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2018 TT Mock Draft Selection Thread

https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Stephanie-Stradley-Q-A-Texans-NFL-draft-12825422.php

Q: Realistic Rounds 3-undrafted free agent (UDFA) targets. Who are some players you think might be a good fit for the Texans needs and what do you think they would value? Who are the players you think Bill O'Brien really would want and need without reaching?

Cobern: Harrison Phillips, Folorunso Fatukasi and Bilal Nichols are my top mid-round defensive tackle targets. Fatukasi and Nichols have great size profiles and experience in 3-4 fronts playing 5-technique. While Phillips has experience playing mostly 0/1-technique and some 5-technique as well. I’d target those three as options to potentially start opposite J.J. Watt. And they could perform in a similar fashion to former Texans’ DE Jared Crick if Watt keeps having the injury bug. As far as pass rushers in range of where Houston is selecting in case of a Jadaveon Clowney injury. Duke Ejiofor, John Franklin-Meyers, Kyle Fitts, Trevon Young and Kemoko Turay have the size and athleticism profiles to project as spot starters to rotational pieces. Turay has the most upside to become a high-quality rusher amongst that group, but his production at Rutgers was very sporadic. He was a bit like Godzilla for most of his college career. Turay would destroy Tokyo every once and awhile, but would immediately recede back to the depths of Rutgers’ bench, never to be seen or heard from for months or even years. Micah Kiser, Christian Sam and Genard Avery are solid inside linebacker types to add depth, while Andre Chachere, Party Nickerson and Godwin Igwebuike are defensive back options that could pay off as well. In terms of receiving options for Deshaun Watson in the middle to later rounds, Michael Gallup and Tre’Quan Smith have the size, production, hands and athleticism traits to become productive compliments to DeAndre Hopkins. Gallup, in particular, is the most underrated wide receiver in this class from a hands/body control standpoint. There were many moments on film where it wouldn’t surprise me if Gallup was a late 1800s Russian male ballerina in his former life. At TE, there are no options in the mid to late rounds that could pay off in a Jimmy Graham, or even Jordan Cameron like fashion. But Tyler Conklin and Ian Thomas are two later round tight ends with interesting athleticism and film traits that could produce more than what Houston currently has.

Allbright: FrankRagnow, center out of Arkansas. Maybe Jaylen Samuels (TE NC State)

Kollmann: Hayden Hurst from South Carolina is one of the first names that comes to mind. He's a big, athletic tight end who has a baseball background (which is huge for developing ball skills), and was used as everything from a receiver, to an H-Back, to even a running back on sweeps for the Gamecocks. The Texans can't seem to keep their tight ends healthy the last few years, so that is a position that will likely be addressed in the draft to rebuild their depth. Considering's Hurst's versatility as an offensive weapon, he could fit in well with Bill O'Brien's high octane offense (or at least it was when Watson was healthy). After Hurst, I could also see Houston targeting Boston College cornerback Isaac Yiadom late in the draft. He's a little stiff in the hips, but with his size, length, and speed he has the potential to develop into a starting corner in a press/press-bail system, as well as contributing on special teams as a really good gunner. Even if he never actually does start on defense, just having him improve the punt and kick coverage teams would be well worth the pick on Day 3.

McDonald: There are two players within the Texans draft range that would fit well with their current needs. Mississippi State offensive tackle Martinas Rankin and Pittsburgh offensive tackle Brian O'Neill. Both players are good athletes that need to get a bit better at run blocking. However, the ability to be a good pass protector is more valuable in today's NFL so they should be able to come in and play right away, especially for an offensive line like the Texans. Their athleticism would allow the Texans to add new wrinkles into their running game involving pulling tackles to the second level that can really get linebackers into trouble.

Monson: I love Nevada's Austin Corbitt. He played left tackle at Nevada, but I don't think the NFL knows where to play him at the next level yet (except it almost certainly WON'T be at LT). I love him at Center. At the Senior Bowl he played all over the line, but dominated at center. I think that position flexibility though aids Houston. Take a guy who could fill multiple roles and figure out where he thrives. Houston literally could upgrade every spot on their line if they unearth a stud. Colby Gossett, a guard out of App State, I think is underrated. Allowed just one sack in his college career and has four seasons of impressive run blocking grades. The one X-factor in all of this is whether Orlando Brown's disastrous combine will make him slip into the third-round. He could fall that far given his concerns, but the tape is still legit. That would represent an interesting gamble.

Waldman: The Texans could use a dynamic slot receiver capable of stretching the field as well as winning after the catch. Keke Coutee, Christian Kirk, Anthony Miller and Richie James are all options who can help immediately on special teams, challenge Bruce Ellington and Braxton Miller, and also eventually do work on the perimeter. Coutee and James could also provide a ball-carrier element on jet sweeps that O'Brien used with Watson as the trigger man. Jordan Lasley has his share of drops, but his hand strength to pull the ball away on 50/50 targets and his strength after the catch make him an intriguing option with starter upside as a perimeter option. Deon Cain could give Houston a player in the mold of Davante Adams, whose route acumen matches well with Deshaun Watson's strengths. If the Texans are seeking a blocker who can catch, Durham Smythe, Dalton Schultz and Ryan Izzo offer those skills. Smythe is the most versatile. Schultz is a good blocker with more upside as a receiver than he demonstrated thus far but not a guarantee that he'll tap into it. Izzo has limited range as a receiver but he's a tough guy at the line of scrimmage. H-Back Tyler Conkin could develop into a decent blocker and he's skilled at earning separation against press coverage as a receiver detached from the line of scrimmage. If O'Brien can figure out a way to use Jaylen Samuels better than Gary Kubiak used James Casey, Samuels has that potential as a utility option at H-Back, slot receiver and even running back depth.

Zierlein: CBs: Duke Dawson, Isaac Yiadom, Tremon Smith; S: Siran Neal, Marcus Allen, Trey Walker, Dane Cruikshank (special teams potential); TE: Dalton Schultz, Durham Smythe, Nick Keizer

Stradley: I want more competition at pretty much every position on offense and more in the secondary. I think the Texans are a good destination for UDFAs because I think there’s plenty of spots to compete for, new special teams coach, and a decent history of UDFAs sticking on the team, and if not, being poached by other teams. Oh, and no state income tax and a low cost of living compared to some of NFL cities.
 
tomjn80 said:
https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Stephanie-Stradley-Q-A-Texans-NFL-draft-12825422.php

Q: Realistic Rounds 3-undrafted free agent (UDFA) targets. Who are some players you think might be a good fit for the Texans needs and what do you think they would value? Who are the players you think Bill O'Brien really would want and need without reaching?

Cobern: Harrison Phillips, Folorunso Fatukasi and Bilal Nichols are my top mid-round defensive tackle targets. Fatukasi and Nichols have great size profiles and experience in 3-4 fronts playing 5-technique. While Phillips has experience playing mostly 0/1-technique and some 5-technique as well. I’d target those three as options to potentially start opposite J.J. Watt. And they could perform in a similar fashion to former Texans’ DE Jared Crick if Watt keeps having the injury bug. As far as pass rushers in range of where Houston is selecting in case of a Jadaveon Clowney injury. Duke Ejiofor, John Franklin-Meyers, Kyle Fitts, Trevon Young and Kemoko Turay have the size and athleticism profiles to project as spot starters to rotational pieces. Turay has the most upside to become a high-quality rusher amongst that group, but his production at Rutgers was very sporadic. He was a bit like Godzilla for most of his college career. Turay would destroy Tokyo every once and awhile, but would immediately recede back to the depths of Rutgers’ bench, never to be seen or heard from for months or even years. Micah Kiser, Christian Sam and Genard Avery are solid inside linebacker types to add depth, while Andre Chachere, Party Nickerson and Godwin Igwebuike are defensive back options that could pay off as well. In terms of receiving options for Deshaun Watson in the middle to later rounds, Michael Gallup and Tre’Quan Smith have the size, production, hands and athleticism traits to become productive compliments to DeAndre Hopkins. Gallup, in particular, is the most underrated wide receiver in this class from a hands/body control standpoint. There were many moments on film where it wouldn’t surprise me if Gallup was a late 1800s Russian male ballerina in his former life. At TE, there are no options in the mid to late rounds that could pay off in a Jimmy Graham, or even Jordan Cameron like fashion. But Tyler Conklin and Ian Thomas are two later round tight ends with interesting athleticism and film traits that could produce more than what Houston currently has.

Allbright: FrankRagnow, center out of Arkansas. Maybe Jaylen Samuels (TE NC State)

Kollmann: Hayden Hurst from South Carolina is one of the first names that comes to mind. He's a big, athletic tight end who has a baseball background (which is huge for developing ball skills), and was used as everything from a receiver, to an H-Back, to even a running back on sweeps for the Gamecocks. The Texans can't seem to keep their tight ends healthy the last few years, so that is a position that will likely be addressed in the draft to rebuild their depth. Considering's Hurst's versatility as an offensive weapon, he could fit in well with Bill O'Brien's high octane offense (or at least it was when Watson was healthy). After Hurst, I could also see Houston targeting Boston College cornerback Isaac Yiadom late in the draft. He's a little stiff in the hips, but with his size, length, and speed he has the potential to develop into a starting corner in a press/press-bail system, as well as contributing on special teams as a really good gunner. Even if he never actually does start on defense, just having him improve the punt and kick coverage teams would be well worth the pick on Day 3.

McDonald: There are two players within the Texans draft range that would fit well with their current needs. Mississippi State offensive tackle Martinas Rankin and Pittsburgh offensive tackle Brian O'Neill. Both players are good athletes that need to get a bit better at run blocking. However, the ability to be a good pass protector is more valuable in today's NFL so they should be able to come in and play right away, especially for an offensive line like the Texans. Their athleticism would allow the Texans to add new wrinkles into their running game involving pulling tackles to the second level that can really get linebackers into trouble.

Monson: I love Nevada's Austin Corbitt. He played left tackle at Nevada, but I don't think the NFL knows where to play him at the next level yet (except it almost certainly WON'T be at LT). I love him at Center. At the Senior Bowl he played all over the line, but dominated at center. I think that position flexibility though aids Houston. Take a guy who could fill multiple roles and figure out where he thrives. Houston literally could upgrade every spot on their line if they unearth a stud. Colby Gossett, a guard out of App State, I think is underrated. Allowed just one sack in his college career and has four seasons of impressive run blocking grades. The one X-factor in all of this is whether Orlando Brown's disastrous combine will make him slip into the third-round. He could fall that far given his concerns, but the tape is still legit. That would represent an interesting gamble.

Waldman: The Texans could use a dynamic slot receiver capable of stretching the field as well as winning after the catch. Keke Coutee, Christian Kirk, Anthony Miller and Richie James are all options who can help immediately on special teams, challenge Bruce Ellington and Braxton Miller, and also eventually do work on the perimeter. Coutee and James could also provide a ball-carrier element on jet sweeps that O'Brien used with Watson as the trigger man. Jordan Lasley has his share of drops, but his hand strength to pull the ball away on 50/50 targets and his strength after the catch make him an intriguing option with starter upside as a perimeter option. Deon Cain could give Houston a player in the mold of Davante Adams, whose route acumen matches well with Deshaun Watson's strengths. If the Texans are seeking a blocker who can catch, Durham Smythe, Dalton Schultz and Ryan Izzo offer those skills. Smythe is the most versatile. Schultz is a good blocker with more upside as a receiver than he demonstrated thus far but not a guarantee that he'll tap into it. Izzo has limited range as a receiver but he's a tough guy at the line of scrimmage. H-Back Tyler Conkin could develop into a decent blocker and he's skilled at earning separation against press coverage as a receiver detached from the line of scrimmage. If O'Brien can figure out a way to use Jaylen Samuels better than Gary Kubiak used James Casey, Samuels has that potential as a utility option at H-Back, slot receiver and even running back depth.

Zierlein: CBs: Duke Dawson, Isaac Yiadom, Tremon Smith; S: Siran Neal, Marcus Allen, Trey Walker, Dane Cruikshank (special teams potential); TE: Dalton Schultz, Durham Smythe, Nick Keizer

Stradley: I want more competition at pretty much every position on offense and more in the secondary. I think the Texans are a good destination for UDFAs because I think there’s plenty of spots to compete for, new special teams coach, and a decent history of UDFAs sticking on the team, and if not, being poached by other teams. Oh, and no state income tax and a low cost of living compared to some of NFL cities.
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Q: The Texans have no picks in the first two rounds. Strategically, do you look to move up in this draft for this team? Why or why not do you tend to feel that way? And if so, who would be some targets worth doing that for?

Zierlein: I would consider moving up since you will be able to get into the second round by flipping two of your third-round picks. I think it is worth targeting a CB like Isaiah Oliver or Carlton Davis. I also see an offensive tackle like Jamarco Jones or a safety like Jessie Bates, Justin Reid or maybe Tarvarius Moore.
 
Could see Texans move up for a player but if Bates is sitting there (for this exercise sake) don’t need to, keep picks for player like Cappa later. Change my vote - Bates to Texans #68 overall
 
The New York Giants select Tim Settle - DT, Virginia Tech

Giants are switching to a 3-4 and need bodies up front. Settle is a mammoth interior DL prospect with great movement skills for his size. His size screams NT but his play on film leads me to believe he can play 5' technique as well. Could be used as a combo NT/DE similar to Brandon Williams and Akiem Hicks. He's young and a bit raw and needs to keep his weight and conditioning in check but there are a lot of tools to work with here.
 
#71 Denver Selects - Orlando Brown, OT, Oklahoma

YQGMKYZNSRCJOBK.20170822153941.jpg


Overview
Tackle with poor athlete traits, but rare size and length whose massive frame can work for him in pass protection and against him in the run game. Brown is a waist-bender with shoddy footwork and a tendency to play too straight-legged. These physical limitations create a much smaller likelihood for recovery once he's beaten. With that all said, he typically gets guys blocked and he clearly understands how to use his size and length to his advantage. Brown's physical traits and nasty demeanor give him a chance to become a decent starting right tackle if he can be coached to lessen his physical deficiencies and can keep his weight in check.
 
WolverineFan said:
The New York Giants select Tim Settle - DT, Virginia Tech

Giants are switching to a 3-4 and need bodies up front. Settle is a mammoth interior DL prospect with great movement skills for his size. His size screams NT but his play on film leads me to believe he can play 5' technique as well. Could be used as a combo NT/DE similar to Brandon Williams and Akiem Hicks. He's young and a bit raw and needs to keep his weight and conditioning in check but there are a lot of tools to work with here.
Click to expand...

TBH, Bates to Houston and Settle to the NY Giants makes a whole lot more sense than Settle to Houston.
 
Bates is a very fluid free safety that compliments Tyrann Mathieu skill sets mostly playing off coverage who is a ball hawking playmaker. Just don’t see him slipping to 3rd rd. Maybe in a trade up but more likely big cover corner like Isaiah Oliver, Colorado.

Don’t think Texans have ammo to move up enough to grab a day one starting LT.
 
beerlover said:
Bates is a very fluid free safety that compliments Tyrann Mathieu skill sets mostly playing off coverage who is a ball hawking playmaker. Just don’t see him slipping to 3rd rd. Maybe in a trade up but more likely big cover corner like Isaiah Oliver, Colorado.

Don’t think Texans have ammo to move up enough to grab a day one starting LT.
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Agreed on Bates and think of Moore in same skillset just a little better size/speed but played lesser competition. I don’t think either make it out of round 2... but I thought Zach Cunningham was a first round pick last offseason so who knows how the draft will fall!
 
steelbtexan said:
I would've taken Okorafor/Corbett

BTW, if the draft were to fall this way I'm using my two 3rds to trade up for Okorafor.
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Okorafor is definitely good enough to take at #68 - especially for a team that has no definitive answer at R or L tackle.
Time to try and draft a perrenial starter.
 
With the 75th pick, @Lucky and the Oakland/Vegas Raiders select: Malik Jefferson, OLB - Texas.

1478382966-Texas-Texas-Tech-Football.jpg


With Bruce Irvin moving from OLB to DE, Jefferson steps in for new Raider DC Paul Guenther. Guenter likes LBs that can run and hit, and Jefferson can do that from day 1.
 
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With the 76th pick the Packers select:

ROYCE FREEMAN
OREGON
RB




Finally a true running game to give Rodgers some help.
 
With the 77th pick the Cincinnati Bengals select Hercules Mata'afa Edge rusher out of Washington State

HERCULES MATA'AFA (DL42)
HT: 6'2" WT: 254LBS.

POSITION: EDGE

SCHOOL: Washington St.

ARM LENGTH: 31 1/2"

HANDS: 10 1/4"


OVERVIEW
Mata'afa (MAH-tah-AH-FAH) has been one of the smallest defensive tackles in college football over the past three years -- but also among the most dangerous. The Hawai'i native was an all-state football player and state finalist in wrestling, which makes sense given his ability to tussle with larger players inside. He redshirted the 2014 season before playing in all 13 games the following year, garnering honorable mention All-Pac-12 recognition with a team-leading seven sacks to go along with 32 tackles, 11 for loss. Mata'afa was named second-team all-conference as a sophomore, finishing the year with 47 stops, 13.5 tackles for loss, and a team-high five sacks using a quick first step and possessing more power than his frame would let on. He really broke out in 2017, becoming a consensus All-American, Polynesian Player of the Year, and first-team All-Pac 12. He played in all 13 games, starting 12, making 45 tackles, 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and ranking in the top five nationally with 22.5 tackles for loss.


COMBINE RESULTS
  • 40 YARD DASH: 4.76 SEC
  • BENCH PRESS: 26 REPS
  • VERTICAL JUMP: 31.5 INCH
  • BROAD JUMP: 108.0 INCH
  • 3 CONE DRILL: 7.24 SEC
  • 20 YARD SHUTTLE: 4.37 SEC

ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS
Known as the toughest guy in the locker room. Every snap is important to him. Uses explosive get-off to disrupt play design from a defensive tackle spot. Impossible to secure him with reach blocks when he's playing three-technique. Zombie-like motor. Gets tackles and sacks thanks to secondary effort. Good lateral quickness to slide to the blocker's edge. Plays with single-minded desire to find the football. Has leverage to work under and around the blocker once he gets to an edge. Punishing tackler with heavy pads.

WEAKNESSES
Much too small to continue playing interior spot. Gets engulfed and washed down if he doesn't win early with penetration. Yet to prove he can transition from defensive tackle to another position. Doesn't have edge rusher's burst and bend as 3-4 outside linebacker. Contact balance is below average. Hand work is below average. Will need to develop go-to rush moves, counters and an overall plan. Scouts say he's quicker than fast.

DRAFT PROJECTION
Rounds 4-5

SOURCES TELL US
"He makes plays all game long but how do you play him at tackle? You can't. He has to prove he can play on the edge and my guess is he's just a guy on the edge. Maybe I'm wrong. He plays harder than anybody on the field so maybe it can work." -- NFC regional scout

NFL COMPARISON
Cassius Marsh

BOTTOM LINE
Mata'afa is a challenge to project based on the fact that his tape features him as an interior lineman who won with quickness when matched against players who were 50-70 pounds heavier than he was. He has the size of a 3-4 outside linebacker but may lack the athletic traits and skill level as a rusher to fit right in. His motor and desire give him a chance to become a high-end special teams star and teams might be wise to utilize Mata'afa as an interior rusher in sub-packages.
 
Would anyone want to take over the Bills and Broncos picks? I’ll be out of town this weekend and won’t be able to contribute much. I don’t wanna slow it down.
 
tomjn80 said:
Would anyone want to take over the Bills and Broncos picks? I’ll be out of town this weekend and won’t be able to contribute much. I don’t wanna slow it down.
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I could do it, but sending a pm with your preferred players would be better.
 
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With the RD3-08-72 pick, New York Jets select:

EDGE, Dorance Armstrong - Kansas / 6-4 @ 257 lbs
 
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Lucky said:
I like this guy, but I thought he would stay another round. I think CB will bring the most divergent opinions in this mock.
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He has great athleticism and ball skills. If he was 2 inches taller he'd be in the 1st round conversation.

This really isn't that good of a CB class IMO.
 
Lucky said:
Already selected in the 2nd Round. Check the results thread and ake another selection.
Click to expand...

This is why the results thread is kept clean of chatter. You can search that thread only from inside it and quickly confirm a player has/hasn't been selected.

Random aside, I was sick most of the week. Sorry.
 
Via PM, @steelbetexan nominates Chuks Okorafor, OT - Western Michigan.
 
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I'm going to nominate an OT as well but not one many people have talked about. He was Lamar Jackson's top pass protector and has experience at both tackle positions. His name is Geron Christian.

"This is one of the most interesting tackles because he has potential. Some of these tackles like the UCLA kid (Kolton Miller) they aren't going to get much better. This kid just needs more experience and coaching and I think he will be a starter down the road." -- NFC team offensive line coach

Lance Zierlein has him going in either the 2nd or 3rd round.
 
banned1976 said:
I'm going to nominate an OT as well but not one many people have talked about. He was Lamar Jackson's top pass protector and has experience at both tackle positions. His name is Geron Christian.

"This is one of the most interesting tackles because he has potential. Some of these tackles like the UCLA kid (Kolton Miller) they aren't going to get much better. This kid just needs more experience and coaching and I think he will be a starter down the road." -- NFC team offensive line coach

Lance Zierlein has him going in either the 2nd or 3rd round.
Click to expand...

I was hoping he would slide to the NYJ in RD4 but the Texans are in dire need of an OT. Geron, as you stated can play either side and more importantly, he's fully equipped to protect a mobile QB like Watson since he's been doing that everyday in Louisville. I endorse the vote for OT, Geron Christian - Louisville.
 
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