BADBOY'S Down the Stretch

[badboy]

Had a mock set to go days ago but kept doing the what if game. Corner improved & I think our depth has been improved. The cap no longer is a big concern to me so if Texans want to keep KJ and pay Joseph (whether they will be worth the $ is another ?) it can be done. Safety is a bigger issue to me with Swearinger getting one stupid penalty a game & then at least one very good one. Lewis should be re-signed but Manning gone. I wanted Prewett round two but not sure he could beat out either vet and I really like Lonnie Ballentine 6'3" 215; no DBs in this mock. QB: If Mallett is here ok, but Savage has been my guy, so late round only to groom. #15 is our spot.
1. WR Devante Parker Louisville 6'3" 210 4.45 missed 7 g (metatarsal) last 5 35/735 @ 21 long arms, soft sure hands, great body control & eats up over shoulder pass. He uses strong hand to slap away jams. More info below.

2. LT Spencer Drango Baylor 6'5" 315 Nov '13 disk removal had him off board but he has returned in great health. This guy is epitome of high motor as he pulls, crashes into 2nd level and just manhandles opponent. Baylor's up tempo should have him sucking O2 but doesn't. OBTW, he protects passing nut Petty's blind. I think Newton will be back but we must help the '15 QB. Can play left or right.

3. OT Jake Fisher Oregon 6'6" 300 I put him on right but he could play LT as he protects some dude named Mariotta. I cannot remember him allowing sack in last 2 seasons. Clabo and Adams gone. Controls opponent.

4. MLB/OLB Jake Ryan Michigan 6'3" 236 tackling machine 112 Ts 14 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 hurries, 2 fumbles, 3 PBUs. He and Bullough are the future.

5. WR Tony Lippett Mich St. 6'3" 185 4.4 (started 5 @ CB 2011) a highlight machine. Posey and Damaris J. gone

6. QB Brandon Bridge 6'5" 235 has now caught eye of scouts. Mallett or Fitz gone. Savage slides up and Bridge #3

7. DE/DT Henry Anderson Stanford 6'6" 285 cannot believe he is here but no one else seems to know him. 62 Ts, 13.5 TFL, 9 hurries, 7 sacks, 2 PBUs.

 

[Wolf6151]

No secondary picks concerns me. 2 early/mid picks at OT concerns and confuses me. A late round QB pick when we've already got 1 developmental QB also confuses me.

1. Parker, I don't mind the WR pick or the player chosen, preparing for AJ's departure here in smart. Do you think that Cooper and White are both gone by the time we pick or just like Parker better?

2 &3. Drango & Fisher, I know nothing of Drango but really like Fisher as a prospect. The descriptions of Drango's injury makes me think he'll fall as teams will be understandably concerned. CND would have to sign off on Drango's injury concerns. If Newton is back then we have no need for 2 picks this early to be spent on OT, we simply need depth. Fisher in the 3rd is good, he just needs to add some weight but he's got the frame for it. Spend that 2nd on a CB and give the secondary some quality help and stock the future CB pipeline.

4. Ryan, I really like his size and productivity. I see him moved to ILB in the NFL and think that with some time he'd be a good replacement for Cushing at SILB.

5. Lippett, I really like the player but I don't see the need for 2 WR picks. I agree Posey will be gone, but I think DJ will be back in TC at least.

6. Bridge, I think that if we don't go QB early then we won't go QB at all. We've already got 1 project QB we don't need another. Take a FS, another OLB, O-line depth here.

7. Anderson, if still available then this is a good pick, replacement for Jamison since I think he's a FA next year. CND needs to sign off on his knee injury concerns though.

 

[badboy]

Thanks for comments Wolf! I think most fans agree we have to have tools for whomever our QB is going to be. For whatever reason, Brown at LT is having a down year for him. Maybe it is going back up in weight but doesn't matter. IMO he will be okay but we have to improve the Oline. As you know, I've supported Newton through his injury years but in this supposedly healthy 2014, he has not looked as I hoped for & he is our swing if DB goes out. If he's renewed, I think he will be, team needs to stop placing all eggs in his basket. We'vr drafted for OT before with Quessenberry and Brennan Williams same draft & even earlier with Winston and Charles Spencer third round #65 & 66. At this time we do not know what we will have at QB & no hope of drafting one much better than we have. Not only do my Ts fill need but arguably BPA. Most agree Newton remains a question and we have crap behind him & Brown.

1. WR: I like Cooper (not as well as I liked Watkins)& he is top 10 but Parker brings almost as much but latter is two inches taller. I do have Parker higher than White. I have posted AJ is on '15 roster but I ain't betting on' '16. Lippett is a steal in 5th and solid hands. He and Parker can play left, right or slot. If Mallett or Savage start, we should see more 3 receiver sets & AJ, Parker and Lippett offer big targets that can help QBs. Lineup: Parker slot and Hopkins + AJ on sides. Lippett can spell either.

2. Drango needs no med approval as he played all season with no concerns. I no longer want washed up FAs or take chance on low round or UDFA OL to back up this prime position. We have these in Clabo, Yeatman, Witzman and Adams; time to solidify by cutting those four and adding solid guys. 2 for 4.

5. You agree Posey gone but want to chance Johnson being there in TC? Not me, this is our chance to grab a franchise type Parker and a very good Lippett. What good is a cannon QB if WR cannot get deep or (DJ) catch it when he gets there?

6. I really researched long for a CB or safety here but Bridge blows all away. As I said above, Fitz or Mallett not here '15 imo. Savage will be at minimum #2 and will not be "project". Bridge slides into #3. If we go my picks OT, we do not need depth from draft as our history is UDFAs.

7. Anderson returned Nov 2013 playing in 5 and all 12 in 2014; should be good to go.

My draft solidifies prime spots WR, OT and LB. depth at DE/DT and QB. Our DBs are ok.

 

[Wolf6151]

My draft solidifies prime spots WR, OT and LB. depth at DE/DT and QB. Our DBs are ok.

If possible (Lippett in the 5th, I think he could easily go higher) then your WR draft does add alot of talent to the roster. I think DJ will be back next year, and I agree the addition of Parker or White before AJ retires is a good thing. I know you have supported Newton, as have I, sometimes I think we're the only ones around here that have. Brown ain't going anywhere. Yes he's having a subpar year but he's had rotational crap at LG for support, he'll be fine. Although not a pro bowl level of performance I think Newton has done enough this year, when he's finally been healthy, to warrant a reasonable contract extension for 2-3 yrs., reasonable would mean that we can get out of it easily. I just don't see the need to create more holes than we need to by letting Newton go in FA. My starting O-line next year would be Brown, XSF, Jones, Brooks, Newton. I agree some quality depth should be added, a player that can play OT as well as the interior. I like Cameron Erving in the 3rd if still available, but I like Fisher as OT depth as well. I also think Erving and Fisher could easily go in the 2nd round so we'd be lucky to get either in the 3rd. Some late round DE depth is a good thing, no arguments with Anderson. I disagree that our DB's are ok. Bouye, Hal, Morris, and Rolle look good in spot duty but I doubt any of them are ready to be a #1. As you know CB often takes a year to adjust to the NFL level of play and JJo only has 1 more year on the roster and KJ is a FA. IMO, CB has to be a high pick, 1st or 2nd round, we've got to add quality depth while planning for the future as well. I don't see the need for a late round rookie QB, we've already got 1 project QB. IMO it makes more sense to have Mallett, Savage, and a FA vet to help mentor Savage and/or Mallett on the roster next year.

 

[badboy]

If possible (Lippett in the 5th, I think he could easily go higher) then your WR draft does add alot of talent to the roster. I think DJ will be back next year, and I agree the addition of Parker or White before AJ retires is a good thing. I know you have supported Newton, as have I, sometimes I think we're the only ones around here that have. Brown ain't going anywhere. Yes he's having a subpar year but he's had rotational crap at LG for support, he'll be fine. Although not a pro bowl level of performance I think Newton has done enough this year, when he's finally been healthy, to warrant a reasonable contract extension for 2-3 yrs., reasonable would mean that we can get out of it easily. I just don't see the need to create more holes than we need to by letting Newton go in FA. My starting O-line next year would be Brown, XSF, Jones, Brooks, Newton. I agree some quality depth should be added, a player that can play OT as well as the interior. I like Cameron Erving in the 3rd if still available, but I like Fisher as OT depth as well. I also think Erving and Fisher could easily go in the 2nd round so we'd be lucky to get either in the 3rd. Some late round DE depth is a good thing, no arguments with Anderson. I disagree that our DB's are ok. Bouye, Hal, Morris, and Rolle look good in spot duty but I doubt any of them are ready to be a #1. As you know CB often takes a year to adjust to the NFL level of play and JJo only has 1 more year on the roster and KJ is a FA. IMO, CB has to be a high pick, 1st or 2nd round, we've got to add quality depth while planning for the future as well. I don't see the need for a late round rookie QB, we've already got 1 project QB. IMO it makes more sense to have Mallett, Savage, and a FA vet to help mentor Savage and/or Mallett on the roster next year.

As we often do, we agree on a lot. I was where you are on DBs earlier this season if you recall with a mock of Trae Wayne in first & Prewett in third then moving up to round two. While I agree that our back up DBs are not yet #1s, they do not have to be next season. I think our current guys JJ, KJ, Lewis and Swearinger will all be #1s as we can pay them if we want them. Joseph will be 32 April 2016 and unless he has a Schaub type melt down, he could be signed for '16 with upfront bonus and nothing guaranteed for '17 & '18. If Bouye or Morris can replace him after 2015 cool.

Just kicking around my thoughts.

 

[beerlover]

1. WR Devante Parker Louisville 6'3" 210 4.45 missed 7 g (metatarsal) last 5 35/735 @ 21 long arms, soft sure hands, great body control & eats up over shoulder pass. He uses strong hand to slap away jams. More info below.

would prefer to move up for Cooper if WR targeted but certainly understand pick.

2. LT Spencer Drango Baylor 6'5" 315 Nov '13 disk removal had him off board but he has returned in great health. This guy is epitome of high motor as he pulls, crashes into 2nd level and just manhandles opponent. Baylor's up tempo should have him sucking O2 but doesn't. OBTW, he protects passing nut Petty's blind. I think Newton will be back but we must help the '15 QB. Can play left or right.

hard for me to judge OT position in Art Briles spread offense, would prefer mauler, to go with Filo/Brooks/Brown.

3. OT Jake Fisher Oregon 6'6" 300 I put him on right but he could play LT as he protects some dude named Mariotta. I cannot remember him allowing sack in last 2 seasons. Clabo and Adams gone. Controls opponent.

fine here but no higher as some including most respected here on this board feel. Basically, from another spread offense, good frame, also has injury track record & lacks core strength. Compares favorably to David Quessenberry. Developmental.

4. MLB/OLB Jake Ryan Michigan 6'3" 236 tackling machine 112 Ts 14 TFL, 2 sacks, 5 hurries, 2 fumbles, 3 PBUs. He and Bullough are the future.

no reason except for depth to take ILB this late, unless he is raw with freakish athletic ability with high ceiling. he is what he is already.

5. WR Tony Lippett Mich St. 6'3" 185 4.4 (started 5 @ CB 2011) a highlight machine. Posey and Damaris J. gone

move him to your 4th rd. pick.

6. QB Brandon Bridge 6'5" 235 has now caught eye of scouts. Mallett or Fitz gone. Savage slides up and Bridge #3

fellow posters & promising showing from Mallet have drawn me back off edge of the cliff. take QB high or not at all.

7. DE/DT Henry Anderson Stanford 6'6" 285 cannot believe he is here but no one else seems to know him. 62 Ts, 13.5 TFL, 9 hurries, 7 sacks, 2 PBUs.

would add solid depth. developmental DL depth always good thing.

 

[badboy]

would prefer to move up for Cooper if WR targeted but certainly understand pick. Cooper is good but I think many analysts are seeing Parker moving up. Cannot afford to trade up for anything but Mariota



hard for me to judge OT position in Art Briles spread offense, would prefer mauler, to go with Filo/Brooks/Brown.

Understand but have watched this kid for a bit. He is not "smash mouth" like X but just steadily moves the opponent where he wants.

fine here but no higher as some including most respected here on this board feel. Basically, from another spread offense, good frame, also has injury track record & lacks core strength. Compares favorably to David Quessenberry. Developmental.won't argue core strength but he manhandles guys. see if you can find a link of him allowing a sack in two seasons. That takes strength and technique



no reason except for depth to take ILB this late, unless he is raw with freakish athletic ability with high ceiling. he is what he is already.Agreed and that is what these later rounds are for. I compare him favorably to LB Eric Kendricks



move him to your 4th rd. pick.you could be correct on final round but there are other WRs I am interested in.



fellow posters & promising showing from Mallet have drawn me back off edge of the cliff. take QB high or not at all. please clarify why would you take a QB high if Mallett has you off the cliff? Savage would be #2 and Fitz cut if RM #1



would add solid depth. developmental DL depth always good thing.

Thanks for responses. Mine in Blue

 

[beerlover]

Big fan of Cooper, he is pro-ready & great complement on roster with Andre & Hopkins. No brainier

Go back watch film of Baylor vs Oklahoma & tell me who was most impressive OT in that game of individual match-ups. Thompson stoned vaunted DE Shawn Oakman.

Would much prefer Kendricks here, use 4th to trade up top of 2nd if needed.

Last thing I'll comment on is QB position. Never say never, but if Connor Cook does come out & Texans pass I won't be only one here going ballistic despite promising early returns from Mallet. Then there is the small thing of resigning free agent with several other teams interested with most likely bigger offers. If both plan A & B are off table then have to take best available 2nd rd. maybe Texian favorite Shane Cardin?

 

[steelbtexan]

would prefer to move up for Cooper if WR targeted but certainly understand pick.



hard for me to judge OT position in Art Briles spread offense, would prefer mauler, to go with Filo/Brooks/Brown.



fine here but no higher as some including most respected here on this board feel. Basically, from another spread offense, good frame, also has injury track record & lacks core strength. Compares favorably to David Quessenberry. Developmental.



no reason except for depth to take ILB this late, unless he is raw with freakish athletic ability with high ceiling. he is what he is already.



move him to your 4th rd. pick.



fellow posters & promising showing from Mallet have drawn me back off edge of the cliff. take QB high or not at all.



would add solid depth. developmental DL depth always good thing.

We pretty much agree

Except I see Cooper as a great WR in the Jordy Nelson mode and Parker in the Dez Bryant mode. (Both great WR prospects, not something I would trade up for.)

I really like Fisher and the intensity he plays with. After a yr working with a NFL S&C coach I could see him as a 10 yr LT starter. If he's there in the 2nd Kelly will pick him. I like Fisher with leg/ankle injuries over Drango and his back injury. (Back injuries scare me.

What I really hope happen is the Texans pick Parker in the 1st and then pick on of Greene/Angholor/Goodley/Mayle in the 3/4th rd. Turning a weakness into a strength. The WR drafted could KR/PR next yr or 2 yrs until AJ is cut/retires. Then be ready to take over the reigns. The revamped WR corps would rival the Packers and provide real weapons for Mallett.

While D. Johnson is giving his best he definitely is a huge weakness in the slot. You know my feelings on Martin. This team lacks speed and adding these 2 WR's would solve that issue on offense. The speed on defense is another issue.

 

[badboy]

Big fan of Cooper, he is pro-ready & great complement on roster with Andre & Hopkins. No brainier

Go back watch film of Baylor vs Oklahoma & tell me who was most impressive OT in that game of individual match-ups. Thompson stoned vaunted DE Shawn Oakman.

Would much prefer Kendricks here, use 4th to trade up top of 2nd if needed.

Last thing I'll comment on is QB position. Never say never, but if Connor Cook does come out & Texans pass I won't be only one here going ballistic despite promising early returns from Mallet. Then there is the small thing of resigning free agent with several other teams interested with most likely bigger offers. If both plan A & B are off table then have to take best available 2nd rd. maybe Texian favorite Shane Cardin?

Cooper gone by #15 so not an issue. I tried to like Oakman but he just not very good. I watched him again this past Saturday and he just looks awkward. I can get my guy without losing a 4th to trade up for Kendricks. I would have to look at Cook but think he returns, Cardin is an option but I think we do not go Qb top 4 rounds. This draft is weaker than last imo this position after Mariota.

 

[mussop]

Love 1, 5 and 7.

Lippit, Locket from Kansas and Greene from Florida st. Are my thre favorite slot guys in this draft. I would love to have any one of them on our roster.

 

[WolverineFan]

Couple notes...

Love Parker. Still not sold on WR being our biggest need. At least not in the 1st round.

Drango is returning to Baylor for his final year.

Fisher is a beast. He might be a 1st rounder by the time the draft rolls around. He pretty much ended any hope Mario Edwards had of being a last 1st round pick. Completely dominated him all game long.

Ryan is very Clay Matthews like. Not that level of talent, but very similar skill set.

I like Lippett, but he's basically Posey. I see no reason to double dip at WR if you're taking one 1st round.

Bridge is a Logan Thomas level project.

Anderson is a JAG. Could maybe develop into a rotational player at some point but I see no potential with him.