Texan in Japan
Rookie
As we get closer to the draft, I'm constantly torn on who we should pick. I don't know why I'm so anxious, because I have ZIP to say about our selection. Still as a fan from back in the Oilers day, I can't help it.
As I look at the top defensive players that we could take #1 or in a trade back (stay Top 10 for arguments sake) these are the guys I like...
DEFENSE
- J. Clowney: Once in a decade prospect or fool's gold?
- K. Mack: Dominant menace or versatile/skilled LB?
- Dee Ford: Flash meets 3/4 OLB or 3rd down pass rusher?
- A. Donald: Defense sparkplug or disappearing Mighty Mouse?
OFFENSE
- J. Manziel: Favre/Tarkenton combo hot rod or little JF goes Hollywood?
- Sammy Watkins: Faster Jerry Rice or a solid #1 WR?
- Greg Robinson: Pro-bowl LT or solid starter?
- Mike Evans: Megatron II or solid #1 WR?
- Jake Matthews: Pro-bowl OT or solid RT starter?
As a fan I look for several things in a #1 pick. First, are they an impact player and can they be an immediate starter. Second, is this the best player on my board when I'm making my selection (not reaching for need). Third, if I pass on this player will I regret it?
I'll start by saying that I love Watkins and Evans. I believe both will become elite WRs and if we were in the market to replace AJ, this would be a great year to do it. Not a high priority from a need perspective, but they certainly both can be impact players.
When the Oilers were great there OL was dominant. HOFers playing together doesn't happen very often, but those guys made me appreciate great O-line play. Robinson would be a luxury, but Matthews would be a perfect RT with potential to move over to LT one day. He would be a great target should that trade with the Bills have any legs.
Johnny Manziel is a hard one to shake. I've never been an Aggie fan (UofH and UTSA grad), but I was compelled to watch A&M to see Johnny. Man can he put on a show. He has Favre's guts, the gunslinger's attitude and the never quit mentality that I admire in a QB. However, he's also small and reckless with the ball and his body at times. I also believe he's got a touch of Broadway Joe in him and that's what some folks are having a hard time grappling with.
Clowney's hype is almost overwhelming. I mean his name is mentioned with Lawrence Taylor, Peppers, etc. If he's the next LT, sign me up, no questions asked. However, I'm not sure he's that guy. Does he have the fire in his belly that made the Great Ones, great? I don't know, he doesn't appear to have that JJ Watt drive. Could JJ help him catch fire? Maybe, your environment definitely can impact your attitude and performance. In RC's defense he would almost have to be an OLB...can he make that kind of transition? Does he want to? There are almost TOO MANY questions with Clowney--they make my head hurt.
Mack seems solid and would be a great OLB that could do it all. An easier transition than Clowney and thus a better fit perhaps. Think what Vrabel could do with Mack or Dee Ford for that matter. Both could attack from different angles and give us a true playmaker outside. I could live we either pick and I do think Ford moves up into the 6-15 range.
Aaron Donald is one of those DL fans love to dismiss. He's short (6'0") and about 285, not a great fit on an RC 3/4 line. But this kid is disruptive and has a fierce desire to be the best. He's small, but you find a place to play this kind of talent if your lucky enough to get him.
I know that the Bridgewater and Bortles fans will wonder we're they are in my analysis. Sorry, but I wouldn't draft either with a Top 10 pick. Again, my opinion, I could be dead wrong an McClain may call the Bortles pick.
With that as background and remembering why we didn't take Vince Young or Reggie Bush, I pray we go OFFENSE this time and take Manziel or trade-back. We need a QB, a spark, a leader, a difference-maker...we need Johnny Manziel. It may not be pretty the first year, as I was reminded watching some old Steve Young footage last week, but if this kid is as driven and determined as he seems to be, then Houston we can build a winner! With JM at the helm, we bring a little Texan into the Texans who like dynamite may be a small package, but can deliver a big bang for our bucks. Hell JM will also make McNair richer with merchandise sales and get our beloved team on Sports Center on a regular basis. While that may seem trivial to some, that extra income may bring in the kind of revenue that allows us to attract the right FAs next year and ensure we keep the ones we want (JJ + some).
Now, if we trade back, which I'd also support wholeheartedly, then I'd take any of the players I mentioned above w/o much hesitation. That may be our best course of action , but passing up JF may also come back to haunt us.
As I look at the top defensive players that we could take #1 or in a trade back (stay Top 10 for arguments sake) these are the guys I like...
DEFENSE
- J. Clowney: Once in a decade prospect or fool's gold?
- K. Mack: Dominant menace or versatile/skilled LB?
- Dee Ford: Flash meets 3/4 OLB or 3rd down pass rusher?
- A. Donald: Defense sparkplug or disappearing Mighty Mouse?
OFFENSE
- J. Manziel: Favre/Tarkenton combo hot rod or little JF goes Hollywood?
- Sammy Watkins: Faster Jerry Rice or a solid #1 WR?
- Greg Robinson: Pro-bowl LT or solid starter?
- Mike Evans: Megatron II or solid #1 WR?
- Jake Matthews: Pro-bowl OT or solid RT starter?
As a fan I look for several things in a #1 pick. First, are they an impact player and can they be an immediate starter. Second, is this the best player on my board when I'm making my selection (not reaching for need). Third, if I pass on this player will I regret it?
I'll start by saying that I love Watkins and Evans. I believe both will become elite WRs and if we were in the market to replace AJ, this would be a great year to do it. Not a high priority from a need perspective, but they certainly both can be impact players.
When the Oilers were great there OL was dominant. HOFers playing together doesn't happen very often, but those guys made me appreciate great O-line play. Robinson would be a luxury, but Matthews would be a perfect RT with potential to move over to LT one day. He would be a great target should that trade with the Bills have any legs.
Johnny Manziel is a hard one to shake. I've never been an Aggie fan (UofH and UTSA grad), but I was compelled to watch A&M to see Johnny. Man can he put on a show. He has Favre's guts, the gunslinger's attitude and the never quit mentality that I admire in a QB. However, he's also small and reckless with the ball and his body at times. I also believe he's got a touch of Broadway Joe in him and that's what some folks are having a hard time grappling with.
Clowney's hype is almost overwhelming. I mean his name is mentioned with Lawrence Taylor, Peppers, etc. If he's the next LT, sign me up, no questions asked. However, I'm not sure he's that guy. Does he have the fire in his belly that made the Great Ones, great? I don't know, he doesn't appear to have that JJ Watt drive. Could JJ help him catch fire? Maybe, your environment definitely can impact your attitude and performance. In RC's defense he would almost have to be an OLB...can he make that kind of transition? Does he want to? There are almost TOO MANY questions with Clowney--they make my head hurt.
Mack seems solid and would be a great OLB that could do it all. An easier transition than Clowney and thus a better fit perhaps. Think what Vrabel could do with Mack or Dee Ford for that matter. Both could attack from different angles and give us a true playmaker outside. I could live we either pick and I do think Ford moves up into the 6-15 range.
Aaron Donald is one of those DL fans love to dismiss. He's short (6'0") and about 285, not a great fit on an RC 3/4 line. But this kid is disruptive and has a fierce desire to be the best. He's small, but you find a place to play this kind of talent if your lucky enough to get him.
I know that the Bridgewater and Bortles fans will wonder we're they are in my analysis. Sorry, but I wouldn't draft either with a Top 10 pick. Again, my opinion, I could be dead wrong an McClain may call the Bortles pick.
With that as background and remembering why we didn't take Vince Young or Reggie Bush, I pray we go OFFENSE this time and take Manziel or trade-back. We need a QB, a spark, a leader, a difference-maker...we need Johnny Manziel. It may not be pretty the first year, as I was reminded watching some old Steve Young footage last week, but if this kid is as driven and determined as he seems to be, then Houston we can build a winner! With JM at the helm, we bring a little Texan into the Texans who like dynamite may be a small package, but can deliver a big bang for our bucks. Hell JM will also make McNair richer with merchandise sales and get our beloved team on Sports Center on a regular basis. While that may seem trivial to some, that extra income may bring in the kind of revenue that allows us to attract the right FAs next year and ensure we keep the ones we want (JJ + some).
Now, if we trade back, which I'd also support wholeheartedly, then I'd take any of the players I mentioned above w/o much hesitation. That may be our best course of action , but passing up JF may also come back to haunt us.
