rmartin65 Final 2013 Mock

[rmartin65]

Ladies and gentlemen, rmartin65 has returned. I have been in training; I have a montage that would put Rocky to shame. For real, though, I have been really busy this year. As such, I have been around less, and have watched less film than I have since I started my amateur scouting. So, take this mock with an even larger grain of salt than you normally would. As always, I don’t predict trades, though I certainly hope we see some. I also try to balance what I would do with what I think the FO will do. I hope you enjoy the mock, I look forward to all your comments. I may be a little late replying to them as it is the end of the semester, but please be patient, as I will get around to them when I find the time. Thanks for reading.

(1) 27) Arkansas-Pine Bluff OT Terron Armstead, 6’5” 305 lbs
I had a really tough time with this pick. In fact, I had Allen in this spot until the very end, but switched him out, not due to his workout, but due to the depth of the WR class.

Armstead is raw, but insanely gifted athletically. He bends well, has great acceleration, and plays on the balls of his feet. In other words, what I am trying to say is this kid is not a workout warrior. He dominated the FCS level, and opened eyes with his athleticism. Now, he might not play too much this year (which is unfortunate, since we are in win-now mode), but he should play enough to make this pick worth it. Also, I see him filling in as a 3rd/blocking TE. He certainly has the athleticism for it. Definitely a boom/bust player, but worth the gamble in my opinion.

(2) 57) Marshall WR Aaron Dobson, 6’3” 210 lbs

Dobson is the reason I felt ok passing on a WR in the first. He does not have the hype as some of the other receivers, but he has the potential to be one of the best. I really like his acceleration and his ability to catch the ball at its highest point (basketball background shows), as well as his route running ability. His main drawback, in my opinion, is his ridiculously small hand size- only 9”. Dobson should start the season as our 2nd receiver.

(3) 89) Auburn OLB Corey Lemonier, 6’4” 255 lbs

I know Lemonier disappointed a bit last year, but I think this kid has 8-10 sack potential at the next level. He flashes some good acceleration, has shown he can turn the corner, but most importantly, he has a really good motor, much like Watt’s, in fact. Now, he does have leverage problems, and can get washed out against the run. But I think that these flaws can be fixed with some NFL coaching.

(3) 95) South Carolina FS D.J. Swearinger, 5’11” 208 lbs
Swearinger is a very aggressive safety prospect. At times a little too much so, but I think the team could use a thumper in the defensive backfield to put the fear of God into wide receivers. He shows good hip swivel and good instincts, so I think he is a pretty safe bet to play in the league. Learning from Reed should be a huge help, but in the meantime he can play ST.

(4) 124) Vanderbilt RB Zac Stacy, 5’9” 216 lbs
We need a RB guys, and I think Stacy is one of the best in the class. He gets lost in the shuffle due to his school, but watch the kid- he can really play. Short and compact, Stacy is a load to bring down, and has some really shifty feet. I know it is cliché to call every short and thick back a MJD clone, but I really do believe Stacy is cut from the same cloth.

(5) 160) Mississippi State NT Josh Boyd, 6’3” 310 lbs
Longer than I wanted to wait for a NT, but it is what it is. Boyd has all the physical gifts, but has yet to really put it together on the field. He could pay dividends, or he could not be in the roster by 2014. I think he is worth the chance though.

(6) 195) South Florida ILB Sam Barrington, 6’1” 246 lbs

I think Barrington could be one of the best ILBs to come out of this draft. He is thick, explosive and has a good feel for the game. He has some character concerns though, so he would have to pass the FOs scrutiny.

(6) 201) Rutgers WR Mark Harrison, 6’3” 231 lbs

Huge fan of Harrison- as close to an AJ clone (in terms of stature and physical ability) as I have seen in a while. However, this past year he had a serious case of the dropsies. Hopefully this was a fluke, as the kid could become something special in the NFL. I am particularly impressed by his arm length (35”) and explosiveness.

(7) 233) DE Lawrence Okoye, 6’6” 305 lbs

We all know about this kid by now. My thinking here is… why the hell not? The average 7th rounder wont make the team. Why not take a chance on a physical freak? People are not supposed to move like Okoye can, it is scary. Can you imagine him and Watt manning the end spots of our 3-4?

 

[WolverineFan]

Love Dobson and Stacy is one of my favorite RB's in the draft. He could be had much later than the 4th though.

 

[rmartin65]

Love Dobson and Stacy is one of my favorite RB's in the draft. He could be had much later than the 4th though.

Maybe. I know he is ranked lower, but he is a 4th/5th rounder in my mind. I think he will surprise on draft day.

 

[otisbean]

Great draft. I'd rather see Collins over Lemonier, but I'd be really happy with this haul either way

 

[76Texan]

The only guy I hasn't done any homework on is Barrington; otherwise, I like all the other players.

Armstead may be a reach, but... we all know how that went.
Still, one minute he was my dark horse; the next, he's a first round pick... too scary!

 

[rmartin65]

The only guy I hasn't done any homework on is Barrington; otherwise, I like all the other players.

Armstead may be a reach, but... we all know how that went.
Still, one minute he was my dark horse; the next, he's a first round pick... too scary!

You should check Barrington out; I think he is the real deal.

Armstead... thought long and hard about that pick. I just think his potential is great enough to be ok taking him a little early.

 

[76Texan]

You should check Barrington out; I think he is the real deal.

Armstead... thought long and hard about that pick. I just think his potential is great enough to be ok taking him a little early.

I was watching him a little but then I fell to sleep... not because of his play, haha!

 

[beerlover]

You should check Barrington out; I think he is the real deal.

Armstead... thought long and hard about that pick. I just think his potential is great enough to be ok taking him a little early.

Barrington is South Florida 2nd best prospect, Kayvon Webster is their best. Fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.

remember having mocked Terron Armstead several months ago as my 4th/5th rd. sleeper. then came out East-West Shriners game, then added to Senior bowl, looked very good & people escalated him to late 2nd early 3rd. after that combine where he proceeded to run his 4.71 forty. ascending now to possible first rd. pick. Flashback to Newton another Arkansas small school prospect & you see the Texans possible attraction. It would be a good situation for both player & organization, has the athletic body/tools to develop however screams luxury pick & would be new swing tackle, that's a heavy investment for need despite player upside. remember Newton was selected in 7th.

Love Dobson, has the measureable Texans covet. Took Terrance Williams over him in 2nd but could easily switch to Dobson if TW off the board. He ran a 4.55 which is about what I expect Keenan Allen to run when healthy. Similar talent to Lestar Jean with better core strength.

Considered Corey Lemonier in 3rd over Chase, better athlete has tantalizing but lacks production comparatively. Only 5.5 sacks, of course played in SEC great meaureables in comparison to Chase but just doesn't produce same level. Will be graded higher because of potential. Perfect spot to address this important need.

DJ is a very good safety prospect. like this selection. strong physical tackler which you like to see out of safety position, good replacement for Quin & Ed Reed to develop.

Understand need to address RB position with Forsett gone bye bye & Tate injury history to add quality depth behind Foster, just don't see need to spend this high of pick on one. Has a compact build like Maurice Jones Drew, maybe Greg Jones can be his lead blocker back-end of career if so could really work.

Boyd was on my radar all season but for one reason of another had a disappointing season. Like adding a big body DT late but don't trust his motor or work ethic. now seems more like a 6th/7th rd. developmental player. might be better keeping weight off & flipping to RDE, not stout enough to plug middle next level see you added a legit NG prospect in 7th with upside/size & athletic ability needed for position.

Glad you double dipped in WR class as well, makes a lot of sense. remember watching him last season with Sanu, big dependable target has core strength & blocking ability with better speed than I expected. Solid pick.

Overall all solid mock as usual. understand thought process & like fact you keep it real & original. tough to keep up with everything in busy schedule to boot, shows passion & zeal for process.

BL

 

[76Texan]

Love Dobson and Stacy is one of my favorite RB's in the draft. He could be had much later than the 4th though.

This is why the mock is "realistic".

 

[Rey]

I don't see us going OT in the first round unless the team sees him as a starter this year...

I like Dobson, but 1) I'd rather have Swope if both are on the board there and 2) I'd rather take a WR in the first round if the best we could do is Dobson in the second...

 

[76Texan]

I don't see us going OT in the first round unless the team sees him as a starter this year...

I like Dobson, but 1) I'd rather have Swope if both are on the board there and 2) I'd rather take a WR in the first round if the best we could do is Dobson in the second...

Anybody heard anything about that law suit in which ex-players are suing the NFL regarding concussion?

I heard it's going to drag on for months.
If it does, I wonder how it affects guys that have had multiple concussions like Swope.

Will the league impose stricter protocols, like keeping a player out longer than one week for example.

 

[mussop]

There is no way Barrington is the best ILB in the draft. He does have good value that late though. The more I watch the later round LB's the more I think we will be able to get a pretty decent one from the 5th round down. What do you guys think of Marvin Burdette? I know he is short but watch some of his game tape. He takes on FB's and OG's like nobody's business.

Also check out Keith Pough.

 

[EVOLVIST]

Man, if the Texans draft OL that high in the draft I'm gonna sh!t a brick!

Not only does it say they have no faith in their depth, but it also says they are willing to screw with what little chemistry they already have going on the OL...and Lord knows their scheme is all about communication and chemistry.

They just resigned Harris.

There isn't a single plug-n-play guy at #27 that's going to come in make this line better. I just don't see it.

I like Barrington, too. But he's not plug-n-play like Kevin Minter, and the Texans need someone next to Cushing to fill that glaring gap, right NOW.

I like that you took an RB in this draft, which might be a little high, but it might be more realistic than Landry Jones at QB in my mock, since we still have Case on roster.

Don't get me wrong, after round #1 I like the mock, but Dobson over Da'Rick Rogers or Terrance Williams? I'll pass, but I won't be too up in arms.

 

[Rey]

There is no way Barrington is the best ILB in the draft. He does have good value that late though. The more I watch the later round LB's the more I think we will be able to get a pretty decent one from the 5th round down. What do you guys think of Marvin Burdette? I know he is short but watch some of his game tape. He takes on FB's and OG's like nobody's business.

Also check out Keith Pough.

Just watched some clips on Burdette since you mentioned him. I like him better than a lot of the other LB's ahead of him.

He'd be a good run stopper on this team. Would fit really well next to Cushing.

Will check out Pough in a second.

 

[76Texan]

Yeah, mussop and I love Burdette.
Guy just has a nose for the ball.

 

[NCTexan]

I don't see us going OT in the first round unless the team sees him as a starter this year...

I like Dobson, but 1) I'd rather have Swope if both are on the board there and 2) I'd rather take a WR in the first round if the best we could do is Dobson in the second...

Why are you not worried about the concussion history?

 

[Rey]

Why are you not worried about the concussion history?

Because in the NFL they do a better job of keeping WR's from having that kind of head trauma.

Here is a video of a concussion he suffered: http://thehotroute.com/video-of-ryan-swope-getting-concussion/

It's not like the dude just falls on the ground or takes regular hits and winds up concussed. The hit he took there has been pretty much phased out of the NFL and even drew a flag in college.

I know it's easier to get concussions after you've had them, but I don't think he's going to be subject to many of those kinds of hits.

 

[76Texan]

Because in the NFL they do a better job of keeping WR's from having that kind of head trauma.

Here is a video of a concussion he suffered: http://thehotroute.com/video-of-ryan-swope-getting-concussion/

It's not like the dude just falls on the ground or takes regular hits and winds up concussed. The hit he took there has been pretty much phased out of the NFL and even drew a flag in college.

I know it's easier to get concussions after you've had them, but I don't think he's going to be subject to many of those kinds of hits.

From what I've read, he had 3 already.

And I just heard on the local news last night that ex-NFL players (in the thousands) are suing the league for issues relating to concussions.

Here's what I found on the web.
It says 4,000 plaintiffs are involved.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2013/04/10/former-pro-football-players-push-lawsuit-against-nfl-over-concussion-related-brain-injuries/

 

[rmartin65]

Barrington is South Florida 2nd best prospect, Kayvon Webster is their best. Fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.

remember having mocked Terron Armstead several months ago as my 4th/5th rd. sleeper. then came out East-West Shriners game, then added to Senior bowl, looked very good & people escalated him to late 2nd early 3rd. after that combine where he proceeded to run his 4.71 forty. ascending now to possible first rd. pick. Flashback to Newton another Arkansas small school prospect & you see the Texans possible attraction. It would be a good situation for both player & organization, has the athletic body/tools to develop however screams luxury pick & would be new swing tackle, that's a heavy investment for need despite player upside. remember Newton was selected in 7th.

Love Dobson, has the measureable Texans covet. Took Terrance Williams over him in 2nd but could easily switch to Dobson if TW off the board. He ran a 4.55 which is about what I expect Keenan Allen to run when healthy. Similar talent to Lestar Jean with better core strength.

Considered Corey Lemonier in 3rd over Chase, better athlete has tantalizing but lacks production comparatively. Only 5.5 sacks, of course played in SEC great meaureables in comparison to Chase but just doesn't produce same level. Will be graded higher because of potential. Perfect spot to address this important need.

DJ is a very good safety prospect. like this selection. strong physical tackler which you like to see out of safety position, good replacement for Quin & Ed Reed to develop.

Understand need to address RB position with Forsett gone bye bye & Tate injury history to add quality depth behind Foster, just don't see need to spend this high of pick on one. Has a compact build like Maurice Jones Drew, maybe Greg Jones can be his lead blocker back-end of career if so could really work.

Boyd was on my radar all season but for one reason of another had a disappointing season. Like adding a big body DT late but don't trust his motor or work ethic. now seems more like a 6th/7th rd. developmental player. might be better keeping weight off & flipping to RDE, not stout enough to plug middle next level see you added a legit NG prospect in 7th with upside/size & athletic ability needed for position.

Glad you double dipped in WR class as well, makes a lot of sense. remember watching him last season with Sanu, big dependable target has core strength & blocking ability with better speed than I expected. Solid pick.

Overall all solid mock as usual. understand thought process & like fact you keep it real & original. tough to keep up with everything in busy schedule to boot, shows passion & zeal for process.

BL

Thanks BL.

Armstead is definitely a pick for the future, which I realize is not what some want. However, long term, I think this is the way to go.

On Boyd- I was stuck. I really think the NT spot needs to be upgraded, but I liked the way the mock wsa setting up. Maybe take bb's guy (Hankins) in the first, then developmental OT here?

I don't see us going OT in the first round unless the team sees him as a starter this year...

I like Dobson, but 1) I'd rather have Swope if both are on the board there and 2) I'd rather take a WR in the first round if the best we could do is Dobson in the second...

To be fair, I think Armstead pushed Newton by the time the playoffs role around.

As for Swope... I really like the kid. I have been a fan all year. However, the concussions worry me, they really do. I like Dobson almost as much, so I went with him instead.

There is no way Barrington is the best ILB in the draft. He does have good value that late though. The more I watch the later round LB's the more I think we will be able to get a pretty decent one from the 5th round down. What do you guys think of Marvin Burdette? I know he is short but watch some of his game tape. He takes on FB's and OG's like nobody's business.

Also check out Keith Pough.

Never said Barrington was the best, only that I think looking back that we will all consider him to be one of the best. If Ogletree keeps his head on straight, I think he is the best without a doubt.

I like Burdette, but his size is worrisome. I would have absolutely no problem with the Texans picking him.

I dont know much about Pough, though I hear good things.

Man, if the Texans draft OL that high in the draft I'm gonna sh!t a brick!

Not only does it say they have no faith in their depth, but it also says they are willing to screw with what little chemistry they already have going on the OL...and Lord knows their scheme is all about communication and chemistry.

They just resigned Harris.

There isn't a single plug-n-play guy at #27 that's going to come in make this line better. I just don't see it.

I like Barrington, too. But he's not plug-n-play like Kevin Minter, and the Texans need someone next to Cushing to fill that glaring gap, right NOW.

I like that you took an RB in this draft, which might be a little high, but it might be more realistic than Landry Jones at QB in my mock, since we still have Case on roster.

Don't get me wrong, after round #1 I like the mock, but Dobson over Da'Rick Rogers or Terrance Williams? I'll pass, but I won't be too up in arms.

Apparently I am the only one who likes Armstead in the 1st, interesting. I dont like our tackle depth. Brown is great. Newton would be best as a backup, as would Smith. Armstead can be groomed for the future. We wont be winning the Super Bowl with Smith/Newton as our RTs.

Dobson before TWill and Rogers, absolutely. I have never been a TWill fan- I think he is JAG at the next level. Rogers has all the talent in the world, but is dumber than a box of rocks.

 

[badboy]

65, the reason I am opposed to OT in first is I think Brennan Williams brings as much to table as Armstead as neither would be expected to start. Add in that BW should be a 3rd or some say a 4th and that settles it for me. There are just so many ways this draft could go and still bring in good players, I hope it will become one of the most satisfying drafts in Texans history.

 

[rmartin65]

65, the reason I am opposed to OT in first is I think Brennan Williams brings as much to table as Armstead as neither would be expected to start. Add in that BW should be a 3rd or some say a 4th and that settles it for me. There are just so many ways this draft could go and still bring in good players, I hope it will become one of the most satisfying drafts in Texans history.

This first year, sure, I dont see much of a difference. However, in the future Armstead should be a superior player.

However, the current backlash is making me reconsider my position. What to people think of-

1) Ohio State NT Johnathan Hankins
2) Marshal WR Aaron Dobson
3) Auburn OLB Corey Lemonier
3) South Carolina FS DJ Swearinger
4) Vanderbilt RB Zac Stacy
5) LSU OT Chris Faulk
6) South Florida ILB Sam Barrington
6) Rutgers WR Mark Harrison
7) DE Lawrence Okoye

 

[beerlover]

I would say go with your gut, regardless what others say. Terron is ascending while Hankins is descending. Need wise it does make sense, but from a scouting perspective don't you have to go with player having most upside & value for position? We can wait for Louis Nix III next year once Rick Smith lands Ogletree hopefully & transform Texan defense into a terror -

Watt - Nix III - Smith
Reed - Cushing - Olgetree - Mercilus
Manning - Ed Reed
Joseph - Jackson​

 

[76Texan]

Personally, I feel that this is a draft in which a team should'nt have to reach from the Texans position onward.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

Personally, I feel that this is a draft in which a team should'nt have to reach from the Texans position onward.

The problem is that "reach" is defined by how you set up your draft board and how the pundits have set up their draft board.

When all that really counts is how the teams have set up their draft boards. And all 32 teams have way different boards than Mel Kiper's.

 

[76Texan]

The problem is that "reach" is defined by how you set up your draft board and how the pundits have set up their draft board.

When all that really counts is how the teams have set up their draft boards. And all 32 teams have way different boards than Mel Kiper's.

That is what I mean.
We're doing mock draft and we set up our own board.

rmartin felt that he reached somewhat and changed his mind.

Corrosion, on the other hand, seems dead-on believing that Short is the best BPA among the positions of need and he went for it.

Not that I agree with him, but he has that in mind, and I have to give him that.

 

[The Pencil Neck]

That is what I mean.
We're doing mock draft and we set up our own board.

rmartin felt that he reached somewhat and changed his mind.

Corrosion, on the other hand, seems dead-on believing that Short is the best BPA among the positions of need and he went for it.

Not that I agree with him, but he has that in mind, and I have to give him that.

It's like Tyson Alualu. When the Jags took him it was like... what?!?? I don't think I'd seen him go higher than the 2nd round and someone might have gotten accused of reaching for him there. BUT... the Jags had him that high on their board. You just can't predict something like that.

So... when you're doing a mock... what are you trying to do? Guess how the teams are going to pick? Or guess what player's relative values are? Or guess which players are really going to have great careers despite what the teams think?

Last year, I did a quick analysis on WRs, where they're picked vs. where they're mocked. The mockers are usually pretty good at figuring out which WRs are going to be drafted but they usually get all of them wrong wrt round. And the guys the teams draft high generally have better careers than the guys that get drafted low. Now. Granted. That could be because the teams have more invested in the higher pick but still.

 

[rmartin65]

That is what I mean.
We're doing mock draft and we set up our own board.

rmartin felt that he reached somewhat and changed his mind.

Corrosion, on the other hand, seems dead-on believing that Short is the best BPA among the positions of need and he went for it.

Not that I agree with him, but he has that in mind, and I have to give him that.

I am not necessarily changing my mind, just curious as to what others think of the revised mock. Personally, I like what I had. I think Armstead will be a stud in the NFL, and having not one but two stud tackles would be huge moving forward.

As for C and Short... I really enjoy getting C's thoughts. I think he has a real sense for this kind of stuff. However, I just dont think he is right here. I have no doubt that he will be an upgrade over Mitchell/Cody, but I dont think that he will be a difference maker in the NFL. Solid starter, but nothing special.

 

[Rey]

I loooooove swearinger. He's my favorite safety I've seen. I'd take him in the second or third because I think he's that good and I think someone would try to get him before our third.

If we got swearing I think he's the type of player your going to be wanting on the field more often.

 

[76Texan]

In respond to both, I think that even as we do mock draft, we still need to consider the different systems each team employ, and therefore their own preference of the type of player they might be looking for.

An example is Duane Brown whom I actually "targeted" for the Texans.
It might be hard to explain here, but at the same time, I said the Texans kinda reached for him a little bit in term of BPA (at any position). But hey, our turn is up, and I had "pretty much" aligned my board with the Texans and so I was happy to get the guy I wanted, whom I thought would turn out better than some OTs drafted ahead of him.

This year, however, I don't have a single target in mind for the spot.
I can go best OT available, best WR available, best ILB available, best NT available. That guy will need to have the most "differential making" points among several candidates (and there could be a few different candidates at a certain spot.) I have to weigh the pros and cons of an Armstead, a Rodgers, a Hunter, a Short, a Hankins, a certain Wiliams, etc.
Which of these guys give the most pros and the fewest cons.
Which guy can make the most positive impact both short-term and long-term.

When you have that many guys (and the guys I mentioned aren't the only ones) I think it's best to go with the sure thing and not potential.

For the same reason, I still think it's best to trade out of the first round anyway you can. I will even consider trading our first for several late picks (even if it takes a few trade downs to get there.) The flyers toward the last third of the draft have such potential I wished we have 3 sixth round comp picks like we once hoped for.

 

[76Texan]

I loooooove swearinger. He's my favorite safety I've seen. I'd take him in the second or third because I think he's that good and I think someone would try to get him before our third.

If we got swearing I think he's the type of player your going to be wanting on the field more often.

Don't you wish we're in a position where people want to take Vaccaro and trade our pick so they can select him in exchange of two or three picks to take Swearinger and another safety or two?

 

[EVOLVIST]

...This year, however, I don't have a single target in mind for the spot.
I can go best OT available, best WR available, best ILB available, best NT available. That guy will need to have the most "differential making" points among several candidates (and there could be a few different candidates at a certain spot.)...
Which of these guys give the most pros and the fewest cons.
Which guy can make the most positive impact both short-term and long-term.

When you have that many guys (and the guys I mentioned aren't the only ones) I think it's best to go with the sure thing and not potential.

Good post.

Now this is very reminiscent of a conversation I had on this board last year. You go on to say, however, to trade out of the first round, which, in this case I don't agree with simply because of the glut of talent the Texans can mine early in the draft out of need. That's not to negate BPA, though. I'm just saying that when you've reached a certain plateau, as the Texans have, i.e. contenders, you only need 1 or 2 pieces to complete the puzzle.

Anyway, back to my original point (and yours, as well), I firmly believe, unless you're drafting a QB or a CB, you're looking for an automatic starter in the 1st round, and in many cases the 2nd round, too. You hope like hell for any of the other rounds. The Mercilus pick? I wasn't horribly bent over it, because I knew Barwin would be leaving as soon as the drafted him, but it went against the Texans MO (for the first time in a long time) to draft a backup in the 1st.

This theory about taking OL in the first round just leaves me scratching my head, because anyone outside of Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, Jonathan Cooper, Lane Johnson and DJ Fluker, are all going to be developmental guys. These other dudes will be gone by pick #27.

I'm just saying you don't want to have to polish anybody from the 1st round when you're looking to make a title run. And you're going to want to take someone in the 1st round, precisely because you're making a title run.

Having said that, it better be a combo of BPA and need...because the Texans don't need much, but what they need is glaring: ILB, WR, OLB, DT (To a lesser extent DT, because although Cody/Mitchell aren't world beaters, they are serviceable until Cody gets the boot and we draft DT high next year [unless we strike it rich this year]).

 

[badboy]

I would say go with your gut, regardless what others say. Terron is ascending while Hankins is descending. Need wise it does make sense, but from a scouting perspective don't you have to go with player having most upside & value for position? We can wait for Louis Nix III next year once Rick Smith lands Ogletree hopefully & transform Texan defense into a terror -

Watt - Nix III - Smith
Reed - Cushing - Olgetree - Mercilus
Manning - Ed Reed
Joseph - Jackson​

Feel like I need to say a few words in defense of my guy. Armstead is hot chili for folks who were not aware of chili. Not saying he is not going to be good because I think he is. He gets attention for doing well in the bowls against big boys...something that Hankins has done for two years. While both play blue collar positions in the trenches, I think LT is more "popular" than the steady play of nose.

Armstead's 4.65 40 at 306 lbs causes some to go gaga.
Hankin's 5.28 at 320 less than one second difference gets ho hum.

What almost no one on this board gets is Hankins rarely came out of games. Heck yeah he was tired late in games. I think this is big reason he has dropped to us. IMO, NT is priority position, OT is not. I am an Armstead fan, just not over Hankins.

BTW, this is the way the 3 Amigos discuss and process players for our mocks. We have remained friends for years despite our opinions. We say what we think is best for our Texans.

 

[mussop]

Feel like I need to say a few words in defense of my guy. Armstead is hot chili for folks who were not aware of chili. Not saying he is not going to be good because I think he is. He gets attention for doing well in the bowls against big boys...something that Hankins has done for two years. While both play blue collar positions in the trenches, I think LT is more "popular" than the steady play of nose.

Armstead's 4.65 40 at 306 lbs causes some to go gaga.
Hankin's 5.28 at 320 less than one second difference gets ho hum.

What almost no one on this board gets is Hankins rarely came out of games. Heck yeah he was tired late in games. I think this is big reason he has dropped to us. IMO, NT is priority position, OT is not. I am an Armstead fan, just not over Hankins.

BTW, this is the way the 3 Amigos discuss and process players for our mocks. We have remained friends for years despite our opinions. We say what we think is best for our Texans.

Yes someone else gets it. He is a 3 down player despite his size.

 

[Rey]

Don't you wish we're in a position where people want to take Vaccaro and trade our pick so they can select him in exchange of two or three picks to take Swearinger and another safety or two?

I'm wanting more and more to trade down...

Id hate to pass on a receiver I really want in the first, but I like Swope and I think Dobson is ok too. But the extra 2nd and possibly a 3rd or 4th would be worth it IMO.

 

[steelbtexan]

I'm wanting more and more to trade down...

Id hate to pass on a receiver I really want in the first, but I like Swope and I think Dobson is ok too. But the extra 2nd and possibly a 3rd or 4th would be worth it IMO.

I'm all for trading down, but because the talent is flat a trade is unlikely.

I have a different view from 65 on Short. I think he's exactly the type of penetrating NT that Wade's looking for. The thought of Watt/Short and A.Smith on the DL with Cushing and crew at LB would go a long way in solving the Texans yearly problems holding up against the run without having to play 8 in the box.

Short can draw double teams, taking pressure off Watt. Short is a 3 down NT. IMHO

 

[mussop]

I'm all for trading down, but because the talent is flat a trade is unlikely.

I have a different view from 65 on Short. I think he's exactly the type of penetrating NT that Wade's looking for. The thought of Watt/Short and A.Smith on the DL with Cushing and crew at LB would go a long way in solving the Texans yearly problems holding up against the run without having to play 8 in the box.

Short can draw double teams, taking pressure off Watt. Short is a 3 down NT. IMHO

Short is the best pass rusher out of all the DT's in this class. He would make a huge impact right away IMO. I still believe we will bring in a FA NT after the draft. Seymour or Hamton or Pouha would make an huge impact. Having Short to rotate at end or NT would improve this defense tenfold.

However we do it we have to improve the middle of our defense. We need at least two DL added to the current roster.