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Last Mock Draft by Sporting News: Texans take Cushing

Texecutioner

Texecutioner

Hall of Fame
15 (15) Houston Brian Cushing OLB USC
They cannot pass on the chance to grab Cushing, who brings versatility and athleticism to the linebacker corps.
16 (16) San Diego Chris 'Beanie' Wells RB Ohio State
LaDainian Tomlinson's days are numbered and Darren Sproles is not a starter. So they grab Wells to become featured back in 2010.
17 (17) NY Jets Mark Sanchez QB USC
They must find quarterback, and Sanchez looks like a star who is used to dealing with a lot of media. He should be able to handle the New York media.


http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/draft/mock_draft
 
Texecutioner said:
Well you and I have agreed on this for a while, but my opinion has slightly changed her Polo and I would rather have Moreno than Beanie.
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I'd love to have either one. Moreno runs like Curtis Martin and Beanie runs like Stephen Davis. I'd also like linebacker Rey Maualuga or Clay Matthews over Cushing. Rey is a better run stopper and Matthews is a better pass rusher.
 
Vinny said:
I'd love to have either one. Moreno runs like Curtis Martin and Beanie runs like Stephen Davis. I'd also like linebacker Rey Maualuga or Clay Matthews over Cushing. Rey is a better run stopper and Matthews is a better pass rusher.
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I'm still with that you said the other day Vinny, that the Texans don't take any of the LBs or at least Matthews. The whole thing seems too cookie cutter easy. I think they surprise and go outside the box..maybe RB. Of course I'd rather have one of the LBs..which is what I wanted starting the process.. than another D-lineman.
 
HoustonFrog said:
I'm still with that you said the other day Vinny, that the Texans don't take any of the LBs or at least Matthews. The whole thing seems too cookie cutter easy. I think they surprise and go outside the box..maybe RB. Of course I'd rather have one of the LBs..which is what I wanted starting the process.. than another D-lineman.
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Right now I'm thinking Vunta (he has to change his name if he comes here) Davis, Rey Maualuga, or a running back that will help us win on 3rd and short and first and goal. While we were a team that churned out lots of yardage, we lost a ton of goal line and 3rd and short situations. Converting those situations keeps the defense off the field and turns 3 points into 7. Rey Maualuga does the same thing that Wells would do for the offense for the D - win that battle for short space, extending drives and punching in TD's.
 
Vinny said:
I'd love to have either one. Moreno runs like Curtis Martin and Beanie runs like Stephen Davis. I'd also like linebacker Rey Maualuga or Clay Matthews over Cushing. Rey is a better run stopper and Matthews is a better pass rusher.
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I'm sooooooo with you there on Rey Vinny. He is better than all of those guys and we could make it work with him and Demeco.

And like you and Frog say, it does come off as a little to easy to just say who we want this entire time and just pick Mathews or Cushing. I sure hope that's the case, because I don't want either one of them. Cushing has been very injury prone and his numbers have never been that great. And Mathews may have upside and potential as a late bloomer, but how good will this guy be really to use a 15th pick on him?

And if we got Moreno Vinny, I know that a lot of posters are going to get ticked off at me for saying this, but he'll take Slaton's job as the starter. Slaton is great, but he isn't the talent that Moreno is man. Moreno is freaking awsome, and I wouldn't care who the starter was personally, because it would be more of a time share any way, and look at how great of a back up RB you would have with either one as the starter.
 
If Cushing were the pick, I would initially be very skeptical. Cushing has become my "I-Would-Rather-Have-Anyone-Else-But-Him" Player.

People may have doubts about all three USC backers, but the playmaking ability and potential seem to favor Rey and Matthews. Even if you doubt Rey can make it in the NFL, it's usually his speed/character that is in question...you can't deny his physicality and presence in the middle.

Matthew's doubts seem to be focused on lack of playing time. To me, Matthew's has one of the quickest bursts for a LB that I've seen since probably the late-great Derrick Thomas...IMO that 10-yard split that he ran immediately guaranteed someone will take him in the 1st. When you combine that with his character and work-ethic, he is my pick of the three (whether or not the FO decides that a LB is the pick is another topic altogether).

Cushing seems over-hyped and most footage I've seen of him, he seems to get to the ball just in time to be in the play, but not actually making the play himself. I've seen others post similar sentiments, and I tend to agree...he seems to run around and fall on players after they're down or as they're going down...not overwhelming evidence of a playmaker IMO. Cushing seems to be USC's defensive version of Reggie Bush...great measurables and speed, but I doubt whether he can be an impact LB in the NFL.:twocents:
 
Texecutioner said:
Well you and I have agreed on this for a while, but my opinion has slightly changed her Polo and I would rather have Moreno than Beanie.
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Honestly, I'm fine with either one...and I go back in forth with who I'd rather have on a daily...

Wells gives you something Slaton doesn't, plus he still has the speed and ability to be an everydown back instead of being labled a "bruiser"...

Moreno comes without the health concerns of Wells... a more shifty runner...can take it between the tackles....

I'm fine with either...I also like Rey and some other prospects...
 
I like Rey just as much as the next guy, but to me, MIKE is D-Ryans and Rey's most suitable position. I don't think Rey will translate to SLB and I think they're both a liability in coverage.

If we choose a LB I think we go for more speed than what we have. Other than Adibi's potential, we really don't have the LB with speed that will not be a liability in coverage.

My.02
 
Texecutioner said:
I'm sooooooo with you there on Rey Vinny. He is better than all of those guys and we could make it work with him and Demeco.

And like you and Frog say, it does come off as a little to easy to just say who we want this entire time and just pick Mathews or Cushing. I sure hope that's the case, because I don't want either one of them. Cushing has been very injury prone and his numbers have never been that great. And Mathews may have upside and potential as a late bloomer, but how good will this guy be really to use a 15th pick on him?

And if we got Moreno Vinny, I know that a lot of posters are going to get ticked off at me for saying this, but he'll take Slaton's job as the starter. Slaton is great, but he isn't the talent that Moreno is man. Moreno is freaking awsome, and I wouldn't care who the starter was personally, because it would be more of a time share any way, and look at how great of a back up RB you would have with either one as the starter.
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QFT. Knowshaun will carry the ball 18 ish times, Slaton 12 ish. With both of them, look for packages with one at slot with the other in the backfield. We would have to be creative, but I would like him more than the USC OLB's or Wells.
 
Vinny said:
I'd love to have either one. Moreno runs like Curtis Martin and Beanie runs like Stephen Davis. I'd also like linebacker Rey Maualuga or Clay Matthews over Cushing. Rey is a better run stopper and Matthews is a better pass rusher.
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Which of the three can cover better??
 
It appears to be a terrible mock. Maybe it's way ahead of everybody else,
but it's prbably way behind the curve.
 
Vinny said:
Why does everyone want a coverage linebacker when we can't stop the run?
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Why do people want a RB in the first when the defense sucks?

I guess I'd be a crappy GM because I'd be spending at least 5 picks on defense. Two of those would be on the first day. A RB in the 3rd or a 4th, C/G in the 4th or 5th.
 
Cherry Pick.

1Knowshon Moreno
2Vontae Davis
3James Casey
4Chip Vaughn
4Trevor Canfield
5Tony Fiammetta
6Tim Jamison
7 Ellis Lankster

I would have taken Rey in the first but he was selected #10 so im not sure why everyone is taking about him in this thread like he was available.
 
HOU-TEX said:
Why do people want a RB in the first when the defense sucks?

I guess I'd be a crappy GM because I'd be spending at least 5 picks on defense. Two of those would be on the first day. A RB in the 3rd or a 4th, C/G in the 4th or 5th.
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converting 3rd and short keeps the d off the field and turns 3 into 7. The last time I checked, we moved the ball ok but always broke down in the red zone. The first pick isn't the only place to make your team better but it is a place to get great talent if you don't pick purely for isolated need.
 
Vinny said:
converting 3rd and short keeps the d off the field and turns 3 into 7. The last time I checked, we moved the ball ok but always broke down in the red zone. The first pick isn't the only place to make your team better but it is a place to get great talent if you don't pick purely for isolated need.
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Agreed.

So why not get Jasper Brinkley in the 3rd or 4th instead of Maualuga in the 1st? He brings the same physicality and attitude to the defense with the same weakness in coverage for a lower price.

That would allow us to get a more talented player in the 1st.
 
bah007 said:
Agreed.

So why not get Jasper Brinkley in the 3rd or 4th instead of Maualuga in the 1st? He brings the same physicality and attitude to the defense with the same weakness in coverage for a lower price.

That would allow us to get a more talented player in the 1st.
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I'm probably higher on Rey than you are. I've seen him beat blocks so easily at times it makes me kinda pine for the guy...not that there is anything wrong with that.
 
Vinny said:
I'm probably higher on Rey than you are. I've seen him beat blocks so easily at times it makes me kinda pine for the guy...not that there is anything wrong with that.
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I don't see anyway that Mauluga isn't a stud if he keeps his head on str8. Dude is an animal at mike.
 
Vinny said:
I'm probably higher on Rey than you are. I've seen him beat blocks so easily at times it makes me kinda pine for the guy...not that there is anything wrong with that.
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Some people just value different players differently.

I think Maualuga's style of play can be immensely successful in a 34 defense where he can just thump away and not have to worry about coverage as much.

I don't think that his style of play lends itself to the MIKE position in a 43.
 
Vinny said:
I'd love to have either one. Moreno runs like Curtis Martin and Beanie runs like Stephen Davis. I'd also like linebacker Rey Maualuga or Clay Matthews over Cushing. Rey is a better run stopper and Matthews is a better pass rusher.
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I don't get why we would want a Part time player in round one. We draft either one, they aren't going to sniff the starting spot unless there is an injury. There are plenty of good backs in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th. If anyone should understand that, it should be us. See Davis, Dominck and Slaton, Steve.
 
Porky said:
I don't get why we would want a Part time player in round one. We draft either one, they aren't going to sniff the starting spot unless there is an injury. There are plenty of good backs in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th. If anyone should understand that, it should be us. See Davis, Dominck and Slaton, Steve.
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if you think a coverage linebacker is gonna help us in 3rd and short or first and goal...well, you are seeing flying pigs again.
 
Quick question:

Why has there been no mention of Laurinaitis as a possibility for the Texans? I know he has played MLB and our need is at OLB, but I keep seeing people suggest DEs that have no LB experience as a solution at OLB, or hybrid OLB/DEs that have very limited experience at LB (used mostly in a pass rush role). I don't see why a DE could be considered for our OLB spot, but not a player who has played LB for the past 4 yrs.

I didn't watch a lot of Big Ten football, but whenever I saw OSU play, this guy seemed to make plays all over the field. Laurinaitis was incredibly productive throughout college, is highly decorated, and was thought to go in the top 10 if he had come out last year. From what I have read and seen, he seems to play both the run and pass well, so I would think he could be a 3 down LB. And he is reported to be a high character player, with a high football IQ and instincts. He is also about the same size as the top 3 USC LBs, although a bit slower than Cushing and Matthews.

Not really trying to beat the drum for this player (ok, maybe a little), but when looking over the LBs available in this draft, I keep thinking I wouldn't have a problem if the Texans were to draft this guy. He may not have as high a ceiling as some of the others, but his game looks like it has fewer holes. Just wondering why his name has never really been mentioned. Maybe I'm missing something.
 
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I and others (texecutioner is who I mainly remember) have talked about Laurinitis on multiple occasions...
 
Vinny said:
converting 3rd and short keeps the d off the field and turns 3 into 7. The last time I checked, we moved the ball ok but always broke down in the red zone. The first pick isn't the only place to make your team better but it is a place to get great talent if you don't pick purely for isolated need.
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I just don't see that much a drop in talent from rounds 1-3 at RB compared to the defensive players. You can get a similiar RB in mid rounds. Why use a 1 or a 2 for one when you can upgrade the side of the ball needs more help? Then use a mid-round pick for your rotating RB.
 
Vinny said:
Laurinaitis will be there in the second round perhaps
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Which would mean we could still trade back and pick him up. It still doesn't explain how a player thought to go in the top 10 a year ago, is now a late first rounder, when his production has been rock solid.
 
Vinny said:
if you think a coverage linebacker is gonna help us in 3rd and short or first and goal...well, you are seeing flying pigs again.
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I never said he would directly, but hey if you can keep the other team from scoring that takes the pressure off your offense. I just think you can get a good short yardage guy who can keep the chains moving later on if that's what you want. That's been proven time and time again. Why would you want to pay first rd money to a guy standing on the sidelines? It's a waste of both talent and money. We need help on D. Now, if you have a chance to get an Adrian Peterson ok. But I don't think either guy is in that class and Wells is a high injury risk. Haven't we seen that show before?
 
TexanAddict said:
Which would mean we could still trade back and pick him up. It still doesn't explain how a player thought to go in the top 10 a year ago, is now a late first rounder, when his production has been rock solid.
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I doubt Laurinaitis is there for us in the 2nd but if so, it would take about 2 seconds for me to turn in the card with his name. I love the guy. I watch OSU more than any team, and I loved his play. I could see trading down in rd one and snagging him as well. Would love that pick myself. :devilpig:
 
Texecutioner said:
I'm sooooooo with you there on Rey Vinny. He is better than all of those guys and we could make it work with him and Demeco.

And like you and Frog say, it does come off as a little to easy to just say who we want this entire time and just pick Mathews or Cushing. I sure hope that's the case, because I don't want either one of them. Cushing has been very injury prone and his numbers have never been that great. And Mathews may have upside and potential as a late bloomer, but how good will this guy be really to use a 15th pick on him?

And if we got Moreno Vinny, I know that a lot of posters are going to get ticked off at me for saying this, but he'll take Slaton's job as the starter. Slaton is great, but he isn't the talent that Moreno is man. Moreno is freaking awsome, and I wouldn't care who the starter was personally, because it would be more of a time share any way, and look at how great of a back up RB you would have with either one as the starter.
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This is exactly what I'm thinking. The only difference is I think Clay would be good too just not right away.
 
AustinJB said:
If Cushing were the pick, I would initially be very skeptical. Cushing has become my "I-Would-Rather-Have-Anyone-Else-But-Him" Player.

People may have doubts about all three USC backers, but the playmaking ability and potential seem to favor Rey and Matthews. Even if you doubt Rey can make it in the NFL, it's usually his speed/character that is in question...you can't deny his physicality and presence in the middle.

Matthew's doubts seem to be focused on lack of playing time. To me, Matthew's has one of the quickest bursts for a LB that I've seen since probably the late-great Derrick Thomas...IMO that 10-yard split that he ran immediately guaranteed someone will take him in the 1st. When you combine that with his character and work-ethic, he is my pick of the three (whether or not the FO decides that a LB is the pick is another topic altogether).

Cushing seems over-hyped and most footage I've seen of him, he seems to get to the ball just in time to be in the play, but not actually making the play himself. I've seen others post similar sentiments, and I tend to agree...he seems to run around and fall on players after they're down or as they're going down...not overwhelming evidence of a playmaker IMO. Cushing seems to be USC's defensive version of Reggie Bush...great measurables and speed, but I doubt whether he can be an impact LB in the NFL.:twocents:
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This is something I agree with also. This is getting scary.
 
Polo said:
I and others (texecutioner is who I mainly remember) have talked about Laurinitis on multiple occasions...
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Yeah, I like Lauranitis. I think he'll be a can't miss guy. He might not be a superstar, but he'll be one hell of a player if you ask me. If we trade down and end up with laurnanitis, I'll be very happy with that. I'd rather have Lauranitis than Mathews for sure because he was a beast for like 3 straight seasons and had he came out last season he would have been a top ten pick perhaps.

Does Mathews have more upside than Lauranitis? Perhaps, but Lauranitis was a leader on that defense for a few seasons while Mathews was a part time back up.

And Vinny, no way Lauranitis goes into the 2nd round, and if for some strange reason that did happen there wouldn't be any way at all that he would drop as far as the 15th pick in the 2nd. If that happened, that would be the biggest STEAL the Texans have ever had with any pick. I'd love for it to happen, but that is a pipe dream if you ask me.
 
I'm thinking Wells/Moreno over Matthews/Cushing, too. There's no guarantee Matthews or Cushing will beat out Adibi or Diles. They add solid depth and both are probably good special teamers. Wells and Moreno would get 10-15 touches per game, and we'd have a back who could punch it in on short yardage situations. And if Slaton gets injured, we'd still have a workhorse.

But, I'd like Jenkins the most. If he's gone, we should try to trade down.
 
Texecutioner said:
Yeah, I like Lauranitis. I think he'll be a can't miss guy. He might not be a superstar, but he'll be one hell of a player if you ask me. If we trade down and end up with laurnanitis, I'll be very happy with that. I'd rather have Lauranitis than Mathews for sure because he was a beast for like 3 straight seasons and had he came out last season he would have been a top ten pick perhaps.

Does Mathews have more upside than Lauranitis? Perhaps, but Lauranitis was a leader on that defense for a few seasons while Mathews was a part time back up.
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These were basically the same thoughts I was having that made me ask the question in the first place. If we can trade back and snag a player of this caliber, I would do it.
 
Glad to see I am not the only one who doesn't want Cushing and would like a running back. My thought is we have the biggest loss if we lose Slaton vs if we lose one of our current LBs due to injury. Plus I feel there is a greater talent gap between a first round RB vs a third round RB as compared to a 1st round LB vs third round LB. I know we need to help the defense, but improving your offense and controlling the clock does this also in an offensive way plus you score points and keep your defense fresh. Remember what is was like pre-Slaton and post-Davis, I for one do not want that again and we are one play from being there. It might not even be a mojor injury that makes Slaton ineffective, it might just be wear and tear. The original idea was for Slaton to be a third down back, not the back that carries the load. I still think that is the best scenario, so I have no problem using the 1st round draft to pick up a better back. We got lucky with Slaton last year , both in his talent and durability, but if we start taking him for granted and overwork him, he won' last. If that happens kiss Matt goodbye also because the opposing defense will know we must pass. Just my opinion.
 
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I would choose Moreno over Wells. I am tired of dealing with injury prone running backs and players that have questionable heart. If Moreno gone at 15 I would rather trade back and get the additional pick and then pick Donald Brown over Wells at 15. I guess I really don't just want any running back. I want Moreno if he's there.
 
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