Mussops Mock - follow up to FA thread

[mussop]

In my previous thread I showed how I would handle FA.

On offense OD, Walter, Davis and, Pitts are out.

In are Malcom Floyd, San Chargers (28), and whichever one of these TE's takes the least amount of money, Tony Scheffler, Bo Scaife, Ben Watson or Anthony Fasano.

Brisiel is resigned at a low offer and with the money saved from FA's let go I also bring in either Jahri Evans or Logan Mankins to shore up our OL.

On Defense I make my big splash at the DT spot. I dont want to depend on another draft pick to fill this long time need. Im going after and signing one of the following. Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots (28), Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders (30), Aubrayo Franklin, San Francisco 49ers (30), Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers (32), Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers (30). If for some reason I cant sign any of them I take a step down and go after a younger guy with a lot of upside like Tony Brown, Tennessee Titans (29).

Demeco is resigned Daunte is offered a middle of the pack contract and told like it or leave it.

One other move I make. I trade Jacoby Jones to Denver for Peyton Hillis.

Now its time to move on to the draft.

In the first round Im looking for a trade down. Somewhere in the mid 20's is as low as I want to go. That should net us another second rounder according to the trade value chart.

RB, OL, CB and S are the positions im primarily looking to improve here. My draft would look something like this

1st C.J. Spiller RB Clemson

Now our 8 to 12 yard runs turn into TD's. We finally have a RB that is a threat to go all the way every time he touches the ball.

2nd Ras-I Dowling CB 6'2 200 Virginia

A big corner with ball hawking skills and could possibly play FS.

2nd Sergio Render OG 6'3 320 Virginia Tech or Mike Pouncey OG 6'5 320 Florida 3rd

Either of these guys are capable of playing in our ZB scheme and with their size would help out in short yardage situations.

3rd Maurkice Pouncey C 6'5 318 Florida

Again size matters, Maurkice can more than hold his own against big power rushers (as he proved against Bama's Mt Cody) and is agile enough to play in our ZB scheme.

4th Boo Robinson DT 6'2" 326 Wake Forest

Teamed with our big FA pickup gives us a solid goal line and short yardage package.

5th LeGarrette Blount RB 6'2" 235 Oregon

The only reason this guy is still available is because of his off feild problems. His talent makes a 5th round pick worth the gamble IMO. He instintly becomes our short yardage back.

6th and 7th BPA.

So our 2010 offense looks like this

QB Schaub
RB Spiller, Slaton, Hillis, Blount
WR Johnson, Malcom Floyd, Anderson, Martinez
TE Tony Scheffler, Dreeson,
OT Brown, Winston, Butler
G Mankins, Pouncey, Brisiel, Caldwell, Studdard
C Pouncey, Myers

Our 2010 defense looks like this

CB Reeves, Quin, Dowling, McCain
S Pollard, Ferguson, Barber, Nolan, Wilson
LB Cushing, Demeco, Dyles, Thompson, Adibi, Bentley
DE Mario, Barwin, Smith, Jamison
DT Richard Seymour, Robinson, Okoye, Cody, Boo Robinson

 

[beerlover]

you know I will tread a different path but I appreciate all your effort & hard work

 

[painekiller]

Brown, Mankins, Caldwell, Winston, Butler

How about an OL like the one above?

 

[steelbtexan]

In my previous thread I showed how I would handle FA.

On offense OD, Walter, Davis and, Pitts are out.

In are Malcom Floyd, San Chargers (28), and whichever one of these TE's takes the least amount of money, Tony Scheffler, Bo Scaife, Ben Watson or Anthony Fasano.

Brisiel is resigned at a low offer and with the money saved from FA's let go I also bring in either Jahri Evans or Logan Mankins to shore up our OL.

On Defense I make my big splash at the DT spot. I dont want to depend on another draft pick to fill this long time need. Im going after and signing one of the following. Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots (28), Richard Seymour, Oakland Raiders (30), Aubrayo Franklin, San Francisco 49ers (30), Casey Hampton, Pittsburgh Steelers (32), Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers (30). If for some reason I cant sign any of them I take a step down and go after a younger guy with a lot of upside like Tony Brown, Tennessee Titans (29).

Demeco is resigned Daunte is offered a middle of the pack contract and told like it or leave it.

One other move I make. I trade Jacoby Jones to Denver for Peyton Hillis.

Now its time to move on to the draft.

In the first round Im looking for a trade down. Somewhere in the mid 20's is as low as I want to go. That should net us another second rounder according to the trade value chart.

RB, OL, CB and S are the positions im primarily looking to improve here. My draft would look something like this

1st C.J. Spiller RB Clemson

Now our 8 to 12 yard runs turn into TD's. We finally have a RB that is a threat to go all the way every time he touches the ball.

2nd Ras-I Dowling CB 6'2 200 Virginia

A big corner with ball hawking skills and could possibly play FS.

2nd Sergio Render OG 6'3 320 Virginia Tech or Mike Pouncey OG 6'5 320 Florida 3rd

Either of these guys are capable of playing in our ZB scheme and with their size would help out in short yardage situations.

3rd Maurkice Pouncey C 6'5 318 Florida

Again size matters, Maurkice can more than hold his own against big power rushers (as he proved against Bama's Mt Cody) and is agile enough to play in our ZB scheme.

4th Boo Robinson DT 6'2" 326 Wake Forest

Teamed with our big FA pickup gives us a solid goal line and short yardage package.

5th LeGarrette Blount RB 6'2" 235 Oregon

The only reason this guy is still available is because of his off feild problems. His talent makes a 5th round pick worth the gamble IMO. He instintly becomes our short yardage back.

6th and 7th BPA.

So our 2010 offense looks like this

QB Schaub
RB Spiller, Slaton, Hillis, Blount
WR Johnson, Malcom Floyd, Anderson, Martinez
TE Tony Scheffler, Dreeson,
OT Brown, Winston, Butler
G Mankins, Pouncey, Brisiel, Caldwell, Studdard
C Pouncey, Myers

Our 2010 defense looks like this

CB Reeves, Quin, Dowling, McCain
S Pollard, Ferguson, Barber, Nolan, Wilson
LB Cushing, Demeco, Dyles, Thompson, Adibi, Bentley
DE Mario, Barwin, Smith, Jamison
DT Richard Seymour, Robinson, Okoye, Cody, Boo Robinson

This is a great plan.

Love the FA pickups and the FA's let go.

I would take Dwyer over Spiller.

The only other thing I would do differrenly is if R.Johnson from Utah is there in the 4th rd I would take him over Robinson.

This is just splitting hairs.

The Texans have the the cap space to carry out this plan. The only qeustion is if McNair is willing to spend the money to carry the plan out.

If he is I can garuntee you that the Texans will finish 11-5 or better. That's taking into account injuries.

It's all about McNair and which direction he wants to take this franchise.

I wish past and present FO personell put as much thought into what they were doing as you have.

Must spread the rep but well thought out plan.

 

[steelbtexan]

you know I will tread a different path but I appreciate all your effort & hard work

BL

What path would you tread?

 

[YoungTexanFan]

I'm pretty high on the Pouncey twins. I'd be happy with either. Otherwise, I'm not a big fan of this draft, but I do appreciate the time you put into it and the FA thread.

 

[mussop]

I'm pretty high on the Pouncey twins. I'd be happy with either. Otherwise, I'm not a big fan of this draft, but I do appreciate the time you put into it and the FA thread.

As far as the draft goes dont look at the names as much as the positions. I just threw out guys who both filled needs and value at given rounds. Im not saying I dont like the guys I picked, I do I just was moore interested in improving weak areas and depth than getting specific players. There are several differnt ways I could of went with the picks. Im interested in what you would do different.

And yes the Pouncey twins are solid looking prospects. I would love to pick up both of those guys.

 

[mussop]

you know I will tread a different path but I appreciate all your effort & hard work

Thanks!

 

[mussop]

This is a great plan.

Love the FA pickups and the FA's let go.

I would take Dwyer over Spiller.

The only other thing I would do differrenly is if R.Johnson from Utah is there in the 4th rd I would take him over Robinson.

This is just splitting hairs.

The Texans have the the cap space to carry out this plan. The only qeustion is if McNair is willing to spend the money to carry the plan out.

If he is I can garuntee you that the Texans will finish 11-5 or better. That's taking into account injuries.

It's all about McNair and which direction he wants to take this franchise.

I wish past and present FO personell put as much thought into what they were doing as you have.

Must spread the rep but well thought out plan.

Thanks. Dwyer is my favorite RB in this draft. I would love it if we drafted him. I almost put him down as my first pick but figured he would be gone.

I havent watched Utah all year so know nothing about R. Johnson. I will read up on him now.

 

[mussop]

Brown, Mankins, Caldwell, Winston, Butler

How about an OL like the one above?

Im not as high on Caldwell as most. I like the rest though. Alot of people might think Im crazy but I would like to see us move Brown to guard if we could somehow land another Qaulity OT.

I really like the idea of getting Butler on the feild. Sundays game should be a good guage on how ready he is for more playing time. It sure would help this team if he could have a strong showing the last two games.

 

[beerlover]

BL

What path would you tread?

1. Expect Texans to reach contract agreement with Owen Daniels & Chester Pitts.

2. Like idea of trading down to land A franchise RB thus adding extra value the problem is we can't seem to agree on which? this has been covered in multiple threads, also its hard to mock draft with trades that stand test of time.

3. He does an excellent job covering needs, innovative ideas to aquire such I'm just not down with specific players (like Pouncey twins too).

4. If we are not to be concerned with specific player but focus on position then a better Texans draft to me would be as follows, with power RB over change of pace RB-

priority #1 FS - Taylor Mays, USC (E) or Earl Thomas, Texas (YTD)
priority #2 RB - Toby Gerhart, Standford (E) or Ryan Mathews, Fresno State (E)
priority #3 C - J.D. Walton, Baylor (E) or Maurkice Pouncey, Florida (YTD)
priority #4 DT- LaMaar Houston, Texas (E) or Stephen Paea, Oregon State (YTD)
priority #5 CB - Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana (E) or Walter Thurmond, Oregon (IR)
priority #6 OG - Thomas Austin, Clemson (E) or Marshall Newhouse, TCU (E)
prioirty #7 RB - Andre Dixon, Connecticut (E) or Brandon James, Florida (IR)

E = Eligible
YTD = Yet To Declare
IR - Injured Reserve

 

[TexansSeminole]

My franchise RB would be Dwyer. Spiller scares me when it comes to durability and running between the tackles. Dwyer has it all, the only thing he is lacking is blazing speed.

 

[mussop]

1. Expect Texans to reach contract agreement with Owen Daniels & Chester Pitts.

2. Like idea of trading down to land A franchise RB thus adding extra value the problem is we can't seem to agree on which? this has been covered in multiple threads, also its hard to mock draft with trades that stand test of time.

3. He does an excellent job covering needs, innovative ideas to aquire such I'm just not down with specific players (like Pouncey twins too).

4. If we are not to be concerned with specific player but focus on position then a better Texans draft to me would be as follows, with power RB over change of pace RB-

priority #1 FS - Taylor Mays, USC (E) or Earl Thomas, Texas (YTD)
priority #2 RB - Toby Gerhart, Standford (E) or Ryan Mathews, Fresno State (E)
priority #3 C - J.D. Walton, Baylor (E) or Maurkice Pouncey, Florida (YTD)
priority #4 DT- LaMaar Houston, Texas (E) or Stephen Paea, Oregon State (YTD)
priority #5 CB - Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana (E) or Walter Thurmond, Oregon (IR)
priority #6 OG - Thomas Austin, Clemson (E) or Marshall Newhouse, TCU (E)
prioirty #7 RB - Andre Dixon, Connecticut (E) or Brandon James, Florida (IR)

E = Eligible
YTD = Yet To Declare
IR - Injured Reserve

I just for the life of me cant see why anyone that has watched Mays play would want to draft him. If he even goes in the first round it will be on potential only. He has a better chance at making an impact at OLB than he does at S in the NFL. At least at OLB his size/speed can be utilized for blitzing and his poor coverage instincs wont be as obvious as they would in the deep middle of the feild.

Like the highlighted players. But like mine more of course.

I just dont want to resign Pitts at his age and coming off a major injury. Think that money could be better spent somewhere else. OD situation reminds me too much like Robinsons. It seems like there are to many good options out there that are young, healthy and would come at a substantialy cheaper price to take that chance.

 

[beerlover]

:

I just for the life of me cant see why anyone that has watched Mays play would want to draft him. If he even goes in the first round it will be on potential only. He has a better chance at making an impact at OLB than he does at S in the NFL. At least at OLB his size/speed can be utilized for blitzing and his poor coverage instincs wont be as obvious as they would in the deep middle of the feild.

Like the highlighted players. But like mine more of course.

I just dont want to resign Pitts at his age and coming off a major injury. Think that money could be better spent somewhere else. OD situation reminds me too much like Robinsons. It seems like there are to many good options out there that are young, healthy and would come at a substantialy cheaper price to take that chance.

see I knew this already based off your posts & thats why I would chose a different pathway. But you just never know there is more than one way to take care of buisness & I'm open minded that even if I disagree, will listen.

Before any outside free agent signings I want the Texans to take of their own, I like what the Texans are building but they MUST retain DeMeco, Owen, Pitts minimum. I would also like to see them offer Andre an incentive pro-rated adjustable contract that makes damn sure he is in the 3 top paid WR's.

Back to the picks. I know what your saying about Mays but he lost everything in front of him, Mauluga, Matthews & Cushing who provided protection allowing him to reign centerfield. His phsycial skills are elite & I don't want to see the Texans pass another big time FS in the first round if they have a shot at him, assuming he is still on the board. As a matter of fact the only way he makes it to the Texans is from people like you & support the idea he cannot cover or make it in the NFL. I guess I should thank you!

I also know you don't like Toby & that's ok I understand your concerns but for a second round pick your getting a multi-dimensional square up pile driver who can score in the red zone & that my friend is a Priority Need. Ryan just declared he is coming out is more of a break away threat w/speed/size & power.

We agree Center in 3rd

If Stephen Paea comes out I may have to adjust my board, I just wanted to get him in the discussion, very Suh-esque.

Either CB in first builds quality depth @ CB & possibly a starter for the future @ low cost/risk. plus the Texans will have either an extra 5th or 6th from San Diego. Did anyone notice did Travis do much tonight?

The other picks I wanted to discuss which where not highlighted are the situational late rd. RB Dixon & James. James would be a steal & could return kicks/punts which may become even more important if they don't keep Andre Davis (who shows me nothing) or trade Jacoby. Dixon is an all around back the Texans need to back up Slaton.

 

[stingray]

I stop with the idea of Owen being replaced with a cheap free agent. I'm sorry, But Bo Scaife? I don't think so.. Have you seen how our "O" has struggled without him. I'm not saying to break the bank, but I am not lowballing him either. I think he comes back after the injury and is the same "Owen".

And CJ spiller is another Darren McFadden. One hit and the guy goes down like a sack of potatoes. Don't want nothing to do with him.

 

[mussop]

:

see I knew this already based off your posts & thats why I would chose a different pathway. But you just never know there is more than one way to take care of buisness & I'm open minded that even if I disagree, will listen.

Before any outside free agent signings I want the Texans to take of their own, I like what the Texans are building but they MUST retain DeMeco, Owen, Pitts minimum. I would also like to see them offer Andre an incentive pro-rated adjustable contract that makes damn sure he is in the 3 top paid WR's.

Back to the picks. I know what your saying about Mays but he lost everything in front of him, Mauluga, Matthews & Cushing who provided protection allowing him to reign centerfield. His phsycial skills are elite & I don't want to see the Texans pass another big time FS in the first round if they have a shot at him, assuming he is still on the board. As a matter of fact the only way he makes it to the Texans is from people like you & support the idea he cannot cover or make it in the NFL. I guess I should thank you!

I also know you don't like Toby & that's ok I understand your concerns but for a second round pick your getting a multi-dimensional square up pile driver who can score in the red zone & that my friend is a Priority Need. Ryan just declared he is coming out is more of a break away threat w/speed/size & power.

We agree Center in 3rd

If Stephen Paea comes out I may have to adjust my board, I just wanted to get him in the discussion, very Suh-esque.

Either CB in first builds quality depth @ CB & possibly a starter for the future @ low cost/risk. plus the Texans will have either an extra 5th or 6th from San Diego. Did anyone notice did Travis do much tonight?

The other picks I wanted to discuss which where not highlighted are the situational late rd. RB Dixon & James. James would be a steal & could return kicks/punts which may become even more important if they don't keep Andre Davis (who shows me nothing) or trade Jacoby. Dixon is an all around back the Texans need to back up Slaton.

Oh its not just me.
http://www.walterfootball.com/mattfivedefense.php
Mays has great size, straight-line speed, and he can lay the wood. However, this is really all he can do. He doesn't make plays in coverage. He has zero ball skills; he takes terrible angles to the football; and he possesses poor instincts. I think he can start at strong safety, but I think he will be an average starter in the NFL.

Taylor Mays is nothing more than an above-average safety with a world of talent, playing for an upper-middle class program,

But something has been lost. He looks a step slower, fails to deliver the timely blows, and even struggles to make the big hit when the opportunity arrives.

Tough season bruises Taylor Mays' NFL draft position
The two-time All-American safety was seen as a possible top-five pick in 2009. But after a season that fell below USC's standards and earned him criticism, scouts say his stock has dropped a little.

NFL scouts cite a lack of interceptions. They question his hands, tackling and playmaking skills.


Here's what ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said about safety Taylor Mays. ``We've seen Mays get caught out of position far too often

Weaknesses: Plays with high intensity, but is not much of a playmaker; did not intercept one pass in 2008, and only has four in his career ... Drops passes when in position to make plays; very poor ball skills (why he isn't a receiver being 6'3) ... Occasionally takes bad angles to the football relying on pure speed more than proper technique.

Summary: Mays is the prototype when you look at him in terms of being a rare physical specimen, but I will not give him an elite/5-star grade because he is not the playmaker such as former prospects Ed Reed, Sean Taylor and LaRon Landry. Best fit is at free safety because of his amazing range. Could end up being over-drafted based on measurables.


Game Analysis: vs cal Mays started the game off poorly whiffing on an easy tackle on a pass completion that allowed the WR to pick up extra yardage. He actually had a few missed tackles that were easy plays to make but he lost focus.

vs Notre DameGot scored on by Golden Tate on a deep bomb because he went for the hit instead of playing the ball/ he was too late getting to Tate on Tate’s 2nd TD and was rocked by Tate (who stayed up while Mays went down)

vs ohio st he took a TERRIBLE angle in coverage and allowed Pryor to find a wide open WR to take the ball down inside the 5 yard line. He usually is a lot better in coverage but he needs to stop always going for the big hit because it is going to backfire on him a lot.



- Getting exposed in coverage due to tight hips and lack of ball skills/ slightly falling on draft boards IMO


Cons: Disappears through periods of the game. With that build and his football numbers that USC put out in the spring (i.e. 4.25 40 yard dash), Mays is not much of a playmaker. Has a Sean Taylor Esq. physique, but not nearly as rangy, nor as physically dominant at the point of attack. Takes bad angles which leads to a lot of garbage yards that could be avoided with the proper pursuit. Tends to come off a bit tight hipped. At time Mays is seemingly playing off sheer athletic ability, as opposed to football instincts and talent.

Overall: Overall Mays appears to have the potential to be a difference maker in an NFL secondary. Though he has yet to produce in terms of playmaking on the field during his tenure manning that USC secondary (albeit his JR year), with the proper coaching and the desire, Mays could see plenty of accolades. That is if his production can FINALLY match his athleticism.

Mays looks completely out of sorts at time, especially in pass coverage, and alone in space. He takes poor angles to the ball, gets flipped in coverage and shows sloppy technique. His ball skills are well below average and hasn't really shown that he has much room for growth at the next level. In other words he may have tapped out his potential.

Draft Status: Some team is going to fall in love with Mays triangle numbers and draft him early. How early will depend on how soon the Oakland Raiders are drafting. Mays is a pure SS prospect, run support only, meaning a two down defensive back. That's not first round pick to me, but as I said Skeletor will see this kid run in shorts, and trade up to no.1 just to be sure they get him. In all seriousness, the shortcomings in his game should push him down but i doubt he falls out of the first round. May need to work out as a linebacker, if he wants to improve his status.


Final Analysis: I went into the season expecting big growth and development from Mays in terms of his sloppy technique in coverage, poor tackling, and just overall mediocre skill set outside of run support But it hasn't happened. And I don't know if it will happen. Seems that Mays is what he is. And that may mean he has to move to linebacker where his shortcomings in coverage would be minimized. But in order to do that he's going to have to learn to take much better angles, and become a much better form tackler.


Reminds me of: Roy Williams, SS Cincinnati- These two guys are so alike it's scary. Williams carved out a nice career for himself, which always having it hang around his neck that he couldn't cover. The same will hold true for Mays. In fact I'd cut to the chase while he's young and make him a weakside linebacker right off the bat, before he gives up too many long touchdown passes.


Weaknesses:
Takes false steps in coverage and poor angles
Lacks instincts
Zero ball skills
Not much of a playmaker
Poor tackling technique; throws body around without using arms/hands to wrap up
Hasn't improved his weaknesses going back to sophomore season
Occasionally not in position
Plays out of control
More of an athlete than a football player

Summary: Mays isn't a free safety at the next level; no chance he pans out there because he is horrible in coverage and has zero ball skills. Mays idea of playing football is running and throwing his body around, which is why I am giving him the nickname “The Trojan Torpedo.” I think Mays can start at strong safety for some team, but he will be pretty average. Mays is the Vernon Gholston of safety prospects. Sure he has great measurables, but so did Gholston. I personally wouldn't draft Mays in the top 40 picks, but his draft range is all over the board. He could go top five to a team like Oakland or he could fall to the lower part of the first round.

Player Comparison: Roy L. Williams. It's like someone cloned Roy Williams; Mays and Williams are the EXACT same player. Mays will struggle greatly in coverage at the next level, but he hits hard and is good in run support. Buyer beware.


I have been saying this for awhile now and the more new reports that come out the more you wil see negative reviews. Just watch him in the bowl game and you will see. If he gets drafted in the first it will be on Potential only. He at best is the 3rd best S and thats a reach IMO.

 

[beerlover]

Oh its not just me.
http://www.walterfootball.com/mattfivedefense.php
Mays has great size, straight-line speed, and he can lay the wood. However, this is really all he can do. He doesn't make plays in coverage. He has zero ball skills; he takes terrible angles to the football; and he possesses poor instincts. I think he can start at strong safety, but I think he will be an average starter in the NFL.

Taylor Mays is nothing more than an above-average safety with a world of talent, playing for an upper-middle class program,

But something has been lost. He looks a step slower, fails to deliver the timely blows, and even struggles to make the big hit when the opportunity arrives.

Tough season bruises Taylor Mays' NFL draft position
The two-time All-American safety was seen as a possible top-five pick in 2009. But after a season that fell below USC's standards and earned him criticism, scouts say his stock has dropped a little.

NFL scouts cite a lack of interceptions. They question his hands, tackling and playmaking skills.


Here's what ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay said about safety Taylor Mays. ``We've seen Mays get caught out of position far too often

Weaknesses: Plays with high intensity, but is not much of a playmaker; did not intercept one pass in 2008, and only has four in his career ... Drops passes when in position to make plays; very poor ball skills (why he isn't a receiver being 6'3) ... Occasionally takes bad angles to the football relying on pure speed more than proper technique.

Summary: Mays is the prototype when you look at him in terms of being a rare physical specimen, but I will not give him an elite/5-star grade because he is not the playmaker such as former prospects Ed Reed, Sean Taylor and LaRon Landry. Best fit is at free safety because of his amazing range. Could end up being over-drafted based on measurables.


Game Analysis: vs cal Mays started the game off poorly whiffing on an easy tackle on a pass completion that allowed the WR to pick up extra yardage. He actually had a few missed tackles that were easy plays to make but he lost focus.

vs Notre DameGot scored on by Golden Tate on a deep bomb because he went for the hit instead of playing the ball/ he was too late getting to Tate on Tate’s 2nd TD and was rocked by Tate (who stayed up while Mays went down)

vs ohio st he took a TERRIBLE angle in coverage and allowed Pryor to find a wide open WR to take the ball down inside the 5 yard line. He usually is a lot better in coverage but he needs to stop always going for the big hit because it is going to backfire on him a lot.



- Getting exposed in coverage due to tight hips and lack of ball skills/ slightly falling on draft boards IMO


Cons: Disappears through periods of the game. With that build and his football numbers that USC put out in the spring (i.e. 4.25 40 yard dash), Mays is not much of a playmaker. Has a Sean Taylor Esq. physique, but not nearly as rangy, nor as physically dominant at the point of attack. Takes bad angles which leads to a lot of garbage yards that could be avoided with the proper pursuit. Tends to come off a bit tight hipped. At time Mays is seemingly playing off sheer athletic ability, as opposed to football instincts and talent.

Overall: Overall Mays appears to have the potential to be a difference maker in an NFL secondary. Though he has yet to produce in terms of playmaking on the field during his tenure manning that USC secondary (albeit his JR year), with the proper coaching and the desire, Mays could see plenty of accolades. That is if his production can FINALLY match his athleticism.

Mays looks completely out of sorts at time, especially in pass coverage, and alone in space. He takes poor angles to the ball, gets flipped in coverage and shows sloppy technique. His ball skills are well below average and hasn't really shown that he has much room for growth at the next level. In other words he may have tapped out his potential.

Draft Status: Some team is going to fall in love with Mays triangle numbers and draft him early. How early will depend on how soon the Oakland Raiders are drafting. Mays is a pure SS prospect, run support only, meaning a two down defensive back. That's not first round pick to me, but as I said Skeletor will see this kid run in shorts, and trade up to no.1 just to be sure they get him. In all seriousness, the shortcomings in his game should push him down but i doubt he falls out of the first round. May need to work out as a linebacker, if he wants to improve his status.


Final Analysis: I went into the season expecting big growth and development from Mays in terms of his sloppy technique in coverage, poor tackling, and just overall mediocre skill set outside of run support But it hasn't happened. And I don't know if it will happen. Seems that Mays is what he is. And that may mean he has to move to linebacker where his shortcomings in coverage would be minimized. But in order to do that he's going to have to learn to take much better angles, and become a much better form tackler.


Reminds me of: Roy Williams, SS Cincinnati- These two guys are so alike it's scary. Williams carved out a nice career for himself, which always having it hang around his neck that he couldn't cover. The same will hold true for Mays. In fact I'd cut to the chase while he's young and make him a weakside linebacker right off the bat, before he gives up too many long touchdown passes.


Weaknesses:
Takes false steps in coverage and poor angles
Lacks instincts
Zero ball skills
Not much of a playmaker
Poor tackling technique; throws body around without using arms/hands to wrap up
Hasn't improved his weaknesses going back to sophomore season
Occasionally not in position
Plays out of control
More of an athlete than a football player

Summary: Mays isn't a free safety at the next level; no chance he pans out there because he is horrible in coverage and has zero ball skills. Mays idea of playing football is running and throwing his body around, which is why I am giving him the nickname “The Trojan Torpedo.” I think Mays can start at strong safety for some team, but he will be pretty average. Mays is the Vernon Gholston of safety prospects. Sure he has great measurables, but so did Gholston. I personally wouldn't draft Mays in the top 40 picks, but his draft range is all over the board. He could go top five to a team like Oakland or he could fall to the lower part of the first round.

Player Comparison: Roy L. Williams. It's like someone cloned Roy Williams; Mays and Williams are the EXACT same player. Mays will struggle greatly in coverage at the next level, but he hits hard and is good in run support. Buyer beware.


I have been saying this for awhile now and the more new reports that come out the more you wil see negative reviews. Just watch him in the bowl game and you will see. If he gets drafted in the first it will be on Potential only. He at best is the 3rd best S and thats a reach IMO.

again this is what I expected, thank you. I enjoy reading Todd McShay but take it with a grain of salt. from one year to next the whole USC defense looked disinterested, reuniting Mays with Cushing - priceless

 

[mussop]

again this is what I expected, thank you. I enjoy reading Todd McShay but take it with a grain of salt. from one year to next the whole USC defense looked disinterested, reuniting Mays with Cushing - priceless

Want a ggod example of Mays play this year. Just go to 3.55 left in second qt of the Emerald Bowl. Mays takes a bad angle and allows wr to score right up the middle. Its very Busing like. That is where my DVR cut off so didnt get to watch the rest of the game.

Anyone else watch the second half? Please let me know how Mays played.

 

[painekiller]

Im not as high on Caldwell as most. I like the rest though. Alot of people might think Im crazy but I would like to see us move Brown to guard if we could somehow land another Qaulity OT.

I really like the idea of getting Butler on the feild. Sundays game should be a good guage on how ready he is for more playing time. It sure would help this team if he could have a strong showing the last two games.

Butler, Brown Pouncy Pouncy Winston

 

[painekiller]

Want a ggod example of Mays play this year. Just go to 3.55 left in second qt of the Emerald Bowl. Mays takes a bad angle and allows wr to score right up the middle. Its very Busing like. That is where my DVR cut off so didnt get to watch the rest of the game.

Anyone else watch the second half? Please let me know how Mays played.

I don't have Mays on my list, he is a Roy Williams clone.

 

[steelbtexan]

BL Robert Johnson is a much better value in the 3/4th rd. than Mays is in the 1st.

Mayes is a workout warrior who plays football. (very well might I add)

Johnson is just a football player.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

BL Robert Johnson is a much better value in the 3/4th rd. than Mays is in the 1st.

Mayes is a workout warrior who plays football. (very well might I add)

Johnson is just a football player.

I wonder if Mays could play LB . They say he can bench 400 while running a 4.3 .

 

[rollinstone18]

pretty sure we'll draft this kid to be supplant myers as our center.

 

[painekiller]

pretty sure we'll draft this kid to be supplant myers as our center.

Pretty sure he is an undrafted free agent. He might get a late 6th or 7th round sniff, but he is more likely a UDFA. Practice squad would not upset me. He is trained in our system, and has improved each year as a collegiate.

 

[beerlover]

Want a ggod example of Mays play this year. Just go to 3.55 left in second qt of the Emerald Bowl. Mays takes a bad angle and allows wr to score right up the middle. Its very Busing like. That is where my DVR cut off so didnt get to watch the rest of the game.

Anyone else watch the second half? Please let me know how Mays played.

i've got the whole thing on tape USC suckage straight to Houston joining Cushing & Cody

 

[mussop]

i've got the whole thing on tape USC suckage straight to Houston joining Cushing & Cody

So how did he play in the second half? Any big plays?

 

[mussop]

I don't have Mays on my list, he is a Roy Williams clone.

I think he is the most overrated player coming out. Roy Williams at least made game changing plays in college.

Butler, Brown Pouncy Pouncy Winston

I would lilke to see something like that. I love the twins. Feel kinda creepy saying that about guys. The one that plays center really held his ground against Cody one on one. I would LOVE to see him groomed to replace Myers.

 

[nero THE zero]

Brown, Mankins, Caldwell, Winston, Butler

How about an OL like the one above?

That's the path I'd take, if it was up to me.

Winston has been struggling lately, it seems. I'd bump him down to guard and look to draft/sign a RT.

Assuming Caldwell progresses, it'd look something like:

Brown -- Winston -- Caldwell -- Briesel -- Draft/FA

That's some appreciable improvement, IMO

 

[Goatcheese]

Brown is a much bigger liability on the edge than Winston. If anybody needs to move inside it's him.

Winston
577 plays in pass protection
5 sacks for 9.5 yards
6 QB hits
19 QB pressures

Duane Brown
559 play ins pass protection
8 sacks for 56.5 yards
10 QB hits
32 Qb pressures

 

[nero THE zero]

Brown is a much bigger liability on the edge than Winston. If anybody needs to move inside it's him.

Winston
577 plays in pass protection
5 sacks for 9.5 yards
6 QB hits
19 QB pressures

Duane Brown
559 play ins pass protection
8 sacks for 56.5 yards
10 QB hits
32 Qb pressures

I agree that Brown's a bigger liability. But, there are a couple of reasons I'd move Winston inside before I moved Brown.

One, Brown's athleticism. One of the reasons Brown is so valuable at LT, and the reason he was drafted so high there, is his atleticism. Moving Brown inside would marginalize that athleticism, and thus, marginalize his value as a lineman.

Two, Brown's age. Brown is a few years younger than Winston, so he has a bit more time to reach his potential. I think we know what we have with Winston and won't see much more improvement in his game, whereas Brown is still young and has room to further reach his potential.

Three, the nature of Winston's game. Winston is more of a "mauler" than Brown. His weakness lies in his ability to marginalize a quick rusher off the edge, and his strength lies is his ability to bulldoze his opposition. This seems (to me, at least) to be a skill set better suited for guard whereas Brown's more finesse, athletic game seems better suited for the tackle position.

Maybe I'm working off erroneous assumptions about the nature of the positions or the strengths of the players' games, but that's the way I see it. And, that doesn't necessarily mean I'd be opposed to moving Brown to guard, but that's why, if faced with an either-or proposition, I'd rather it be Winston.