Early 2010 Draft Outlook

[rmartin65]

Let me start by saying I know this is way too early to think about this stuff. There are injuries, players pick up their game, juniors come out, and a myriad of other things that will happen and change how the draft goes down.

QB: Between Shaub and Orlovsky, the position is pretty set. Depending on Orlovsky's development as a backup, maybe a 7th round look.

RB: Slaton has the starting gig wrapped up, and if Brown can stay healthy he is our power pack. Hopefully Foster becomes a decent 3rd stringer, if not Moats. Alot depends on Brown, if he is good this year, I think 5-7th range. If not, 2-4th range. You can rarely have too many quality runners.

FB: Leach is the starter, Casey is a solid backup. No pick necessary.

WR: One of the team's strong points. AJ is one of, if not the, best receivers in the game. Walter (if resigned) is one of the best 2's in the league. Easily top half. Davis and Anderson are more than adequate working the slot. Alot here depends on JJ. If he produces a little, shows plays to his potential, and holds onto the ball, he will be back. If not, I want a speedster with punt return ability in the 6th or 7th round.

TE: Another strong point, some might say too strong. OD is one of the best in the league. Dreeson is like an OD lite, well worth keeping. Casey is an athletic freak that fills a variety of roles. Hill is our goal line TE. No chance we spend a pick here.

OT: Brown and Winston are two solid starters. Depth scares me though. I would look for a backup in the middle of the draft, starting in round 4.

OG: Two decent starters in Pitts and Brisiel. The depth is actually pretty good, even though Caldwell will be starting at center next season. I dont think we pick up anyone through the draft.

OC: Whoever starts, Myers or Caldwell, is solid enough. The other is a good backup, I dont see a draft pick being spent here either.

DE: Mario is the best in the league. Smith is an ok end on the other side, so we dont need starters. Barwin provides good speed off the edge, and Bukman is a suitable backup. Another position we are set at.

DT: Despite the multiple draft picks, we still need help here. Okam, Okoye, Robinson, and TJ, none are average starters. They would be good depth, but not starting material. I hope somewhere in rounds 1-3.

OLB: Cushing and Adibi are good starters, if Cushing pans out (I think he will). Depth is ok, Diles is the best there. No draft pick here.

ILB: Ryans is a great ILB when healthy. I dont like the backup though. Rounds 3-5 should address that.

SS: Hopefully someone steps up, as it is below average. Ferguson is an ok enough starter, and the coaches are high on Barber. We will see, but I dont think we draft one (Unless its Tennessee's Eric Berry, who is a stud)

FS: Wilson is a stop gap starter with a couple more years left. If we can get our hands on Mays, pick him. If not, then rounds 2-3.

CB: DRob will be gone, whether its through free agency or a midseason trade (Which I hope), he wont be here. Reeves is a decent starter. Bennett needs to progress a little more, and hopefully McCain or Quinn steps up big. A first round pick or nothing. The position needs a starter.

K: We are good

P: We are good

 

[rmartin65]

With the trade of TJ (most likely a good move, but we will see) I decided to look through the eligible DT's for next years draft, as I think we will be drafting one next year. The thing is, all 10 of these guys have potential to go in the first round. When ranking them for the Texans I leaned more towards stopping the run.

1) Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska, 6’4” 302 lbs
2) Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma, 6’4” 298 lbs
3) Marvin Austin, North Carolina, 6’3” 305 lbs
4) Arthur Jones, Syracuse, 6’3” 295 lbs
5) Vince Oghobaase, Duke, 6’5” 305 lbs
6) Jeff Owens, Georgia, 6’1” 306 lbs
7) Jared Odrick, Penn State, 6’4” 298 lbs
9) Terrence Cody, Alabama, 6’4” 365 lbs
10) Lawrence Marsh, Florida, 6’4” 305 lbs

Overrated: Terrence Cody, Alabama, 6’4” 365 lbs
Sleeper: Cam Thomas, North Carolina, 6’3” 328 lbs
Small School Watch: Randy Earl, Minnesota State, 6’3” 282 lbs

 

[beerlover]

Taylor Mays, SS USC 6-3 233​

 

[rmartin65]

Taylor Mays, SS USC 6-3 233​

If we go safety I would prefer Eric Berry, Tennessee

 

[painekiller]

Taylor Mays, SS USC 6-3 233​

Stats Overview Tackles Misc Interceptions
YEAR TOT SOLO AST INT
2006 62 38 24 3
2007 65 36 29 1
2008 53 38 15 0

For a safety with his speed on a team that dominates all it's oppents, his stats seem pretty average. Another USC over hyped player IMO.

Eric Berry on the other hand.

Stats Overview Tackles Misc Interceptions
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK INT
2007 86 52 34 0 5
2008 72 44 28 3 7

Give me the ball hawk any day.

 

[Texecutioner]

If we go safety I would prefer Eric Berry, Tennessee

Yes, Berry over Mays for sure.

Mays was a total fool to skip this year's draft with Berry coming out next season.

 

[rmartin65]

The only thing is, both players will be gone by the time we pick. Both will be top 10, easy. It would require a trade up to get them, and I dont see our FO doing it.

 

[bah007]

Stats Overview Tackles Misc Interceptions
YEAR TOT SOLO AST INT
2006 62 38 24 3
2007 65 36 29 1
2008 53 38 15 0

For a safety with his speed on a team that dominates all it's oppents, his stats seem pretty average. Another USC over hyped player IMO.

Eric Berry on the other hand.

Stats Overview Tackles Misc Interceptions
YEAR TOT SOLO AST SACK INT
2007 86 52 34 0 5
2008 72 44 28 3 7

Give me the ball hawk any day.

I would expect Mays' stats to be average considering that USC runs mostly cover 1 and cover 2 coverage in the secondary.

Mays' only responsibilities in that defense are containment on outside run and downfield enforcer on passing plays. They don't need him to be an all star. They just need him to do his job, which he does.

I do agree that Berry is the better player, but don't sell Mays short just because his stat line isn't booming. Some types of production cannot be measured by numbers.

 

[rmartin65]

I would expect Mays' stats to be average considering that USC runs mostly cover 1 and cover 2 coverage in the secondary.

Mays' only responsibilities in that defense are containment on outside run and downfield enforcer on passing plays. They don't need him to be an all star. They just need him to do his job, which he does.

I do agree that Berry is the better player, but don't sell Mays short just because his stat line isn't booming. Some types of production cannot be measured by numbers.

Word. Both are fantastic players, most likely Pro Bowl players. I hate labeling college players that, but its true. These two guys change games, Mays through his vicious hitting and Berry through his ballhawking. The Texans would be lucky to land either.

 

[Wolf6151]

The Texans would be very lucky to land either Berry or Mays but Berry will easily go in the top 10 and Mays will most likely go in the top 15. Both players will be gone long before we pick unless we just really suck bad this year and I don't forsee that possibility. I think Trevard Lindley or Joe Haden are much more realistic pics in the 1st round since I think that Dunta will be gone and we'll need a new #1 CB. I'd then go for FS Major Wright or Myron Lewis in the 2nd round. These 2 picks would go a long ways toward fixing the weakest part of our team. Here's my extremely early 2010 mock draft. Opinions?

1. CB-Trevard Lindley, Kentucky.
2. FS-Major Wright, Florida
3. G-Thomas Austin, Clemson
4. RB-LaGarrette Blount, Oregon
5. S-Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech, not sure if he lasts this long.
5. DT-Al Woods, LSU pick from the TJ trade.
6. OLB-Luthur Brown, USC
7. P-Zoltan Mesko-Michigan

 

[painekiller]

part of our team. Here's my extremely early 2010 mock draft. Opinions?

1. CB-Trevard Lindley, Kentucky.
2. FS-Major Wright, Florida
3. G-Thomas Austin, Clemson
4. RB-LaGarrette Blount, Oregon
5. S-Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech, not sure if he lasts this long.
5. DT-Al Woods, LSU pick from the TJ trade.
6. OLB-Luthur Brown, USC
7. P-Zoltan Mesko-Michigan

Nice job, If Lindley or Berry is there we need to bite, I enclosed a mock from a national site, and then Cherry Picked that mock for my choices below.

New version of the 2010 mock from nfldraftsite.com

Their picks for us. Seniors only
15th Adam Ulatoski OT 6'8" 305 Texas
47th Carlos Singleton WR 6'8" 215 Memphis
79th Broderick Stewart DE 6'5" 230 Vanderbilt
111th Anothony McCoy TE 6'4" 252 USC
143rd Robert Vaughn S 6'0" 192 Connecticut
175th Frank Zombo DE 6'4" 259 Central Michigan
207th Jacob Hickman OG 6'4" 292 Nebraska

Cherry pick time with the SD pick assuming a 5th rounder:

15th Sean Weatherspoon OLB 6'1" 232 Missouri or Vince Oghobaase DT 6'6" 312 Duke

47th Darrell Stuckey S 6'1" 205 Kansas or Mike Johnson OG 6'6" 305 Alabama or Keiland Williams RB 6'0" 226 LSU

79th Nate Allen S 6'2" 190 South Florida or Myron Lewis CB 6'2" 200 Vanderbilt or Jamar Wall CB 5'11" 198 Texas Tech

111th Dan Doering OG 6'6" 300 Iowa or Dan Williams DT 6'3" 312 Tennessee or Caleb Bostic OLB 6'3" 225 Miami (Ohio)

143rd and 144th Gerald Williams OLB 6'4" 245 Tennessee or Andrew Sendejo CB 6'2" 210 Rice or Ben Tate RB 5'11" 211 Auburn or Kam Chancellor S 6'3" 220 Virginia Tech or Colin McCarthy OLB 6'3" 222 Miami or

175th Thomas Herring OT 6'6" 300 USC or Tony Pike QB 6'6" 225 Cincinnati or Boo Robinson DT 6'2" 326 Wake Forest or P.J. Mahone CB 5'11" 201 Bowling Green

207th Zoltan Mesko P 6'4" 242 Michigan or Alex Albright OLB 6'5" 235 Boston College

I like your 7th round punter. I like the name Zoltan.

 

[TexansSeminole]

A guy I am surprised hasn't been mentioned yet is Morgan Burnett. Fantastic safety out of GA Tech, he makes that defense go. Reminds me of Polamalu with his range.

Morgan Burnett: 20 years old, 6-1 210 lbs. Junior.

2007: 57 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR, 3 INTs, 6 pass breakups.

2008: 93 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 FF, 7 INTs, 8 pass breakups.

This guy could easily come out this year and probably will if he has a good season.

He plays the rover position for GA Tech, but he could play either safety spot IMO. He would probably be more valuable as a strong safety. Sure tackler with a big time nose for the ball.

There's a chance you've never seen him play. Being a big ACC fan I have had the pleasure of watching him play many times. Anyway if you get a chance to watch GA Tech, watch Dwyer the RB, but also watch #1 Morgan Burnett. He is exactly what this team needs and he probably could be had in the later part of the first round.

Here's a pick he had against Stafford last year. Game changing play: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZVnjgconcs&hl=en&gl=CA&client=mv-google

 

[nero THE zero]

I don't know that I agree with your assessment on potential needs. There a number of possible needs that you are discounting, which is why this exercise is such a futile one this far in advance.

If Matt Schaub gets hurt again, and we conseqeutnly don't pick up his bonus, we will be in need of a starting QB, which might come through the draft.

If Slaton falters and doesn't live up to expectations, we might be in need of a starting RB.

If we choose not to re-sign Walter, and/or if Jacoby Jones proves to be the disappointment he's been to this point, we will be in need of WR help.

And those are just possible positions of need. Then, you should factor in the definite needs such as OL depth, DT, and S, and this exercise becomes so contingent on unknowns that it is pretty much useless.

 

[nero THE zero]

A guy I am surprised hasn't been mentioned yet is Morgan Burnett. Fantastic safety out of GA Tech, he makes that defense go. Reminds me of Polamalu with his range.

Morgan Burnett: 20 years old, 6-1 210 lbs. Junior.

2007: 57 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR, 3 INTs, 6 pass breakups.

2008: 93 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 FF, 7 INTs, 8 pass breakups.

This guy could easily come out this year and probably will if he has a good season.

He plays the rover position for GA Tech, but he could play either safety spot IMO. He would probably be more valuable as a strong safety. Sure tackler with a big time nose for the ball.

There's a chance you've never seen him play. Being a big ACC fan I have had the pleasure of watching him play many times. Anyway if you get a chance to watch GA Tech, watch Dwyer the RB, but also watch #1 Morgan Burnett. He is exactly what this team needs and he probably could be had in the later part of the first round.

Here's a pick he had against Stafford last year. Game changing play: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZVnjgconcs&hl=en&gl=CA&client=mv-google

Yep, huge Tech fan here.

Another guy to watch at Tech is DE Derrick Morgan. He'll be a junior this year, and is most likely a LDE, so he might not be relevant to us, but he's a good prospect nonetheless.

 

[rmartin65]

I don't know that I agree with your assessment on potential needs. There a number of possible needs that you are discounting, which is why this exercise is such a futile one this far in advance.

If Matt Schaub gets hurt again, and we conseqeutnly don't pick up his bonus, we will be in need of a starting QB, which might come through the draft.

If Slaton falters and doesn't live up to expectations, we might be in need of a starting RB.

If we choose not to re-sign Walter, and/or if Jacoby Jones proves to be the disappointment he's been to this point, we will be in need of WR help.

And those are just possible positions of need. Then, you should factor in the definite needs such as OL depth, DT, and S, and this exercise becomes so contingent on unknowns that it is pretty much useless.

No arguments here. I was just bored one day and wanted to get some discussion on next years draft going. If Schaub gets injured again, he has got to go. It is embarrassing, and teams need QB's who can stay on the field. I think Walter will be re-signed, and if you noticed I did have WR as a potential late round pick. I overlooked the RB situation, that is true. DT and safety are high rated needs, and I also have OL depth on there.

 

[rmartin65]

The Texans would be very lucky to land either Berry or Mays but Berry will easily go in the top 10 and Mays will most likely go in the top 15. Both players will be gone long before we pick unless we just really suck bad this year and I don't forsee that possibility. I think Trevard Lindley or Joe Haden are much more realistic pics in the 1st round since I think that Dunta will be gone and we'll need a new #1 CB. I'd then go for FS Major Wright or Myron Lewis in the 2nd round. These 2 picks would go a long ways toward fixing the weakest part of our team. Here's my extremely early 2010 mock draft. Opinions?

1. CB-Trevard Lindley, Kentucky.
2. FS-Major Wright, Florida
3. G-Thomas Austin, Clemson
4. RB-LaGarrette Blount, Oregon
5. S-Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech, not sure if he lasts this long.
5. DT-Al Woods, LSU pick from the TJ trade.
6. OLB-Luthur Brown, USC
7. P-Zoltan Mesko-Michigan

I like it, for the most part. I agree with your first pick, it almost has to be a DB. I would take a DT, it depends on who has been picked. Lindley or Haden would be great, both are going to be above average players. I would prefer Haden though, due to his tackling ability. To each his own.

I am not a Major Wright fan, I think he gets by because of the elite D that Florida has. If we go DB in the first round, We should go DT here. Maybe Vince Oghobaase.

I like Austin, but I worry that he is like a poor man's Caldwell. Good pick, but maybe an OT.

Blount should not last to this point. If he does, the Texans should be running to the podium to take him. A RB here is a good idea.

Chancellor is a great pick here. I love it, athletic, loves to hit, plays on a team coached by a defensive guy. Should start at SS.

Hopefully we addressed the DT need. A FS for the future is what I would pick here. Lower than I would have liked to pick one, but Wilson should be a serviceable starter for a while.

Here I would grab either an OLB or a receiver. Just depends on wo is on the board.

A punter? Eh, its a 7th. I dont know, I guess Turk is getting old. Well, he is past old.

 

[nero THE zero]

Even with the loss of Dunta, I almost can't imagine us taking a CB in the first next season.

We've taken CBs in the past three drafts and have to develop that talent. Additionally, we are carrying 6 CBs into the season this year which is pretty unconventional. I don't hold any illusions as to Dunta being here again next season, but at some point you have to play your young guys and let them show their worth, and if we draft a CB high next season we will be forced to start him.

So, while we're not "strong" at CB, we're deep and young, and I think that precludes us from drafting high there.

 

[Wolf6151]

I like it, for the most part. I agree with your first pick, it almost has to be a DB. I would take a DT, it depends on who has been picked. Lindley or Haden would be great, both are going to be above average players. I would prefer Haden though, due to his tackling ability. To each his own.

I am not a Major Wright fan, I think he gets by because of the elite D that Florida has. If we go DB in the first round, We should go DT here. Maybe Vince Oghobaase.

I like Austin, but I worry that he is like a poor man's Caldwell. Good pick, but maybe an OT.

Blount should not last to this point. If he does, the Texans should be running to the podium to take him. A RB here is a good idea.

Chancellor is a great pick here. I love it, athletic, loves to hit, plays on a team coached by a defensive guy. Should start at SS.

Hopefully we addressed the DT need. A FS for the future is what I would pick here. Lower than I would have liked to pick one, but Wilson should be a serviceable starter for a while.

Here I would grab either an OLB or a receiver. Just depends on wo is on the board.

A punter? Eh, its a 7th. I dont know, I guess Turk is getting old. Well, he is past old.

I like both Lindley and Haden but chose Lindley because he's slightly faster and was very highly rated last year as well but chose to stay in school.

I'd have no problem going with a DT here instead but it had better be someone who can really make a difference on the D-line. Someone who really strong and can take on the double teams. I'm just tired of spending so many high draft picks on the D-line and think that some of that talent needs to be spread around the team.

I was going from size and speed charts when picking Austin, for a big man he's got good speed. Also I don't think we need an OT, we've got good starters and Butler makes a good backup.

I think Blount will go very late 3rd or more likely in the 4th round, he's not that fast and I don't think he'll be a premiere back. We just need someone with his size and power.

Chancellor would be a great pick here if he's still available but I have my doubts on his availability but you never know in the draft.

I expect Al Woods to provide depth and competition at DT/NT position.

Brown is strictly depth and competition, and adds some size over June or Davis and can hopefully play some good special teams.

Turk is 41 yoa and Mesko's is a good punter and has some size to him as well and would be alot cheaper.

 

[badboy]

Nice job, If Lindley or Berry is there we need to bite, I enclosed a mock from a national site, and then Cherry Picked that mock for my choices below.

New version of the 2010 mock from nfldraftsite.com

Their picks for us. Seniors only
15th Adam Ulatoski OT 6'8" 305 Texas
47th Carlos Singleton WR 6'8" 215 Memphis
79th Broderick Stewart DE 6'5" 230 Vanderbilt
111th Anothony McCoy TE 6'4" 252 USC
143rd Robert Vaughn S 6'0" 192 Connecticut
175th Frank Zombo DE 6'4" 259 Central Michigan
207th Jacob Hickman OG 6'4" 292 Nebraska

Cherry pick time with the SD pick assuming a 5th rounder:

15th Sean Weatherspoon OLB 6'1" 232 Missouri or Vince Oghobaase DT 6'6" 312 Duke

47th Darrell Stuckey S 6'1" 205 Kansas or Mike Johnson OG 6'6" 305 Alabama or Keiland Williams RB 6'0" 226 LSU

79th Nate Allen S 6'2" 190 South Florida or Myron Lewis CB 6'2" 200 Vanderbilt or Jamar Wall CB 5'11" 198 Texas Tech

111th Dan Doering OG 6'6" 300 Iowa or Dan Williams DT 6'3" 312 Tennessee or Caleb Bostic OLB 6'3" 225 Miami (Ohio)

143rd and 144th Gerald Williams OLB 6'4" 245 Tennessee or Andrew Sendejo CB 6'2" 210 Rice or Ben Tate RB 5'11" 211 Auburn or Kam Chancellor S 6'3" 220 Virginia Tech or Colin McCarthy OLB 6'3" 222 Miami or

175th Thomas Herring OT 6'6" 300 USC or Tony Pike QB 6'6" 225 Cincinnati or Boo Robinson DT 6'2" 326 Wake Forest or P.J. Mahone CB 5'11" 201 Bowling Green

207th Zoltan Mesko P 6'4" 242 Michigan or Alex Albright OLB 6'5" 235 Boston College

I like your 7th round punter. I like the name Zoltan.

I want to know a bit more about this guy. I don't care if he can catch a pass, I just want to see him in the end zone waving his hands screaming "Throw it to me!"

 

[rmartin65]

I like both Lindley and Haden but chose Lindley because he's slightly faster and was very highly rated last year as well but chose to stay in school.

I'd have no problem going with a DT here instead but it had better be someone who can really make a difference on the D-line. Someone who really strong and can take on the double teams. I'm just tired of spending so many high draft picks on the D-line and think that some of that talent needs to be spread around the team.

I was going from size and speed charts when picking Austin, for a big man he's got good speed. Also I don't think we need an OT, we've got good starters and Butler makes a good backup.

I think Blount will go very late 3rd or more likely in the 4th round, he's not that fast and I don't think he'll be a premiere back. We just need someone with his size and power.

Chancellor would be a great pick here if he's still available but I have my doubts on his availability but you never know in the draft.

I expect Al Woods to provide depth and competition at DT/NT position.

Brown is strictly depth and competition, and adds some size over June or Davis and can hopefully play some good special teams.

Turk is 41 yoa and Mesko's is a good punter and has some size to him as well and would be alot cheaper.

Dont get me wrong, I like Lindley, and if the Texans grab him I will be more than happy. I just prefer Haden, he is a more physical player.

Oghobaase will be a difference maker on the next level. He is huge and quick. Again, I would not have a problem with taking a safety, I am just not a fan of Wright. And I agree, we cannot waste picks on DL, we have to make them count. No more TJs, Babins or (maybe) Okoyes.

I dont know, I am kind of worried about OT depth. OG we have Pitts, Brisiel, Caldwell or Myers (whoever is not starting at C), and Studdard has looked pretty decent. Butler is the only OT backup I am comfortable with. As far as OG's available in this round, Austin is a good one.

I really think Blount will be gone in the 3rd. He is big, has good feet, and really has deceptive speed. A back that might be available, who might be better than Blount is Stanford's Toby Gerhoff. Big back with a little more speed and agility, just plays for a crappy Stanford team.

Chancellor will most likely get picked earlier, now that I think about it, but I guy can dream eh? A fallback pick that I would like would be Myron Rolle, who I think will drop because he has not played football in a year.

If we stay DT in the end of the fifth, I want a big, nasty run stuffer. Woods would be good, but take a look at North Carolina's Cam Thomas. If we took a DT earlier, a good FS here could be Baylor's Jordan Lake.

I dont think Brown will be drafted, but I agree with a special teams player here. San Jose State's OLB Carl Ihenacho would not be bad, but I would like Oklahoma's OLB Keenan Clayton. Or, one of my favorite small school guys, Newberry's blazing receiver Kelton Tindal.

I am down with Zoran here.

I guess my ideal draft would be (Using SI.coms prediction for draft positioning):
1) Kentucky CB Trevard Lindley
I would prefer Haden, but I think he will be gone. Gives us a CB core of Lindley, Reeves, Molden, Quinn, McCain

2) Duke DT Vince Oghobaase
Run Stuffing DT will become a starter

3) Virginia Tech S Kam Chancellor
Playmaker who can play either safety slot

4) Stanford RB Toby Gerhart
Power back the team sorely needs

5,23) Virginia Tech OT Ed Wang
Athletic tackle who provides solid depth

5,30) Ex Florida State SS Myron Rolle
Talented player who drops a couple rounds because of his layoff from football. Might not last this long though.

6) Newberry WR Kelton Tindal
Super fast receiver that will take JJ's fifth receiver spot. A bit of a project, but you cant teach speed.

7) Michigan P Zoltan Mesko or Oklahoma OLB Keenan Clayton

 

[76Texan]

Yep, huge Tech fan here.

Another guy to watch at Tech is DE Derrick Morgan. He'll be a junior this year, and is most likely a LDE, so he might not be relevant to us, but he's a good prospect nonetheless.

Shoot, I don't need to be a Yellow Jackets fan.
If these two guys (MB and DM) fly under the radar, I would scoop them both!

 

[Wolf6151]

I guess my ideal draft would be (Using SI.coms prediction for draft positioning):
1) Kentucky CB Trevard Lindley
I would prefer Haden, but I think he will be gone. Gives us a CB core of Lindley, Reeves, Molden, Quinn, McCain

2) Duke DT Vince Oghobaase
Run Stuffing DT will become a starter

3) Virginia Tech S Kam Chancellor
Playmaker who can play either safety slot

4) Stanford RB Toby Gerhart
Power back the team sorely needs

5,23) Virginia Tech OT Ed Wang
Athletic tackle who provides solid depth

5,30) Ex Florida State SS Myron Rolle
Talented player who drops a couple rounds because of his layoff from football. Might not last this long though.

6) Newberry WR Kelton Tindal
Super fast receiver that will take JJ's fifth receiver spot. A bit of a project, but you cant teach speed.

7) Michigan P Zoltan Mesko or Oklahoma OLB Keenan Clayton

I'd be fine with that draft. How bout instead of Toby Gerhart we pick Charles Scott-LSU, or Anthony Dixon-Mississippi St. I like guys from the SEC and ACC. I wanted Oghobasse last year but he decided to stay for another year at school, it'll do him alot of good, great size and quickness, but I'm not sure about his strength/power. I'd have no problem taking Myron Rolle but I'm not sure if he's going to play or take the Rhodes Scholarship, it's a 2 yr. deal. Chancellor in the 3rd would be a nice pick, he's going to be a good pro. Instead of Tindal in the 6th I'd rather just keep Martinez and let JJ go.

 

[rmartin65]

I'd be fine with that draft. How bout instead of Toby Gerhart we pick Charles Scott-LSU, or Anthony Dixon-Mississippi St. I like guys from the SEC and ACC. I wanted Oghobasse last year but he decided to stay for another year at school, it'll do him alot of good, great size and quickness, but I'm not sure about his strength/power. I'd have no problem taking Myron Rolle but I'm not sure if he's going to play or take the Rhodes Scholarship, it's a 2 yr. deal. Chancellor in the 3rd would be a nice pick, he's going to be a good pro. Instead of Tindal in the 6th I'd rather just keep Martinez and let JJ go.

Shoot, I would love to grab Scott; the guy was tearing it up last year. I worry that he will go in the second though, it is a pretty weak draft class for runningbacks. I have to admit I have not seen enough of Dixon to judge him. I want to try to do that this year.

Yea, I am trying to start the Oghobaase bandwagon here. I think he could be the anchor the team needs. My third favorite DT in the draft after Suh and McCoy.

I did not know the Rhodes scholarship was a two year deal... Would it be possible to grab him, sign him and place him on the practice squad? I dont know all of the rules for the PS. That would change my draft, there are not alot of late round safeties I like.

Martinez looks good, but I dont see him ever turning into something special. Tindal has world class speed. Who would you take in this slot?

 

[TexansSeminole]

Rhodes scholariship is not a two year deal, Rolle chose a 1 year program.

 

[Wolf6151]

Rhodes scholariship is not a two year deal, Rolle chose a 1 year program.

Ok, that's different than what was said early this year when Rolle applied for the Rhodes Scholarship. If he chose only to take it for 1 yr. then has he recommitted to football or will he be pursuing other ventures? He could be a late round steal at SS if he's committed to football.

As for who I'd take in the 6th round, anyone on the defensive side of the ball. Added depth and competition as well as a good special teams player is a good thing. Also I like what I've seen from Martinez. I'd keep him and cut JJ, he's shown nothing in preseason.

 

[TexansSeminole]

Ok, that's different than what was said early this year when Rolle applied for the Rhodes Scholarship. If he chose only to take it for 1 yr. then has he recommitted to football or will he be pursuing other ventures? He could be a late round steal at SS if he's committed to football.

As for who I'd take in the 6th round, anyone on the defensive side of the ball. Added depth and competition as well as a good special teams player is a good thing. Also I like what I've seen from Martinez. I'd keep him and cut JJ, he's shown nothing in preseason.

His plan is to enter the 2010 draft. His plan was always to do a 1 year program. He has stuck to the same plan from day 1. He continues to work out in preperation for the NFL.

 

[Wolf6151]

His plan is to enter the 2010 draft. His plan was always to do a 1 year program. He has stuck to the same plan from day 1. He continues to work out in preperation for the NFL.

Thanks, good info. Rolle could be a really good mid round pick with tons of upside for a team willing to take a little risk on a guy who's been out of football for a year. Good pick in the 3rd round and great pick in the 4th or later.

 

[Wolf6151]

A guy I am surprised hasn't been mentioned yet is Morgan Burnett. Fantastic safety out of GA Tech, he makes that defense go. Reminds me of Polamalu with his range.

Morgan Burnett: 20 years old, 6-1 210 lbs. Junior.

2007: 57 tackles, 2.5 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR, 3 INTs, 6 pass breakups.

2008: 93 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 FF, 7 INTs, 8 pass breakups.

This guy could easily come out this year and probably will if he has a good season.

He plays the rover position for GA Tech, but he could play either safety spot IMO. He would probably be more valuable as a strong safety. Sure tackler with a big time nose for the ball.

There's a chance you've never seen him play. Being a big ACC fan I have had the pleasure of watching him play many times. Anyway if you get a chance to watch GA Tech, watch Dwyer the RB, but also watch #1 Morgan Burnett. He is exactly what this team needs and he probably could be had in the later part of the first round.

Here's a pick he had against Stafford last year. Game changing play: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZVnjgconcs&hl=en&gl=CA&client=mv-google

I've heard this guy's name mentioned several times as a great safety but can't find much info. on him. Is he a FS or SS? Also do you think he'll last til the mid/late 2nd round?

 

[nero THE zero]

I've heard this guy's name mentioned several times as a great safety but can't find much info. on him. Is he a FS or SS? Also do you think he'll last til the mid/late 2nd round?

He'll be a SS in the NFL.

I've got an e-mail out to John Harris on him amongst a few other Tech players. I'll post his response once I get it.

 

[76Texan]

I've heard this guy's name mentioned several times as a great safety but can't find much info. on him. Is he a FS or SS? Also do you think he'll last til the mid/late 2nd round?

I'm sure he can handle either position.
He's fast enough.

Don't forget to watch Derrick Morgan at DE from Ga Tech as well.

 

[WolverineFan]

You guys still high on Blount??

I wouldn't touch him with a 10 ft. pole.

We definetely need to go DB in round 1. IMO, we need to do everything we can to trade up and grab Berry or Mays. We need a stud safety like that and I don't care how many picks we have to give up to get those guys.

 

[76Texan]

You guys still high on Blount??

I wouldn't touch him with a 10 ft. pole.

We definetely need to go DB in round 1. IMO, we need to do everything we can to trade up and grab Berry or Mays. We need a stud safety like that and I don't care how many picks we have to give up to get those guys.

Forget about Blount!

The question I have now is would we rather take a big DT like Mount Cody or go for a safety?

 

[TexansSeminole]

Forget about Blount!

The question I have now is would we rather take a big DT like Mount Cody or go for a safety?

Safety for sure. I'd rather go DT two rounds in a row with high motor guys. Maybe rounds 2 and 3 or 3 and 4. We need to completely redraft that position and build depth.

 

[Wolf6151]

I'd still take a chance on Blount, you know some team out there is going to pick him up, he's got to much power not to. I'd take him in the 6th now, if still available, but he'd have to have a great interview and stay clean between now and the draft.

 

[bah007]

Forget about Blount!

The question I have now is would we rather take a big DT like Mount Cody or go for a safety?

I would take Berry, Mays, or Burnett all before Cody. But then again, I'm not that high on Cody at all. He is a one dimensional player and I wouldn't use a first round pick on him.

He is great at what he does (stuffing gaps). But I don't want to use a first on a two down guy.

 

[Wolf6151]

I would take Berry, Mays, or Burnett all before Cody. But then again, I'm not that high on Cody at all. He is a one dimensional player and I wouldn't use a first round pick on him.

He is great at what he does (stuffing gaps). But I don't want to use a first on a two down guy.

I agree on your assessment of Cody, but you know that someone is going to take him in the 1st. I also agree with rmartin65, Vince Oghobaase in the 2nd round if still available but he also stands a good chance of going in the late 1st round after the combine. I expect that he'll do very well.

 

[WolverineFan]

I agree on your assessment of Cody, but you know that someone is going to take him in the 1st. I also agree with rmartin65, Vince Oghobaase in the 2nd round if still available but he also stands a good chance of going in the late 1st round after the combine. I expect that he'll do very well.

If we were a 3-4 team then I would be more interested in Cody, but as is I have no interest in him at all. He is, for some reason unbeknownst to me, severely overrated. He's just a big fat guy. I would take a DB over him in a heartbeat.

 

[WolverineFan]

I'd still take a chance on Blount, you know some team out there is going to pick him up, he's got to much power not to. I'd take him in the 6th now, if still available, but he'd have to have a great interview and stay clean between now and the draft.

Yea we're not the Cincinnati Bengals. You don't draft guys based purely off of physical tools. The guy is a thug straight up and has no business wearing a Houston Texans jersey.

 

[rmartin65]

No to Cody. I liked him alot last year, but with the DT's coming out next year I would not take him before the 3rd. A safety would be nice, Burnett should be picked in the mid 20's.

Blount, whoa, I did not like him before but I can not even pretend to have seen that coming. I definitely Gerhart better now.

And yes, I know Oghobaase in the 2nd is a long shot. I am hoping though, there are so many potential 1st round DT's somebody has to fall.

 

[TexansSeminole]

Burnett already has an interception after one game.

 

[bah007]

Burnett already has an interception after one game.

He is the real deal. Unfortunately for him, Berry (probably) and Mays are in his draft class.

 

[Wolf6151]

Morgan Burnett?

Would you say this guy is a traditional SS, traditional FS, or a coverage SS? I've done a little more reading on Burnett and it seems that most people feel that he'll go in the 1st round. 2010 will be the year of the Safety, there are 7 guys that could possibly go in the 1st round.

 

[TexansSeminole]

Morgan Burnett?

Would you say this guy is a traditional SS, traditional FS, or a coverage SS? I've done a little more reading on Burnett and it seems that most people feel that he'll go in the 1st round. 2010 will be the year of the Safety, there are 7 guys that could possibly go in the 1st round.

All around good SS. Good tackler, good in coverage, very good awareness. As Bah said, he is the real deal.

 

[painekiller]

Morgan Burnett?

Would you say this guy is a traditional SS, traditional FS, or a coverage SS? I've done a little more reading on Burnett and it seems that most people feel that he'll go in the 1st round. 2010 will be the year of the Safety, there are 7 guys that could possibly go in the 1st round.

FS
Taylor Mays, 6-3, 230, Southern California
Eric Berry, 5-11, 205, Tennessee
Morgan Burnett, 6-0, 210, Georgia Tech

SS
Darrell Stuckey, 6-0, 205, Kansas
Myron Rolle, 6-1, 215, Florida State

That is how they are listed by Great Blue North. Berry had a huge game this weekend and his new DC raved about him. And that DC knows a thing or two about safeties. I currently think Berry is worth a trade up for. Burnett in my limited watching of his game is also a stud. He is a ball hawk and I like those kinda of guys.

I have not seen Mays or Stuckey play this season, so I will wait on them. Rolle did not jump at me last night against Miami, but I know his is a solid player also.

I don't see 7 1st round safeties, which is good for us, we can get a stud or two in the 1st two rounds. We need our version of Atwater and Berry fits that bill best right now, IMO.

 

[rmartin65]

There are two guys in the draft I would trade up for: Suh and Berry. However, that would only be a possibility if we dont trade away future firsts, because those will become even more valuable come the new CBA agreement (I would put good money on rookie caps, if I was a betting man). Suh and Berry would be gamebreakers for our defense.

 

[CoastalTexan]

I agree with the FS and DT in the first two rounds, but if Schuab can't stay healthy do we look at a QB in the first couple rounds? It's a little early but Tony Pike looked like a winner this week. Do we get a LG early to take Pitts place if we do not keep him?

 

[Wolf6151]

Here's my latest incredibly early 2010 mock, but remember that alot of this hinges on whether or not Dunta is back next year or not. Alot of this list came from me and from good suggestions from rmartin65 and TexansSeminole.

1. Morgan Burnett-SS, gives us a true SS who also has great coverage skills and not afraid to play the run. We need a ballhawk. I'd love to have Berry or Mays but both of these guys will be gone by the time we pick and would cost way to much to move up that high. If Dunta leaves then our priorities change and we go for Trevard Lindley-CB.

2. Vince Oghobaase-DT/NT, 6'06" and 310 lbs. obviously has the frame to add some weight and from what I've read it's not fat. He goes to Duke so I assume that he's pretty inteligent as well, rare commodity now a days. I have my doubts that he'll still be available but for now he's graded as a 2nd rounder. I think he'll score really high at the combine and move up into the mid to late 1st round, but there are alot of good DT's next year and we can hope that he falls.

3. Sergio Render or Thomas Austin-OG, Chester Pitts is getting older, has been injured lately, and is in the last year of his contract. IMO he's not worth a huge FA contract but if he's reasonable, resign him. If we resign him we still have upgrade needs at RG, Brisiel is a liability and drafting Caldwell last year was a great idea but he can't play the C and both G positions at the same time. Hopefully we resign Pitts for a home town discount, move Caldwell to C, and replace Brisiel with either Render or Austin.

4. This is where I get stuck. A. Myron Rolle-SS, we move Burnett to FS and Rolle is our more traditional SS great against the run but I wonder about his ability in pass coverage though he's got great speed and size, later round steal potential here. B. Anthony Dixon-RB, we leave Burnett at SS, wait til 2011 to find a good FS or hope to get lucky in the 5th round. Dixon provides us with a power runner who's cheaper, younger, and healthier than Brown.

5. Ed Wang-OT, we need the depth at OT. Rashad Butler is the only depth we have at OT right now.

5. I think the conditional pick from the TJ trade will turn into a 5th rounder. Jordan Lake or Robert Vaughn-FS, both seem to have good numbers and we can hope that we get lucky. If they don't replace Eugene Wilson then at least we get better quality depth.

6. Mitch Petrus-OG, again Brisiel needs to be replaced and we need better depth that Casey Studdard who got manhandled by Tampas 2nd and 3rd string players.

7. Zoltan Mesko-P, probably our only chance to get a guy named Zoltan. He's younger and much cheaper than Turk.


I know that's 3 SS/FS in this draft but it's easily the weakest part of our team and needs fixing. Whoever doesn't start will be much better quality depth than what we have now. Also Safeties should be good on special teams with speed and tackling ability. The addition of 2 Guards probably moves Studdard off the team and moves Brisiel to a backup spot where he belongs. A late round QB isn't out of the question either, someone to stash away on the PS and develope.

Opinions?

 

[Goldensilence]

Here's my latest incredibly early 2010 mock, but remember that alot of this hinges on whether or not Dunta is back next year or not. Alot of this list came from me and from good suggestions from rmartin65 and TexansSeminole.

1. Morgan Burnett-SS, gives us a true SS who also has great coverage skills and not afraid to play the run. We need a ballhawk. I'd love to have Berry or Mays but both of these guys will be gone by the time we pick and would cost way to much to move up that high. If Dunta leaves then our priorities change and we go for Trevard Lindley-CB.

2. Vince Oghobaase-DT/NT, 6'06" and 310 lbs. obviously has the frame to add some weight and from what I've read it's not fat. He goes to Duke so I assume that he's pretty inteligent as well, rare commodity now a days. I have my doubts that he'll still be available but for now he's graded as a 2nd rounder. I think he'll score really high at the combine and move up into the mid to late 1st round, but there are alot of good DT's next year and we can hope that he falls.

3. Sergio Render or Thomas Austin-OG, Chester Pitts is getting older, has been injured lately, and is in the last year of his contract. IMO he's not worth a huge FA contract but if he's reasonable, resign him. If we resign him we still have upgrade needs at RG, Brisiel is a liability and drafting Caldwell last year was a great idea but he can't play the C and both G positions at the same time. Hopefully we resign Pitts for a home town discount, move Caldwell to C, and replace Brisiel with either Render or Austin.

4. This is where I get stuck. A. Myron Rolle-SS, we move Burnett to FS and Rolle is our more traditional SS great against the run but I wonder about his ability in pass coverage though he's got great speed and size, later round steal potential here. B. Anthony Dixon-RB, we leave Burnett at SS, wait til 2011 to find a good FS or hope to get lucky in the 5th round. Dixon provides us with a power runner who's cheaper, younger, and healthier than Brown.

5. Ed Wang-OT, we need the depth at OT. Rashad Butler is the only depth we have at OT right now.

5. I think the conditional pick from the TJ trade will turn into a 5th rounder. Jordan Lake or Robert Vaughn-FS, both seem to have good numbers and we can hope that we get lucky. If they don't replace Eugene Wilson then at least we get better quality depth.

6. Mitch Petrus-OG, again Brisiel needs to be replaced and we need better depth that Casey Studdard who got manhandled by Tampas 2nd and 3rd string players.

7. Zoltan Mesko-P, probably our only chance to get a guy named Zoltan. He's younger and much cheaper than Turk.


I know that's 3 SS/FS in this draft but it's easily the weakest part of our team and needs fixing. Whoever doesn't start will be much better quality depth than what we have now. Also Safeties should be good on special teams with speed and tackling ability. The addition of 2 Guards probably moves Studdard off the team and moves Brisiel to a backup spot where he belongs. A late round QB isn't out of the question either, someone to stash away on the PS and develope.

Opinions?

As you stated way early, but 3 safeties? Busing might emerge asa decent candidate for SS but we do need a legit FS. Berry might be the best of the bunch at Safety this year but unless the Texans dip pretty bad this year I don't think we'll have a shot at him as you stated. Mays could drop this year if he doesn't prove he can wrap up guys on tackles and play better in pass coverage.

Also thought, and I could be wrong, but they've been playing Caldwell at C anyway. Pitts should get more recognition within the fan base for being a solid G, but you are right that we're in trouble that Studdard is our other backup at G.

Team does need help at DT and I'm not keen on dropping another first rounder into DT. It's a hard position to translate well to the next level. I'm hoping a few guys on the roster make big steps in their game this year.

Of course it all depends on where we end up and who emerges as the college year goes on. Should be a heck of a year for both though. It'll also be an interesting off-season as well. We go some interesting questions on who to pay and who to let go.

 

[TexansSeminole]

Rolle did not jump at me last night against Miami, but I know his is a solid player also.

Rolle doesn't play for FSU anymore.

We won't get Berry. He will be a top 5 or top 7 pick. I'd rather have Burnett than Mays.

 

[76Texan]

Burnett injured his thumb in the first half.
He did play in the second half, but I don't know for how long.
They say he will play the next game, probably with a cast on.

Morgan had 2 sacks and 1 Pass Defended, 4 solos and 1 assist.
Not bad for a DE.