The Sky is Falling Mock

[htownfan32]

Round 1: Tajh Boyd, QB Clemson, 6-1 225 lbs

Rick Smith is going to get rid of Matt Schaub at the end of this season, and if you think otherwise you're probably one of the people chanting "Fire Rick Smith" out in the regular section of the board, and are probably unaware of all the things Smith has done to make this team better. I want Brett Hundley and if I'm given the choice between him and Tajh Boyd, I'm beginning to like Hundley more and more though he is far more raw than the other 1st round prospects. However, I think Hundley is gone before we pick, and Boyd will still be there when we do. I like Boyd because he looks like the leader and the QB we need under center. He's got accuracy, ball placement, and he seems tough, much tougher than MS will ever be.

Round 2: Kyle Fuller, CB Virginia Tech, 6-0 190 lbs

You bet CB is a concern with this team. Aside from the starting punch of Kareem Jackson and Jonathan Joseph, there is little behind them in this team and Kyle Fuller would go a long way towrds addressing that.

Round 3: Shayne Skov, ILB Stanford, 6-2 245

Continuing the tradition of badass names on our LB squad, Skov will round out the lack of depth behind Cushing. Joe Mays' play has made this less of a need but I'm not entirely sure Mays is not just a one year plug. I think the injury from last year brings him down to our pick, but he's been looking good so far.

If the Seattle game isn't proof that we need another leader in our ILB corps, and that if Cushing goes out for any period of time we're screwed, I don't know what is.

This is also where I lament about not drafting Kiko Alonso. I was damn high on him last year and look how he's been doing so far.


Will continue.

 

[htownfan32]

Round 4: Arthur Lynch, TE Georgia, 6-5 258 lbs.

The injury to Owen Daniels has me worried. I don't think OD is going to be long on this team for many seasons. Though Garrett Graham looks like a capable successor and Ryan Griffin looked good in the preseason, a solid TE like Lynch will greatly help our rookie QB as a safety blanket.

Round 5: Alvin Dupree, OLB Kentucky, 6-4 252 lbs.

Adding a pass rusher later in the draft is never a bad idea. We have little behind Reed and Mercilus. While Mercilus has looked good so far, Reed has been mediocre in terms of production and I think Montgomery is a bust at the position and Trevardo is a one trick pony.

Round 6: Dri Archer, WR/RB Kent State 5-8 178 lbs

Speedy receiver, could possibly return kicks. If we're going to add a guy who can deliver the goods at QB, we can also add a guy who can go deep downfield to get those goods.

Round 7: Ben Malena, RB, Texas A&M, 5-8 195 lbs.

A pick to fill in the 3rd RB spot after Cierre Wood moves up and Ben Tate leaves. Had to put an Aggie in here somewhere, and Malena is an impressive RB with fluid movement and the ability to jump and jive past linebackers. Has excellent burst but not top end speed. If A&M ran the ball with him alone more often, he'd have a higher draft stock, but since they use him in tandem with Tra Carson the power back and Trey Williams the stud sophomore, he'll be a sleeper.

 

[badboy]

I like your first 4 rounds and just reviewed Lynch again about one hour ago. No oline selections? IMO our thin line is high priority. In fact, if I knew I could get McCarron in third (rated #91) I would probably go OG first, OT second and AJ in third. I think ILB/OLB Lamin Barrow LSU could be had in 4th; basically an OLB but his coach was to move to ILB until DJ Welter stepped up or I could go Jackson of W. Kentucky. I have ND's Bennett in 6th as a man cover corner.

 

[htownfan32]

I like your first 4 rounds and just reviewed Lynch again about one hour ago. No oline selections? IMO our thin line is high priority. In fact, if I knew I could get McCarron in third (rated #91) I would probably go OG first, OT second and AJ in third. I think ILB/OLB Lamin Barrow LSU could be had in 4th; basically an OLB but his coach was to move to ILB until DJ Welter stepped up or I could go Jackson of W. Kentucky. I have ND's Bennett in 6th as a man cover corner.

If McCarron was my choice of QB, I would definitely go O-line first. I think if we don't go QB in the first, we will have a choice between McCarron, Murray, possibly Manziel, Mettenberger, Morris, Fales and Carr in the second for sure and possibly third rounds. However, I have an odd feeling that with the return of Brennan Williams and David Quessenberry, we may not see high round draft picks on O-line. Maybe depth.

I like Lamin Barrow, and if he's there in the 4th I'd give him a good look there. I also like Andrew Jackson out of WKU, but he'll be gone by the third imo.

 

[badboy]

If McCarron was my choice of QB, I would definitely go O-line first. I think if we don't go QB in the first, we will have a choice between McCarron, Murray, possibly Manziel, Mettenberger, Morris, Fales and Carr in the second for sure and possibly third rounds. However, I have an odd feeling that with the return of Brennan Williams and David Quessenberry, we may not see high round draft picks on O-line. Maybe depth.

I like Lamin Barrow, and if he's there in the 4th I'd give him a good look there. I also like Andrew Jackson out of WKU, but he'll be gone by the third imo.

You think B Williams has a solid chance to return healthy in 2014?

 

[htownfan32]

You think B Williams has a solid chance to return healthy in 2014?

I am not aware of the extent of his injury (I know it's a knee microfracture), but given a full year to recuperate, possibly. If his health does not improve, though... yes, I would advocate an early round o-line selection. It'd have to be my boy Cedric Ogbuehi, though

 

[Wolf6151]

1. Boyd- ehhhhh, I think we can do better in the 1st. Very good mobility and athleticism, but weak arm and gets alot of air under his down field throws.
2. Fuller- I haven't looked at him this year but remember him from last year and I liked what I saw then. CB is a definite need.
3. Skov- ehhhhh, good player if he fully recovers from the knee injury but I think we've bigger issues than ILB in the 3rd. I'd take an OT here, I don't think Brennan Williams will be our answer at RT.
4. Lynch- I like the player but again think we've got bigger holes to fill than 3rd string TE. I'd take a Safety here because he's going to see the field alot more than a TE.
5. Dupree, I don't know the player but I like the size and position chosen. I'll have to do some reading up on him.
6 & 7. I don't know anything about either guy and again think we have bigger needs on the O-line, LB depth, and secondary.


I think OT is important in the first 3 rounds. I don't think Brennan Williams will ever be an effective RT for us. That micro fracture knee surgery is very serious for a man of his size.

 

[badboy]

I am not aware of the extent of his injury (I know it's a knee microfracture), but given a full year to recuperate, possibly. If his health does not improve, though... yes, I would advocate an early round o-line selection. It'd have to be my boy Cedric Ogbuehi, though

Oggie is whom I have in second but he might not come out if not a first rounder. I am looking at Antonio Richardson in first and Yawin Smallwood ILB/OLB second
or OG Cyril Richardson and Oggie.

Picking good players is part of the fun but picking the best one while filling other needs in other rounds is funner. If draft falls just right, we can have an excellent one.

 

[beerlover]

Just how do you propose Texans acquire Boyd while standing pat?

Like pick but just not realistic.

Tracking right along with CB theme in 2nd. must address position now.

Really like Skove & Lynch picks as well.

Think you really need to address OT/OG next especially with Skove who could flip inside outside. Never ever neglect OL.

My CB (Gilbert) is also a plus return man, voiding out spending a pick just on returner, but do agree we need to upgrade position.

Don't need to draft RB's. Just compete hard in undrafted college prospect.

Overall really good early season mock. Just be realistic hit the positions you did along with versatility of prospects to help multiple ways.

 

[thunderkyss]

How tall is Hundley?

I don't want to spend a 1st on a 6-1 QB. I don't care who's done it before, I don't care how tall Drew Brees is. I don't care that some other team is going to get this guy in the first round.

I'm just asking the question. How tall is Hundley?

If we go QB in the first, we need to go OL in the second, if we don't trade back up into the first. This line would dominate with a solid talented RT (& I like Newton), then Wade will not be here next year & I don't want to put too many eggs in the Quiz basket.

But if this is the "Shy is falling Mock" our first two picks need to be QB & OL. Minnesota was 10-6 with AD. We've got Aj, Arian, Ben Tate, Hopkins, & a defense. Sky is falling means our OL went to hell as well.

 

[steelbtexan]

Dont like Boyd,

If it were me as I've stated in other threads, I would draft Van Noy at 15-18. I think he will be there because he wont light up the combine. But he has a natural bend that great pass rushers have and he plays just as hard in the 4th qtr as he does in the 1st qtr. This would allow B.Reed to move inside where I think he can be more effective.

Then the Texans should take advantage of the QB depth in this draft and trade into the late 1st/early 2nd where one of McCarron/Mettenberger/Manziel/Murray should be available.

Morgan Moses/JuWuan James/Jack Mewhort should be available in the 3rd and be upgrades over the current crap at RT. (Newton wasn't allowed to heal properly this offseason so it's not his fault.)

 

[htownfan32]

Dont like Boyd,

If it were me as I've stated in other threads, I would draft Van Noy at 15-18. I think he will be there because he wont light up the combine. But he has a natural bend that great pass rushers have and he plays just as hard in the 4th qtr as he does in the 1st qtr. This would allow B.Reed to move inside where I think he can be more effective.

Then the Texans should take advantage of the QB depth in this draft and trade into the late 1st/early 2nd where one of McCarron/Mettenberger/Manziel/Murray should be available.

Morgan Moses/JuWuan James/Jack Mewhort should be available in the 3rd and be upgrades over the current crap at RT. (Newton wasn't allowed to heal properly this offseason so it's not his fault.)

If it works out like bolded, I'd be okay. I'm not sure how likely that is, though.

And BeerLover, as the name of the draft indicates, we might just be picking that high

Edit: Yes, I should probably have addressed OL in this as well. I'm not sure why I skipped it. For the record, my boy in the 2nd round is Cedric Ogbuehi, if he comes out. I like Jack Mewhort as well and for Guard I like Zach martin out of Notre Dame.

 

[htownfan32]

How tall is Hundley?

I don't want to spend a 1st on a 6-1 QB. I don't care who's done it before, I don't care how tall Drew Brees is. I don't care that some other team is going to get this guy in the first round.

I'm just asking the question. How tall is Hundley?

If we go QB in the first, we need to go OL in the second, if we don't trade back up into the first. This line would dominate with a solid talented RT (& I like Newton), then Wade will not be here next year & I don't want to put too many eggs in the Quiz basket.

But if this is the "Shy is falling Mock" our first two picks need to be QB & OL. Minnesota was 10-6 with AD. We've got Aj, Arian, Ben Tate, Hopkins, & a defense. Sky is falling means our OL went to hell as well.

For the record, TK, Hundley is 6-3.

 

[TexansSeminole]

Dont like Boyd,

If it were me as I've stated in other threads, I would draft Van Noy at 15-18. I think he will be there because he wont light up the combine. But he has a natural bend that great pass rushers have and he plays just as hard in the 4th qtr as he does in the 1st qtr. This would allow B.Reed to move inside where I think he can be more effective.

Then the Texans should take advantage of the QB depth in this draft and trade into the late 1st/early 2nd where one of McCarron/Mettenberger/Manziel/Murray should be available.

Morgan Moses/JuWuan James/Jack Mewhort should be available in the 3rd and be upgrades over the current crap at RT. (Newton wasn't allowed to heal properly this offseason so it's not his fault.)

I'm curious to know what you don't like about Boyd. Same with Wolf6151.

I haven't seen a lot of criticism on him so it would be a new angle to look at things for me.

 

[Wolf6151]

I'm not terribly impressed by Tajh Boyd. He runs well, has quick feet, and avoids a pass rush well, he's athletic, but most of his throws are the same thing we're getting from Schaub right now ie: short routes, stationary receivers, comeback routes, throws in the flat, short crossing routes, etc... and when he does throw down field there's alot of air under the ball. Many times receivers are slowing down or waiting on the ball to get there. His arm doesn't seem to be that strong, and only an average release. In Boyds defense though, his O-line isn't that great, he's getting pressured alot so he doesn't get alot of time to step into a throw.

From the film I've been watching lately, I like Murray and McCarron. I also like Mariota but he'll be gone by the time we pick. I'm not liking Manziel from a maturity stand point.

 

[badboy]

So we are resigning Keenum and Yates to back up status and hoping a 2014 QB will start next season.. hmm. That and a weak offensive line happened way back at the beginning and that turned out well.

 

[76Texan]

Since the sky is falling, the Texans will move up by trading away all of their picks so that they end up with a single number one pick.
At the moment, they have the 5th pick; they can move up to the #1 spot by giving up the rest.

With the number one overall pick, the Texans select...










Derek Carr!

 

[steelbtexan]

I'm curious to know what you don't like about Boyd. Same with Wolf6151.

I haven't seen a lot of criticism on him so it would be a new angle to look at things for me.

Everything Wolf stated a couple of posts ago.

Plus I dont like his funky release or arm strength.

There are just better QB's in this draft. IMHO

On a side note what's your opinion of Jacob Coker in the spring game?

 

[steelbtexan]

Since the sky is falling, the Texans will move up by trading away all of their picks so that they end up with a single number one pick.
At the moment, they have the 5th pick; they can move up to the #1 spot by giving up the rest.

With the number one overall pick, the Texans select...

LOL

If the Texans finish with the 2nd/3rd worst record and Clowney was here would you pick him over a QB?

Then pick a QB in the 2nd? There should be a good one available at the top of the 2nd. Kinda like the Brees draft.

 

[b0ng]

So we are resigning Keenum and Yates to back up status and hoping a 2014 QB will start next season.. hmm. That and a weak offensive line happened way back at the beginning and that turned out well.

Yates has pretty much shown that he's got "career backup" written all over him, Keenum is an unknown. However if you think the QB class is good this year (I do, well at least until we see who stays in school and who goes in the draft) then you really don't owe Keenum anything if you think the franchise could be sitting there in the first round. Besides that, if the season goes horribly enough you'll probably see what Keenum has in regular season games.

Again, this entirely depends on your projections for the QB's in the upcoming draft. If you don't like em, then sure, go ahead and trot out TJ Yates or Case Keenum for the 2014 season if Schaub is released.

 

[Insideop]

Since the sky is falling, the Texans will move up by trading away all of their picks so that they end up with a single number one pick.
At the moment, they have the 5th pick; they can move up to the #1 spot by giving up the rest.

With the number one overall pick, the Texans select...










Derek Carr!

That's not even funny!

 

[kiwitexansfan]

Since the sky is falling, the Texans will move up by trading away all of their picks so that they end up with a single number one pick.
At the moment, they have the 5th pick; they can move up to the #1 spot by giving up the rest.

With the number one overall pick, the Texans select...










Derek Carr!

Draft Carr, give him #8 and my Carr Jersey is relevant again!!!!

 

[htownfan32]

Draft Carr, give him #8 and my Carr Jersey is relevant again!!!!

 

[TexansSeminole]

Everything Wolf stated a couple of posts ago.

Plus I dont like his funky release or arm strength.

There are just better QB's in this draft. IMHO

On a side note what's your opinion of Jacob Coker in the spring game?

Coker is a better runner than passer right now. I really haven't seen enough to form any kind of opinion on him. He'll probably transfer considering Winston is playing like a complete baller.

 

[aussie_texan]

Yates has pretty much shown that he's got "career backup" written all over him, Keenum is an unknown. However if you think the QB class is good this year (I do, well at least until we see who stays in school and who goes in the draft) then you really don't owe Keenum anything if you think the franchise could be sitting there in the first round. Besides that, if the season goes horribly enough you'll probably see what Keenum has in regular season games.

Again, this entirely depends on your projections for the QB's in the upcoming draft. If you don't like em, then sure, go ahead and trot out TJ Yates or Case Keenum for the 2014 season if Schaub is released.

is it out of this world if we draft a QB in the 1st then say during training camp that the number 1 pick plus yates and keenum are all involved in a position battle and whoever comes out on top is the starting QB

 

[rmartin65]

Again, this entirely depends on your projections for the QB's in the upcoming draft. If you don't like em, then sure, go ahead and trot out TJ Yates or Case Keenum for the 2014 season if Schaub is released.

I don't know how one could look at this QB class and not like a couple of them.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

I don't know how one could look at this QB class and not like a couple of them.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2014/QB

The QBS I'd take .

Teddy Bridgewater QB 1 Louisville Jr 6-3 205 1

5 Marcus Mariota QB 2 Oregon rSo 6-4 212 1

6 Brett Hundley QB 3 UCLA rSo 6-3 222 1

9 Tajh Boyd QB 4 Clemson rSr 6-1 225 1

11 Johnny Manziel QB 5 Texas A&M rSo 5-11 210 1

66 Aaron Murray QB 8 Georgia rSr 6-1 208 2-3

74 Stephen Morris QB 9 Miami (Fla.) Sr 6-2 218 2-3

IMO ... with all the rule changes for concusions and such , air travel is the way to go . It would help to have a guy that can get 6yds with a run on a 3rd and 5 . Kubiak's offense is a dinosaur .

 

[rmartin65]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2014/QB

What?

 

[steelbtexan]

If Hogan comes out, he will be my #1 QB.

Smart, athletic, strong arm and moves well.

I would love to see this be the future of org. Oliver Luck/Shaw/Hogan

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

What?

Huh ?

 

[rmartin65]

Huh ?

Ah, I posted before you wrote the QBs you were interested in.

 

[Corrosion]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2014/QB

The QBS I'd take .

Teddy Bridgewater QB 1 Louisville Jr 6-3 205 1

5 Marcus Mariota QB 2 Oregon rSo 6-4 212 1

6 Brett Hundley QB 3 UCLA rSo 6-3 222 1

9 Tajh Boyd QB 4 Clemson rSr 6-1 225 1

11 Johnny Manziel QB 5 Texas A&M rSo 5-11 210 1

66 Aaron Murray QB 8 Georgia rSr 6-1 208 2-3

74 Stephen Morris QB 9 Miami (Fla.) Sr 6-2 218 2-3

IMO ... with all the rule changes for concusions and such , air travel is the way to go . It would help to have a guy that can get 6yds with a run on a 3rd and 5 . Kubiak's offense is a dinosaur .

I don't like Mariota or Morris ....

Mariota's completion percentage (56.7%) leaves a lot to be desired - A full 10points lower than any of the others listed.


Morris .... I cant nail it down but something about him bothers me. I'd rather have McCarron than him , and he's way down my list.


As for the offense being a dinosaur , no its not. Its the fact that the QB is absolutely no threat to run that makes it appear so. Put a guy who is at least a threat to move the sticks with his legs on those bootlegs and it changes the dynamics of the entire offense and how teams are forced to defend it.


Bridgewater would be the obvious top choice for me .... But I'd be happy / satisfied with Boyd or Manziel as the #1 spot is probably just too expensive to acquire.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

I don't like Mariota or Morris ....

Mariota's completion percentage (56.7%) leaves a lot to be desired - A full 10points lower than any of the others listed.


Morris .... I cant nail it down but something about him bothers me. I'd rather have McCarron than him , and he's way down my list.


As for the offense being a dinosaur , no its not. Its the fact that the QB is absolutely no threat to run that makes it appear so. Put a guy who is at least a threat to move the sticks with his legs on those bootlegs and it changes the dynamics of the entire offense and how teams are forced to defend it.


Bridgewater would be the obvious top choice for me .... But I'd be happy / satisfied with Boyd or Manziel as the #1 spot is probably just too expensive to acquire.

I've watched Murray the most and think if he was 3 inches taller he'd be right there with Teddy .

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Since the sky is falling, the Texans will move up by trading away all of their picks so that they end up with a single number one pick.
At the moment, they have the 5th pick; they can move up to the #1 spot by giving up the rest.

With the number one overall pick, the Texans select..


Derek Carr!

 

[Corrosion]

I've watched Murray the most and think if he was 3 inches taller he'd be right there with Teddy .

I like Murray a lot .... dude isn't flashy but he wins football games. That game against Clemson in the opening week of the season was one hell of a game for both he & Boyd.


There is a wealth of talent at the position in this draft , I just hope they get it right and the position is settled for the next decade.


Hell even the guy's I don't like have a whole lot of upside. (especially compared to a noodle armed statue)

 

[WolverineFan]

If Hogan comes out, he will be my #1 QB.

Smart, athletic, strong arm and moves well.

I would love to see this be the future of org. Oliver Luck/Shaw/Hogan

I really, really like Hogan as well. However, I'm 99% positive that he's not coming out this year.

 

[badboy]

Yates has pretty much shown that he's got "career backup" written all over him, Keenum is an unknown. However if you think the QB class is good this year (I do, well at least until we see who stays in school and who goes in the draft) then you really don't owe Keenum anything if you think the franchise could be sitting there in the first round. Besides that, if the season goes horribly enough you'll probably see what Keenum has in regular season games.

Again, this entirely depends on your projections for the QB's in the upcoming draft. If you don't like em, then sure, go ahead and trot out TJ Yates or Case Keenum for the 2014 season if Schaub is released.

At the moment I have a slightly different take than you as I have watched Keenum for several college years and compare him favorably to all 2014 QBs. Add in that he will have two years NFL seasoning and hopefully some actual game experience to evaluate, I at this moment rate him + a #1 pick at another position over selecting a QB. In my perfect world of optimism, I trade MS + Tate for Browns WR Josh Gordon (despite team saying not up for trade) and their own third round. That leaves them two firsts, a second and another third from Steelers. Just to clarify, Gordon at Baylor had issues with marijuana but the 2013 suspension for first two games was due to taking cough syrup with codeine in it for a strep throat in February. Link:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9353705/cleveland-browns-josh-gordon-suspended-2-games

A change of scenary for MS could revive his career and Tate is a tantalizing morsel for a RB starved Cleveland team.