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Josh Conerly Jr. vs Kelvin Banks Jr.

beerlover

Hall of Fame
Doubt this thread has the legs of Stingley vs Sauce thread in 2023, but would be fun looking back to see them develop in NFL. Sauce got leg up early going back to back Pro Bowls but in year 3 Stingley not only caught up, Pro Bowl, but exceeded Sauce by a mile.

Love Banks @ LG. He’s very strong, mauler, ideal measureables for LG position but definitely has versatility to kick outside LT if needed. Easier for him to play tackle than it would be for Conerly to play LG. Can see on tape he struggled with footwork & explosion. Need Medical evaluation from our resident Dr. (CloakNnndager) know his left leg rolled over (sprained, undisclosed severity) vs Aggies. Which seemed to hamper him rest of season. However, showed toughness and grit battling through it. Kelvin Banks Jr. comp is Peter Skoronski.

For the Ducks, Josh Conerly Jr. was blessed with excellent coaching from A'lique Terry. Technique is near flawless for such a young, 21, new to position, 3rd year (before that RB). His kick slide & typewriter toe tapping, allows him to quickly adjust and reset position. Arm length on shorter side 33 3/4” but ample. His issue will be weight training and muscle strength, but given how far, in such a short time he’s come, his body will mature to match NFL strength. Laremy Tunsil is his comp.

Let’s Go :logo:
 
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I have Banks as considerably ahead of Conerly. More versatile and can play inside and out, tougher and more physical, better run blocker.

I’m not completely opposed to Conerly, but if both were available at 25…this is not even close to me. Banks is a Texan.
That’s totally fair. I’d be on board with either if Texans drafted one. Must protect CJ without Tunsil.

:wesmantexanfan:
 
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Doubt this thread has the legs of Stingley vs Sauce thread in 2023, but would be fun looking back to see them develop in NFL. Sauce got leg up early going back to back Pro Bowls but in year 3 Stingley not only caught up, Pro Bowl, but exceeded Sauce by a mile.

Love Banks @ LG. He’s very strong, mauler, ideal measureables for LG position but definitely has versatility to kick outside LT if needed. Easier for him to play tackle than it would be for Conerly to play LG. Can see on tape he struggled with footwork & explosion. Need Medical evaluation from our resident Dr. (CloakNnndager) know his left leg rolled over (sprained, undisclosed severity) vs Aggies. Which seemed to hamper him rest of season. However, showed toughness and grit battling through it. Kelvin Banks Jr. comp is Peter Skoronski.

For the Ducks, Josh Conerly Jr. was blessed with excellent coaching from A'lique Terry. Technique is near flawless for such a young, 21, new to position, 3rd year (before that RB). His kick slide & typewriter toe tapping, allows him to quickly adjust and reset position. Arm length on shorter side 33 3/4” but ample. His issue will be weight training and muscle strength, but given how far, in such a short time he’s come, his body will mature to match NFL strength. Laremy Tunsil is his comp.

Let’s Go :logo:
Banks being injured last yr makes him hard to evaluate,

Watch Banks tape when healthy last yr against Michigan. That's 1st rd tape.

Same as when he went against WA/Turner in his freshman season. He's a LT that can play LG. He also was a leader on the team.

With this said, Conerly is really good, great footwork, dancing bear. He really impressed in the games I watched 2 against OSU he shutdown 2 top 100 players (edges) in both games. Then shutdown Abdul Carter in the other game I watched. Guys a stud, he's really good at hitting his target on the run in the run game. (A sign of great coordination) He's not the type of of guy you lineup and run behind on 3rd and 1 though. That could come in time though.

I'm truly on the fence on who I would pick if given the choice. But if one of these guys fall to say 18 and I was a team like the Pats/ Dolphins or 49ers and I had already made my 1st rd pick, I would be trading back into the back into the 1st rd and picking one of these guys even if it cost me a 2025 2nd rd and a 2025 1st. I'm that high on both of these guys as LT prospects.
 
Banks has more upside as a run defender. Conerly has more upside as a pass protector. Both are good prospects. I’d lean Banks because I can move him to OG and feel good about him being a long term answer there if I am trying to put my best 5 on the field I have the flexibility to kick him inside. I think Conerly is an OT only.

Both good prospects.
 
Gabe Brooks writes about Banks in 2021 (Senior High School) Broad, heavy offensive lineman with guard field demeanor and tackle reach and mobility. Owns above average length that combines with body width to maximize wingspan. Understands not only pad leverage but angles relative to targets and hand placement. Devastating puller with heavy hands and short-area power. Wipeout strength shines at the second level. Drive-blocking ability derives in part from consistent foot activity upon contact. Flashes de-cleating punch and will pancake targets to the ground when necessary. Good functional athleticism relative to size aids pass-pro ability. Light enough on his feet to mirror edge speed, but size and reach compensate when a tic behind. Showed improved bending ability in senior season, which also revealed improved hand placement consistency. Still gets out over his feet at times. Balance and body control remain areas that can improve, but 2021 showed progress. Provides excellent roster value in versatility to play either tackle spot and both guard spots if needed.

What was true then is still true today. He also de-committed from Oregon in 2021 to Texas. I see the same five star stud recruit, maintain his toolbox but not expand or polish his game tape any higher than his High School film, it’s mirror image. Kyle Flood is his line and OC coach coming in same year 2021. Oddly same year as Oregon OL coach. So there is that, or maybe Banks just wanted to stay in Texas?

Film tells me it was for comfort level mostly. I’m not going to say he’s uncoachable, or complacent, just very good maintaining his style but not actually elevating his game. Blessed with God given talent, his blue chip status intact, expect more of the same next level. His speed & footwork have not improved, balance issues remain and hangs around in the trenches rather than open field. He is, an NFL Left Guard.
 
Gabe Brooks writes about Banks in 2021 (Senior High School) Broad, heavy offensive lineman with guard field demeanor and tackle reach and mobility. Owns above average length that combines with body width to maximize wingspan. Understands not only pad leverage but angles relative to targets and hand placement. Devastating puller with heavy hands and short-area power. Wipeout strength shines at the second level. Drive-blocking ability derives in part from consistent foot activity upon contact. Flashes de-cleating punch and will pancake targets to the ground when necessary. Good functional athleticism relative to size aids pass-pro ability. Light enough on his feet to mirror edge speed, but size and reach compensate when a tic behind. Showed improved bending ability in senior season, which also revealed improved hand placement consistency. Still gets out over his feet at times. Balance and body control remain areas that can improve, but 2021 showed progress. Provides excellent roster value in versatility to play either tackle spot and both guard spots if needed.

What was true then is still true today. He also de-committed from Oregon in 2021 to Texas. I see the same five star stud recruit, maintain his toolbox but not expand or polish his game tape any higher than his High School film, it’s mirror image. Kyle Flood is his line and OC coach coming in same year 2021. Oddly same year as Oregon OL coach. So there is that, or maybe Banks just wanted to stay in Texas?

Film tells me it was for comfort level mostly. I’m not going to say he’s uncoachable, or complacent, just very good maintaining his style but not actually elevating his game. Blessed with God given talent, his blue chip status intact, expect more of the same next level. His speed & footwork have not improved, balance issues remain and hangs around in the trenches rather than open field. He is, an NFL Left Guard.
I disagree with this article because Banks has shown to be very good against top competition when healthy. He moves very well for a big man. He struggled some when he was playing on a hurt ankle last yr (Kinda like Tunsil) but the talent is there. Also his mother was very sick last yr I heard on Feldman's podcast.
 
Gabe Brooks writes this about Conerly Jr. coming out of Rainer High School. Athletic build with requisite height and length to play outside for the long run. Lean relative to mass and position with ample bulking space. Built like a jumbo edge defender with the field demeanor of a tone-setting offensive lineman.

Two-sport standout who starts for a Seattle basketball powerhouse and played running back in youth football. Functional athleticism fostered on the hardwood manifests on the gridiron.

Excellent movement ability for a big man. Advanced foot quickness and in-space athleticism result in a second-level nightmare in the run game. Natural bender who plays with encouraging leverage and uncoils upon contact.

Sudden with his feet and fluid in his movement patterns. Athleticism and length allows chip-and-pivot ability in pass protection. Can mirror edge speed when required.

Owns extensive snaps on both sides of the ball. Would garner P5 offers on defense. Well-conditioned with high motor and big gas tank. Flashes some punch, particularly in the run game, but point-of-attack power should increase with added weight.

Needs bulk to stand up to rigors of high-major trench play. Will need to prove ability to drop anchor against college competition.


Again, is what he is, all Mike Green (top 10 pick?) pancake aside. Strength in space, willing pulling blocker, more so than Tunsil (comparable). Enter A'lique Terry, Vikings DL coach in 2023. Absolutely love this guy. Built UofO OL into #1 ranked OL according to Joe Moore award given to nations top offensive line group (Texas #2). Ironically won by Army for top run blocking unit. Terry was glowing in his praise for Conerly, first in practice, last to leave and mentoring younger players.

We’ll see a huge improvement from Caley/Popovich coaching swing from damn it Bobby Slowick and Chris Strousser. However, this plays out, system implemented and overall OL cohesion.
 
I disagree with this article because Banks has shown to be very good against top competition when healthy. He moves very well for a big man. He struggled some when he was playing on a hurt ankle last yr (Kinda like Tunsil) but the talent is there. Also his mother was very sick last yr I heard on Feldman's podcast.
Both high school scouting reports are accurate for their time & place. Just putting out unbiased information for you & others to digest. Both 5 star, blue chip prospects. Injuries and personal affairs may have hampered Banks more than Conerly who showed massive gains and technical refinement.
 
Banks LG and Conerly LT.
As the NFL guys told Tice on Conerly..shh! It is good to see a player that you have liked for a long time get new attention. Comparison to Laremy Tunsil is not a bad deal physically, it's just his lackadaisical attitude and not wanting to hit that most object to. Being compared to a multi-year pro bowler is pretty good stuff. Also, of Interest another talking head thinks Donovan Jackson could be available around 58. Remember I posted Walter Football saying Jackson at 50. That does surprise me.
I can see Caserio taking LT Conerly then trades to get Egbuka and Jackson. Better would be 1.25 Conerly 2.58 Jackson [more likely a trade up] and a WR in third round.
I can see Simmons and Conerly at 25 and Chiefs trading up for Simmons.
 
Kiper’s final mock draft has Texans taking Conerly at 25.

nflmockdraftdatabase has Banks at 13 and Conerly at 35.



I believe Nick is tuned into the other general managers and what they're going to do for the most part. If he sees Josh Conerly falling to top round two, I think he will trade down to get him as too sweet of a deal to pass up. Also some people have
Tennessee taking a wide receiver in round two. Remember Titans do not have a round three.

personally I would not take a chance but would select Conerly at 25.
 
I believe Nick is tuned into the other general managers and what they're going to do for the most part. If he sees Josh Conerly falling to top round two, I think he will trade down to get him as too sweet of a deal to pass up. Also some people have
Tennessee taking a wide receiver in round two. Remember Titans do not have a round three.

personally I would not take a chance but would select Conerly at 25.

Yep, I wouldn't risk him getting through the KC draft pick. They're going to rebuilding their line throughout the draft.
 
Yep, I wouldn't risk him getting through the KC draft pick. They're going to rebuilding their line throughout the draft.
As I posted before, I am hearing that KC wants Josh Simmons but it's going to take real gonads not to take Conerly if he is there.
Too many players I like and not enough firsts and seconds picks.
 
I think people get too caught up in projecting what guys could be based on measurables instead of what their floor is and what the tape truly says they are..which to me is what matters more on the next level.

So when it comes to grading/evaluating o-linemen I usually stay out of it..trust the opinion of the resident draft guys in here. But Kenyon Green has given me PTSD about taking any prospect from the state schools here…I just think they all peak in high school and they tend to be guys who just minimally improve in college. The rest is them out-athleting their opponents. What they are in college tend to be close to their ceiling b/c they all also seem to have been guys who have developed bad habits based on them having peaked earlier…… vs. some of their counterparts who develop later in their careers. To me that’s the difference in whether or not you develop your game around technique or if you’re just out there trying to out-athlete everybody…b/c unless you’re an exceptional athlete like an Aaron Donald or a Myles Garrett, you’re not gonna be able to do that on a weekly basis in the NFL.

I say all that to say, I like the Conerly kid better for several reasons. There’s no confusion about his position or where he’ll be best at like Banks. he’s a tackle. 2, his basketball background shows up big time with his feet..which leads me to #3…his technique is damn near flawless. Great sturdy base at all times. #4…coaching up functional strength is perhaps the easiest thing to get better at and improve upon. He already has The hardest thing down..which is technique, and where a guy like banks is gonna have to improve dramatically to reach his ceiling. #5, Conerly faced more consistent top level competition..imo.

A lot of Banks’ most “impressive” tape people are using for him shows him playing against the UTSA’s and BYU’s of the world. Like with Green, I’m just not impressed by what I see on tape from him.
 
Good points Tex. I just don’t know if Conerly would ever be a plus run blocker. Maybe a swarmier version of Tunsil is ok. But do you want your first round pick to mostly be an observer as a rookie? Robinson is your LT. They paid him starter money, and I doubt they put CJ’s blindside in the hands of a rookie.

Good points…but some counterpoints as well. Good discussion.
 
Good points Tex. I just don’t know if Conerly would ever be a plus run blocker. Maybe a swarmier version of Tunsil is ok. But do you want your first round pick to mostly be an observer as a rookie? Robinson is your LT. They paid him starter money, and I doubt they put CJ’s blindside in the hands of a rookie.

Good points…but some counterpoints as well. Good discussion.
When the Ravens drafted Johnathan Ogden they already had two solid OTs on the roster. That was a top 5 pick. And that gave them a Hall of Famer.

If the team sees a long term future for the player then they should go get them. Aside from QB, they’ll find a way to get that guy on the field as a rookie if they earn it.
 
Good points Tex. I just don’t know if Conerly would ever be a plus run blocker. Maybe a swarmier version of Tunsil is ok. But do you want your first round pick to mostly be an observer as a rookie? Robinson is your LT. They paid him starter money, and I doubt they put CJ’s blindside in the hands of a rookie.

Good points…but some counterpoints as well. Good discussion.


Green was said to have been a plus run blocker. That was the 1 thing that everyone said was his strength coming out. & yes he was better at it than pass pro in the NFL....but that was only b/c he was just that bad at pass pro. 2, it wasn't like he was so much better at it that it offset his bad pass pro...or it made it impossible to take him out of the line up.....or that he was the top guy on our o-line to run behind in the run game.

When i watch Banks, i see a guy whose relying alot more on his athletic ability than technique. Alot of getting out over his toes eager to "lean" on a guy with his frame instead of letting his feet take him there 1st...Green was alot like that. & even in a phone booth like the guard position, guys in the NFL will expose that.

I just think the sum total of all the moves made this offseason by the FO...what it tells me is that they believe Popovich can get more out of their young interior guys in Juice and Patterson than Strausser was able to. Tomlinson being brought in..yeah he's not great.......but compared to Green, he's a pro bowler. More importantly, his biggest strength is perhaps the fact that he doesn't miss games...something that low key plagued the interior o-line last year...Plus i think with Howard being able to shuttle in at guard if needed...I just feel they think they're ok on the interior in that they have enough there to be average...at least for this year.

When you look outside tho, they jettisoned Tunsil...who was really our only plus player on the o-line...(know how you feel about that:)) and bring in 2 1-year rental JAGs to compete with Fisher who will most assuredly man 1 of the tackle spots...I think we're a bit exposed there & they've got to get more young talent in there to shore it up.

Banks has the better measureables to be able to play tackle on the next level...which i guess means he has the the higher upside, but Conerly to me is the better play and more likely to succeed imo.
 
I think people get too caught up in projecting what guys could be based on measurables instead of what their floor is and what the tape truly says they are..which to me is what matters more on the next level.

So when it comes to grading/evaluating o-linemen I usually stay out of it..trust the opinion of the resident draft guys in here. But Kenyon Green has given me PTSD about taking any prospect from the state schools here…I just think they all peak in high school and they tend to be guys who just minimally improve in college. The rest is them out-athleting their opponents. What they are in college tend to be close to their ceiling b/c they all also seem to have been guys who have developed bad habits based on them having peaked earlier…… vs. some of their counterparts who develop later in their careers. To me that’s the difference in whether or not you develop your game around technique or if you’re just out there trying to out-athlete everybody…b/c unless you’re an exceptional athlete like an Aaron Donald or a Myles Garrett, you’re not gonna be able to do that on a weekly basis in the NFL.

I say all that to say, I like the Conerly kid better for several reasons. There’s no confusion about his position or where he’ll be best at like Banks. he’s a tackle. 2, his basketball background shows up big time with his feet..which leads me to #3…his technique is damn near flawless. Great sturdy base at all times. #4…coaching up functional strength is perhaps the easiest thing to get better at and improve upon. He already has The hardest thing down..which is technique, and where a guy like banks is gonna have to improve dramatically to reach his ceiling. #5, Conerly faced more consistent top level competition..imo.

A lot of Banks’ most “impressive” tape people are using for him shows him playing against the UTSA’s and BYU’s of the world. Like with Green, I’m just not impressed by what I see on tape from him.
I love Banks because I thought he played really well on a bad ankle and worked his way through personal family issues. (His mother was/is real sick) it showed me he has great character, so I dont worry about so much about the things you mention in this post. He's going to be really good for a long time. With that said, if given the choice I'm picking Conerly, he's already very good and only going to get better. He can handle LG in his 1st yr IMHO and I know that's a different opinion than most.

Checkout Ersery against Penn St. Carter got him early in that game a couple of times, but Ersery was the man in that matchup after that. His athletic scores match his tape, but they say he doesn't play hard all of the time. If a team can get him to play hard all of the time they will have Ersery playing as a more athletic Orlando Brown Jr. Is that worth the risk and sticking and picking at 1-25? I'm on the fence, but wont be disappointed if Ersery is the pick.
 
As I posted before, I am hearing that KC wants Josh Simmons but it's going to take real gonads not to take Conerly if he is there.
Too many players I like and not enough firsts and seconds picks.
Dang didn't know you had an inside source planted in KC's front office. :winky:

Good points Tex. I just don’t know if Conerly would ever be a plus run blocker. Maybe a swarmier version of Tunsil is ok. But do you want your first round pick to mostly be an observer as a rookie? Robinson is your LT. They paid him starter money, and I doubt they put CJ’s blindside in the hands of a rookie.

Good points…but some counterpoints as well. Good discussion.
Conerly certainly looks willing to run block, but he's still growing into his frame. I think if he adds a little weight and lots of strength as he matures into his body that he'll be a plus run-blocker.
 
Checkout Ersery against Penn St. Carter got him early in that game a couple of times, but Ersery was the man in that matchup after that. His athletic scores match his tape, but they say he doesn't play hard all of the time. If a team can get him to play hard all of the time they will have Ersery playing as a more athletic Orlando Brown Jr. Is that worth the risk and sticking and picking at 1-25? I'm on the fence, but wont be disappointed if Ersery is the pick.

He looks a little too slow a foot to me. From what i've looked at of him, he has issues sticking with blocks. When he does stick, he can't keep his hands on the inside. Will be alot of holding calls on him on the next level if he can't fix that.
 
Dang didn't know you had an inside source planted in KC's front office. :winky:


Conerly certainly looks willing to run block, but he's still growing into his frame. I think if he adds a little weight and lots of strength as he matures into his body that he'll be a plus run-blocker.

definitely looks willing
 
Green was said to have been a plus run blocker. That was the 1 thing that everyone said was his strength coming out. & yes he was better at it than pass pro in the NFL....but that was only b/c he was just that bad at pass pro. 2, it wasn't like he was so much better at it that it offset his bad pass pro...or it made it impossible to take him out of the line up.....or that he was the top guy on our o-line to run behind in the run game.

When i watch Banks, i see a guy whose relying alot more on his athletic ability than technique. Alot of getting out over his toes eager to "lean" on a guy with his frame instead of letting his feet take him there 1st...Green was alot like that. & even in a phone booth like the guard position, guys in the NFL will expose that.

I just think the sum total of all the moves made this offseason by the FO...what it tells me is that they believe Popovich can get more out of their young interior guys in Juice and Patterson than Strausser was able to. Tomlinson being brought in..yeah he's not great.......but compared to Green, he's a pro bowler. More importantly, his biggest strength is perhaps the fact that he doesn't miss games...something that low key plagued the interior o-line last year...Plus i think with Howard being able to shuttle in at guard if needed...I just feel they think they're ok on the interior in that they have enough there to be average...at least for this year.

When you look outside tho, they jettisoned Tunsil...who was really our only plus player on the o-line...(know how you feel about that:)) and bring in 2 1-year rental JAGs to compete with Fisher who will most assuredly man 1 of the tackle spots...I think we're a bit exposed there & they've got to get more young talent in there to shore it up.

Banks has the better measureables to be able to play tackle on the next level...which i guess means he has the the higher upside, but Conerly to me is the better play and more likely to succeed imo.

Good points again. Same with realjoker. I don't agree with all of them, but they are salient and well thought out. I like these kinds of discussions guys. Keep up the great work!
 
Green was said to have been a plus run blocker. That was the 1 thing that everyone said was his strength coming out. & yes he was better at it than pass pro in the NFL....but that was only b/c he was just that bad at pass pro. 2, it wasn't like he was so much better at it that it offset his bad pass pro...or it made it impossible to take him out of the line up.....or that he was the top guy on our o-line to run behind in the run game.

When i watch Banks, i see a guy whose relying alot more on his athletic ability than technique. Alot of getting out over his toes eager to "lean" on a guy with his frame instead of letting his feet take him there 1st...Green was alot like that. & even in a phone booth like the guard position, guys in the NFL will expose that.

I just think the sum total of all the moves made this offseason by the FO...what it tells me is that they believe Popovich can get more out of their young interior guys in Juice and Patterson than Strausser was able to. Tomlinson being brought in..yeah he's not great.......but compared to Green, he's a pro bowler. More importantly, his biggest strength is perhaps the fact that he doesn't miss games...something that low key plagued the interior o-line last year...Plus i think with Howard being able to shuttle in at guard if needed...I just feel they think they're ok on the interior in that they have enough there to be average...at least for this year.

When you look outside tho, they jettisoned Tunsil...who was really our only plus player on the o-line...(know how you feel about that:)) and bring in 2 1-year rental JAGs to compete with Fisher who will most assuredly man 1 of the tackle spots...I think we're a bit exposed there & they've got to get more young talent in there to shore it up.

Banks has the better measureables to be able to play tackle on the next level...which i guess means he has the the higher upside, but Conerly to me is the better play and more likely to succeed imo.
I disagree with them being OK on the IOL. That's if you want to be more than avg. I want them to draft a guy that on 3rd and short they can run Mixon behind say Robinson/Ersery and a drafted TE and pickup a 1st down. You dont need much blocking for Mixon to pickup a yd. He's a really good short yardage RB. Something else I've been thinking of is using one of the 7th rd picks to draft a player that is great at running the tush push. Could be a QB, could be a RB that played QB in high school, could be a TE. Use this guy as a weapon until they change the rules. Hurts gives Philly such an advantage in these situations. The Texans needs to find a player or 2 that can be a differencemaker.
 
He looks a little too slow a foot to me. From what i've looked at of him, he has issues sticking with blocks. When he does stick, he can't keep his hands on the inside. Will be alot of holding calls on him on the next level if he can't fix that.
Agreed, but he did test out as a plus athlete at the combine. I think his technique needs work. He might make a really good LG at worst. I could see a team like the Ravens drafting him, cleaning up his technique and having a stud.
 
I disagree with them being OK on the IOL. That's if you want to be more than avg. I want them to draft a guy that on 3rd and short they can run Mixon behind say Robinson/Ersery and a drafted TE and pickup a 1st down. You dont need much blocking for Mixon to pickup a yd. He's a really good short yardage RB. Something else I've been thinking of is using one of the 7th rd picks to draft a player that is great at running the tush push. Could be a QB, could be a RB that played QB in high school, could be a TE. Use this guy as a weapon until they change the rules. Hurts gives Philly such an advantage in these situations. The Texans needs to find a player or 2 that can be a differencemaker.

I don't really subscribe to PFF grades but lets use them as a reference guide...I threw in Tunsil's just b/c we all think the same about him when it comes to run blocking & also to see where he was compared to Green & others.

here's our interior o-line's overall grades according to PFF

1744817948367.png 1744816664395.png 1744817294780.png 1744817378990.png

Here's Tomlinson

1744816844852.png

Now granted, Tomlinson's "grades" aren't much better if at all better than Shaq Mason's whom we also let go of...but understand how TERRIBLE Green's are compared to everyone else's. What this tells me is that even with Tomlinson level play at the LG spot....which is essentially what we got once Green was benched for good towards the end of the season, the o-line play would've been light years better & Its reasonable to assume that with more continuity and better coaching, this particular group can be at least average. & i don't see any rookie that we'll have our pick to choose from in this year's draft coming in and being outright better than that at this point. IMO, they're ok for now on the interior. They need to get the edges shored up after trading Tunsil.
 
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I don't really subscribe to PFF grades but lets use them as a reference guide.

here's our interior o-line's overall grades according to PFF

View attachment 15432 View attachment 15427 View attachment 15429 View attachment 15430

Here's Tomlinson

View attachment 15428

Now granted, Tomlinson's "grades" aren't much better if at all better than Shaq Mason's whom we also let go of...but understand how TERRIBLE Green's are compared to everyone else's. What this tells me is that even with Tomlinson level play at the LG spot....which is essentially what we got once Green was benched for good towards the end of the season, the o-line play would've been light years better & Its reasonable to assume that with more continuity and better coaching, this particular group can be at least average. & i don't see any rookie that we'll have our pick to choose from in this year's draft coming in and being outright better than that at this point. IMO, they're ok for now on the interior. They need to get the edges shored up after trading Tunsil.
I agree with you, however I do believe Tate Ratledge and Wyatt Milum would be huge upgrades at the OG spots. Both are tough footabll players with good or in Ratledge's case great movement skills. I dont think Caserio will go in this direction though. Like I said Conerly would be my #1 pick at 1-25 and even though I know he needs to add some strength it's not like he's weak and he would be an upgrade at LG over Tomlinson/Howard IMHO because he's athletic enough to pickup stunts and can hit his targets on the 2nd level.

Looks like Patterson didn't stand a chance lining up next to Mason/Green last yr. Those guys really sucked. I wonder how much of Green's suckage made Tunsil/Patterson's play look much worse than it really was and this doesn't even take into account Scruggs suckage at the C position.
 
Looks like Patterson didn't stand a chance lining up next to Mason/Green last yr. Those guys really sucked. I wonder how much of Green's suckage made Tunsil/Patterson's play look much worse than it really was and this doesn't even take into account Scruggs suckage at the C position.

Agree with this. Green dragged the whole o-line play down & you could really see that in those early games..the GB game in particular they had someone over Green's gap damn near every play b/c they just knew there was a play to be made there.
 
The man has made millions doing things his way. Gotta respect that.

…or not.

And thanks Lucky. I was just curious because it’s an objective athletic score. I’m not a Conerly expert but he has some Tunsil in him imho. I do like him though…increasingly so…though I have some concerns about his strength, physicality, and ability to be a plus in the run game. I’d like to think he can improve those areas, but Tunsil didn’t. I’m also not sure Conerly is a future LT. Looks more RT to me to my somewhat untrained eyes.That said, out of the attainable guys…he’s second to Banks on my list.
 
…or not.

And thanks Lucky. I was just curious because it’s an objective athletic score. I’m not a Conerly expert but he has some Tunsil in him imho. I do like him though…increasingly so…though I have some concerns about his strength, physicality, and ability to be a plus in the run game. I’d like to think he can improve those areas, but Tunsil didn’t. I’m also not sure Conerly is a future LT. Looks more RT to me to my somewhat untrained eyes.That said, out of the attainable guys…he’s second to Banks on my list.
One of the best LT's in the NFL.

Conerly is like 21 years old and has much room to get stronger. A LT job is to protect the blindside. A RT is the run side OT for the most part. If you don't like Conerly blocking on the left side, you certainly won't like him on the right side.
 
One of the best LT's in the NFL.

Conerly is like 21 years old and has much room to get stronger. A LT job is to protect the blindside. A RT is the run side OT for the most part. If you don't like Conerly blocking on the left side, you certainly won't like him on the right side.
Conerly won’t be 21 until damn near halfway into 2025-26 season. That’s the concern, but what scouts focus on this early are growth trends, what’s direction his trajectory indicates. If he stayed in one more season he’s probably fighting to go top 10 overall. He is a LT only, like Tunsil but willing & improving in run blocking (pulling). Not finisher yet, like Trent Williams but similar, athletic size 33 3/4” arms length to 34 1/4” big hands 10 3/8” to Williams 9 3/4” hands. Both around 6-5 315. Trent went #4 overall. Conerly kick slide is what mirrors Tunsil, right or left, better than Trent but Williams is tad more explosive than Conerly or Tunsil.
 
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Three other OL I like a lot after RD1:

LT/RT- Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College / 6-8 @ 318 lbs)

LT- Jalen Travis (Iowa State / 6-7 @ 332 lbs)

One OG I like later:

LG/RG/C- Connor Colby (Iowa / 6-5 @ 309 lbs)

If I had the available picks, I’d draft all three if I missed out on LG- Donovan Jackson (Ohio Stare).
 
Conerly won’t be 21 until damn near halfway into 2025-26 season. That’s the concern, but what scouts focus on this early are growth trends, what’s direction his trajectory indicates. If he stayed in one more season he’s probably fighting to go top 10 overall. He is a LT only, like Tunsil but willing & improving in run blocking (pulling). Not finisher yet, like Trent Williams but similar, athletic size 33 3/4” arms length to 34 1/4” big hands 10 3/8” to Williams 9 3/4” hands. Both around 6-5 315. Trent went #4 overall. Conerly kick slide is what mirrors Tunsil, right or left, better than Trent but Williams is tad more explosive than Conerly or Tunsil.
I actually think the fact that he's young is encouraging, as the one hole in his game is strength. Give him a full offseason and in the 2nd year expect he'll be ready to go.
 
Don’t think there’s a “wrong” choice here. Like both prospects. I would prefer Banks because I think he has more sand in his pants for the run game. Both compare favorably to Duane Brown, the most complete LT in Texans history.

I would use Robinson as Ephraim Salaam for either of them rotating in-game to give them an opportunity to acclimate to the pro game while they add strength like all young OL need to do.

I think the most likely scenario for Texans is they trade up 3-5 spots and pick one of these players to make sure nobody jumps them for “their guy”. I read Daniel Jeremiah say it’s Banks or Booker at 25 but I think it’s Banks or Conerly due to importance of OT position and second contract values.
 
Three other OL I like a lot after RD1:

LT/RT- Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College / 6-8 @ 318 lbs)

LT- Jalen Travis (Iowa State / 6-7 @ 332 lbs)


One OG I like later:

LG/RG/C- Connor Colby (Iowa / 6-5 @ 309 lbs)

If I had the available picks, I’d draft all three if I missed out on LG- Donovan Jackson (Ohio Stare).
Like both of them, but heard from several media guys I have some trust in (Dane Brugler and such) that both are RT only in the eyes of most teams
 
This is how I think it goes Thu/Fri. I go off of gut feeling and this is a lot of gut feeling with a sprinkling of rumor mill. Same sprinkling of rumor and gut feeling had me picking Duane Brown back in the day.

Banks goes in the teens. Texans stay at 25 after failing to find a trade down deal and take Tyler Booker. I love me some Booker. Some of you do not. But if Banks is gone…as I suspect, they go Booker. I don’t think they go Zabel based on history. Conerly could also be the guy but only if Booker is gone. Slight chance D Jackson if Booker is gone. I do not think they go WR…but could be wrong if both Banks and Booker are gone. Like I said…gut feeling.

In the second they trade up, with Conerly the target if he is there. If he is gone…I’m less certain. They may stay put but for this exercise, Conerly is available. Why not Conerly first, then Booker in the 2nd? Because they want their first round pick to be a day one starter. Conerly is unlikely to start. I have heard DeMeco on the record state this. The first rounder should be a plug and play starter.

Add a day two guard or center in the 2026 draft, and you’ve rebuilt this line with young, cheaper talent. It’s up to the coaches to put it all together and make it work.
 
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