Badboy's post Senior Bowl mock

[badboy]

January 27th & Senior Bowl over and as usual did not bring much in "revelation" on players I've followed. Still the practice, game and comments by others did offer a late round OT. As long term purveyors of my stuff know, I attempt to mock guys that have a realistic chance to be at spot I select on my mocks. You may disagree but you can always mock your own rather than trying to humiliate. also know that I will be adding my off season free agent veterans list for players Houston should make strong move for. I am listing only starters for now in this group. It shows much insight to my draft such as waiting until sixth round to get a corner. Also, there is much disagreement among other mockers as much as 2-3 round difference on certain guys.

Here we go:

3.68 OT Martinas Rankin late to my board as I keep hoping that Kolton Miller or O'neill is there.

3.80 RG Braden Smith seems to maintain a constant at close to this spot.

3.97 ILB/OLB Josie Jewell very similar imo to Cunningham and gives us a 4th at this spot moving Cushing off roster. I kept trying to select another position but if he is here, he's mine..for now

4.100 safety Godwin Igwebuike this kid is crazy good with size 6' 212 but is a pro between his ears. Mentioned early week, he was reported on sidelines yelling out plays to team on field and was correct on all. He loves to play and encourages others on and off field.

6.a CB Arrion Springs just beginning to get noticed. I go here for CB due to FA signings I want.

6.b RG Colby Gossett Appalachian St. others now becoming aware of him

6.c RT Greg Senat new to me but getting notice this week

7. WR Cedrick Wilson Boise St. Sr. 6'3" 188 I want to see him 40 2017: 14 g 83/1511 @ 18.20 7 TDs KR: 18/465 @ 25.83 probably will go before this round but no one mocking him but me.

 

[JB]

Thanks for the names

 

[Lucky]

I can’t see 4 OL rookies making a team. Just too much green at once. RB and TE need to be addressed also.

 

[badboy]

Free agents I think Houston should go strong after. Keep in mind that teams can offer large total amount and adjust money over usually five year deals. Money can be guaranteed in several ways such as signing bonus, roster bonus, certain easy to attain performance bonus or just base salary guarantees. These can but do not have to be spread over certain years to lower impact to cap annually. As most others I review OTC.com & Spotrac.com and Texanscap.com

I am using what I think is our cap today and then make moves to increase space if needed. I feel that all four offensive line positions need attention but not center. Martin and Manz (should be offered new deal) cover this spot. However, Kyle Fuller may eliminate need for Manz or if Manz goes elsewhere. Fuller will be best of these three at OG.
Here we go:

LG Andrew Norwell (Panthers may need to dump him for cap relief) he should be prime target and offered huge deal. $2.76 m 2017 6'6" 325 Oct 25, 1991 arms 33 5/8 "Brawler blocker" played both tackles in college Ohio St. PFF rank 88.8 (high quality) UFA very good pass block and excellent pass blocking. Premier target!

Along with my draft pick of Auburn's Braden Smith we would be set for years. It is possible that Texans will choose to go with Quess, Slade and Fuller and possibly a lower ranked (also cost) FA.

CB Kyle Fuller (Bears)5'11" 190 Feb 16 1992 38.5 vertical 4.49 33 inch arms good vs run & route vision.
2016 missed due to knee. 2017: 69 Ts, 22 passes defended, 2 INTs. Will worry about keeping name confusion down after he arrives. lol PFF rank 84.3

CB EJ Gaines 26 70 Ts, 10 PBU, 3 TFL, 2 INTs this gives us these two and allows KJ to remain or move to safety or moved saving $6.75 million which is tempting. KJohnson has this year only to turn career around. Treston Decoud with good ceiling and soph year should be better. Joseph is still an option.

QB Tyrod Taylor is expected to be cut and GM Gaines can bring him here hopefully. Fairly mobile and very good season getting team into playoffs. Prob will get better offers elsewhere. Texans history shows he might start here sooner than later.

WR Sammy Watkins (Rams) 6'1" 211 June 14 1993 good speed despite 39/593 @ 15.2 8 TDs some think he is being moved out. Houston can get him for minimum vet but better should offer him 3-4 year deal with minimum guarantee but excellent annual base that doesn't impact cap much.

Safety Kenny Vaccaro who is from Brentwood Tx, and U of TX 6' 214 and takes place on my board of bring Joseph back for here. He and Igwebuike turns safety into strong corps with or without K. Jackson. May be willing to give hometown discount?

Safety Tre Boston from Victoria, TX 6'1" 205 is intriguing and we can cut other players to add space if needed to get him. If we get all of these I would not bring back Pleasant (not on my cap costs) and cut KJackson if $ needed. 2017 Boston 70 Ts, 8 PBU, 5 INTs I doubt Texans sign both Boston & Vacarro.

Other possibles: safety Lamarcus Joiner, corner Malcom Butler, RT Cameron Fleming 25 PFF 77.0 decent blocker for Patriots.

* CB Trumaine Johnson also from Rams is possible but would be max type deal. 28 6'2" 213 one concussion 2017 65 Ts, 14 Passes defended, 2 INTs one for TD, 1 forced fumble and also leg injury.

I do expect at least one OT signed but none I would want..unless they surprise me.

 

[badboy]

I can’t see 4 OL rookies making a team. Just too much green at once. RB and TE need to be addressed also.

Miller going nowhere and Tyler Ervin will be back.. Blue also even though I'm ready for him to move on. Donte Foreman allegedly looking ok although I think Doc may be correct. UDFA will be signed.
TEs I disagree as I think Fiedo will not retire..he could have said something by now. Anderson with Watson will be #1 TE in targets IMO. Either a low end guy on roster will move up or more likely some UDFAs will be signed. No way we should use higher than a 6th. I know many will disagree.

Edit: on tackles and guards where else are we gonna fill the spots? Davenport and Allen are only players with much chance and Allen could be gone. Read again that only OG Braden Smith and Rankins are starting. I said to wait for my FA list which is now posted.

 

[Lucky]

Nick Martin?

 

[Flyingfish]

Safety Kenny Vaccaro who is from Brentwood Tx? That would be Brownwood, TX.

 

[Texansphan]

January 27th & Senior Bowl over and as usual did not bring much in "revelation" on players I've followed. Still the practice, game and comments by others did offer a late round OT. As long term purveyors of my stuff know, I attempt to mock guys that have a realistic chance to be at spot I select on my mocks. You may disagree but you can always mock your own rather than trying to humiliate. also know that I will be adding my off season free agent veterans list for players Houston should make strong move for. I am listing only starters for now in this group. It shows much insight to my draft such as waiting until sixth round to get a corner. Also, there is much disagreement among other mockers as much as 2-3 round difference on certain guys.

Here we go:

3.68 OT Martinas Rankin late to my board as I keep hoping that Kolton Miller or O'neill is there.

3.80 RG Braden Smith seems to maintain a constant at close to this spot.

3.97 ILB/OLB Josie Jewell very similar imo to Cunningham and gives us a 4th at this spot moving Cushing off roster. I kept trying to select another position but if he is here, he's mine..for now

4.100 safety Godwin Igwebuike this kid is crazy good with size 6' 212 but is a pro between his ears. Mentioned early week, he was reported on sidelines yelling out plays to team on field and was correct on all. He loves to play and encourages others on and off field.

6.a CB Arrion Springs just beginning to get noticed. I go here for CB due to FA signings I want.

6.b RG Colby Gossett Appalachian St. others now becoming aware of him

6.c RT Greg Senat new to me but getting notice this week

7. WR Cedrick Wilson Boise St. Sr. 6'3" 188 I want to see him 40 2017: 14 g 83/1511 @ 18.20 7 TDs KR: 18/465 @ 25.83 probably will go before this round but no one mocking him but me.

Good work in this thread dude - helps out us guys who don't have the time to get that deeply involved. Will be investigating your mentions.
Of course, everyone will not agree with everything you want but that is a given.
Personally, I think another TE will be on Texans radar - possibly looking for another Steven Anderson type.
This draft is also deep in quality running backs - O'Brien is old school and will pound the rock so I will not be surprised if they take one in the 4th or trade up in the 5th/4th. Blue is good ST guy and late game pounder but not all that effective in the running game - just lacks that oomph you really want.
Also, Lamar Miller has just not met expectations so I would not be surprised to see him gone.
With this in mind, Texans may go after Jerrick McKinnon.
Of course, better OL play should produce a better running game, but will Texans gamble on that? An impact player would be desirable and Foreman could be that guy but will Texans bank on that considering his injury?
An effective running game will take a lot of pressure off our shiny new QB.
Hence my thinking on a decent RB coming on board.

 

[IDEXAN]

Miller going nowhere and Tyler Ervin will be back.. Blue also even though I'm ready for him to move on. Donte Foreman allegedly looking ok although I think Doc may be correct. UDFA will be signed.
TEs I disagree as I think Fiedo will not retire..he could have said something by now. Anderson with Watson will be #1 TE in targets IMO. Either a low end guy on roster will move up or more likely some UDFAs will be signed. No way we should use higher than a 6th. I know many will disagree.

Edit: on tackles and guards where else are we gonna fill the spots? Davenport and Allen are only players with much chance and Allen could be gone. Read again that only OG Braden Smith and Rankins are starting. I said to wait for my FA list which is now posted.

You think we can expect Davenport to be our starting LT in September ? I sure hope you are right but he's got to make a lot of progress beyond where he finished the 2017 season at between then and Sept. to be ready.

 

[Texansphan]

You think we can expect Davenport to be our starting LT in September ? I sure hope you are right but he's got to make a lot of progress beyond where he finished the 2017 season at between then and Sept. to be ready.

Personally, I think Texans go after an experienced vet in the off season.
I really don't see them going with a rookie at LT with a new, possible franchise QB at the helm and Allen and Davenport just have not performed as well as they need to.

 

[Texansphan]

You think we can expect Davenport to be our starting LT in September ? I sure hope you are right but he's got to make a lot of progress beyond where he finished the 2017 season at between then and Sept. to be ready.

Personally, I think Texans go after an experienced vet in the off season.
I really don't see them going with a rookie at LT with a new, possible franchise QB at the helm - Allen and Davenport simply have not performed as well as they need to. Sure Davenport may yet develope but you can't give him such an important responsibility while he learns.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

January 27th & Senior Bowl over and as usual did not bring much in "revelation" on players I've followed. Still the practice, game and comments by others did offer a late round OT. As long term purveyors of my stuff know, I attempt to mock guys that have a realistic chance to be at spot I select on my mocks. You may disagree but you can always mock your own rather than trying to humiliate. also know that I will be adding my off season free agent veterans list for players Houston should make strong move for. I am listing only starters for now in this group. It shows much insight to my draft such as waiting until sixth round to get a corner. Also, there is much disagreement among other mockers as much as 2-3 round difference on certain guys.

Here we go:

3.68 OT Martinas Rankin late to my board as I keep hoping that Kolton Miller or O'neill is there.

3.80 RG Braden Smith seems to maintain a constant at close to this spot.

3.97 ILB/OLB Josie Jewell very similar imo to Cunningham and gives us a 4th at this spot moving Cushing off roster. I kept trying to select another position but if he is here, he's mine..for now

4.100 safety Godwin Igwebuike this kid is crazy good with size 6' 212 but is a pro between his ears. Mentioned early week, he was reported on sidelines yelling out plays to team on field and was correct on all. He loves to play and encourages others on and off field.

6.a CB Arrion Springs just beginning to get noticed. I go here for CB due to FA signings I want.

6.b RG Colby Gossett Appalachian St. others now becoming aware of him

6.c RT Greg Senat new to me but getting notice this week

7. WR Cedrick Wilson Boise St. Sr. 6'3" 188 I want to see him 40 2017: 14 g 83/1511 @ 18.20 7 TDs KR: 18/465 @ 25.83 probably will go before this round but no one mocking him but me.

I'll only comment on the OL guys .

I like SEC offensive lineman especially centers and guards . I also have a hunch that small school guys who play in a passing offense are a real good value if they have the measurables . You scooped up both .

 

[badboy]

Safety Kenny Vaccaro who is from Brentwood Tx? That would be Brownwood, TX.

Thanks for catching..I think the source I used did say Brentwood but I should have caught that.

Nick Martin?

Martin need to start at center with Mancz if he is signed backing him. Fuller is much better candidate at guard.

 

[JB]

Good work in this thread dude - helps out us guys who don't have the time to get that deeply involved. Will be investigating your mentions.
Of course, everyone will not agree with everything you want but that is a given.
Personally, I think another TE will be on Texans radar - possibly looking for another Steven Anderson type.
This draft is also deep in quality running backs - O'Brien is old school and will pound the rock so I will not be surprised if they take one in the 4th or trade up in the 5th/4th. Blue is good ST guy and late game pounder but not all that effective in the running game - just lacks that oomph you really want.
Also, Lamar Miller has just not met expectations so I would not be surprised to see him gone.
With this in mind, Texans may go after Jerrick McKinnon.
Of course, better OL play should produce a better running game, but will Texans gamble on that? An impact player would be desirable and Foreman could be that guy but will Texans bank on that considering his injury?
An effective running game will take a lot of pressure off our shiny new QB.
Hence my thinking on a decent RB coming on board.

Have the Texans hired a new RB coach yet? When they do perhaps we will get an idea what type of back he prefers. Right now all we know is that OB seems to like Miller

 

[badboy]

Good work in this thread dude - helps out us guys who don't have the time to get that deeply involved. Will be investigating your mentions.
Of course, everyone will not agree with everything you want but that is a given.
Personally, I think another TE will be on Texans radar - possibly looking for another Steven Anderson type.
This draft is also deep in quality running backs - O'Brien is old school and will pound the rock so I will not be surprised if they take one in the 4th or trade up in the 5th/4th. Blue is good ST guy and late game pounder but not all that effective in the running game - just lacks that oomph you really want.
Also, Lamar Miller has just not met expectations so I would not be surprised to see him gone.
With this in mind, Texans may go after Jerrick McKinnon.
Of course, better OL play should produce a better running game, but will Texans gamble on that? An impact player would be desirable and Foreman could be that guy but will Texans bank on that considering his injury?
An effective running game will take a lot of pressure off our shiny new QB.
Hence my thinking on a decent RB coming on board.

thanks. Focus on Lamar Miller pass catching should be his "keep him around"card. IMO he is a 'good' back and then add in his receptions 36/327 yds @ 9.1 and 3 TDs. He is another safeguard keeping Watson healthy & he should be able to double these numbers.

 

[badboy]

LT Davenport LG Jeff Allen Center Nick Martin RG FA (Norwell) RT Draft third round
LT Greg Senat..LG Quess/Slade? ...C Kyle Fuller..RG 6th round Colby Gossett..RT FA

Comments?

 

[edo783]

Miller will likely stick around because of his hands and how well he blocks. I am not very high on him as a RB though and correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that what we are paying him for. I suposse we could keep him as a 3rd down back, but I think we are paying him too much for just that.

 

[steelbtexan]

LT Davenport LG Jeff Allen Center Nick Martin RG FA (Norwell) RT Draft third round
LT Greg Senat..LG Quess/Slade? ...C Kyle Fuller..RG 6th round Colby Gossett..RT FA

Comments?

You sure like last yrs Texans OL alot better than I do.

Give me a couple of FA OL and a couple of high draft picks that can play, to go with Martin/Mancz and Davenport and I guarantee you that the OL will be better than it was last yr.

BTW, I like the idea of an interior of Norvell/Martin/Smith, I dont think Davenport is ready so a serviceable LT FA and a a drafted RT that can grow into a LT and provide competition for Davenport.

 

[steelbtexan]

Miller will likely stick around because of his hands and how well he blocks. I am not very high on him as a RB though and correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that what we are paying him for. I suposse we could keep him as a 3rd down back, but I think we are paying him too much for just that.

I agree with this, because Miller is dependable. I personally would move on and use the cap savings to fortify the OL. Pick up a cheap vet and draft a RB fairly high like they did with Foreman last yr. BTW, Unfortunately Foreman will never be the same.

 

[badboy]

You think we can expect Davenport to be our starting LT in September ? I sure hope you are right but he's got to make a lot of progress beyond where he finished the 2017 season at between then and Sept. to be ready.

No brags but I did say before season that Davenport would start in 2017 season....By game 4 IIRC and it was much later. I compare him in some ways to Duane Brown; both are huge men but with some athletic moves. They are not Bruce Matthews a strong but not a 'brute', the latter was more a 'technician' who IMO used film on opponents to get better & maintained a library of knowledge that he used to defeat opponents for years. Matthews used his football smarts and his physical skills to win. DB struggled his first 2-3 seasons at left tackle but he played there not TE or other OLINE spots. The rookie has seen some game action & as most if not all rookies will be better for that alone. He now knows what to look for to learn and improve.

Questions to all..who is there to be better than Davenport? Solder who PFF grades at average 75.1? Mysterious disease just before Christmas put him report [he did play] + undisclosed injury that he played all season with. Three concussions in 2013..doesn't rule him out for me but needs to be considered. Like RG (Panthers) Norwell Solder will get huge deal: Russell Okung like

Russell Okung signed a 4 year, $53,000,000 contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, including a $10,000,000 signing bonus, $25,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $13,250,000. In 2018, Okung will earn a base salary of $12,000,000 and a roster bonus of $468,750, while carrying a cap hit of $14,968,750 and a dead cap value of $19,500,000. *note that cap hit for 1st season was only $6 m.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/los-angeles-chargers/russell-okung-6515/

Personally, I think Texans go after an experienced vet in the off season.
I really don't see them going with a rookie at LT with a new, possible franchise QB at the helm and Allen and Davenport just have not performed as well as they need to.

Agree on Allen but if he remains he has to play LG & may be 100% healthy 2018. Until last quarter of season Davenport played almost no games at either OT. In college, he improved each game but often in same game. I saw him get beat then not allow opponent to do it again. He learns by doing.

 

[badboy]

Miller will likely stick around because of his hands and how well he blocks. I am not very high on him as a RB though and correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that what we are paying him for. I suposse we could keep him as a 3rd down back, but I think we are paying him too much for just that.

Review Miller's stats and then consider if coach uses him better. He can definitely bring more in passing game. Not opposed to replacing him but it will not happen. As you say he blocks well.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Would it be better to lose Prosch since there is little to no use of a FB and use that spot to carry the extra RB?

I might be inclined to see Miller dropped for cap money since Ervin could fill the void of receiving RB.

Foreman (Iffy for the start of season)
Blue (Earned a new contract on short notice)
Ervin (Pass receiving RB who should be that change of pace back...like Miller, just cheaper)
Josh Adams (RB- Norte Dame: Should be there in RD3 and he's a pretty complete back with a willingness to improve)

**Depending on Foreman's health, the Texans could look for a RB in FA. It is very conceivable that a good RB could be available as an UDFA since the depth at this position is pretty good.

 

[Insideop]

Would it be better to lose Prosch since there is little to no use of a FB and use that spot to carry the extra RB?

I guess I'm "old school." I think they should keep Prosch. FB's are cheap and I believe Prosch resigned last season if I'm not mistaken. I know they don't get used as much as they used too but I think, besides their value down on the goal line and short yardage plays, they have value on ST's also. How much Prosch was used on ST's I don't know because I didn't really pay attention to who all was out there but I would think he would be on all the kickoff and punt teams. So I guess I'd rather keep Prosch than to get a 4th or 5th RB who may be used even less. JMO.

 

[IDEXAN]

**Depending on Foreman's health, the Texans could look for a RB in FA. It is very conceivable that a good RB could be available as an UDFA since the depth at this position is pretty good.

Running backs are a dime a dozen and I'm almost not being sarcastic. The biggest thing is finding a back who can also pass-pro and catch the ball and Miller is a well-rounded back who has those skills but there's lots of capable runners coming out of college each year that can be had in late rounds or found in free agency.