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Position Specific Mocks

Brandon420tx

Flounder
This is mostly an attempt to broaden my horizons as it pertains to positions of players at spots I normally don't look at for certain rounds.

Instead of trying to get a complete Texans draft the purpose of this draft thread is to isolate 1 position and focus on that for each round and see who we feel is the best candidate at that position.

The rules for myself:
1. Must be withing draftable Texans Range, for example I can't mock Blackmon to the Texans if I do a WR specific draft. Also adding on to this if you do a position like FB or Kicker, I have to put them in the first round I would find it feasible to draft the FB, 3rd or 4th for example and start the mock from there.

2. Must limit myself from reaching, depending on the position, I think I'll give myself and +/- 4 in the first, and go up 2 each round. That means the first pick would have to be someone who is expected to go around pick 22-30 for example. The

I think I'll get the ball rolling with the OG position.

Round 1: Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State. He played Left Tackle last season but projects as a better gaurd prospect than OT. The fact that he played at LT shows he has the mobility to fit out scheme, at the very least laterally for pulls and stretch plays. While many places say he doesn't fit the ZBS I believe he has the potential to learn it, especially given the success Benton has had lately. I'd still try to bring back Brisiel this offseason to start ahead of him just in case he has difficulty grasping the system.

Round 2: Kevin Zietler, Wisconsin. Some people see him as having first round talent, but I see him as early 2nd at best, unless every team ran a zone blocking scheme, then he'd be a lock in at late first. I'd say its about 50/50 he lasts till our 2nd pick. Great at both run and pass blocking

Round 3: Ryan Miller, Colorado Played Tackle a few games his Junior season due to injuries on the team. From a Colorado college. Has good quickness and was noted for his ability to get to the second level. I think he's a fit for the ZBS as well, although others might disagree. His height (6'8") makes it likely he'll get hit in the back of the head with a football at some point in his career, and I would pay to see that.

Round 4: Lonnie Edwards, Texas Tech He'd need a lot of coaching in order to overcome his deficiencies in blocking, but he's got the measurables and the temperament that you look for in an OG. Not close to starting at the NFL level, He's been projected as a late 3rd pick, I really don't see it, I think he's a late 4th at best. I might consider Will Blackwell, LSU over him. Thought's on that?

Round 5: Adam Gettis, Iowa Its not often you get someone who is said to be both too light, and an excellent Run blocker. If he can't gain weight in an NFL strength and conditioning system he might have to transition to center

Round 6 or 7: Art Forst, Rutgers and Antoine McClain, Clemson- Art Forst has been a starter at Rutgers since his freshman year, He's been moved around the line at both guard and the ROT position during his stay there. Has good height, need to check his Bench Press Reps and Arm Lengths at the cobine. Antoine McClain is a fatty and will probably need to lose weight in order to be able to get to the 2nd level, but a willing blocker that needs to be coached up. Project player.
 
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I would add Brandon Washington-OG/OT from Miami to this list. I'd put him in the 2nd round. He's got great size for the position at 6'04" and 320 lbs. He started out as an OG at Miami but played RT and LT very well this year due to injuries on the line. He's a stud at OG, decent/good at RT, and probably a bit slow but functional at LT. He's got a good punch, strong, quick feet and agility, and plays with a mean streak/attitude. Many mocks and sites have him as a 3rd-4th round pick but I think he'll go higher due to his versatility. Washington or Zeitler would be my pick in the 2nd for the Texans.
 
I didn't read anything about him having quick feet in agility, I got the impression even though he played some tackle he wouldn't do well in our scheme. But like I said this thread is for informative purposes, o I welcome the info.
 
Can you imagine the jokes stemming from an all OG draft? Fans can't handle a few TEs getting picked. It would definitely be interesting to see what 10 OGs in a line with Foster taking direct snaps would do to a defense.

CB Mock.
1- Janoris Jenkins CB 5'9'' 185 4.46 - Very instinctive cover corner. Not shy to tackle but size is an issue. Will also need to post a better 40 time. Legit #2 corner prospect.
2- Trumaine Johnson 6'2'' 204 4.52 - Big, aggressive guy. Maybe be a FS but with his size if he can stay with faster guys using smarts and good jams he'll be a playmaker. Stephon Gilmore was an interesting choice here too but I went with the athlete over a zone cover corner.
3- Donnie Fletcher 6'1'' 195 4.53 - Another tweener CB/S. Very good at zones, good instincts and willing run supporter. Man coverage may be an issue, more than Johnson who is a similar pick. Cliff Harris is an interesting pass too, he seems like a playmaker who just won't quit doing stupid crap off the field. Who's willing to roll the dice on a DUI waiting to happen?
4- Asa Jackson 5'10'' 188 4.40 - Playmaker but against what level competition playing for Cal Poly? Possible KR duty with his speed.
5- Charles Brown 5'10'' 205 4.49 - Good athlete that needs some coaching. Struggles with consistency but makes plays. Some KR abilities as well.
6- Robert Golden 5'11'' 200 4.54 - Again good athlete, high level recruit that may need to move back to safety and face the action.
7- Chris Greenwood 6'1'' 186 4.39 - Taking a flyer on a guy who can absolutely fly. That's how I roll. Crazy Al style.
 
One guy I like at CB is Keith Tandy, Has good ball skills from man coverage and a knack for jumping routes, especially short ones. Could go as early as late 3rd but will likely be taken in the 4th or early 5th unless he has a phenomenal combine/east-west game.
 
Can you imagine the jokes stemming from an all OG draft? Fans can't handle a few TEs getting picked. It would definitely be interesting to see what 10 OGs in a line with Foster taking direct snaps would do to a defense.

CB Mock.
1- Janoris Jenkins CB 5'9'' 185 4.46 - Very instinctive cover corner. Not shy to tackle but size is an issue. Will also need to post a better 40 time. Legit #2 corner prospect.
2- Trumaine Johnson 6'2'' 204 4.52 - Big, aggressive guy. Maybe be a FS but with his size if he can stay with faster guys using smarts and good jams he'll be a playmaker. Stephon Gilmore was an interesting choice here too but I went with the athlete over a zone cover corner.
3- Donnie Fletcher 6'1'' 195 4.53 - Another tweener CB/S. Very good at zones, good instincts and willing run supporter. Man coverage may be an issue, more than Johnson who is a similar pick. Cliff Harris is an interesting pass too, he seems like a playmaker who just won't quit doing stupid crap off the field. Who's willing to roll the dice on a DUI waiting to happen?
4- Asa Jackson 5'10'' 188 4.40 - Playmaker but against what level competition playing for Cal Poly? Possible KR duty with his speed.
5- Charles Brown 5'10'' 205 4.49 - Good athlete that needs some coaching. Struggles with consistency but makes plays. Some KR abilities as well.
6- Robert Golden 5'11'' 200 4.54 - Again good athlete, high level recruit that may need to move back to safety and face the action.
7- Chris Greenwood 6'1'' 186 4.39 - Taking a flyer on a guy who can absolutely fly. That's how I roll. Crazy Al style.

jenkins is an absolute freak but i think he will fall to the middle of the 2nd because of his red flags.
 
Can you imagine the jokes stemming from an all OG draft? Fans can't handle a few TEs getting picked. It would definitely be interesting to see what 10 OGs in a line with Foster taking direct snaps would do to a defense.

CB Mock.
1- Janoris Jenkins CB 5'9'' 185 4.46 - Very instinctive cover corner. Not shy to tackle but size is an issue. Will also need to post a better 40 time. Legit #2 corner prospect.
2- Trumaine Johnson 6'2'' 204 4.52 - Big, aggressive guy. Maybe be a FS but with his size if he can stay with faster guys using smarts and good jams he'll be a playmaker. Stephon Gilmore was an interesting choice here too but I went with the athlete over a zone cover corner.
3- Donnie Fletcher 6'1'' 195 4.53 - Another tweener CB/S. Very good at zones, good instincts and willing run supporter. Man coverage may be an issue, more than Johnson who is a similar pick. Cliff Harris is an interesting pass too, he seems like a playmaker who just won't quit doing stupid crap off the field. Who's willing to roll the dice on a DUI waiting to happen?
4- Asa Jackson 5'10'' 188 4.40 - Playmaker but against what level competition playing for Cal Poly? Possible KR duty with his speed.
5- Charles Brown 5'10'' 205 4.49 - Good athlete that needs some coaching. Struggles with consistency but makes plays. Some KR abilities as well.
6- Robert Golden 5'11'' 200 4.54 - Again good athlete, high level recruit that may need to move back to safety and face the action.
7- Chris Greenwood 6'1'' 186 4.39 - Taking a flyer on a guy who can absolutely fly. That's how I roll. Crazy Al style.

A guy that I'd add to that list as a possible pick in the late 1st round is Chase Minnifield from Virginia. He's got good size, speed, great athleticism, and college productivity. If the Texans chose to go CB in the 1st round I'd be fine with this pick.
 
Trumaine Johnson seems like a decent pick in round 2. If the Texans are really interested in a high round DB that is. Besides the obvious physical advantages he brings good ball skills and instincts. His long speed is an issue but really, he should be jamming WR straight out of the play and pouncing on any short tosses. Seems like a Asomugha clone without the elite coverage....as of yet anyway.
 
Keep an eye on Josh Norman, CB from Coastal Carolina at the Shriner game this weekend (he was also invited to the combine.)

...

Shriner game practice
Norman might be having the strongest week of any player in attendance through the first two days of practice.

Playing for the East squad, Norman has a tall, narrow frame with good length and muscle definition for the position; he definitely looks the part on the field. Through two practices, Norman shown off his quick feet and fluid hips, looking natural in reverse but also driving on plays in front of him with good timing and anticipation. He showed on several occasions his willingness to hit and get dirty, to go along with terrific ball skills when the ball was in his area.

Norman is flexible but he gets a bit high out of his stance and overpursued on a few drills, allowing the running back to reach the sideline and turn upfield. Norman received plenty of attention from several NFL teams that wanted to talk to him after practice. He entered the week as a likely late-round pick, but Norman's arrow is definitely pointing up through the first two days.
.....

Coastal Carolina cornerback Josh Norman used his size (6-feet 1/2-inch, 203 pounds) and length (32' 1/2" arms) to consistently make plays on the ball with impressive ball skills and confidence. I'm anxious to watch him the rest of the week.

....

I was able to watch one of his game against W. Virginia in 2010 (when he was a Jr.)

He looked really good (but he was hardly challenged - he was thrown at only once and the ball had no chance; way out of the end zone as the receiver was well-covered.) He was almost always on an island and W. Virginia has a good passing game, yet they didn't look his way; that ought to say something.

He came off his receiver to make a tackle on another receiver and strip the ball out, resulting in a touchback (saving a TD.)

He made 4 really really nice tackles on Noel Divine (saving at least a TD and a bunch of yards.)
He did miss a few tackles in similar fashion to a scout's note mentioned above (he can be a little too aggressive to the ball.)

During the game, I heard that he has 4.45 speed.

He was very physical and fought off his man almost all of the time and he made several good reads.

He covered his receiver well (but I noticed that he was never in a back-pedal).
I haven't watched any of his games this year yet (I hope to, even though I don't think we will draft a CB.)

13 Ints (8 in his sophomore yr).
I guess maybe they don't throw at him much in his last 2 seasons (???)
 
With the chance of Mario walking in Free Agency I thought I'd take a crack at OLB, since we'll need to find someone if he goes.

Round 1: Whitney Mercilus, earlier rated as a mid round prospect but has fallen down draft boards recently, not because of anything he has done, but because other have shot up their own stock (Coples for example) I personally have him rated as the #3 3/4 OLB in the draft Behind Upshaw and Coples, ahead of Melvin Ingram and Nick Perry who will both likely go before him. Has a knack for causing fumbles when he sacks the QB.

Round 2: Chase Thomas, I considered Andre Branch here, but I think his stock will rise to early 2nd after the combine. Chase Thomas would become excellent depth at OLB, and could come in and challenge Brooks Reed for his spot (and that's saying alot). Like Mercilus Whitney, Thomas has a knack for forcing fumbles when he gets to QB's.

Round 3: Shea McClellin, I would enjoy this pick for no other reason than to see his name get misspelled on the forums for years. As with Mercilus Whitney, Shea McClellin has a high chance of falling solely because of other players rising. I grade him as an late 2nd early 3rd rounder, but the OLB draft class is stacked this season, combined with the stacked WR class and DT class has Shea falling down to late 3rd early 4th. He might have to gain some weight to play OLB. Dude has BIG hands as well 10 1/8 inches. Can tip some passes and will be a factor in special teams, as well as a good rotational player along with Braman

Rounds 4 and: Cordarro Law or Mychal Kendricks. I'm listing two guys here because I feel they are the last 2 players OLBs in the draft that can come in and be excellent depth behind Barwin and Reed. Law has potential to jump into the late 3rd if he has an excellent combine, which I believe he has the athletic ability to do. However strictly talent wise I have him with a 4th round grade, where as Mychal Kendricks sack production dropped off from the previous season (from 8.5 to 3) but can drop into coverage fairly well and has great speed off the edge, He might drop to mid-round 5. Miles Burris is my 3rd choice here for his consistent play these past 2 seasons but will need time to develope his body into the prototypical 3/4 OLB

Round 5: Adrian Robinson, This is my sleeper prospect in the draft, someone will select him and be suprised. Situational pass rusher that will need alot of coaching to not be a liability in the run game.

Round 6 and 7: Darius Nall, I'm cheating, I don't know enough late round guys who will fall to the 7th besides Nall. I actually think Nall could improve his stock to be a late 5th at the combine. Most likely be a practice squad guy untill needed. Could challange Braman for his spot I guess
 
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