What gives, guys? Usually we see a couple pre-season mock drafts by this time. I guess I will try to get the ball rolling. As always, this mock does not consider trades, and follows what I would do, not what I think the Texans will do. And it is important to remember on all mocks- especially ones this early- that these are for fun, so if you thinks mocks are stupid, just move along. This is for people who are interested to discuss potential NFL draft picks. Oh, and this will change quite a bit over the course of the year.
Round 1- Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott, 6’ 225 lbs
In a different era, Elliott would be the first overall pick in next year’s. To put it simply, he is the best RB coming out of college since Adrian Peterson. Elliott has the size, speed, agility, power and vision to be a perennial all-pro.
Round 2- Indiana QB Nate Sudfeld, 6’6” 240 lbs
Coming off of a non-throwing shoulder injury that cut last season short, Sudfeld is the real deal, and will sky-rocket up draft boards this year. At 6’6” 240 lbs, he has the size that NFL scouts covet. More importantly, however, Sudfeld can really sling the ball, and shows touch that belies his age. Furthermore, he is a reportedly a character player in the locker room and off the field.
Round 3- Arizona State WR D.J. Foster, 5’10” 195 lbs
Foster will be the answer to our slot receiver woes. A former runningback, Foster is tailor-made to play slot in the NFL. While he has only average hands (which is what will prevent him from being a top draft pick), he is a terror when he gets the ball. He can start and stop with the best of them, and his lateral agility is shocking.
Round 4- Missouri OC/OG Evan Boehm, 6’3” 320 lbs
Boehm is a powerful interior lineman with average foot-speed who always stands out when watching a Missouri game.
Round 5- Marshall RT Clint van Horn, 6’5” 310 lbs
I know people are happy with Newton (for now), but I like adding trench depth late. van Horn may have to shift inside, but he has been the starting RT for Marshall for a couple years now, and has done an excellent job. Like Boehm, van Horn is definitely a better run-blocker than pass-blocker.
Round 6- Temple NT Hershey Walton, 6’3” 315 lbs
Walton is a big body that does a great job tying up blockers on the line of scrimmage, and he also gets his hands up to disrupt the pass. I don’t think Covington fits the bill at NT (outside of on passing downs), so I think that we will be looking for a NT sooner rather than later. Walton profiles as just a backup right now, but I think there may be more to him.
Round 1- Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott, 6’ 225 lbs
In a different era, Elliott would be the first overall pick in next year’s. To put it simply, he is the best RB coming out of college since Adrian Peterson. Elliott has the size, speed, agility, power and vision to be a perennial all-pro.
Round 2- Indiana QB Nate Sudfeld, 6’6” 240 lbs
Coming off of a non-throwing shoulder injury that cut last season short, Sudfeld is the real deal, and will sky-rocket up draft boards this year. At 6’6” 240 lbs, he has the size that NFL scouts covet. More importantly, however, Sudfeld can really sling the ball, and shows touch that belies his age. Furthermore, he is a reportedly a character player in the locker room and off the field.
Round 3- Arizona State WR D.J. Foster, 5’10” 195 lbs
Foster will be the answer to our slot receiver woes. A former runningback, Foster is tailor-made to play slot in the NFL. While he has only average hands (which is what will prevent him from being a top draft pick), he is a terror when he gets the ball. He can start and stop with the best of them, and his lateral agility is shocking.
Round 4- Missouri OC/OG Evan Boehm, 6’3” 320 lbs
Boehm is a powerful interior lineman with average foot-speed who always stands out when watching a Missouri game.
Round 5- Marshall RT Clint van Horn, 6’5” 310 lbs
I know people are happy with Newton (for now), but I like adding trench depth late. van Horn may have to shift inside, but he has been the starting RT for Marshall for a couple years now, and has done an excellent job. Like Boehm, van Horn is definitely a better run-blocker than pass-blocker.
Round 6- Temple NT Hershey Walton, 6’3” 315 lbs
Walton is a big body that does a great job tying up blockers on the line of scrimmage, and he also gets his hands up to disrupt the pass. I don’t think Covington fits the bill at NT (outside of on passing downs), so I think that we will be looking for a NT sooner rather than later. Walton profiles as just a backup right now, but I think there may be more to him.
