Beerlover 2014 Mock Draft

[beerlover]

Don't get mad Texan Fans, get even. This is my reaction to another crippling loss this time to a St. Louis team most everybody had marked off schedule as automatic win prior to stunning decline. As a mocker we have a saying, " they're is always next year & the draft" sometimes like now, it's all we have, so here it goes, let me have your feedback, criticisms & applause.

First Round: QB Zach Mettenberger, LSU, 6050 230

Unless Texans lose rest of way out or turnaround & win out they should be picking in middle of pack, maybe as low as 10 or high as 17. What a disappointment. Time to address QB position with a high pick once again. Mettenberger is a strong armed competitive leader who could help rebuild this franchise. Dan Brugler selects Zach for Texans #17 overall -

Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU: At Matt Schaub's current rate, he's going to throw more touchdowns to the other team than Texans' receivers. If Houston misses out on the playoffs due to inconsistent quarterback play, it won't be a shock to see the position addressed in the offseason.

Second Round: OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson, 6020 235

Electric edge rusher who projects to OLB next level. Beasley is averaging 1.6 sacks per game. If Clemson makes it to the ACC championship game, it will play 14 games this season, meaning Beasley is on pace for 22 sacks. Would be a nice bookend to Merciuls, allowing Brooks to focus inside. Red shirt Junior so expect him to come out with big season & Tigers success, check out game next weekend against Florida State.

Third Round: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State, 5110 197

Kareem has been a consistent penalty machine, now he is headed towards his big contract, just don't see value here & time to cut ties with Texans 2010 first round pick. He can play out his final season then head for free agency in the meantime Texans need to develop a young corner to groom as his replacement. Dennard is sticky in coverage, smooth in his backpedal, similar to Kareem with slightly better hands, not a bad value for 3rd rd. compared to a first, thank you very much.

Fourth Round: ILB John Timu, Washington, 6010 235

Plays & looks like Troy Polamalu. High motor, instinctual & very disruptive. A takeaway machine. Would also help improve special teams, no way this guy wouldn't make the 53 man roster & become answer in middle next to Cushing. Plus pass blitzer. Honorable mention All-Pac-12 as well as honorable mention Academic All-Pac-12 this is a class player with upside.

Fifth Round: OT Austin Wentworth, Fresno State, 6050 306

In mold of a Logan Mankins & David Quessenberry. Texans need another swing tackle/LG prospect. Although I think the line play has been a lone bright spot as of late we've seen what injurys on OL can wreck havoc. Outland list prospect who is a 5th year starter & polished technically couild make a quick jump to next level.

Sixth Round: KR/PR/RB Mark Venric, Northwestern, 5080 175

A true Senior, Mark is a utility weapon RB, Punt & Kickoff Retuner. Think of a Darren Sproles. Texans should not let Trindon Holliday experiment discourage them, just need to stick with your people a little longer. NCAA active leader in punt return average at 16.3 yards per attempt ... Ranks fifth amongst active players nationally with 1,881 kickoff return yards ... Named to preseason watch lists for Doak Walker (2012 semifinalist), Maxwell and Paul Hornung Awards ... Named a first-team All-American at punt returner by the Football Writers Association of America a year ago.

Seventh Round: DT Wade Keliikipi, Oregon, 6030 306

Very quick feet, pass rusher or run stopper. Had 2 1/2 sacks against a very active & mobile QB in Washington's Price. Looks much larger than weight indicates, think he could rotate @ nose with Mitchell. Not impressed with McClain jumping offsides. Flashes dominance upfront in short bursts. Sub 5.0 sec. forty. Has averaged 20 tackles in two previous seasons, so far this year has 14, 3 for loss and as mentioned 2.5 sacks vs Huskies. From a tough area Waianae, Hawaii, looks the part of an NFL linemen from same program that produced Haloti Ngata.

 

[Rey]

I'm going to start looking at qb's. At this point I don't see how we don't draft one in the first. But I'm not taking one in the middle if the first unless I identify a stud there.

Otherwise I'm moving up for a top guy.

 

[aussie_texan]

do you see Timu has a work in progess because if your taking an OLB and moving Reed inside then timu is going to sit for a while. im actually liking reed's work at OLB, the last few games his picked up.

other then that i like the mock. addresses immediate needs and is also future orientated.
would have liked an OT a little be earlier but i guess you cant fit in all our needs in the first 3 rounds

 

[beerlover]

do you see Timu has a work in progess because if your taking an OLB and moving Reed inside then timu is going to sit for a while. im actually liking reed's work at OLB, the last few games his picked up.

other then that i like the mock. addresses immediate needs and is also future orientated.
would have liked an OT a little be earlier but i guess you cant fit in all our needs in the first 3 rounds

really excited watching Timu style of play, balls out if you will, could be a box safety in charge of covering TE's/RB's while adding sideline to sideline assignments & blitz packages. Troy was a safety for the Steelers but always thought of him more as a LB. Timu seems to have that same edge, if he declares he would be a steal in the 4th. never can have too many pass rushers & playmakers who can separate the ball from offense, seems like the well has dried up for Texans in that department these days.

not a strong OT class this year. Texans invested two picks last draft just had rotten luck, still believe they add another but actually impressed with Jones, Brooks & Newton as of late, thank you

 

[beerlover]

I'm going to start looking at qb's. At this point I don't see how we don't draft one in the first. But I'm not taking one in the middle if the first unless I identify a stud there.

Otherwise I'm moving up for a top guy.

My first question would be why are you just now going to start looking @ QB's?

Second we usually don't project trading up in a mock draft.

Mettenberger has a checkered past. Was kicked off Georgia team as Freshmen then transferred to Butler Community College (32td's vs 4int's in one season) then transferred to LSU. In 2011 he completed 8-11 92 yards & one TD, hardly stuff of legends, but settled in academically & got his life in order. Last year became the starter passing for 2609 yards, 12 TD's & 7 INT's. Had a down performance stat wise this past weekend against the #1 defense in the nation Florida but that is why I posted his response, it clarifies his character development & maturity which is going to be under scrutiny. He is ranked 3rd in SEC QB yardage behind Manziel & Murray but is #1 in QB rating with 184.6%. Film wise he displays poised pocket presence, strong arm, accurate with good decision making. His stock will continue to rise in relation to anyone in this discussion plus he has prototypical NFL size for position. If he was there when Texans selected I would be elated.

 

[WolverineFan]

1. QB - Zach Mettenberger, LSU
- Big, strong armed QB. Has really developed under Cam Cameron. He's played really well this year. Not sure I take him this high cuz I don't give him a top 20 grade. But it's no secret that we need to address the QB position.


2. OLB - Vic Beasley, Clemson
- Very explosive, but right now looks like a one-trick guy. Reminds me a bit of Trevardo Williams from last year. Also, 4 of his sacks this year were against an NC State LT who had never played OL before that game.


3. CB - Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
- Solid player. I will say though, if you are tired of KJ penalties, maybe not the best guy to take. Michigan State DB's are extremely physical and draw tons of flags every game.


4. ILB - John Timu, Washington
- Not familiar with him, but ILB is a huge need.


5. OT - Austin Wentworth, Fresno State
- Mocked him to us in the 5th in my mock. Solid player. I don't see the same ceiling as Quessenberry, but I see the same potential to be a late-round steal.


6. RB/WR/KR - Venric Mark, Northwestern
- Great, versatile player. I mocked us Dri Archer in the 6th, but Mark has the same skill-set and might be a better pro prospect.


7. DT - Wade Keliikipi, Oregon
- Not familiar with him, but we do need depth here. Both Mitchell and McClain are FA's next year. On a side note, man we really should have hung on to Chris Jones.

Good stuff.

 

[beerlover]

1. QB - Zach Mettenberger, LSU
- Big, strong armed QB. Has really developed under Cam Cameron. He's played really well this year. Not sure I take him this high cuz I don't give him a top 20 grade. But it's no secret that we need to address the QB position.

The more I see the more I like him. Maturity as well as QB skills rapidly improving, hence higher draft grade than currently projected.

2. OLB - Vic Beasley, Clemson
- Very explosive, but right now looks like a one-trick guy. Reminds me a bit of Trevardo Williams from last year. Also, 4 of his sacks this year were against an NC State LT who had never played OL before that game.

One trick pony yes, but the kind of one trick pony we need. Different level of talent than Trevardo who I projected for Texans last year but not until end of 4th. This is an upper level 2nd. that transfers directly to playing time.

3. CB - Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
- Solid player. I will say though, if you are tired of KJ penalties, maybe not the best guy to take. Michigan State DB's are extremely physical and draw tons of flags every game.

your right on here, but Texans like physical corners which I wouldn't mind if they could also make some plays on the ball. So gives you similar results for millions less, think we all would take that going forward.

4. ILB - John Timu, Washington
- Not familiar with him, but ILB is a huge need.

Need someone else to fire up this defense, they seem like the fight has been taken out of them, notice I added two Samoan players with attitude.

5. OT - Austin Wentworth, Fresno State
- Mocked him to us in the 5th in my mock. Solid player. I don't see the same ceiling as Quessenberry, but I see the same potential to be a late-round steal.

tracking along the same lines.

6. RB/WR/KR - Venric Mark, Northwestern
- Great, versatile player. I mocked us Dri Archer in the 6th, but Mark has the same skill-set and might be a better pro prospect.

Again, we really need to find a kick/punt retuner. adding someone who could also add reps coming out of the backfield as I'm sure Tate is gone a plus.

7. DT - Wade Keliikipi, Oregon
- Not familiar with him, but we do need depth here. Both Mitchell and McClain are FA's next year. On a side note, man we really should have hung on to Chris Jones.

agreed again. projected Chris in 7th to Texans last year, real sorry to see him go too!

Good stuff.

Thanks, really appreciate your informed opinion, you know your stuff

 

[Rey]

My first question would be why are you just now going to start looking @ QB's?

Second we usually don't project trading up in a mock draft.

Mettenberger has a checkered past. Was kicked off Georgia team as Freshmen then transferred to Butler Community College (32td's vs 4int's in one season) then transferred to LSU. In 2011 he completed 8-11 92 yards & one TD, hardly stuff of legends, but settled in academically & got his life in order. Last year became the starter passing for 2609 yards, 12 TD's & 7 INT's. Had a down performance stat wise this past weekend against the #1 defense in the nation Florida but that is why I posted his response, it clarifies his character development & maturity which is going to be under scrutiny. He is ranked 3rd in SEC QB yardage behind Manziel & Murray but is #1 in QB rating with 184.6%. Film wise he displays poised pocket presence, strong arm, accurate with good decision making. His stock will continue to rise in relation to anyone in this discussion plus he has prototypical NFL size for position. If he was there when Texans selected I would be elated.

I always project trades in my mocks. Might as well. We trade very often so part of the mock process for me is trying to project where a trade might occur.

As far as just now looking at qb's, I thought we'd take one last year and I looked at a lot of guys. We didn't take one even though I thought it was obvious we needed to start moving away from Schaub.

With so many players I try not to waste time on guys that I don't think we'll take. Now I'm back to thinking that qb is a realistic possibility. And I think trading up high into the first might be the best way to address the position. But I'm not sure yet. Heck, we might not even need to trade up.

I don't really start mocking until late in the season. Not enough data for me yet. But I like looking at everyone else's.

 

[beerlover]

Here R pic's of Mettenberger - some similarities to Brett Farve in his motion, delivery & mannerisms.

 

[htownfan32]

1. QB - Zach Mettenberger, LSU
I like Mettenberger, he's looked fantastic under the new LSU OC and has improved from last year. That being said, we'll probably be picking higher and we'll have our choice of quarterbacks, aside from Bridgewater. My boy is Hundley, but Mettenberger in the 17th (because Bridgewater, Boyd, and Hundley and potentially Manziel will all be gone by then) is a good choice. I definitely am beginning to like him over Murray and McCarron. The LSU-A&M game will give me a good chance to observe him (in a losing effort from LSU, hopefully ).

2. OLB - Vic Beasley, Clemson
You can never have enough pass rushers. Reed has been looking better recently but getting to the quarterback = not a bad thing. Beasley is explosive but I'd like to see him develop more technique to go along with that.

3. CB - Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
Good pick. I feel like we're going to have a new CB at some point this draft, but I'm torn as to whether it'll be a KJax replacement or a Brice McCain replacement.

4. ILB - John Timu, Washington
Don't know much about him but ILB is a need, so good pick in a good round.


5. OT - Austin Wentworth, Fresno State
I like Wentworth. Late round steal for sure.


6. RB/WR/KR - Venric Mark, Northwestern
As WolverineFan did, I mocked Dri Archer, but this is essentially the same kind of pick. I'll have to look at him, but I'm sure there's probably not a huge difference either way. Still, a speedy guy (+ new QB) is not a bad thing at all.


7. DT - Wade Keliikipi, Oregon
Not familiar with Keliikipi. I'll have to look at some tape. DT depth is a good pick at this round, though.


Well done! Mettenberger may not be my QB of choice but given the seventeenth pick I would not have complaints with this draft at all.

Edit: Credit to WolverineFan for his post, I just copied and edited with my own input. Less work that way

 

[beerlover]

1. QB - Zach Mettenberger, LSU
I like Mettenberger, he's looked fantastic under the new LSU OC and has improved from last year. That being said, we'll probably be picking higher and we'll have our choice of quarterbacks, aside from Bridgewater. My boy is Hundley, but Mettenberger in the 17th (because Bridgewater, Boyd, and Hundley and potentially Manziel will all be gone by then) is a good choice. I definitely am beginning to like him over Murray and McCarron. The LSU-A&M game will give me a good chance to observe him (in a losing effort from LSU, hopefully ).

2. OLB - Vic Beasley, Clemson
You can never have enough pass rushers. Reed has been looking better recently but getting to the quarterback = not a bad thing. Beasley is explosive but I'd like to see him develop more technique to go along with that.

3. CB - Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State
Good pick. I feel like we're going to have a new CB at some point this draft, but I'm torn as to whether it'll be a KJax replacement or a Brice McCain replacement.

4. ILB - John Timu, Washington
Don't know much about him but ILB is a need, so good pick in a good round.


5. OT - Austin Wentworth, Fresno State
I like Wentworth. Late round steal for sure.


6. RB/WR/KR - Venric Mark, Northwestern
As WolverineFan did, I mocked Dri Archer, but this is essentially the same kind of pick. I'll have to look at him, but I'm sure there's probably not a huge difference either way. Still, a speedy guy (+ new QB) is not a bad thing at all.


7. DT - Wade Keliikipi, Oregon
Not familiar with Keliikipi. I'll have to look at some tape. DT depth is a good pick at this round, though.


Well done! Mettenberger may not be my QB of choice but given the seventeenth pick I would not have complaints with this draft at all.

Edit: Credit to WolverineFan for his post, I just copied and edited with my own input. Less work that way

Good stuff & thanks alot

 

[bhsman]

As an LSU alum, be forewarned: if you're looking for more mobility, Mettenberger won't be an upgrade from Schaub in that department. His arm strength is legit, though.

 

[beerlover]

As an LSU alum, be forewarned: if you're looking for more mobility, Mettenberger won't be an upgrade from Schaub in that department. His arm strength is legit, though.

I would agree with that. You got me thinking to dig a little deeper, not so much into Mettenberger but Farve. Here is an interesting sidebar from Kiper 91 "Draft Report."

I had Brett Favre as the 17th highest-rated player in the 1991 NFL draft. In my final first-round mock draft, I had Favre going 21st overall to the Kansas City Chiefs (Kansas City drafted LSU running back Harvey Williams). In fact, Favre was not the first QB taken in 1991 -- Dan McGwire went 16th overall to the Seattle Seahawks. Favre was a second-round pick, going 33rd overall to the Atlanta Falcons (I had both McGwire and Favre with the same grade, 9.2).

Also in regards to Farve arm strength & mobility -

He has a strong, powerful arm, throwing the 15- to 25-yard intermediate routes across the middle as well as any quarterback to come out in the last few years. The Southern Miss baseball coaches have practically begged him to play the last few years. In high school, his fastball was clocked in the 90 mph range. Delivery is outstanding -- he snaps the ball right off from his ear, cutting through the wind that is a factor to deal with in the late fall/winter months.

One negative I saw during practice sessions was that he tends to hang his deeper passes, allowing CBs the time to react and get in a position to make a play on the ball. Although not a scrambler, he can sidestep the initial pass rusher, and learn to deliver the ball accurately rolling to his right.

* This kid is a competitor, possesses above average physical skills, and did his damage against top competition during his four years as the starter.

In retrospect, does it really matter where you grade a prospect who you believe is a cornerstone (like Watt/Cushing/Brown) piece & get you over the top? Started this mock thread with Dane Brulger selecting him for Texans #17th but rated 41st overall & I don't have to tell anyone who reads this its still early in process & players will move up & down sometimes a lot between now & April. In the end I could see Mettenberger with a strong showing make his case as a legitimate starting NFL QB worthy of top 10 consideration, despite limited mobility. For a change I could see LSU beat Alabama & a big reason is Mettenberger, we'll see if he can carry his team over a well oiled Sabin machine & Manziel's Aggies. Plenty left to prove, it's early, I think Kubiak returns, not sure about Schaub?

 

[Corrosion]

In the end I could see Mettenberger with a strong showing make his case as a legitimate starting NFL QB worthy of top 10 consideration, despite limited mobility. For a change I could see LSU beat Alabama & a big reason is Mettenberger, we'll see if he can carry his team over a well oiled Sabin machine & Manziel's Aggies. Plenty left to prove, it's early, I think Kubiak returns, not sure about Schaub?

Limited mobility .... scares me!

Just don't like Mettenberger .... right now. Maybe he changes my mind over the course of the season tho , we'll see.

 

[steelbtexan]

I would agree with that. You got me thinking to dig a little deeper, not so much into Mettenberger but Farve. Here is an interesting sidebar from Kiper 91 "Draft Report."



Also in regards to Farve arm strength & mobility -

In retrospect, does it really matter where you grade a prospect who you believe is a cornerstone (like Watt/Cushing/Brown) piece & get you over the top? Started this mock thread with Dane Brulger selecting him for Texans #17th but rated 41st overall & I don't have to tell anyone who reads this its still early in process & players will move up & down sometimes a lot between now & April. In the end I could see Mettenberger with a strong showing make his case as a legitimate starting NFL QB worthy of top 10 consideration, despite limited mobility. For a change I could see LSU beat Alabama & a big reason is Mettenberger, we'll see if he can carry his team over a well oiled Sabin machine & Manziel's Aggies. Plenty left to prove, it's early, I think Kubiak returns, not sure about Schaub?

Gary HC for life = Johnny Football starting QB in 2014 = Aggies keep filling up the stands and buying their new Johnny Footbal Texans jerseys so that Uncle BoB keeps on making his $$$$$.

See how easy that was. As I was told by another poster we as fans dont deserve anything and should be willing to accept whatever product BoB decides to put on the field. That's if we're true fans.

I will never understand why winning isn't THE MOST important thing to a fanbase. (It isn't to some, Looking at you Dale Murphy/Surreal McCoy) Winning may not be everything, but winning sure is alot more entertaining than the crap that BoB/Rick/Gary sold the fans as Lombardi contenders this yr. Football is in the entertainment industry?????

 

[bhsman]

Limited mobility .... scares me!

Just don't like Mettenberger .... right now. Maybe he changes my mind over the course of the season tho , we'll see.

Do yourself a favor and watch LSU's offense at work for the rest of the year, then. If nothing else, you get to drool over Jeremy Hill, Odell Beckham, and Jarvis Landry.

 

[beerlover]

LSU could win it all. Very physical, SEC, perineal power with lots of coaching stability. Mettenberger has some serious NFL weapons & the arm to showcase them.

 

[beerlover]

Latest from http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft

ROB RANG / DANE BRUGLER

1 Jags Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville / Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville

2 Giants Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina / Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina

3 Bucs Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon / Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon

4 Rams (from Skins) Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M / Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M

5 Vikings Brett Hundley, QB UCLA / Brett Hundley, QB UCLA

6 Steelers Anthony Barr, OLB UCLA /Anthony Barr, OLB UCLA

7 Falcons Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan / C.J. Mosley, OLB Alabama

8 Texans Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M / Zach Mettenberger, QB LSU

9 Raiders Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson / Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan

10 Bills Cyrus Kouandjio, OT Alabama / Ryan Shazier, OLB Ohio State

 

[Wolf6151]

Latest from http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft

ROB RANG / DANE BRUGLER

1 Jags Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville / Teddy Bridgewater, QB Louisville

2 Giants Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina / Jadeveon Clowney, DE South Carolina

3 Bucs Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon / Marcus Mariota, QB Oregon

4 Rams (from Skins) Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M / Jake Matthews, OT Texas A&M

5 Vikings Brett Hundley, QB UCLA / Brett Hundley, QB UCLA

6 Steelers Anthony Barr, OLB UCLA /Anthony Barr, OLB UCLA

7 Falcons Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan / C.J. Mosley, OLB Alabama

8 Texans Johnny Manziel, QB Texas A&M / Zach Mettenberger, QB LSU

9 Raiders Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson / Taylor Lewan, OT Michigan

10 Bills Cyrus Kouandjio, OT Alabama / Ryan Shazier, OLB Ohio State

No thank you, don't want either of them.

 

[Corrosion]

LSU could win it all. Very physical, SEC, perineal power with lots of coaching stability. Mettenberger has some serious NFL weapons & the arm to showcase them.

That's one of the things that scares me with Mettenberger .... He has several NFL quality players to work with .... they are that much better than their opponents most of the time so its really difficult to evaluate his play. Is he that good , a product of the system , a product of those around him or a little bit of all of the above ?!

 

[bhsman]

Taking away ODB and Juice would make him any less taller, big-armed, or ice cold on 3rd down. :p

 

[WolverineFan]

That's one of the things that scares me with Mettenberger .... He has several NFL quality players to work with .... they are that much better than their opponents most of the time so its really difficult to evaluate his play. Is he that good , a product of the system , a product of those around him or a little bit of all of the above ?!

Cam Cameron has had a profound effect on his development. He has a ton of weapons and is usually playing against inferior talent. He did play great against Alabama last year though.

That said, he looked bad this weekend against Ole Miss and was awful against Florida the week before. He just really reminds me of a more talented Matt Schaub.

 

[PHILLYTEXANFAN]

I hate his Justin Bieber hairdo, that being said....No thank you

 

[bhsman]

Cam Cameron has had a profound effect on his development. He has a ton of weapons and is usually playing against inferior talent. He did play great against Alabama last year though.

That said, he looked bad this weekend against Ole Miss and was awful against Florida the week before. He just really reminds me of a more talented Matt Schaub.

The Ole Miss game was bad, I'll admit, but against Florida the game plan was to limit passing in favor of running Florida's defense over.

 

[Doppelganger]

Don't get mad Texan Fans, get even. This is my reaction to another crippling loss this time to a St. Louis team most everybody had marked off schedule as automatic win prior to stunning decline. As a mocker we have a saying, " they're is always next year & the draft" sometimes like now, it's all we have, so here it goes, let me have your feedback, criticisms & applause.

First Round: QB Zach Mettenberger, LSU, 6050 230

Unless Texans lose rest of way out or turnaround & win out they should be picking in middle of pack, maybe as low as 10 or high as 17. What a disappointment. Time to address QB position with a high pick once again. Mettenberger is a strong armed competitive leader who could help rebuild this franchise. Dan Brugler selects Zach for Texans #17 overall -


Second Round: OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson, 6020 235

Electric edge rusher who projects to OLB next level. Beasley is averaging 1.6 sacks per game. If Clemson makes it to the ACC championship game, it will play 14 games this season, meaning Beasley is on pace for 22 sacks. Would be a nice bookend to Merciuls, allowing Brooks to focus inside. Red shirt Junior so expect him to come out with big season & Tigers success, check out game next weekend against Florida State.

Third Round: CB Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State, 5110 197

Kareem has been a consistent penalty machine, now he is headed towards his big contract, just don't see value here & time to cut ties with Texans 2010 first round pick. He can play out his final season then head for free agency in the meantime Texans need to develop a young corner to groom as his replacement. Dennard is sticky in coverage, smooth in his backpedal, similar to Kareem with slightly better hands, not a bad value for 3rd rd. compared to a first, thank you very much.

Fourth Round: ILB John Timu, Washington, 6010 235

Plays & looks like Troy Polamalu. High motor, instinctual & very disruptive. A takeaway machine. Would also help improve special teams, no way this guy wouldn't make the 53 man roster & become answer in middle next to Cushing. Plus pass blitzer. Honorable mention All-Pac-12 as well as honorable mention Academic All-Pac-12 this is a class player with upside.

Fifth Round: OT Austin Wentworth, Fresno State, 6050 306

In mold of a Logan Mankins & David Quessenberry. Texans need another swing tackle/LG prospect. Although I think the line play has been a lone bright spot as of late we've seen what injurys on OL can wreck havoc. Outland list prospect who is a 5th year starter & polished technically couild make a quick jump to next level.

Sixth Round: KR/PR/RB Mark Venric, Northwestern, 5080 175

A true Senior, Mark is a utility weapon RB, Punt & Kickoff Retuner. Think of a Darren Sproles. Texans should not let Trindon Holliday experiment discourage them, just need to stick with your people a little longer. NCAA active leader in punt return average at 16.3 yards per attempt ... Ranks fifth amongst active players nationally with 1,881 kickoff return yards ... Named to preseason watch lists for Doak Walker (2012 semifinalist), Maxwell and Paul Hornung Awards ... Named a first-team All-American at punt returner by the Football Writers Association of America a year ago.

Seventh Round: DT Wade Keliikipi, Oregon, 6030 306

Very quick feet, pass rusher or run stopper. Had 2 1/2 sacks against a very active & mobile QB in Washington's Price. Looks much larger than weight indicates, think he could rotate @ nose with Mitchell. Not impressed with McClain jumping offsides. Flashes dominance upfront in short bursts. Sub 5.0 sec. forty. Has averaged 20 tackles in two previous seasons, so far this year has 14, 3 for loss and as mentioned 2.5 sacks vs Huskies. From a tough area Waianae, Hawaii, looks the part of an NFL linemen from same program that produced Haloti Ngata.

Overall, I like your thought process. While I disagree with some of your selections, the approach is spot on.

1. Not a fan of Mettenberger. The last game with Keenum showed us exactly how good this offense can be with a QB who is mobile. Unlike Schaub who cannot move, Keenum used his legs to keep plays alive. While Mettenberger has certainly improved this season, I don't like his footwork and ability to move. In the NFL today, you need an agile QB, who can move and make plays with his feet. I just don't see Mettenberger as a guy who can do that.

2. High motor guy. Only problem I see is he is light. Could he put on weight and still have speed? If not, he projects to Mercilus' weakside spot. Can Mercilus play the strong side adequately enough to move Reed inside? Outside of that, I think he is a great prospect.

3. I am not as low on Kareem. I think with many FA contracts going down, he can be retained for a decent sum. That said, this is a great pick. Sadly, Joseph is typically banged up at some point in the season. As time goes forward, a replacement for Jospeh will be needed. Cant have too many good CBs.

4. AWESOME pick! I think Timu is exactly the kind of guy Wade likes: high motor, intelligent, instinctual, and a good all around guy. Would be a great selection near Cush.

5. While Wentworth is a nice prospect, I would like to address OL earlier in the draft. I have seen enough of Newton and I don't think he is starting quality. Williams is coming off Microfibre surgery. Harris is not good enough to push Newton out of the starting lineup. If not QB, I would go OT with the first pick...I think the need is that dire.

6. Veneric would be an awesome selection in the 6th. However, for him to work effectively he would require a new ST coach and I hope that is coming. I think he could also be effective in little bubble screens as well. For a 6th rounder I would be thrilled with the pick and options.

7. I have to admit I thought Keliikipi was a solid depth player who I would have liked taking in the 7th round. Then I saw the Oregon-Washington game. Not only did he run down but he had the lateral quickness to stray with and not let one of the most mobile and agile QBs in college football get away. If a 300+lb guy can move like that, I'd consider taking him in the fifth. Taking him in the 7th may be a massive steal and I LOVE IT.

Awesome job as usual sir!

 

[beerlover]

Overall, I like your thought process. While I disagree with some of your selections, the approach is spot on.

1. Not a fan of Mettenberger. The last game with Keenum showed us exactly how good this offense can be with a QB who is mobile. Unlike Schaub who cannot move, Keenum used his legs to keep plays alive. While Mettenberger has certainly improved this season, I don't like his footwork and ability to move. In the NFL today, you need an agile QB, who can move and make plays with his feet. I just don't see Mettenberger as a guy who can do that.

2. High motor guy. Only problem I see is he is light. Could he put on weight and still have speed? If not, he projects to Mercilus' weakside spot. Can Mercilus play the strong side adequately enough to move Reed inside? Outside of that, I think he is a great prospect.

3. I am not as low on Kareem. I think with many FA contracts going down, he can be retained for a decent sum. That said, this is a great pick. Sadly, Joseph is typically banged up at some point in the season. As time goes forward, a replacement for Jospeh will be needed. Cant have too many good CBs.

4. AWESOME pick! I think Timu is exactly the kind of guy Wade likes: high motor, intelligent, instinctual, and a good all around guy. Would be a great selection near Cush.

5. While Wentworth is a nice prospect, I would like to address OL earlier in the draft. I have seen enough of Newton and I don't think he is starting quality. Williams is coming off Microfibre surgery. Harris is not good enough to push Newton out of the starting lineup. If not QB, I would go OT with the first pick...I think the need is that dire.

6. Veneric would be an awesome selection in the 6th. However, for him to work effectively he would require a new ST coach and I hope that is coming. I think he could also be effective in little bubble screens as well. For a 6th rounder I would be thrilled with the pick and options.

7. I have to admit I thought Keliikipi was a solid depth player who I would have liked taking in the 7th round. Then I saw the Oregon-Washington game. Not only did he run down but he had the lateral quickness to stray with and not let one of the most mobile and agile QBs in college football get away. If a 300+lb guy can move like that, I'd consider taking him in the fifth. Taking him in the 7th may be a massive steal and I LOVE IT.

Awesome job as usual sir!

Thank You!

Excellent Feedback is much appreciated.

First & foremost I loved what we all saw from Case Keenum in his first start. If I make adjustment right now I would probably move DB back up to 2nd rd. FS or CB, take a strong side OLB/DE in 3rd to replace failed Montgomery experiment, add TE in 4th while Addressing OL with best OT prospect w/1st.

* improve pass pro & ability to open cutback lanes
* better run support & pass rushing efficiency
* loss of Manning as well probability Reed is one & done
* Kareem up for free agency
* Daniels injury status & Garrett has only average overall ability

 

[badboy]

Just to clarify Kareem Jackson is under contract with team option for 2014 for just under $3 million.

 

[beerlover]

Just to clarify Kareem Jackson is under contract with team option for 2014 for just under $3 million.

Yes, that is what amounts to a one year rental. Would be good to bring in his replacement to groom & not have to force a rookie into action like they did to Kareem, don't you think?