A couple words about the mock before I post it- due to time constraints this past year, I have not done as much scouting this year as I have in years past. As a result, this mock is largely based off of the rankings found here (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2014/all) (though I moved players up or down the rankings depending on my opinions), as are the heights and weights. This mock assumes that the Texans stay in the 3-4 defense. As always, I do not predict trades or compensatory picks. Finally, I realize that I skipped some positions of need. Unfortunately, we have more roster holes than picks, so I did what I could. With this unfortunate realization in mind, I feel that this mock does a good job addressing a lot of these needs, and balances need with players that would be realistically available at each slot. I anticipate doing two more mocks after this one- post combine and the day before the draft. Let me know what you guys think!
Round 7) Penn State ILB Glenn Carson, 6’3” 235 lbs
Carson has solid athleticism, but is tough and reads plays well. Should be able to contribute right away on special teams, and potentially grow into a starting ILB down the line.
Round 6) Alabama DE Ed Stinson, 6’3” 292 lbs
With the threat of Antonio Smith leaving in the near future, adding a DE sounds like a pretty good idea. While Stinson has not developed into the player that many thought he would, I still see him being a successful starter at DE in the NFL. He is definitely more of a traditional 3-4 end, as he wont offer much in terms of a pass rush. However, Stinson does have the strength to occupy multiple blockers and to anchor in the run game.
Round 5) Arkansas State NT Ryan Carrethers, 6’1” 330 lbs
I see some other posters here have written about Carrethers, so I won’t say much. Carrethers is big and strong, but is still pretty mobile. I don’t think he will collect many sacks, but he should push the pocket and/or occupy multiple blockers along the LOS. His wrestling background allows him to fight off blocks well.
Round 4) Georgia Tech OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, 6’3” 242 lbs
The Texans need to add pass-rushing threats on the edge, and I think Attaochu would be able to do that from day one. He has experience playing OLB in the 3-4, has a great first step, and has the strength to shed blocks.
Round 3) South Carolina CB Victor Hampton, 5’10” 202 lbs
Hampton is raw, but has the physical tools to be a top CB in the NFL. He is fast, has fluid hips, and does not shy away from making hard hits. I do think that he needs a lot of coaching though, and probably should not see the field much on defense this first year. Definitely a bit of a project.
Round 2) Louisiana State WR Odell Beckham Jr., 5’11” 193 lbs
Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the most explosive offensive players available in the draft. Not only does he get up to speed quickly, but his lateral agility is off the charts. In other words, he moves well in tight spaces, making him hard to tackle. He also runs nice routes, which is pretty rare for college receivers with his kind of athleticism. In addition to contributing on offense, OBJ will contribute on special teams.
And now, the moment you have all been waiting for
1) Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater, 6’3” 205 lbs
I can’t say that I am 100% sold on Bridgewater, but I think he could be a franchise QB. He has prototypical height for the position, and more importantly, I think Bridgewater has the mind of a franchise QB in that he has a high football IQ, ice water in his veins, and a competitive streak. He is also quite mobile- while he won’t be confused for Wilson or Luck, Bridgewater moves well in the pocket to avoid sacks, and can run for the first down if the situation presents itself.
Now, on to the negatives. One of the biggest concerns is Bridgewater’s slight frame. Honestly, I am not too worried, as he will add mass as he matures. More troubling to me is that he holds the ball too low while in the pocket, which slows how fast he can get the ball out of his hand. I think this is correctable though. I also notice a weird hitch in his throwing motion sometimes, but I don’t see a lot of other people writing about it, so maybe it is just my imagination. Also, it is infrequent enough that I am not terribly concerned.
Round 7) Penn State ILB Glenn Carson, 6’3” 235 lbs
Carson has solid athleticism, but is tough and reads plays well. Should be able to contribute right away on special teams, and potentially grow into a starting ILB down the line.
Round 6) Alabama DE Ed Stinson, 6’3” 292 lbs
With the threat of Antonio Smith leaving in the near future, adding a DE sounds like a pretty good idea. While Stinson has not developed into the player that many thought he would, I still see him being a successful starter at DE in the NFL. He is definitely more of a traditional 3-4 end, as he wont offer much in terms of a pass rush. However, Stinson does have the strength to occupy multiple blockers and to anchor in the run game.
Round 5) Arkansas State NT Ryan Carrethers, 6’1” 330 lbs
I see some other posters here have written about Carrethers, so I won’t say much. Carrethers is big and strong, but is still pretty mobile. I don’t think he will collect many sacks, but he should push the pocket and/or occupy multiple blockers along the LOS. His wrestling background allows him to fight off blocks well.
Round 4) Georgia Tech OLB Jeremiah Attaochu, 6’3” 242 lbs
The Texans need to add pass-rushing threats on the edge, and I think Attaochu would be able to do that from day one. He has experience playing OLB in the 3-4, has a great first step, and has the strength to shed blocks.
Round 3) South Carolina CB Victor Hampton, 5’10” 202 lbs
Hampton is raw, but has the physical tools to be a top CB in the NFL. He is fast, has fluid hips, and does not shy away from making hard hits. I do think that he needs a lot of coaching though, and probably should not see the field much on defense this first year. Definitely a bit of a project.
Round 2) Louisiana State WR Odell Beckham Jr., 5’11” 193 lbs
Odell Beckham Jr. is one of the most explosive offensive players available in the draft. Not only does he get up to speed quickly, but his lateral agility is off the charts. In other words, he moves well in tight spaces, making him hard to tackle. He also runs nice routes, which is pretty rare for college receivers with his kind of athleticism. In addition to contributing on offense, OBJ will contribute on special teams.
And now, the moment you have all been waiting for
1) Louisville QB Teddy Bridgewater, 6’3” 205 lbs
I can’t say that I am 100% sold on Bridgewater, but I think he could be a franchise QB. He has prototypical height for the position, and more importantly, I think Bridgewater has the mind of a franchise QB in that he has a high football IQ, ice water in his veins, and a competitive streak. He is also quite mobile- while he won’t be confused for Wilson or Luck, Bridgewater moves well in the pocket to avoid sacks, and can run for the first down if the situation presents itself.
Now, on to the negatives. One of the biggest concerns is Bridgewater’s slight frame. Honestly, I am not too worried, as he will add mass as he matures. More troubling to me is that he holds the ball too low while in the pocket, which slows how fast he can get the ball out of his hand. I think this is correctable though. I also notice a weird hitch in his throwing motion sometimes, but I don’t see a lot of other people writing about it, so maybe it is just my imagination. Also, it is infrequent enough that I am not terribly concerned.
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