rmartin65’s 2014 Texans Mock Draft after 4 Games

[rmartin65]

Well, a quarter of the season is in the books. So, even though there are many more games to play and draft boards will change drastically, I feel it is time to begin the mock draft process. These 4 games have given us a good idea of the Texans’ strengths and weaknesses; I attempt to address them in this mock draft. As is customary with my mocks, I am neither projecting trades nor compensation picks. Furthermore, I am sticking with seniors only. As the draft season progresses and players declare, I will add them into the mix. As always, I welcome any praise, criticism, or questions. Oh, I should mention that heights and weights are taken from NFLDRAFTSCOUT.com
This mock is predicting the Texans to be picking in the mid to late teens.

Round 1- Alabama QB AJ McCarron, 6’3” 214 lbs
My views on McCarron are pretty well known at this point. While he is not having a spectacular season, I still see a potential franchise QB. He has an NFL arm, incredible football intelligence, poise, composure, and good (but not great mobility). Honestly, he should be a top ten pick. However, he drops because people will call him a product of the fantastic Alabama football teams that he played on.

Round 2- Ohio State OT Jack Mewhort, 6’6” 308 lbs
If the first quarter of the season has taught us anything, it is that the Texans need to upgrade the right side of the offensive line. Mewhort is big, athletic, and plays with an edge. He does have some character concerns, but nobody can question his work ethic on the field or in the weight room. Mewhort would compete with Williams and Newton for the starting role in 2014.

Round 3- Oklahoma FB Trey Millard, 6’2” 253 lbs
While Millard may be a slight luxury pick, I am not hesitant about mocking him here at all. Millard won’t be the true thumping fullback that Jones is or Leach was, but he is an adequate blocker and a dangerous player that the defense must account for.

Round 4- Arkansas State NT Ryan Carrethers, 6’1” 328 lbs
First, let me say that I am pleased with Mitchell’s play. However, it never hurts to have good depth, as well as players that can fill different situational needs. Carrethers can be that big, run-stuffing NT that a lot of us want to see on the line between Smith and Watt. Furthermore, his bulk is not fat; he is just a big, muscular dude, and gets behind the line of scrimmage with consistency. His wrestling background is another positive, as he uses his hands to engage blockers well.

Round 5- Oklahoma OC Gabe Ikard, 6’3” 298 lbs
Watching the Oklahoma/ND games yesterday, I was struck by just how well Ikard guarded Nix, who outweighs him by 50 lbs. Ikard is an athletic center, who uses his balance and leverage to get the better of larger, stronger defensive lineman. I think Ikard would fit in quite well with the Texans’ offensive system.

Round 6- North Dakota State CB Marcus Williams, 5’11” 197 lbs
This is a wildcard pick, as I have not seen him play a bunch. From what I have seen, though, is that he has decent speed, a great backpedal, and a nose for the football.

Round 7- Rutgers OLB/ILB Jamal Merrell, 6’4” 224 lbs
Merrell is a recently converted wide receiver who shows a lot of athleticism, but needs to learn the position better. His twin brother is a 6’4” 250 lbs DE for Rutgers, so I think he can add the needed weight/strength without losing his athleticism. Merrell strikes me as a quality guy who loves the game, and those are the type of people I want to draft in the later rounds.

 

[badboy]

As discussed off forum, you and I are on same page with McCarron who should get even better. I disagree for now that Texans will pick as high as you have them. Brown should be back against SF and Newton looked better than before despite some poor plays. Seems like he is slow off the ball in his slide and I'm thinking his "minor" injuries are the culprit. If so, he should get better as he heals up. I think Harris rotating with him would have helped. Still I may be overly optimistic.

We agree on OT in second but I like A&M's Ogbuehi who started at OG then replaced Matthews. You did shock me with the 3rd and 4th as I like both players but do not see Smith using high picks for either spot especially with McClain looking so good in rotation.

I'm good with Ikard and 3 Amigos discussed him last draft if you recall. He did look good against Nix.

 

[rmartin65]

As discussed off forum, you and I are on same page with McCarron who should get even better. I disagree for now that Texans will pick as high as you have them. Brown should be back against SF and Newton looked better than before despite some poor plays. Seems like he is slow off the ball in his slide and I'm thinking his "minor" injuries are the culprit. If so, he should get better as he heals up. I think Harris rotating with him would have helped. Still I may be overly optimistic.

We agree on OT in second but I like A&M's Ogbuehi who started at OG then replaced Matthews. You did shock me with the 3rd and 4th as I like both players but do not see Smith using high picks for either spot especially with McClain looking so good in rotation.

I'm good with Ikard and 3 Amigos discussed him last draft if you recall. He did look good against Nix.

Thanks for your thoughts, bb.

As for Millard and Carrethers- I concede that Millard is a little off the script. However, the offense works better when you have more weapons. Millard is unique because he is like Casey 2.0- he is dangerous with the ball, but can block like a FB. As for Carrethers, I think grabbing an NT is a must. You need depth, and NT is a crucial position in a 3-4. Furthermore, I like the idea of getting some bigger guys for short-yardage situations.

 

[Nawzer]

I don't know much about college prospects, but I remember watching the Alabama vs. Texas A&M game and I thought McCarron outplayed Manziel. He looked more like a pro-qb than Manziel and had a greater command of his team.

 

[rmartin65]

I don't know much about college prospects, but I remember watching the Alabama vs. Texas A&M game and I thought McCarron outplayed Manziel. He looked more like a pro-qb than Manziel and had a greater command of his team.

It's because he is. Manziel is electric, and fun to watch. But I don't think his game translates well to a traditional NFL offense. McCarron, on the other hand, is a pro-ready QB.

 

[coon]

I have been on the McCarron bandwagon since the national title game his freshman year. I love the way he is always looking to push the ball downfield, but he always does within the scheme of the play. There are four guys I think could be franchise Qb's in this draft, and we should get one of them.

 

[aussie_texan]

whats your reasoning for not taking a ILB high. after todays game im worried that when cush goes down our defence falls to bits. admittedly when cush is on the field the 2nd ilb play has been fairly decent. but i would like to see a dominate pairing at ILB, like the 49ers have.

 

[Insideop]

whats your reasoning for not taking a ILB high. after todays game im worried that when cush goes down our defence falls to bits. admittedly when cush is on the field the 2nd ilb play has been fairly decent. but i would like to see a dominate pairing at ILB, like the 49ers have.

I have to agree with this. This should've been addressed this past draft but wasn't due to a very weak class of ILB/OLB's and the fact that the Ravens (I think) jumped right in front of the Texans in the 2nd or 3rd round, I believe, and took the ILB they had their eye on (Brown from Kansas I think). This area is very thin and I think needs upgrading in the 2nd or 3rd round.

Also, I think they need another big/fast TE. I'm not sure, but is OD's contract up next year? Would love to see someone like "Gronk" or Jimmy Graham out there catching from our new QB!

 

[rmartin65]

whats your reasoning for not taking a ILB high. after todays game im worried that when cush goes down our defence falls to bits. admittedly when cush is on the field the 2nd ilb play has been fairly decent. but i would like to see a dominate pairing at ILB, like the 49ers have.

I wanted one too- if you remember, 2 years ago I was a huge fan of Mychal Kendricks. Last year I was looking at ILBs as well. It just broke down this way- once I got past the first two rounds, I did not see an ILB that I liked as a potential starter. Now, I hope this changes as the season progresses, but this is how I read the situation.

 

[aussie_texan]

I wanted one too- if you remember, 2 years ago I was a huge fan of Mychal Kendricks. Last year I was looking at ILBs as well. It just broke down this way- once I got past the first two rounds, I did not see an ILB that I liked as a potential starter. Now, I hope this changes as the season progresses, but this is how I read the situation.

fair enough. if i remember correctly you were pretty high on a.jackson.

but thats a fair point. there are a number for holes or weakness that need to be addressed so it can be quite difficult fill all with difference makers

 

[steelbtexan]

Moving B.Reed inside and drafting Van Noy would make me very happy. Then trading into the lower end of the 2nd rd and picking McCarron would be a dream come true.

 

[beerlover]

As always love your work 65

Good with McCarron. He is a much better prospect coming out of College than any QB currently on Texan roster. As I stated in your 2014 mock draft forum, "It's Time".

Love OT in 2nd, however this is my hangup, the quality of tackle Texans need is probably off the board by time Rick Smith can select. If they do flail away rest of season as you predict then it does give them a much better shot than end of each round where they should be picking.

I can't understand how Texans are losing these games with as well as the running game is going between Foster & Tate? Could be Texans are putting the ball up too often, why when they are running so well. If Millard improves running attack even more & Kubiak adjusts to more of a power running zbs system that might produce better results I'm ALL FOR IT!

Pro ready Nose Tackle in 4th would be a fine addition. What happens if Mitchell gets hurt, who would step up & how much effect on DL performance? I like position here very much.

Not sure we need another Center with Myers & Jones in line but certainly a prospect well worth the pick. Very good value in 5th.

I have both CB/LB rated higher but if the draft falls this way at least you addressed both positions with prospects who have a chance to make roster of PS. I really don't feel Texans can afford to keep KJ so had selected OSU Gilbert in second as his replacement. Focus will be on extending Watt.

BL

 

[rmartin65]

fair enough. if i remember correctly you were pretty high on a.jackson.

but thats a fair point. there are a number for holes or weakness that need to be addressed so it can be quite difficult fill all with difference makers

Good memory. And I still am high on Jackson, but I am starting to move away from wanting a "thumper" ILB, and towards wanting more of a coverage guy.

I really do hope the Texans pick an ILB this year. But I was just not able to fit one in in this mock.

Moving B.Reed inside and drafting Van Noy would make me very happy. Then trading into the lower end of the 2nd rd and picking McCarron would be a dream come true.

That is an interesting scenario. I want to see more of Reed in space before I commit to that though.

 

[rmartin65]

As always love your work 65

Good with McCarron. He is a much better prospect coming out of College than any QB currently on Texan roster. As I stated in your 2014 mock draft forum, "It's Time".

Love OT in 2nd, however this is my hangup, the quality of tackle Texans need is probably off the board by time Rick Smith can select. If they do flail away rest of season as you predict then it does give them a much better shot than end of each round where they should be picking.

I can't understand how Texans are losing these games with as well as the running game is going between Foster & Tate? Could be Texans are putting the ball up too often, why when they are running so well. If Millard improves running attack even more & Kubiak adjusts to more of a power running zbs system that might produce better results I'm ALL FOR IT!

Pro ready Nose Tackle in 4th would be a fine addition. What happens if Mitchell gets hurt, who would step up & how much effect on DL performance? I like position here very much.

Not sure we need another Center with Myers & Jones in line but certainly a prospect well worth the pick. Very good value in 5th.

I have both CB/LB rated higher but if the draft falls this way at least you addressed both positions with prospects who have a chance to make roster of PS. I really don't feel Texans can afford to keep KJ so had selected OSU Gilbert in second as his replacement. Focus will be on extending Watt.

BL

Thanks BL!

I take Ikard because I am not sold on Jones. Jones was getting pushed around during pre-season (if I remember correctly), so adding some competition is a must, IMO.

As for CB and LB- yeah, I was looking to draft guys earlier, but this is just how it broke down.

 

[Doppelganger]

Well, a quarter of the season is in the books. So, even though there are many more games to play and draft boards will change drastically, I feel it is time to begin the mock draft process. These 4 games have given us a good idea of the Texans’ strengths and weaknesses; I attempt to address them in this mock draft. As is customary with my mocks, I am neither projecting trades nor compensation picks. Furthermore, I am sticking with seniors only. As the draft season progresses and players declare, I will add them into the mix. As always, I welcome any praise, criticism, or questions. Oh, I should mention that heights and weights are taken from NFLDRAFTSCOUT.com
This mock is predicting the Texans to be picking in the mid to late teens.

Round 1- Alabama QB AJ McCarron, 6’3” 214 lbs
My views on McCarron are pretty well known at this point. While he is not having a spectacular season, I still see a potential franchise QB. He has an NFL arm, incredible football intelligence, poise, composure, and good (but not great mobility). Honestly, he should be a top ten pick. However, he drops because people will call him a product of the fantastic Alabama football teams that he played on.

Round 2- Ohio State OT Jack Mewhort, 6’6” 308 lbs
If the first quarter of the season has taught us anything, it is that the Texans need to upgrade the right side of the offensive line. Mewhort is big, athletic, and plays with an edge. He does have some character concerns, but nobody can question his work ethic on the field or in the weight room. Mewhort would compete with Williams and Newton for the starting role in 2014.

Round 3- Oklahoma FB Trey Millard, 6’2” 253 lbs
While Millard may be a slight luxury pick, I am not hesitant about mocking him here at all. Millard won’t be the true thumping fullback that Jones is or Leach was, but he is an adequate blocker and a dangerous player that the defense must account for.

Round 4- Arkansas State NT Ryan Carrethers, 6’1” 328 lbs
First, let me say that I am pleased with Mitchell’s play. However, it never hurts to have good depth, as well as players that can fill different situational needs. Carrethers can be that big, run-stuffing NT that a lot of us want to see on the line between Smith and Watt. Furthermore, his bulk is not fat; he is just a big, muscular dude, and gets behind the line of scrimmage with consistency. His wrestling background is another positive, as he uses his hands to engage blockers well.

Round 5- Oklahoma OC Gabe Ikard, 6’3” 298 lbs
Watching the Oklahoma/ND games yesterday, I was struck by just how well Ikard guarded Nix, who outweighs him by 50 lbs. Ikard is an athletic center, who uses his balance and leverage to get the better of larger, stronger defensive lineman. I think Ikard would fit in quite well with the Texans’ offensive system.

Round 6- North Dakota State CB Marcus Williams, 5’11” 197 lbs
This is a wildcard pick, as I have not seen him play a bunch. From what I have seen, though, is that he has decent speed, a great backpedal, and a nose for the football.

Round 7- Rutgers OLB/ILB Jamal Merrell, 6’4” 224 lbs
Merrell is a recently converted wide receiver who shows a lot of athleticism, but needs to learn the position better. His twin brother is a 6’4” 250 lbs DE for Rutgers, so I think he can add the needed weight/strength without losing his athleticism. Merrell strikes me as a quality guy who loves the game, and those are the type of people I want to draft in the later rounds.

A good overall mock!

1. A agree with the need at QB. I prefer Hundley but McCarron would be a great choice as well.

2. I like the idea of a RT, but I think OLB is a slightly bigger concern for the team.

3. Millard is a fine player, but is he better than Greg Jones? Unless you see him as a TE, I am not sure this is the best area to go in the third round.

4. LOVE IT! I love the big hulking massive NT. Apparently Wade does not, but this behemoth would be fantastic in the Texans 3-4.

5. Ikard is a great player, no doubt. I see him as an improvement over Ben Jones (who has been penciled in as OC depth). If we take him and Mewhort, who gets cut from the current squad?

6. I cannot comment on him. Haven't seen any film.

7. Yes, good bloodlines, and does love the game. But VERY, VERY raw. Not sure he could contribute beyond special teams for 2 years. I would like to address the OLB position a lot earlier and with someone who can potentially make a contribution.

Overall, a very good job!

 

[WolverineFan]

1. I'm still on the fence with McCarron. You see flashes, but I'm just not as impressed with him as others on the board. He was awful against Virginia Tech and was just okay against Colorado State and Ole Miss.

2. Seems very early for Mewhort. I agree about addressing the OT position, but Mewhort is a mid-round prospect at this point IMO.

3. I absolutely love Trey Millard.....but I can't justify this pick. We have tons of needs on this team and I can't justify taking a FB in the 3rd round, especially if you go QB and OT in 1-2. Need to address the defense.

4. Carrethers is a freak. Has crazy upside. I disagree with the whole "gap-plugging NT" viewpoint, but Carrethers is a player.

5. Really like Ikard. Very solid player that has looked great this year. This pick is basically a give-up on Ben Jones though.

6. Not familiar with Williams but CB is a must this year.

7. Not familiar with Merrell. If he can play ILB I'm all for it.

 

[rmartin65]

A good overall mock!

1. A agree with the need at QB. I prefer Hundley but McCarron would be a great choice as well.

2. I like the idea of a RT, but I think OLB is a slightly bigger concern for the team.

3. Millard is a fine player, but is he better than Greg Jones? Unless you see him as a TE, I am not sure this is the best area to go in the third round.

4. LOVE IT! I love the big hulking massive NT. Apparently Wade does not, but this behemoth would be fantastic in the Texans 3-4.

5. Ikard is a great player, no doubt. I see him as an improvement over Ben Jones (who has been penciled in as OC depth). If we take him and Mewhort, who gets cut from the current squad?

6. I cannot comment on him. Haven't seen any film.

7. Yes, good bloodlines, and does love the game. But VERY, VERY raw. Not sure he could contribute beyond special teams for 2 years. I would like to address the OLB position a lot earlier and with someone who can potentially make a contribution.

Overall, a very good job!

Thanks Dopp!

I think RT is a bigger need than OLB at this time. Mercilus is playing well, Williams will be a year older, Reed is solid if unspectacular. After watching Newton getting beat like a mule the past couple weeks, I want the position upgraded.

Millard- I want to upgrade the offense, give the new QB some tools. Millard can play some TE, some FB. He blocks well, catches well, runs with the ball well. Just a versatile football player. I get that he is not a need though.

Concerning who gets cut from the OL- the worst two players currently on the roster. Not sold on Ben Jones as an NFL player, and I could certainly see Smith (Wade) getting cut. I could also see the loser of the Mewhort/Williams/Newton/Harris battle getting cut.

Yeah, Merrell won't play much. Maybe some special teams, but he needs to learn the position. However, late picks are more for players that you want on the PS.

1. I'm still on the fence with McCarron. You see flashes, but I'm just not as impressed with him as others on the board. He was awful against Virginia Tech and was just okay against Colorado State and Ole Miss.

2. Seems very early for Mewhort. I agree about addressing the OT position, but Mewhort is a mid-round prospect at this point IMO.

3. I absolutely love Trey Millard.....but I can't justify this pick. We have tons of needs on this team and I can't justify taking a FB in the 3rd round, especially if you go QB and OT in 1-2. Need to address the defense.

4. Carrethers is a freak. Has crazy upside. I disagree with the whole "gap-plugging NT" viewpoint, but Carrethers is a player.

5. Really like Ikard. Very solid player that has looked great this year. This pick is basically a give-up on Ben Jones though.

6. Not familiar with Williams but CB is a must this year.

7. Not familiar with Merrell. If he can play ILB I'm all for it.

Fair enough on McCarron. He is having a rough year compared to his previous couple.

I think Mewhort is a riser come draft day... but valid concern. Which RT would you like to see here?

I have addressed Millard in previous posts (and above). I understand your concern/view, but think his addition would add a fun wrinkle to the offense.

Thats why I picked Carrethers though. He is big and close gaps, but he has the athleticism required for this D.

No problem dropping Jones for Ikard.