookie season thatended in an ACL injury, Watson seems to be “The Guy” for the foreseeable future.

That move, which no one is going to say was a bad decision in March of 2018, has put the Texans in quite a predicament. With no first or second round pick (theCleveland Brownsalso own our second round pick thanks tothe HE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED trade), the Texans do not have a pick until the first of three selections in the third round. Listed below are the eight picks the Texans currently have in the 2018 NFL Draft.
&&&&&
https://www.battleredblog.com/2018/3/2/17070988/how-the-texans-will-acquire-a-first-round-pick
&&&&&
So the guys over at Battleredblog.com have got some interesting ideas on how the Texans could move up all the way into the first round to draft "their guy" in 2018.
Might want to check it out if you are really into the Draft ?

This is like trying to spend your way out of debt. Rick Smith is the reason the Texans are in draft hell this year. He should've simply spent McNair's $17M 2017 Oz cap hit and kept the 2nd rounder. At some point, you have to pay the piper and it only gets more expensive the further you delay it. Besides, I don't see a sure fire franchise LT to trade up for and that's the only reason to trade up.

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

I’m with it.

Browns have multiple first rd picks and are supposedly looking to deal.

I’d offer a combo of players and picks to get Saquon.

 

[IDEXAN]

This is like trying to spend your way out of debt. Rick Smith is the reason the Texans are in draft hell this year. He should've simply spent McNair's $17M 2017 Oz cap hit and kept the 2nd rounder. At some point, you have to pay the piper and it only gets more expensive the further you delay it. Besides, I don't see a sure fire franchise LT to trade up for and that's the only reason to trade up.

And Rick Smith is also the reason we have one Deshawn Watson. And we aren't in Draft hell - not having a first round pick a single year is a disadvantage but far from Draft hell IMO.

 

[Texansphan]

I could go with this since I've mentioned Robinson on several previous post. I've been reflecting on some of thoughts and might be just as satisfied with the following approach:

1. Primary signing: LT Solder. Give him the money to make it convincing. Then get he Solder Family a tour of Texas Children's Hospital, considered one of the finest Children's Hospital's in the world so their son can get his treatment and be very convenient travel wise for the entire family.

2. Primary signing: LG Sitton: This move would lock up the left side of the OL with a pair of guys that should keep Watson and the running game in good spirits.

3. Primary move: Get Mancz back into playing Center. Even though Martin started last season, his season wasn't as effective as the one Mancz produced in 2016. Mancz could be even better with Sitton on his left.

4. Primary move: Move Martin to RG. I would like to see Martin preparing for this move all off-season.

5. Secondary signing: RT Robinson: He didn't have a horrible season with the Lions last season and I think he's in self-preservation mode. The Texans can get him "possibly" on a veteran's minimum contract that is laced with achievable bonuses.

These moves possibly give the Texans a starting OL for this season and beyond but the draft should be focused on getting competition for the right side. My draft (After the Combine) might focus on a few guys who could be available in RD3 - RD6:

1. OG: Clapp (LSU) / Gossett (Appalachian St)

2. OT: Parker (NC A&T) / Senat (Wagner) / Spain (NC) **My sleeper. Didn't get a Combine invite but watch for his Pro Day. I think he might score points that would make him a nice late round investment**

Texans would still have the money needed to pursue other positions of need via FA but getting the left side of line taken care of should make everyone breathe easier.

LT is going to be a massive headache for this team this season - unless they can hit a home run in the draft or Julien Davenport has an Aha moment, we are going to have problems there.
As much as people are going to cringe, it might be worth leaving Jeff Allen at LT and sign the guy you mentioned to LG - Josh Sitton.
With a good C and LG beside him (and not Xavier Sua Filo), Allen's play could be passable - especially considering he wasn't terrible down the stretch last season. That continuity would be nice to have but Sitton would have to be brought up to speed. Norwell and Pugh are also well worth considering for the LG spot.
One solution for the line might be:-
LT - Allen (may improve with solid G beside him and a cheap option)
LG - Sitton/Norwell/Pugh
C - Martin
RG - Jhari Evans/Brandon Fusco/(Newton)
RT - Davenport/(Newton)
This would leave us acquiring L & R Guards in FA. There are other excellent options at RG also - there are a few more quality ones of those around while there is no such luck at LT.
These combos should yield a stiffer oline this next campaign but whoever you bring in, they will still need that time to gel so I am not expecting miracles early on.
A whole lot of good can happen for our oline's fortunes if Davenport can continue his upward trend and Derek Newton comes back healthy - he needs to go to RG if he does as he is best there.
Mancz is going to have to be a rotational guy and solid backup Center, or, a possible trade piece. That would be a difficult decision as good Centers that are versatile are a very nice piece to have - especially when you consider Martin lost his rookie season to an injury.
Whichever way you slice it, I seriously doubt this line is going to be top 10 in '18 - unless all the pieces fall into place.
The likelihood that that happens is pretty low.
Still, an improvement should be expected with a couple of key inductees.

 

[beerlover]

Taking a couple of these guys in the 3rd would solve some problems. I think for instance Noteboom/Crosby/Richardson/Harrison can be avg as rookies and that would be a huge upgrade over last yr.

Noteboom has had a really good combine, very athletic, always seemed to understand angles last yr. I really liked him and then he had an avg Sr Bowl week. That will make him fall to the Texans in the 3rd. I think he can start as a rookie and hold his own. Maybe even at LT. He's a very smart player, with proper coaching he could become a long time starter. IMHO

Thoughts?

Still not all in on Crosby, I’m sorry. Don’t see explosion, great feet (not dancing bear) and still have medical questions (out for all but two games Junior season with broken foot). If you can get comfortable with that he should be there third round. Richardson is a wild card with character issues. Would like to see Harrison get worked out @ TE. Special athlete, but too light and raw to plug and play Left Tackle.

Would be in favor of using supplemental pick on Toth out of Army, though you have to wait two years, I believe the wait would be worth it!

 

[steelbtexan]

And Rick Smith is also the reason we have one Deshawn Watson. And we aren't in Draft hell - not having a first round pick a single year is a disadvantage but far from Draft hell IMO.

Agreed,

The reason the Texans finished 4-12 is directly related to Ricky's job performance. The lack of depth on this roster should be very alarming, even to Ricky's biggest supporters. The lack of a 2nd rd pick is directly because of Ricky's Os boo boo.

So Ricky has his hands all over this team. Lets hope Gaine can clean up the mess Ricky left behind. It's going to take 2-3 yrs to clean up, I mean this is a 4-12 team.

 

[steelbtexan]

Still not all in on Crosby, I’m sorry. Don’t see explosion, great feet (not dancing bear) and still have medical questions (out for all but two games Junior season with broken foot). If you can get comfortable with that he should be there third round. Richardson is a wild card with character issues. Would like to see Harrison get worked out @ TE. Special athlete, but too light and raw to plug and play Left Tackle.

Would be in favor of using supplemental pick on Toth out of Army, though you have to wait two years, I believe the wait would be worth it!

If Crosby is there, I think he can play a passable LT. (Riley Reiff/Eric Fisher/Donovan Smith type passable) I know he can upgrade the OG position. Richardson is a day 1 starting RT/OG. At 6'6 292 Harrison has the prototypical measurements and skillset to be a starting LT for 10 yrs. Too bad he's dumb as a box of rocks and likes his Mary Jane.

 

[DocBar]

And Rick Smith is also the reason we have one Deshawn Watson. And we aren't in Draft hell - not having a first round pick a single year is a disadvantage but far from Draft hell IMO.

Not having a 1st or 2nd round pick in one year is, imo. I've often praised Smith's record at finding round one talent and late round/UDFA talent. It's the 2nd-4th rounds (you know, the depth/ST rounds) that he's really stunk it up for the most part.

 

[Lucky]

Would be in favor of using supplemental pick on Toth out of Army, though you have to wait two years, I believe the wait would be worth it!

The team that drafts him would still have Toth under contract for 4 years once his obligation is over in 2020. Basically, trading a 2018 pick for a 2020 pick. It would be a good investment to use a 6th or 7th in 2018 for a player who could be worth a 2nd or 3rd in 2020.

 

[DocBar]

LT is going to be a massive headache for this team this season - unless they can hit a home run in the draft or Julien Davenport has an Aha moment, we are going to have problems there.
As much as people are going to cringe, it might be worth leaving Jeff Allen at LT and sign the guy you mentioned to LG - Josh Sitton.
With a good C and LG beside him (and not Xavier Sua Filo), Allen's play could be passable - especially considering he wasn't terrible down the stretch last season. That continuity would be nice to have but Sitton would have to be brought up to speed. Norwell and Pugh are also well worth considering for the LG spot.
One solution for the line might be:-
LT - Allen (may improve with solid G beside him and a cheap option)
LG - Sitton/Norwell/Pugh
C - Martin
RG - Jhari Evans/Brandon Fusco/(Newton)
RT - Davenport/(Newton)
This would leave us acquiring L & R Guards in FA. There are other excellent options at RG also - there are a few more quality ones of those around while there is no such luck at LT.
These combos should yield a stiffer oline this next campaign but whoever you bring in, they will still need that time to gel so I am not expecting miracles early on.
A whole lot of good can happen for our oline's fortunes if Davenport can continue his upward trend and Derek Newton comes back healthy - he needs to go to RG if he does as he is best there.
Mancz is going to have to be a rotational guy and solid backup Center, or, a possible trade piece. That would be a difficult decision as good Centers that are versatile are a very nice piece to have - especially when you consider Martin lost his rookie season to an injury.
Whichever way you slice it, I seriously doubt this line is going to be top 10 in '18 - unless all the pieces fall into place.
The likelihood that that happens is pretty low.
Still, an improvement should be expected with a couple of key inductees.

I'm not sure I like Davenport at RT. I'd have Mancz at C over Martin (neither seem strong enough to play RG), have Pugh or Sutton at RG. RT is somewhat of a mystery for me, atm. I would not, under any circumstances, predict Newton to play another snap in an NFL game.
It would take a minor miracle for the 2018 OL to be top 16 much less top 10.

 

[Lucky]

At 6'6 292 Harrison has the prototypical measurements and skillset to be a starting LT for 10 yrs. Too bad he's dumb as a box of rocks and likes his Mary Jane.

The NFL has reduced the penalties for marijuana positive tests. By the next CBA, marijuana could be eliminated as a banned substance. In the past, I would have be against drafting a player with marijuana issues. The penalties were too high. I don't see it the same way now, or going forward.

 

[IDEXAN]

Would love to bring in a 25 year old Greg Robinson and plant him on the right side & move up 10 or 15 picks to get a LT that could start immediately.

Haven't they now written the epitaph on Greg Robinson ? But you still hold out hope for him BL ? Texans could probably get him cheap from whoevers got him if they
happened to share your view.

 

[IDEXAN]

Not having a 1st or 2nd round pick in one year is, imo. I've often praised Smith's record at finding round one talent and late round/UDFA talent. It's the 2nd-4th rounds (you know, the depth/ST rounds) that he's really stunk it up for the most part.

I'll bet you right now the Texans make a selection in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

 

[Lucky]

Haven't they now written the epitaph on Greg Robinson ?

Robinson's only 25, I'm sure he's not out of the league, yet. He was not worth the 2nd overall pick. But he played best at LG, for a limited time as a rookie. Robinson's just not a LT, like Robert Gallery (another #2 overall) was not a LT. Gallery moved to OG for the Raiders, and was solid. Kick Robinson inside, and you might have an effective player,

 

[DocBar]

I'll bet you right now the Texans make a selection in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

I hope they don't. They need all the swings they can get in 2018 and I don't want to sabotage 2019 unless it's as close to a sure-fire thing as there can be in a lottery like the draft.

 

[JB]

I hope they don't. They need all the swings they can get in 2018 and I don't want to sabotage 2019 unless it's as close to a sure-fire thing as there can be in a lottery like the draft.

If the right player was there, I'd move up to mid 2nd

 

[beerlover]

If a move into 2nd nets a legitimate, starting LT let’s do this.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I'm against mortgaging any of the 2019 picks for the draft. What I'd be for in instance is gaining a few extra picks in 2018 by trading back in RD3 and RD4 if the opportunity presents itself, the drop isn't too drastic and targets are still on the board.

As for the OL prospects, I'd say the majority of Day1 starters are going to reside in RD1. I truly believe that OL prospects that go RD2 thru RD5 may not have that big of a difference between them and their impact early on could really depend on who's coaching them and who they're surrounded by. A lot of RD1 OL will be thrust into starting b/c of their draft position. I'd roll my dice on 2 premium FA OL and add 1 to 2 more inexpensive veterans to allow the drafted OL time to learn and gain functional strength. My only reservation, O'Brien kept Devlin and to date he hasn't proven he can develop talent.

 

[Scooter]

edit.

 

[dream_team]

This is like trying to spend your way out of debt. Rick Smith is the reason the Texans are in draft hell this year. He should've simply spent McNair's $17M 2017 Oz cap hit and kept the 2nd rounder. At some point, you have to pay the piper and it only gets more expensive the further you delay it. Besides, I don't see a sure fire franchise LT to trade up for and that's the only reason to trade up.

Draft Hell? Bit of an exaggeration?

Reason we don’t have a 1st is DW4. Remember that guy? Are you suggesting Rick screwed up and shouldn’t have made that move?

Also by trading Os, we got an extra 2017 4th rounder, which resulted in Watkins. And it enabled us to extend Nuk and frontload that contract. Not to mention we’re rolling over 10 mil of cap space from last year to this season.

Sure, we don’t have a 2nd rounder, but we have two EXTRA 3rds, two EXTRA 6ths, and an EXTRA 2nd in 2019.

 

[DocBar]

never mind.