Texansphan
Football connoisseur
High stakes gamesmanship.
Some GMs leak a little, some a lot, and some none at all.
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2023 TEXANS DRAFT DISCUSSION
- Thread starter gwallaia
- Start date
Some GMs leak a little, some a lot, and some none at all.
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
Trading Tunsil would ruin the development of any QB drafted.
Think back to Carr. And think back to Watson. We had to trade the farm to protect Watson because Brown was let go.
You can’t just magically draft a LT and replace Tunsil either. At least I don’t think so.
You tell me who would replace Tunsil.
Texian
Hall of Fame
There are 2 really good LT (Johnson and Jones) you could draft at 1.12 and pay them $20MM over the next 4 years instead of $125MM that Tunsil will demand. You can do a lot of strong rebuilding with an extra $100MM. Ryan Pole seems to understand this.
Who are they?
Texian
Hall of Fame
Either would carry good value at #12. Not sure whom I would pick. Johnson may be better, now. In 2 years, Jones may be the best.Paris Johnson and Broderick Jones.
WalterFootball.com: Combine
walterfootball.com
Didn't the Texans try that a few years back to disastrous results?
Is either going to be as good as or better than Tunsil in 2 years?
zshawn10
All Pro
Dane Brugler's NFL mock draft, 3.0: Bears move down twice and Colts land No. 1
With the combine in the books, it's time to take another run at how Round 1 might look. Which teams get in on the early QB run?
theathletic.com
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
If he plays hard ball, he might find himself being traded and hasn't he said he wants to play here in Houston?
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
Skoronski?
I just double checked his weight - he is "only" 6'4" but is heavier than I thought at 313. Check this out:-
"Skoronski is easily the most polished offensive lineman in this draft class. He has incredible technique, quickness, and power which allows him to neutralize almost any defender. I think that he would best work for a pass-heavy team where he can play to his strengths. But, if he works on improving his pull blocking and 2nd level blocking, he will fit any scheme.Preview Analysis provided by
Draft Dive
Tunsil is one of the top pass blocking LTs in the business. And that's what LTs are paid to do. But he's not one of the top run blocking OTs. How important is that going forward with this offense? It's a legit question that is tough to answer. Re-signing Tunsil seems the most likely outcome, but there are many variables the Texans braintrust has to consider.
1. Will Tunsil's demands fit into the Texans budget going forward?
2. Does Tunsil's skill set fit the Texans offense going forward?
3. Are there options in the draft and/or FA that allow the Texans to replace Tunsil?
4. Can the Texans find value in a Tunsil trade? When will the value be the highest?
If the Texans decide to go QB in this draft, he has to be protected. So Tunsil as a Texan in 2023 would seem to be a lock. But taking a young LT in this draft with the thought of moving on from Tunsil in 2024 and beyond is still a possibility. These are tough decisions that the front office and coaching staff have to agree on for now and the future.
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Tunsil has said that he wants to reset the market for LTs. He's not giving hometown discounts, though I'm sure he would be just as happy taking Cal's $$$ as anyone else's.
badboy
Hall of Fame
I just cannot understand why people don't get this. It should be major talking point but it is not. In conversations on other platforms, his weight and height yes but not this. Colts probably shifting to another. This should impact trade ups.
ben.aires.smith
Rookie
I'm really torn on this. 100% see your point here, but trading Tunsil is also a major step back by taking out an anchor on the OL, exposing the new QB to pass protection which is not strong to begin with. And also, Texans now have to drop 1.12 on a new line player, when WR1 is of critical importance.
So essentially, trading Tunsil hurts the new QB twice by removing protection and removing a potential frontline WR, which is essential. I understand we'll get draft capital back, but I do see your point...
ben.aires.smith
Rookie
Wow... Have no idea how he played in college. But for this reason alone might be worth a late-round stash.
vtech9
All Pro
I think Skoronski ends up playing OG in the NFL.
Left tackles play into their mid 30s at a very high level assuming minimal injury history. I think it makes sense to extend him while the young QB figures the league out. By all means if there is a team willing to send us a boatload of picks then ok, but otherwise don't create an issue where there is none.
vtech9
All Pro
He was one of the top OG draft prospects this year, but still not expected to go before the late 2nd or early 3rd round. The injury may knock him down the draft, but I'd still take him later, and save him until he's ready to play.
vtech9
All Pro
Done with it for this year. We'll still need to get a good one next year though.
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
Or, they could both be busts...
Young has the best chance of not being a bust, but could be knocked out with an injury.
Texans are caught between a rock and a hard place.
badboy
Hall of Fame
No Meyers at 12?
badboy
Hall of Fame
This is one thing that impressed me last draft with car stereo. He keeps his cards close and I like that .
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
Fell off the Kraft/Belichek tree.
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
Meyer is said to be the best blocking TE in this class - I'm guessing there is plenty of technique involved...
He also is very reliable with his hands.
Texian
Hall of Fame
Factor in you will be getting a minimum of a 1st RD draft pick for Tunsil. Take a look at Johnson's and Jones' resumes and you might find it is not as big a step back as you might think. Both were 5-Star recruits and top tackles in their draft class.
Paris Johnson
• Consensus five-star prospect by 247Sports.com, Rivals and ESPN as a senior
• The No. 7-ranked player overall in the class of 2020 by 247Sports and the nation’s No. 1 tackle
• Received both the Anthony Munoz Lineman of the Year and All-American Bowl’s Man of the Year awards
• The top-ranked player in the state of Ohio
Broderick Jones
247sports.com composite five-star prospect...
ranked as the #11 prospect nationally,
the #2 offensive tackle prospect and
#3 prospect from the state of Georgia...
ESPN.com five-star prospect,
the #9 prospect nationally,
#1 OT prospect nationally,
#5 prospect in the Southeast region and
#3 in Georgia
Both will be better than Duane Brown
It doesn't make sense to trade Tunsil if you are a year or two away from the playoffs.
It does if you are not.
Texansballer74
The Marine
Porky
Hall of Fame
I have Kincaid and Washington ahead of him. I think both have better pro careers although I could be wrong. Washington is my pick.
The1ApplePie
Hall of Fame
I'd be happy with Young, Stroud, or Richardson at 2. If someone trades up and snipes Young at No. 1 (which seems likely), you still have two solid, if very different choices. Stroud is super polished, while Richardson has all the potential. Levis isn't really appealing IMO. If you want a tall guy with a big arm that can't hit the broadside of a barn, you might as well go Richardson.
badboy
Hall of Fame
6 '4 314 pounds his great kick slide makes up for 32 inch arms. He is just a bulldog that gets job done. Can play all spots and compared to Zach Martin. Someone getting a day 1 starter.
Peter Skoronski Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com
All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Peter Skoronski
www.nfl.com
badboy
Hall of Fame
Beat me to it!Skoronski?
I just double checked his weight - he is "only" 6'4" but is heavier than I thought at 313. Check this out:-
"Skoronski is easily the most polished offensive lineman in this draft class. He has incredible technique, quickness, and power which allows him to neutralize almost any defender. I think that he would best work for a pass-heavy team where he can play to his strengths. But, if he works on improving his pull blocking and 2nd level blocking, he will fit any scheme.Preview Analysis provided by
badboy
Hall of Fame
Yes to all 4. Trade has to be a blow doors offer. Pierce was having terrific year before injury but I am unsure how many plays was to left and those would be with Kenyon's poor play.
badboy
Hall of Fame
To be fair Richardson hits the side of a barn one out of every 2 attempts.
Texansballer74
The Marine
Lol not going to happen. Lol they want draft picks
badboy
Hall of Fame
Actually, they are considering FA significantly and have tons of cap to burn. They were looking hard at Hargreaves and Payne until the latter was tagged.
Texansballer74
The Marine
The GM said they want basically three first round draft picks. 23-25.
He's going to be a Pro Bowl LG.
TexansBull
Hall of Fame
I agree with you. I would do it if the price is right.
But that is a big chance that the rookie LTs can be starting day one and not be a detriment to the rookie QB.
Because Houston has been down this road ,twice, and failed the QB I would be hesitant to pull the trigger.
If the Jets get Rogers they may be in win now mode. I don’t know if Duane Brown is going back there. Or if he is the starting LT. That could be a candidate.
banned1976
sleeper mode
The Texans might not have a rookie quarterback this year. Ahhh...let that sink in.
ben.aires.smith
Rookie
Going to be interesting what the Colts do here with Shane Steichen as head coach and helping make Jalen Hurts into a stud. Lots of spec they might be in on the AR-15 sweepstakes. If by chance the Texans take him, you are correct!
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
- https://theathletic.com/4281118/202...ampaign=6336505&email_login=scrpphant@aol.com
- Dane Brugler
- 16 min read
- Dane Brugler’s NFL mock draft, 3.0: Colts trade up to No. 1 for C.J. Stroud
The information during NFL Scouting Combine week hits you like a ruthless fire hose.
As I leave Indianapolis, which was (again) a tremendous host, the job now is to parse that information and separate what is least and most likely to happen come draft time. Easier said than done.
With free agency yet to come, the first-round outlook will continue to change. Based on what I heard and saw at the combine, however, here is a look at how Round 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft could play out: - 1. Indianapolis Colts (from Chicago): C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State*
Projected trade: Nos. 4 and 35 and a 2024 first-round pick to Chicago for No. 1
The speculation during combine week wasn’t about whether or not the Colts will draft a quarterback, it was: Which QB they will take? And how much will it cost?
The members of the triumvirate in charge of that decision each brings a differing perspective. Shane Steichen is entering his first draft as a head coach, Chris Ballard knows this could be his final draft as general manager if the wrong pick is made, and owner Jim Irsay is the wild card (as usual). Stroud might be the quarterback that’s the most comfortable choice for each person there. He is ready to compete for the starting job from Day 1 and his natural accuracy gives him a high floor as an NFL passer. (The Athletic’s Zak Keefer had similar thoughts from the combine.)
https://theathletic.com/4276264/2023/03/04/colts-qb-nfl-combine-workouts/
Obviously, trading up to No. 1 is an expensive move. But if the Colts stay at No. 4, they might find themselves with only their second- or even third-best quarterback option available. That isn’t good enough for a franchise that has been compromising at the position since Andrew Luck retired.2. Houston Texans: Bryce Young, QB, Alabama
Not everyone around the league is convinced the Texans will go quarterback here. With multiple first-round picks in next year’s draft, Houston could continue to build up its roster and look to nab a QB in 2024.
With Young still available in this scenario, though, it would be tough to pass up. A combination of DeMeco Ryans at head coach and Young at quarterback would bump the optimism levels in Houston sky high.
3. Arizona Cardinals: Will Anderson Jr., Edge, Alabama
We don’t have a draft history for either Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon or general manager Monti Ossenfort, as they’re in their first year in those roles. Based on their previous stops, however, it is a reasonable bet that they will prioritize the pass rush, especially with it being such a need on the Cardinals’ roster. Not only is Anderson’s talent worth this pick, but his intangibles are also exactly what the organization wants with the first pick of the Gannon-Ossenfort era.
Anderson had a solid combine — whatever you thought of him going in, that is likely how you feel leaving Indianapolis. The average 10-yard split for the top-20 pass rushers in the NFL is 1.63 and Anderson posted a 1.61, a strong time at 253 pounds.
4. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago): Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida*
Projected trade: Nos. 9, 61 and a 2024 first-round pick to Chicago for No. 4
As expected, Richardson created a buzz with his on-field combine work. The interview portion was more of a mixed bag, but his natural talent will be too enticing. The word from other teams is that Panthers owner David Tepper is on a mission to invest in a young, exciting quarterback who gives the franchise a long-term direction. A Carolina quarterback room of Jacoby Brissett and Anthony Richardson is a plausible scenario for 2023.
https://theathletic.com/4273023/2023/03/03/anthony-richardson-panthers-nfl-draft-cam-newton/
5. Seattle Seahawks: Jalen Carter, DT, Georgia
Given last week’s news that an arrest warrant had been issued for Carter back in Georgia, the potential No. 1 pick’s draft projection has become much more complicated. (Carter turned himself in, was released on bond and returned to the combine.)
Teams understandably love the player, but now they must exhaust every resource to ensure they can trust the person. Though Seattle has been burned in the past (see: Malik McDowell), every player is different and every situation is unique. Carter could end up looking like a steal here.
6. Detroit Lions: Christian Gonzalez, CB, Oregon
Tall, long and can run — that’s a great place to start with a cornerback. At 6-foot-1 and 197 pounds with 32-inch arms, Gonzalez ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine and added outstanding jumps (41.5-inch vertical, 11-foot-1 broad). The numbers are great; the tape is even better. Gonzalez’s fluidity, ball skills and toughness would match up well with what the Lions are looking for in a first-round cornerback.
7. Las Vegas Raiders: Will Levis, QB, Kentucky
If this scenario plays out, it would be the first time in the Super Bowl era that four quarterbacks are drafted in the top seven picks.
The Raiders have been very open about their desire to draft a young quarterback, and Levis is a potential fit. The Kentucky passer has outstanding physical traits, smarts and toughness, which all would be appealing to head coach Josh McDaniels.
8. Atlanta Falcons: Tyree Wilson, Edge, Texas Tech
Unless general manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith are absolutely blown away by a quarterback in this class, the Falcons are more than comfortable with the idea of Desmond Ridder as their starter in 2023.
The defensive line will be a priority for Atlanta this offseason, and Wilson has a disruptive package of length, power and quickness.
9. Chicago Bears (from Carolina): Lukas Van Ness, DL, Iowa*
For the Bears, this would be an outstanding scenario. By trading down twice, Chicago would own five picks in the top 64 this year (Nos. 9, 35, 53, 61 and 64) plus two additional first-rounders in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The storylines for this pairing would be fun. Van Ness grew up a Bears fan, living just outside of Chicago (Barrington, Ill.), and his girlfriend is the younger sister of Bears tight end Cole Kmet. More importantly, the Iowa defensive lineman is a promising player with the traits to be a disruptive force from multiple alignments.
General manager Ryan Poles believes in building for the long term, so adding an ascending talent like Van Ness and draft capital via multiple trade downs would fit the profile.
https://theathletic.com/4278084/2023/03/06/bears-nfl-draft-free-agency/
10. New England (from Philadelphia): Peter Skoronski, OT/G, Northwestern*
Projected trade: Nos. 14, 76 and a 2024 fifth-round pick to Philadelphia for No. 10
With multiple tackle-needy teams in front of the Patriots, they jump up a few spots here to get Skoronski.
As an organization, New England has never been tied down by size limitations, so Skoronski’s shorter arms shouldn’t be a roadblock. He is the top offensive lineman in this class and could be Bill Belichick’s new Matt Light. Regardless, his position versatility would give the Patriots options as they try to field their five best blockers.
11. Tennessee Titans: Paris Johnson Jr., OT, Ohio State
The Titans’ current offensive tackle depth chart is sparse. The good news is their need matches up well with the talent that should be available around this pick. Not only does Johnson fit the profile of what the Titans covet at the position, the Ohio State connection wouldn’t hurt. Adding Johnson would give Ohio State alum Mike Vrabel an all-Buckeye OT depth chart of Johnson, Nicholas Petit-Frere and Jamarco Jones.
12. Houston Texans (from Cleveland): Nolan Smith, Edge, Georgia
Wide receiver is a popular pick for Texans here, understandably. Rather than reach on a pass-catcher, though, they could wait and still have plenty of options in Round 2.
Smith has the talent and character that would be an ideal fit for what Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio want to build on defense. Though he already figured to be in this range, Smith’s 1.52 10-yard split and 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine only helped his case.
13. New York Jets: Broderick Jones, OT, Georgia
The Jets are expected to have Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown under contract for the 2023 season, but the idea of both playing a full season feels farfetched. And, unless the Jets pick up Becton’s fifth-year option, this might be the final year for each in Gotham green. If Jones doesn’t win a starting tackle job in camp, he has the skill set to play guard early in his career before moving back outside long term.
https://theathletic.com/4280493/2023/03/06/aaron-rodgers-jets-quarterback-derek-carr/
14. Philadelphia Eagles (from New England): Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas*
Talking to league folks in Indianapolis, it was almost unanimous: No one sees the Eagles drafting a running back at No. 10. However, several mentioned the possibility of a trade back and how it would make the RB idea more palatable for general manager Howie Roseman.
Last year, Philadelphia used the No. 13 pick on a nose tackle (Jordan Davis), a position many believe can be found outside of the first round. The Eagles saw the value because of Davis’ unique talent. This could be a similar situation.
The value of a running back this early in the draft is a disputed topic, but a talent like Robinson alters the equation.
15. Green Bay Packers: Brian Branch, Nickel, Alabama
Though many will be hung up on his lackluster 4.58 40 time, Branch was outstanding during the combine positional drills and “stellar” in meetings, according to one NFL team source. He met with the Packers in Indianapolis, and his versatility would be a great fit in Green Bay’s scheme.
16. Washington Commanders: Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois
Although he doesn’t have ideal size (5-11 1/2, 181 pounds), Witherspoon plays much bigger than he looks and has the tape of an immediate NFL starter. Between the need on Washington’s roster and Witherspoon’s talent and play personality, the Illinois product wouldn’t be a hard sell to head coach Ron Rivera.
https://theathletic.com/4278943/2023/03/06/commanders-nfl-combine-draft-montez-sweat/
17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State
As the son of an All-Pro in Pittsburgh, Porter Jr. grew up in the Steelers locker room and got his first taste of playing cornerback by going one-on-one with Antonio Brown. Aside from the personal connections, Porter Jr. is a physical press corner who would immediately improve the Steelers’ defense.
18. Detroit Lions: Calijah Kancey, DT, Pittsburgh
In his previous role, Lions general manager Brad Holmes was a driving force in the Rams drafting Aaron Donald. Fast-forward 10 years to the present and Pitt has produced another undersized defensive lineman that checks a lot of the same boxes. There is only one Donald, but Kancey has the quickness, play violence and work ethic that will appeal to Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.
https://theathletic.com/4266602/2023/03/02/lions-dan-campbell-brad-holmes-nfl-combine/
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Myles Murphy, Edge, Clemson
Former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka remains a work in progress and Shaquil Barrett is coming off an Achilles injury, making pass rusher a realistic possibility with this pick.
Murphy didn’t get a chance to show off his impressive traits at the combine, but there aren’t many prospects at his position that offer his size, length and athleticism.
20. Seattle Seahawks: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett on the outside with Smith-Njigba in the slot? No defense would want to cover that trio of receivers. Smith-Njigba had a near-perfect positional workout at the combine, and he posted elite numbers in the three-cone (6.57 seconds) and short shuttle (3.93).
21. Los Angeles Chargers: Michael Mayer, TE, Notre Dame
The Chargers had one of the most explosive passing offenses in the NFL last season, despite mediocre production at tight end. Mayer is ready for a steady diet of NFL targets, which would give Justin Herbert a chance for quick, easy completions. It’d also provide new play-caller Kellen Moore with a Chargers version of Dalton Schultz.
https://theathletic.com/4269755/2023/03/03/chargers-nfl-combine-keenan-allen/
22. Baltimore Ravens: Zay Flowers, WR, Boston College
“We’re going to keep swinging.” That was the short version of the answer by Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta when asked about drafting wide receivers.
Flowers is a smaller target (5-9, 182), which isn’t ideal, but he is a savvy and sudden competitor with the route pacing to create space for his quarterback.
23. Minnesota Vikings: Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
The 6-0, 197-pound Banks clocked a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash. He also posted elite results in his 10-yard split (1.49), vertical (42 inches) and broad jump (11-4). He is a physical, cover-and-clobber corner who is ready to step in and see starter-level snaps — exactly what Minnesota needs.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darnell Washington, TE, Georgia
At 264 pounds with 34.5-inch arms and 11-inch hands, Washington takes pride in being a sixth offensive lineman as a blocker. His 40-yard dash (4.64) and short shuttle (4.08) also confirmed his freaky athleticism at that size. Despite slapping the franchise tag on Evan Engram, the Jaguars will be in the tight end market this offseason.
25. New York Giants: Jordan Addison, WR, USC
On tape, Addison has some routes that give you flashbacks of Stefon Diggs. Giants head coach Brian Daboll had a front-row seat for Diggs’s game in Buffalo, so the hope would be to replicate that in New York.
At 173 pounds, Addison was smaller than expected at the combine, but he would add a different dimension to the Giants’ passing attack.
26. Dallas Cowboys: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah
The last time the Cowboys drafted a tight end in the first round (David LaFleur in 1997), Barry Switzer was still head coach. But the current Cowboys are looking for playmakers on offense and Kincaid offers a unique profile. He could give Dak Prescott quick wins, like the aforementioned Schultz, while also providing more explosive potential with his seam and run-after-catch skills.
27. Buffalo Bills: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas
There is a good chance the Bills get a deal done with Tremaine Edmunds. If the two sides are unable to reach an agreement, though, this pick could be a potential contingency plan. In a lot of ways, Sanders is very similar to Edmunds as a prospect: big, athletic and versatile with the skill set to play SAM, MIKE or rush the passer.
28. Cincinnati Bengals: Anton Harrison, OT, Oklahoma
Harrison would be a pick for the present and the future. Because of his experience at both left and right tackle, he could serve as a swing tackle as a rookie while he continues to develop — especially his play strength. Then, with Jonah Williams in the final year of his deal, Harrison also would give the organization a long-term plan at left tackle.
The Saints need to address the defensive line this offseason, and the draft might be their best chance to do that. At 6-5 and 298 pounds, Bresee has the size and athletic profile that will interest New Orleans. His tape is inconsistent, but injuries and personal circumstances are the main reasons for that.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: Darnell Wright, OT/G, Tennessee
The Eagles are going to draft a trench player with one of their first-rounders, right? Most would assume that move up front would come on defense, but don’t rule out an offensive lineman, if the fit is right.
Wright would be able to step right in and compete for starting reps at guard, while also being the long-term answer at right tackle. He checks a lot of boxes for what Philadelphia covets at the position.
31. Kansas City Chiefs: Dawand Jones, RT, Ohio State
The Chiefs will be tasked with reworking their depth chart at offensive tackle this offseason, so they potentially could address the position with this pick. At 6-8 and 374 pounds with 36 3/8-inch arms, Jones (who is still only 21 years old) is a mammoth blocker and made tremendous strides over the last calendar year with his big-man balance.
CloakNNNdagger
Hall of Fame
As much as some remain unconcerned regarding Young's build, no one is really talking about a most important stat. What shouldn't be ignored in light of his obvious lack of bulk, was that he has been sacked 53 times in the past two seasons. Every sack in the NFL is a significant risk for injury. In college, he had a great Oline, so why wouldn't that bring up to some extent the subject of "pocket awareness"?
Number19
Hall of Fame
6 sacks in '20. He had 39 sacks his first year as a starter in '21. He improved that with only 18 sacks in '22.