First thought I'd wait until after game 3 Denver to post this but believe it should hold up unless I have evaluated the game Sunday incorrectly. As usual, I want to offer brief explanation on how I arrived at this mock. First, Kareem Jackson has responded well to coaching and if he continues, I am moving CB2 off mock (well almost as I take Hyde but want him as safety). Denver will tell us a lot but Newton looks like he will be a long time starter. Still inconclusive on Harris but 6'5 300 & will be only 28 March & I think he will agree to re-sign at reasonable money, especially if he cannot beat out Kubiak favorite Newton. As Beerlover noted
http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94248
"First off Ryan Harris was a premier guard prospect coming out of Notre Dame. If healthy he could be a better option @ RT than Newton beause of his experience & ability to mirror & slide in pass pro..." My concern remains on his back recovery.
I have us picking #28 or later. Matthews, Barrett Jones gone.
1. Nose Jesse Williams 6'3" 320 Alabama. Have you watched this defense? Enough said.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1824786/jesse-williams
I like Cody but not sure if he is in Texans future. 30 January '13. He could take a team friendy offer. I have not seen enough of Mitchell but still see him as DE. If Cody re-ups this pick probably will change. IMO, Nose is priority as of today.
2. C/RG Khalid Holmes 6'3" 305 Southern California can play all 3 interior spots. He did not start against Stanford due to ankle injury.
3A. FS/CB Micah Hyde 6'1" 190 4.43 Iowa I have watched him only with corner in mind until this season. Kid is a natural safety where his somewhat stiff hips should not hurt him. Strong and good tackler. Perfect for our D even if Quin re-signs. Good opportunity to upgrade this position.
3B (comp for Mario) OLB Dion Jordan 6'7" 243 I recently started focusing on this player. I still see Barwin gone. "To take advantage of his unique combination of burst off the snap and length, Oregon created a hybrid role for Jordan in 2011, lining him up as a stand-up pass rusher and moving him around to find favorable matchups. Demonstrating surprising fluidity for such a tall player, Jordan exploded for 13 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, each of which led the team, earning First Team ..."
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1631835/dion-jordan Sounds like perfect fit for Phillip's 3-4.
4. WR Marcus Davis 6'4" 228 4.37 43" vert Virginia Tech. I watch the games and he seems to get little attention but his avg/catch is 20.4. An 85 yd TD in loss against Pitt. As Texans season progresses & I see more of Jean, I could remove WR from mock.
5A TE Jake Stoneburner 6'5" 245 Ohio ST has been used as TE, slot, Hback as most recently as WR. Remind you of anyone? Blocks with 100% effort but like most TEs can improve.
5B (for Briesel) ILB AJ Klein 6'1 244 Iowa St 101 tackles 60 solo 2 sacks. True MLB
6. RG Blaize Foltz 6'4" 310 TCU I just like this guy.
7. LT LaAdrian Waddle 6'6" 330 started 25 consecutive and will only be 21 at draft.
Heavy on Oline but that is where I see the greatest need & not convinced on Brooks yet.