The Texans have played half their games, and I think I can say with some degree of confidence that the fans are disappointed with their showing. Instead of picking in the late 20's, I think the Texans will end up picking around 15/16.
Round 1: Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan, 6’4” 263 lbs
“Superman”, as he is known to his teammates, is everything you want in a player- Strong, quick, and hardworking. He is about as bust proof a player as any in any draft, something which is important when taking my next pick into consideration. Kerrigan is an excellent run stopper, in addition to always being in the QB’s face. He will bring a consistency that the Texans’ D sorely lacks.
Round 2: North Carolina DT Marvin Austin, 6’3” 310 lbs
Austin is, in my opinion, the most physically gifted DT in the draft. Easily. However, he has the “Mario Williams syndrome”, in which he does not seem to give a **** on the field. Austin was suspended this season for meeting with an agent (and accepting benefits, which is why he has fallen off the radar. So, with these negatives (inconsistent, lazy, etc), why am I taking him here? Because if he puts it together, he will have an impact similar to Suh. No joke, he is that physically gifted. At 310 pounds, he will run a 4.8, and probably rep 35 times or so on the bench. He sheds blocks incredibly well (when playing), and has an unbelievable first step. I am hoping that not playing football for a year, and falling to the second round will get him straight.
Round 3: Virginia Tech CB Rashad Carmichael, 5’10”182 lbs
The Texans’ D needs secondary help in a bad way. Carmichael could be this help. He is a ballhawk with 10 career picks (all in the last 2 years), and incredibly athletic. He could contribute right away.
Round 4: Oregon ILB Casey Matthews, 6’1”238 lbs
Like some of my mock drafting companions, I also want the next edition of the Matthews family. Right now, this is pretty high for him, but I see him taking a rise similar to his brother. Matthews has the same “never say never” attitude, and very similar physical skills. By the time the draft rolls around, this may seem low for him.
Round 5: Lehigh OG Will Rackley, 6’4” 305 lbs
Rackley is a small school OT that will shift to OG in the pros. My favorite thing about him is his attitude; he is one nasty SOB down in the trenches. He has solid athleticism to go along with the attitude, which makes him a good pick here in round 5.
Round 6: OSU OLB Brian Rolle, 5’10” 220 lbs
Rolle is a perfect WLB. Great in coverage, athletic and intelligent, Rolle will provide a definite boost on passing downs. He will be, however, a liability against the run until he can put on some more weight and strength.
Round 7: Wyoming SS Chris Prosinski, 6’1” 210 lbs
One of my favorite “effort” type players in the draft. Prosinski plays FS for the Cowboys, but will be a SS safety for the Texans. He is a tackling machine, making 140 tackles last year, and has 92 thus far this season. He is a great form tackler, which makes him a good player to have as a backup and on special teams. He also knows how to make plays on the ball, with 5 career INTs.
Have at it!
Round 1: Purdue DE Ryan Kerrigan, 6’4” 263 lbs
“Superman”, as he is known to his teammates, is everything you want in a player- Strong, quick, and hardworking. He is about as bust proof a player as any in any draft, something which is important when taking my next pick into consideration. Kerrigan is an excellent run stopper, in addition to always being in the QB’s face. He will bring a consistency that the Texans’ D sorely lacks.
Round 2: North Carolina DT Marvin Austin, 6’3” 310 lbs
Austin is, in my opinion, the most physically gifted DT in the draft. Easily. However, he has the “Mario Williams syndrome”, in which he does not seem to give a **** on the field. Austin was suspended this season for meeting with an agent (and accepting benefits, which is why he has fallen off the radar. So, with these negatives (inconsistent, lazy, etc), why am I taking him here? Because if he puts it together, he will have an impact similar to Suh. No joke, he is that physically gifted. At 310 pounds, he will run a 4.8, and probably rep 35 times or so on the bench. He sheds blocks incredibly well (when playing), and has an unbelievable first step. I am hoping that not playing football for a year, and falling to the second round will get him straight.
Round 3: Virginia Tech CB Rashad Carmichael, 5’10”182 lbs
The Texans’ D needs secondary help in a bad way. Carmichael could be this help. He is a ballhawk with 10 career picks (all in the last 2 years), and incredibly athletic. He could contribute right away.
Round 4: Oregon ILB Casey Matthews, 6’1”238 lbs
Like some of my mock drafting companions, I also want the next edition of the Matthews family. Right now, this is pretty high for him, but I see him taking a rise similar to his brother. Matthews has the same “never say never” attitude, and very similar physical skills. By the time the draft rolls around, this may seem low for him.
Round 5: Lehigh OG Will Rackley, 6’4” 305 lbs
Rackley is a small school OT that will shift to OG in the pros. My favorite thing about him is his attitude; he is one nasty SOB down in the trenches. He has solid athleticism to go along with the attitude, which makes him a good pick here in round 5.
Round 6: OSU OLB Brian Rolle, 5’10” 220 lbs
Rolle is a perfect WLB. Great in coverage, athletic and intelligent, Rolle will provide a definite boost on passing downs. He will be, however, a liability against the run until he can put on some more weight and strength.
Round 7: Wyoming SS Chris Prosinski, 6’1” 210 lbs
One of my favorite “effort” type players in the draft. Prosinski plays FS for the Cowboys, but will be a SS safety for the Texans. He is a tackling machine, making 140 tackles last year, and has 92 thus far this season. He is a great form tackler, which makes him a good player to have as a backup and on special teams. He also knows how to make plays on the ball, with 5 career INTs.
Have at it!