It’s Early…But It’s Never Too Early Mock

[OptimisticTexan]

It seemed like a good time to start the early Mock season:


I started this Mock off with one of my biggest desires….a big, physical and fast SS to help cover the middle of the field. Nick is a 6’-3” @ 227 lbs can move his size and mass to the tune of a 4.37-40. Pair him with another solid pick in LB Danny Stutsman who also possesses the size, speed, and physicality to be another disrupter in the middle that Ryans could mold into an outstanding LB. Unfortunately, that was it on defense b/c I believe the other pieces are pretty much in place and the gut of this defense has been a weakness.

The offense gets much needed help in the trenches and probably suited to the right side. Sleeper pick was Montana State RG Marcus Wehr. He’s a tenacious run blocker who’s a converted DL that has become a first team OG. The upcoming Shrine and Senior Bowl(s) will probably give better insight as to how he handles the top tier talent. RB, DJ Giddens and TE, Oscar Delp would bring some very nice talent to those positions. Giddens getting an opportunity to work with Mixon would certainly help him improve overall while DJ could be a legitimate RB2 to relieve Mixon. Delp could be a wild card, but has the majority of tools needed to be ultra competitive and the speed to be a seam threat that the Texans could really use.

Pick it apart or discuss it, but try to leave your own Mock for discussion.

 

[badboy]

I'm going with my mock I posted in thread " What are our needs in 2025" :

1. Wyatt Milum LT from W Va who starts day one at LG replaces Tunsil in future. Has skill set+ body + drive.

2. Jahdae Barron U Tx outside/slot/SS/FS starter.

3. Kaleb Johnson
RB from Iowa

4. Jordan Burch DL from Ore

5 Jake Majors OC U Tx replaces Patterson in season with JP to RG at that point.

6. Barion Brown WR/KR Kentucky

I really like your 1.1 safety. I continued research to find why he is too big and too stiff to play safety but could not do so. Every evaluation says that despite his size he has very good feet and hip swivel. I would just rather take care of our greatest need left guard with our first pick even if it's a trade down. Also, I like Xavier Watts in round 3. I would be okay if your guy is the first pick.
2. Emery jones, I am not as high on as some. I think he will go higher than I would draft him, but I don't think he will be a factor as a starter until perhaps his second year in the NFL, if then. He goes down easily and often launches too soon when his opponent stutter steps. I also do not see Jones ever being able to handle outside speed rushes.

I am not sure why you address right tackle with Fisher just being drafted and seemingly ignore left guard? Do you think Scruggs is going to improve there?
As always, enjoy the back and forth!

 

[steelbtexan]

Wrong thread

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I’m adjusting….hopefully for the better:

RD1: SS- Nick Emmanwori / South Carolina (6-3 @ 227 lbs / 4.38-40)

RD2: RB- Nicholas Singleton / Penn State (6-0 @ 226 lbs / 4.33-40)

RD3: LB- Danny Stutsman / Oklahoma

RD4: OT- Grey Zabel / North Dakota State

RD5: TE- Oscar Delp / Georgia

RD7: OG- Marcus Wehr / Montana State

Veteran DT and OG picked in UFA period.

First 2 picks have size, speed, and production to be Day1 starters. NS would be a solid compliment to Mixon, only faster.

 

[steelbtexan]

I’m adjusting….hopefully for the better:

RD1: SS- Nick Emmanwori / South Carolina (6-3 @ 227 lbs / 4.38-40)

RD2: RB- Nicholas Singleton / Penn State (6-0 @ 226 lbs / 4.33-40)

RD3: LB- Danny Stutsman / Oklahoma

RD4: OT- Grey Zabel / North Dakota State

RD5: TE- Oscar Delp / Georgia

RD7: OG- Marcus Wehr / Montana State

Veteran DT and OG picked in UFA period.

First 2 picks have size, speed, and production to be Day1 starters. NS would be a solid compliment to Mixon, only faster.

I would go a different direction and I doubt Delp falls that far, but good job.

I wouldn't draft a backup RB with all of the Texans needs.

 

[badboy]

I’m adjusting….hopefully for the better:

RD1: SS- Nick Emmanwori / South Carolina (6-3 @ 227 lbs / 4.38-40)

RD2: RB- Nicholas Singleton / Penn State (6-0 @ 226 lbs / 4.33-40)

RD3: LB- Danny Stutsman / Oklahoma

RD4: OT- Grey Zabel / North Dakota State

RD5: TE- Oscar Delp / Georgia

RD7: OG- Marcus Wehr / Montana State

Veteran DT and OG picked in UFA period.

First 2 picks have size, speed, and production to be Day1 starters. NS would be a solid compliment to Mixon, only faster.

Who is your starting left guard in 2025?

 

[Texansphan]

I would go a different direction and I doubt Delp falls that far, but good job.

I wouldn't draft a backup RB with all of the Texans needs.

I get it, but how long is Mixon going to Mixon?
If we can draft another Mixon type to learn from the original Mixon, that would be very beneficial - not to mention our run game would receive a boost and to have a real 1 -2 punch out of the backfield would be golden for this team.
As it is now, once Mixon takes a breather, so does the opposing defense.
Otoh, if we can get the oline whipped into shape to open up the run game, any RB would do. But fixing the line is a much more complicated task than bringing in another quality back.
Throwing more high round picks at the line has not worked very well so far right?

 

[steelbtexan]

I get it, but how long is Mixon going to Mixon?
If we can draft another Mixon type to learn from the original Mixon, that would be very beneficial - not to mention our run game would receive a boost and to have a real 1 -2 punch out of the backfield would be golden for this team.
As it is now, once Mixon takes a breather, so does the opposing defense.
Otoh, if we can get the oline whipped into shape to open up the run game, any RB would do. But fixing the line is a much more complicated task than bringing in another quality back.

They need a OG, TE, WR, CB,S much more than they need a RB. I do believe in drafting the positions of talent in the draft and not reaching for need.

Give me a guy like Jaydon Blue in the 5th and Warren or Loveland in the 2nd.

 

[badboy]

I get it, but how long is Mixon going to Mixon?
If we can draft another Mixon type to learn from the original Mixon, that would be very beneficial - not to mention our run game would receive a boost and to have a real 1 -2 punch out of the backfield would be golden for this team.
As it is now, once Mixon takes a breather, so does the opposing defense.
Otoh, if we can get the oline whipped into shape to open up the run game, any RB would do. But fixing the line is a much more complicated task than bringing in another quality back.
Throwing more high round picks at the line has not worked very well so far right?

I don't think top RBs need to learn from a veteran unlike other positions; most have their styles and techniques set by draft except for pass blocking and almost none of them come in as much other than avg with that.

I do have a back in round three but could see Nick going with Mixon and scrubs as he did this season.

I don't see the rank of the pick being ineffective but their evaluation of players they are choosing. This should improve this next draft.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Who is your starting left guard in 2025?

I’m putting Scruggs back at LG. He’ll get better with an off-season while enhancing his strength in the weight room. I’m not giving up on Scruggs this quick.

Both Scruggs and Patterson will benefit by finishing this season as LG / Center….not to mention entering the off-season fully aware of where they’ll be starting in 2025.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I would go a different direction and I doubt Delp falls that far, but good job.

I wouldn't draft a backup RB with all of the Texans needs.

Not so much a RB2, but a bonafide RB1A to help with the load in ways that Pierce and Ogunbawale just can’t do. This guy does it all very well. I believe Penn State rotates backs which could be backed up by NS touches per season. His YPC is more than adequate. He’s a ZBS runner has the vision and speed to cut and go. Mixon got hurt this season….I’d like to know there’s someone in the backfield that could help prevent a major drop in production in the future.

 

[steelbtexan]

I’m putting Scruggs back at LG. He’ll get better with an off-season while enhancing his strength in the weight room. I’m not giving up on Scruggs this quick.

Both Scruggs and Patterson will benefit by finishing this season as LG / Center….not to mention entering the off-season fully aware of where they’ll be starting in 2025.

I'm not betting on either of these guys next yr, I'M drafting a guy like Milum or Booker high and a guy like Zabel lower. I dont trust Scruggs and I'm worried about Patterson being healthy for a full season.

 

[steelbtexan]

Not so much a RB2, but a bonafide RB1A to help with the load in ways that Pierce and Ogunbawale just can’t do. This guy does it all very well. I believe Penn State rotates backs which could be backed up by NS touches per season. His YPC is more than adequate. He’s a ZBS runner has the vision and speed to cut and go. Mixon got hurt this season….I’d like to know there’s someone in the backfield that could help prevent a major drop in production in the future.

Would you Rather have Singleton (Who I like a lot) in the 2nd and say Jake Majors in the 5th. Or Milum in the 2nd and Jaydon Blue in the 5th? I'm a fan of Blue.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Would you Rather have Singleton (Who I like a lot) in the 2nd and say Jake Majors in the 5th. Or Milum in the 2nd and Jaydon Blue in the 5th? I'm a fan of Blue.

I’ve always thought highly of football smart OL who play with a controlled nasty disposition. Both of the OL I picked (Zabel and Wehr) are the same type of players…..but I could be easily convinced that Majors would be a solid pick. If I had the option of Delp (TE) or Majors (C), I’d probably pick Majors and bring these guys to camp…..everything right of LT (by default) is open for the taking. The staff must open up the competition and let the best 4 starters beside Tunsil take the field. No doubt, there would be quality depth on the OL.

 

[steelbtexan]

I’ve always thought highly of football smart OL who play with a controlled nasty disposition. Both of the OL I picked (Zabel and Wehr) are the same type of players…..but I could be easily convinced that Majors would be a solid pick. If I had the option of Delp (TE) or Majors (C), I’d probably pick Majors and bring these guys to camp…..everything right of LT (by default) is open for the taking. The staff must open up the competition and let the best 4 starters beside Tunsil take the field. No doubt, there would be quality depth on the OL.

Agreed

But give me Delp over Majors. I'm not sure Majors is anything more than a fringe NFL player.

 

[JB]

I'm a fan of Blue.

Agreed! Will he declare?

 

[steelbtexan]

Agreed! Will he declare?

With the talent UT has coming back he should declare

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

Is this considered a weak draft?

Just looking at some of the players projected to go in the back half of the first round and I haven't been impressed. Not saying Im seeing a bunch of bad players but I haven't been really impressed by anyone yet. Who are the players I should be looking at?

 

[JB]

Is this considered a weak draft?

Just looking at some of the players projected to go in the back half of the first round and I haven't been impressed. Not saying Im seeing a bunch of bad players but I haven't been really impressed by anyone yet. Who are the players I should be looking at?

The only one I'm familiar with is LT Banks from UT

 

[steelbtexan]

Is this considered a weak draft?

Just looking at some of the players projected to go in the back half of the first round and I haven't been impressed. Not saying Im seeing a bunch of bad players but I haven't been really impressed by anyone yet. Who are the players I should be looking at?

It's strong in OL/RB/CB/DT/S

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I’m adjusting….hopefully for the better:

RD1: SS- Nick Emmanwori / South Carolina (6-3 @ 227 lbs / 4.38-40)

RD2: RB- Nicholas Singleton / Penn State (6-0 @ 226 lbs / 4.33-40)

RD3: OT- Grey Zabel / North Dakota State

RD4: LB- Danny Stutsman / Oklahoma

RD5: TE- Oscar Delp / Georgia

RD7: OG- Marcus Wehr / Montana State

Veteran DT and OG picked in UFA period.

First 2 picks have size, speed, and production to be Day1 starters. NS would be a solid compliment to Mixon, only faster.

I’m sticking with these players as all should be available in the projected rounds. 40 times might jumble this within the rounds.

I adjusted my RD3 and RD4 b/c the analyst are really giving Zabel some strong projections.

I only dedicated two picks to the defense and it’s to the biggest position of need, in my eyes, and as it has been for a long time….a fast side to side ILB who has the size and speed to cover backs / TE’s, and possesses the football IQ to be good QB for the defense….and a big and fast SS who can cover and be a beast in the run game. Nick Emmanwori and Danny Stutsman fill this bill while being solid wrap-up tacklers….something this team has needed for some time.

RB Nicholas Singleton should be a massive upgrade over the current RB’s backing up Mixon. NS has the size and speed to be a solid and productive complimentary back to Mixon. Texans have to have another horse in the stable in the event Mixon misses any games. There’s nothing worse than being relegated to a single point of failure.

Zabel and Wehr would bring some much needed mean streak attitude to this OL. Both are solid in the run game and pass pro. They both have high ceilings as players. I believe the Texans have the available parts to assemble a better than expected OL.

LT- Tunsil / LG- Scruggs / C- Patterson / RG- Broeker / RT- Fisher

OT/OG- Zabel / OG- Green K / OG- Thomas / OG/C- Wehr

I wouldn’t mind kicking the tires on LG- Dalton Risner who will be an UFA at seasons end. If he he could be signed, it might make Scruggs available to move over to RG. Hail, even Risner could move to RG if Scruggs has a strong off-season as LG. Also, I’m curious as duck about Broeker and his hold on a roster spot while given zero opportunities to see what he could do in a regular season game. The team is treating him like a dang secret weapon they’re keeping under wraps until they pull cover off.

Delp has been projected in RD5 in some Mocks, but if for any reason the Texans felt he could come off the board in RD4….I’d be fine with the team making a trade-up investment to obtain his services.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Penn State RB, Nicholas Singleton is putting on a bit of a show tonight. 12+ YPC on 7 runs and a receiving TD. Not bad.

 

[steelbtexan]

So is Allen

James for Oregon

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Managed to keep my top 2 targets, which answers the need for a big physical SS who plays the run and passing game on near equal ground at the top. My coveted RB was there in RD3, but I’m still expecting him to move up to RD2. The biggest surprise, having Tate Ratledge still on the board, which should give the Texans a Day1 starter at one of the OG spots. I did have a Georgia influenced draft when Delp and Stackhouse were on still on the board in RD5 and RD7. Anyways, this is the way the draft fell and I’d be pretty satisfied with this group coming to camp.

 

[steelbtexan]

View attachment 15004


Managed to keep my top 2 targets, which answers the need for a big physical SS who plays the run and passing game on near equal ground at the top. My coveted RB was there in RD3, but I’m still expecting him to move up to RD2. The biggest surprise, having Tate Ratledge still on the board, which should give the Texans a Day1 starter at one of the OG spots. I did have a Georgia influenced draft when Delp and Stackhouse were on still on the board in RD5 and RD7. Anyways, this is the way the draft fell and I’d be pretty satisfied with this group coming to camp.

A very good draft throughout.

Bryan Broaddus has a 2nd rd grade on Milum. If Milum falls to the 2nd Caserio should trade up and get him. As much as I want Warren, I would be all over a trade back into the 2nd and pick Milum/Mason Taylor. Just throwing out scenarios.

 

[beerlover]

I would not select a Guard in first round ever, unless truly generational.

Nor Safety, unless multiple first rd. picks & generational (Hamilton).

Copycating 3rd & 4th picks createst form of flattery.

No to Delp, but ok w/Stackhouse as developmental DT (practice squad).

Stay away from big school prospects late in draft and find diamonds in rough from smaller school/divisions

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I would not select a Guard in first round ever, unless truly generational.

Nor Safety, unless multiple first rd. picks & generational (Hamilton).

Copycating 3rd & 4th picks createst form of flattery.

No to Delp, but ok w/Stackhouse as developmental DT (practice squad).

Stay away from big school prospects late in draft and find diamonds in rough from smaller school/divisions

I advocated for Hamilton big time. I see Emmanwori as a SS cut from the same cloth. The biggest difference in my book, Emmanwori will probably be the better run defender and about the same in coverage. Both players are big and fast with the talent to take TE’s out of the game

 

[beerlover]

I advocated for Hamilton big time. I see Emmanwori as a SS cut from the same cloth. The biggest difference in my book, Emmanwori will probably be the better run defender and about the same in coverage. Both players are big and fast with the talent to take TE’s out of the game

Only difference is, Texans don’t have that luxury anymore.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Biggest mistake….doubling down on an ineffective OL. I noticed on most of CJ’s overthrows, he failed to set his feet. He was a tap dancing mofo in the pocket. Also, his new internal clock has him going into panic mode when his primary isn’t breaking containment. If it were me, not joking this time, I’m starting Mills and asking CJ to take a break before their playoff game. Let him be an observer it’s not going to hurt since the team has secured its playoff position.

 

[xtruroyaltyx]

Is this considered a weak draft?

Just looking at some of the players projected to go in the back half of the first round and I haven't been impressed. Not saying Im seeing a bunch of bad players but I haven't been really impressed by anyone yet. Who are the players I should be looking at?

Looks like my spidey senses were correct. Seeing stuff about this being a weak draft class and teams not having many first round grades on these players...

Makes it more fun to find guys you really like though.

 

[beerlover]

Looks like my spidey senses were correct. Seeing stuff about this being a weak draft class and teams not having many first round grades on these players...

Makes it more fun to find guys you really like though.

Weak WR class compared to previous year but RB class much deeper & talented. One of best DL classes in years. Good OT class but thin interior. No franchise QB’s but several solid 3rd day projects.

 

[steelbtexan]

Weak WR class compared to previous year but RB class much deeper & talented. One of best DL classes in years. Good OT class but thin interior. No franchise QB’s but several solid 3rd day projects.

There are still 5-6 rookie starter level WR's. There aren't any Nabers/BTJ/Harrison Jr,'s/McConkey etc... in this class.

RB- class is the best in yrs.

DL- DT's are the best as a group in the last 20 yrs. Edge class is good but nothing to write home about. Although I like Carter a lot. I see a lot of Parsons in his game.

OL- OT's are alright but nothing special. Josh Simmons is the only guy that I consider to be a day one starting OT and he's coming off of an ACL. A bunch of OT's are going to be playing OG in the NFL, so that should add depth to an IOL class that lacks depth.

QB's- I dont like this yrs QB class and wouldn't draft one this yr, although I'm sure that one or two will be franchise QB's. Worst QB class since the E.J. Manuel class.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

RD1-025: WR- Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) / WR2 who CJ has experience with. Ease the move from Diggs.

RD2-058: OG- Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) / Swiss Army Knife for the OL. Nasty demeanor should be a welcomed trait for the Texans OL.

RD3-089: DT- Alfred Collins (Texas) / Big body with long arms for interior of Ryans DL. If anyone is going to get the best out Collins….it’ll be Ryans.

RD4-127: RB- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee) / Fast productive SEC RB who catches out of the backfield and he’s a willing blocker in the backfield. Supposed 4.19-40 speed would certainly make it interesting.

RD5-167: SS- Hunter Wohler (Wisconsin) / Big downhill hitter with exceptional grade as a tackler. Has the speed to cover the TE and be an effective blitzer. Would be a solid ST’s and rotational piece until he’s ready to move into starting roll.

RD7-243: OG- Marcus Wehr (Montana State) / Just a nasty blocker who made a big jump in scouts eyes during the Shrine Bowl. I’d be willing to move up in RD7 if he;s still on the board at the start of RD7.

If Tennessee WR, Dont’e Thornton Jr somehow slips through the draft, he’d be one of my biggest targets as an UDFA. I think DT could be another UDFA sleeper from Tennessee.

 

[Errant Hothy]

RD1-025: WR- Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) / WR2 who CJ has experience with. Ease the move from Diggs.

RD2-058: OG- Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) / Swiss Army Knife for the OL. Nasty demeanor should be a welcomed trait for the Texans OL.

RD3-089: DT- Alfred Collins (Texas) / Big body with long arms for interior of Ryans DL. If anyone is going to get the best out Collins….it’ll be Ryans.

RD4-127: RB- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee) / Fast productive SEC RB who catches out of the backfield and he’s a willing blocker in the backfield. Supposed 4.19-40 speed would certainly make it interesting.

RD5-167: SS- Hunter Wohler (Wisconsin) / Big downhill hitter with exceptional grade as a tackler. His the speed to cover the TE and be an effective blitzer. Would be a solid ST’s and rotational piece until he’s ready to move into starting roll.

RD7-243: OG- Marcus Wehr (Montana State) / Just a nasty blocker who made a big jump in scouts eyes during the Shrine Bowl. I’d be willing to move up in RD7 if he;s still on the board at the start of RD7.

If Tennessee WR, Dont’e Thornton Jr somehow slips through the draft, he’d be one of my biggest targets as an UDFA. I think DT could be another UDFA sleeper from Tennessee.

I'd like it, but I dont see Zabel falling that far and I don't see Nick breaking trend and drafting a small school guy that early.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I'd like it, but I dont see Zabel falling that far and I don't see Nick breaking trend and drafting a small school guy that early.

I don’t think he’ll drop that far, but if his arms are measured out at T-Rex length….it could help get him to the Texans pick or close enough for the Texans to trade up a bit in RD2 to select him.

 

[Errant Hothy]

I don’t think he’ll drop that far, but if his arms are measured out at T-Rex length….it could help get him to the Texans pick or close enough for the Texans to trade up a bit in RD2 to select him.

Would you be good with him playing center with the Trex arms?

Still thinking upgrading the guard spots in FA and C in the draft is the best plan

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Would you be good with him playing center with the Trex arms?

Still thinking upgrading the guard spots in FA and C in the draft is the best plan

OT’s with length are typically RD1 targets. Tackles with less than optimal arm length slide into RD2 or later. OL with less than ideal arm length and from lower division schools could go even later.

With this said….Zabel proved himself more than capable of handling himself against top talent. Guys that play with his no-quit tenacity are exactly what the Texans need on their OL. I also Mock’d another smaller school bulldog with Zabel’s traits in Marcus Wehr (Montana State). I think Fisher, Patterson, and Scruggs are the same type of offensive linemen. I wouldn’t be surprised if Popovich and Caley decide on a Power Blocking Scheme to improve the run game and better utilize the talent they have on the roster.

 

[beerlover]

Frankly prefer Slick Nick trades down, out of first rd. again. Traded down with San Francisco #43 and added 3rd #75 and 2026 3rd. Plug & play OG Alabama Booker, Bell Cow power back Iowa, Kaleb Johnson (eventual Mixon compliment/replacement) plus WR Jalen Royals Utah State. Those three picks could really impact Texan offense with new OC.

 

[steelbtexan]

I don’t think he’ll drop that far, but if his arms are measured out at T-Rex length….it could help get him to the Texans pick or close enough for the Texans to trade up a bit in RD2 to select him.

I would be more than happy to draft Jackson in rd 1 and trade up using rd2-3 picks. Then take Noel in rd 4. Pickup a RB and a blocking TE in rds 5-6 and I'm crapping in high cotton. Only thing with drafting like this is, you're going to be missing out on some premium DL talent.

 

[OptimisticTexan]

RD1-025: WR- Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State) / WR2 who CJ has experience with. Ease the move from Diggs.

RD2-058: OG- Grey Zabel (North Dakota State) / Swiss Army Knife for the OL. Nasty demeanor should be a welcomed trait for the Texans OL.

RD3-089: DT- Alfred Collins (Texas) / Big body with long arms for interior of Ryans DL. If anyone is going to get the best out Collins….it’ll be Ryans.

RD4-127: RB- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee) / Fast productive SEC RB who catches out of the backfield and he’s a willing blocker in the backfield. Supposed 4.19-40 speed would certainly make it interesting.

RD5-167: SS- Hunter Wohler (Wisconsin) / Big downhill hitter with exceptional grade as a tackler. Has the speed to cover the TE and be an effective blitzer. Would be a solid ST’s and rotational piece until he’s ready to move into starting roll.

RD7-243: OG- Marcus Wehr (Montana State) / Just a nasty blocker who made a big jump in scouts eyes during the Shrine Bowl. I’d be willing to move up in RD7 if he;s still on the board at the start of RD7.

If Tennessee WR, Dont’e Thornton Jr somehow slips through the draft, he’d be one of my biggest targets as an UDFA. I think DT could be another UDFA sleeper from Tennessee.

This was one worth re-visiting.