Walter's Current Mock

[Corrosion]

Just to expound on post in a little more detail, need is a primary decision maker however you choose to view it. Key is to identify the best player available for your position of need, he will naturally fit (like JJ Watt) to become a successful player in system. In my example, Short, best player available @ position of need is off the board by time Texans select, I move onto next best player available @ position of need. Free agency is always on the back burner & can impact need/pick. Following this train of thought, if Quin is not resigned, SS becomes a bigger need, at the same time I would try to actually upgrade position. Suddenly Texas, SS, Kenny Vaccaro becomes my target. He is the complete package & could become more than solid, possibly elite? Two examples, of two different first round grades/prospects who fill specific need for Texans. Its a fluid process & what makes accurate player evaluation so important as team needs evolve.

BL

I dont disagree with this at all .... and why at this point in time I dont have NT high on my list.
Right now we just dont know what spots we will have to fill but considering the possible volume of losses in the secondary , thats my focus for thew time being.

This far out things can change in a dime.

 

[steelbtexan]

Couldn't agree more. This is how I always approach the draft. Don't understand why people lock in on certain positions every round. Just because you see a certain position as the biggest need doesn't mean that has to be your first pick.

This is why I would go with a WR in rd 1. Not only is WR a need but there should be a high level talent WR when the Texans are picking.

 

[Corrosion]

This is why I would go with a WR in rd 1. Not only is WR a need but there should be a high level talent WR when the Texans are picking.

Im torn between WR & CB.

 

[badboy]

Im torn between WR & CB.

WR for me as I expected more from Posey and Jean today. If you are open, Qb will throw it at you, maybe not to you but over or under you.


After Colts, Mitchell starts over Cody next game.

 

[leebigeztx]

The texans need to seriously think about a qb in the 2nd or 3rd. We see matt schaub and his warts along with the come up of luck. Even though he's a better qb than smith, it really hinders your team and playcaller with a physically limited qb. We can talk about all the other positions and they need attention also, but that qb spotis the most important one. In 2 yrs, that new qb needs to be ready to take over for matt.

 

[steelbtexan]

I'm leaning more and more towards Bray in the 1st rd.

He has the ability to be a top 5 pick. If he wasn't a bit immature and had bad footwork he wouldn't be available at 27 or so. Thinking about it trading back into the 1st rd and picking Patterson to go with Bray would be an exciting duo for the next decade and help prolong AJ's career.


This will never happen with BoB/Rick/Gary in charge.

 

[NCTexan]

I'm leaning more and more towards Bray in the 1st rd.

He has the ability to be a top 5 pick. If he wasn't a bit immature and had bad footwork he wouldn't be available at 27 or so. Thinking about it trading back into the 1st rd and picking Patterson to go with Bray would be an exciting duo for the next decade and help prolong AJ's career.


This will never happen with BoB/Rick/Gary in charge.

The kid is extremely immature. I don't think he'll mentally hold up in the NFL.

 

[TimeKiller]

Didn't want to start a whole new thread over it but here's one I did with another WR 1st.


1- Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech
6'3" 206 lbs., 4.52-40

Big time WR who falls because of character concerns (mary jane). I believe Andre can mentor him to be a pro, he will open up the offense for everyone else with his play making and the Texans offense will have it's next cornerstone.

2- Mike Glennon, QB, NC State
6'5" 232 lbs., 5.12-40

Scouting report reads he is in need of technique to better himself but when you see him play, he's a big, mobile QB who can sling it. With all respect to Yates and Schaub, the Texans need to start taking chances at getting big time QBs on the roster.

3- Cornellius (Tank) Carradine, DE, Florida State
6'4" 265 lbs., 4.75-40

Talented pass rusher who falls due to injury. May be the end of next year before he's fully healthy but I think he will upgrade the group and soften the blow if Barwin leaves. Definitely has a natural pass rushing ability and a great body to go with it, easily strong enough to handle the edge in the run game.

3a- Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas
6'5" 315 lbs., 5.32-40

Needs to improve pass protection but is a big, mobile guard who can get to the 2nd level and pancake defenders. Texans continue to add size and strength to their OL.

4- Zeke Motta, FS, Notre Dame
6'2" 215 lbs., 4.65-40

This is the first of many picks designed to improve the Texans' awful special teams. This isn't Teo or Nix but this guy did play an awful lot for a really good defense. Racked up a ton of tackles, certified run stopper in-the-box type who offers enough coverage ability to be the 3rd safety for the dime packages.

5- Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina
6'2" 240 lbs., 4.75-40

I think this might be a little late to get him but here's another run stopper who plays aggresive, downhill, thumper LBer. Would boost special teams as well.

6- Dustin Hopkins, K, Florida State
6'2" 190 lbs., 4.78-40

The NCAA FBS all-time kick scorer with 459 points. Yes, please and thank you.

6a- Ryan Allen, P, Louisiana Tech
6'2" 215 lbs.

Boomer includes a long of 85 lol yes, please and thank you. Special teams upgrade, complete.

7- Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Auburn
6'4" 250 lbs., 4.82-40

Caught 44 passes, 14 were for TDs. Not very athletic but a decent blocker who is capable of lining up at H-back. Plus his last name is really cool.

 

[steelbtexan]

The kid is extremely immature. I don't think he'll mentally hold up in the NFL.

34 TD's
12 Ints

Against SEC defenses, has big arm and is mobile enough. Think Big Ben

Terrible HC

IF throwing beer bottles at a car with your roommate is the worst thing that he did, then I must have been beyond immature in college.

I'm more worried about his footwork and film study habits. Like I said if there weren't risks he would be a top 5 pick.

What makes you think he wont mentally hold up? Are there things that I dont know about? I've watched a bunch of his games and Bray is extremely talented.

 

[NCTexan]

34 TD's
12 Ints

Against SEC defenses, has big arm and is mobile enough. Think Big Ben

Terrible HC

IF throwing beer bottles at a car with your roommate is the worst thing that he did, then I must have been beyond immature in college.

I'm more worried about his footwork and film study habits. Like I said if there weren't risks he would be a top 5 pick.

What makes you think he wont mentally hold up? Are there things that I dont know about? I've watched a bunch of his games and Bray is extremely talented.

I think he has the physical tools for sure. It's more like what you mention with the film study habits. He just never comes off as wanting to really be the best to me. I remember (granted this was two years ago) the bowl game against UNC and how he acted during that. That sticks out in my mind.

If we somehow get him, I truly hope I am wrong. Like you said, he has the tools. Part of it is probably my disillusionment with the QB class this year. It seems really weak.


Edit: I am also pretty new at looking at college guys, so by no means do I mean to sound like an expert. I also haven't watched a ton on him, so I fully admit there is a high chance I am wrong.

 

[badboy]

Didn't want to start a whole new thread over it but here's one I did with another WR 1st.


1- Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech
6'3" 206 lbs., 4.52-40

Big time WR who falls because of character concerns (mary jane). I believe Andre can mentor him to be a pro, he will open up the offense for everyone else with his play making and the Texans offense will have it's next cornerstone.

2- Mike Glennon, QB, NC State
6'5" 232 lbs., 5.12-40

Scouting report reads he is in need of technique to better himself but when you see him play, he's a big, mobile QB who can sling it. With all respect to Yates and Schaub, the Texans need to start taking chances at getting big time QBs on the roster.

3- Cornellius (Tank) Carradine, DE, Florida State
6'4" 265 lbs., 4.75-40

Talented pass rusher who falls due to injury. May be the end of next year before he's fully healthy but I think he will upgrade the group and soften the blow if Barwin leaves. Definitely has a natural pass rushing ability and a great body to go with it, easily strong enough to handle the edge in the run game.

3a- Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas
6'5" 315 lbs., 5.32-40

Needs to improve pass protection but is a big, mobile guard who can get to the 2nd level and pancake defenders. Texans continue to add size and strength to their OL.

4- Zeke Motta, FS, Notre Dame
6'2" 215 lbs., 4.65-40

This is the first of many picks designed to improve the Texans' awful special teams. This isn't Teo or Nix but this guy did play an awful lot for a really good defense. Racked up a ton of tackles, certified run stopper in-the-box type who offers enough coverage ability to be the 3rd safety for the dime packages.

5- Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina
6'2" 240 lbs., 4.75-40

I think this might be a little late to get him but here's another run stopper who plays aggresive, downhill, thumper LBer. Would boost special teams as well.

6- Dustin Hopkins, K, Florida State
6'2" 190 lbs., 4.78-40

The NCAA FBS all-time kick scorer with 459 points. Yes, please and thank you.

6a- Ryan Allen, P, Louisiana Tech
6'2" 215 lbs.

Boomer includes a long of 85 lol yes, please and thank you. Special teams upgrade, complete.

7- Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Auburn
6'4" 250 lbs., 4.82-40

Caught 44 passes, 14 were for TDs. Not very athletic but a decent blocker who is capable of lining up at H-back. Plus his last name is really cool.

I'd be stunned if Texans drafted Da'Rick with his numerous drug incidents. I was a fan and thought it was just one time but research indicated at least 3 & IIRC 4. I think it was Kubiak that said if a player had one incident it might be overlooked. He did not seem to be limiting it to MJ or other drugs. Posey is an example.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

Didn't want to start a whole new thread over it but here's one I did with another WR 1st.


1- Da'Rick Rogers, WR, Tennessee Tech
6'3" 206 lbs., 4.52-40

Big time WR who falls because of character concerns (mary jane). I believe Andre can mentor him to be a pro, he will open up the offense for everyone else with his play making and the Texans offense will have it's next cornerstone.

2- Mike Glennon, QB, NC State
6'5" 232 lbs., 5.12-40

Scouting report reads he is in need of technique to better himself but when you see him play, he's a big, mobile QB who can sling it. With all respect to Yates and Schaub, the Texans need to start taking chances at getting big time QBs on the roster.

3- Cornellius (Tank) Carradine, DE, Florida State
6'4" 265 lbs., 4.75-40

Talented pass rusher who falls due to injury. May be the end of next year before he's fully healthy but I think he will upgrade the group and soften the blow if Barwin leaves. Definitely has a natural pass rushing ability and a great body to go with it, easily strong enough to handle the edge in the run game.

3a- Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas
6'5" 315 lbs., 5.32-40

Needs to improve pass protection but is a big, mobile guard who can get to the 2nd level and pancake defenders. Texans continue to add size and strength to their OL.

4- Zeke Motta, FS, Notre Dame
6'2" 215 lbs., 4.65-40

This is the first of many picks designed to improve the Texans' awful special teams. This isn't Teo or Nix but this guy did play an awful lot for a really good defense. Racked up a ton of tackles, certified run stopper in-the-box type who offers enough coverage ability to be the 3rd safety for the dime packages.

5- Kevin Reddick, ILB, North Carolina
6'2" 240 lbs., 4.75-40

I think this might be a little late to get him but here's another run stopper who plays aggresive, downhill, thumper LBer. Would boost special teams as well.

6- Dustin Hopkins, K, Florida State
6'2" 190 lbs., 4.78-40

The NCAA FBS all-time kick scorer with 459 points. Yes, please and thank you.

6a- Ryan Allen, P, Louisiana Tech
6'2" 215 lbs.

Boomer includes a long of 85 lol yes, please and thank you. Special teams upgrade, complete.

7- Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Auburn
6'4" 250 lbs., 4.82-40

Caught 44 passes, 14 were for TDs. Not very athletic but a decent blocker who is capable of lining up at H-back. Plus his last name is really cool.

Hopkins kicked for Clear Lake HS .

 

[Wolf6151]

Here's Walters current mock as of 01-09-13.

1. Kevin Minter-ILB
2. Robert Woods-WR
3. Montee Ball-RB
4. Brian Winters-OT

I don't agree with his picks for us, but he does select some pretty good talent for the Texans.

 

[badboy]

Here's Walters current mock as of 01-09-13.

1. Kevin Minter-ILB
2. Robert Woods-WR
3. Montee Ball-RB
4. Brian Winters-OT

I don't agree with his picks for us, but he does select some pretty good talent for the Texans.

I'd be ok with that. I was reviewing it yesterday. Minter is pretty solid and Woods could be awesom although shorter at 6'1" than I prefer. Has tendancies to allow ball through his hands and could have same problem in NFl looking for DB rather than ball. Montee is a puzzle for me. His stats are crazy good especially TDs. His injury seems not to effect his return but something tells me beware. Winters should be a solid player in future.

 

[Corrosion]

I'd be ok with that. I was reviewing it yesterday. Minter is pretty solid and Woods could be awesom although shorter at 6'1" than I prefer. Has tendancies to allow ball through his hands and could have same problem in NFl looking for DB rather than ball. Montee is a puzzle for me. His stats are crazy good especially TDs. His injury seems not to effect his return but something tells me beware. Winters should be a solid player in future.

Those are some solid players .... but I'd be furious with that haul as it misses on most of the real needs this team will face going into the offseason.

That mock is .... amature at best. Its as if the writer only looks at statistics and doesnt know a thing about the team.

Not addressing the OL until the 4th round ?!

No DB thru 4 picks when they will have 5 of their top eight in the secondary become FA's ?!

What about the DL and OLB ?!

A RB that early when they have both Foster and Tate ..... this mock is a joke.

 

[Dutchrudder]

Those are some solid players .... but I'd be furious with that haul as it misses on most of the real needs this team will face going into the offseason.

That mock is .... amature at best. Its as if the writer only looks at statistics and doesnt know a thing about the team.

Not addressing the OL until the 4th round ?!

No DB thru 4 picks when they will have 5 of their top eight in the secondary become FA's ?!

What about the DL and OLB ?!

A RB that early when they have both Foster and Tate ..... this mock is a joke.

I agree with this guy^

Terrible mock, nobody on this forum would bother making that crap. I really don't like the ILB in the 1st idea, we need something else there. ILB should be a 3-5 round priority.

 

[badboy]

Those are some solid players .... but I'd be furious with that haul as it misses on most of the real needs this team will face going into the offseason.

That mock is .... amature at best. Its as if the writer only looks at statistics and doesnt know a thing about the team.

Not addressing the OL until the 4th round ?!

No DB thru 4 picks when they will have 5 of their top eight in the secondary become FA's ?!

What about the DL and OLB ?!

A RB that early when they have both Foster and Tate ..... this mock is a joke.

I would not make those picks but can understand the mock. I think ILB is a need priority but can be accomplished later round. Minter will be a good pick.

Oline does not need to be addressed until later but I am looking at bpa in 2/3 for one or the other. My problem is I want a WR2, NT, ILB, in top 4 picks. That can be done. I want to then utilyze the other pick for next best player. I have a OLB Travis Long (knee) in 4th and OLB Quanterus Smith (knee) in 7th. Both should be healthy by TC but Smith is high risk/high reward. Not sure if I am over ranking Long. I have a CB/FS Darrius Slay but may have to move him to at least 4th after combine. Joseph & KJ + Harris nails that down and I think Slay is perfect backup IF Carmichael is not ready. I see Slay as perfect safety to back up Manning and Quin who I do think will be resigned.

DL: we are okay here with starters returning and Crick looking very good. My NT and Mitchell who looked very good last game closes need for any help here although on mock I am working, I do select ND's Kapron Lewis-Moore who I dropped to 7 due to knee injury against Alabama.

OL: here is where I disagree with most of you.
OG first. Wade Smith finishes his last contract year here 2013 with Brooks at RG. Jones moves to backup center where he belongs. We then replace Smith with either Brooks or a draft pick now or 2014 (leaving Brooks RG). If I go OG now Alvin Brooks is perfect fit and can play either side. Again OG 2013 draft or '14?

OT: I like Newton at RT in his second full year with Brooks RG. I think a draft pick that could develop would be all needed. I am not satisfied with Ryan Harris but recovery from his back injury could have impacted his play. Gardner did better than I expected. If we are only looking for a back up swing, is FA and option? Is Rashad Butler an option?

In summary:

1. WR Patterson and Terrance Williams have switched places recently as Patterson was ranked apprx 47 and Williams 24. Now it is just the opposite with season over, not sure I understand why. Did they find new game film? I would take either in heart beat.

2. OT Menelik Watson surprised all by declaring early. He needs seasoning under a good coach but where better than behind Newton? If he can beat Derek out, so be it. Excellent link for those who do not know his history. Good read on this 6'6 320 manster. http://espn.go.com/colleges/fsu/foo...dured-strange-journey-florida-state-seminoles

3A NT Brandon Williams ok I think he could be there in 4th but I like & need is there and if gone, my dire need is not filled.
3B ILB Andrew Jackson best LB available and is a tackling machine. Most have read my link on Alabama's Saban's comments. *Williams does go into coverage.
4. OLB Travis Long (may need to lower due to injury)
5A FS/CB Darrius Slay plays both well & moving up boards. Quin will be resigned.
5B TE Michael Williams
5C C/OG Mario Benavidez 6'4 304 Ben Jones type.
6 RB Cierre Wood has dropped due to offense be mauled by Alabama. Still a good choice here.
7A OLB Quanterus Smith falls this low due to knee injury. WKU senior that has 12.5 sacks before knee. Risk/reward at this round is perfect. May need 2013 to heal.
7B DE Kapron Lewis-Moore fell one round due to knee injury against the Tide.

 

[Rey]

Minter is an average player.

 

[badboy]

Minter is an average player.

Disagree.

 

[Hagar]

Help me out here, fill in my blanks:

1- Cordarelle Patterson, WR
2- Aboushi/Long, OT
3- Marcus Lattimore, RB
3a-__________________ , DB?
4- Josh Dworaczyk - LSU, OG
5-____________________ , LB?
6-_____________________ , TE?
7-_____________________ , QB?

Full disclosure: Josh is my cousin, so I'm a little partial to us picking him.

Currently, most of the draft boards show Josh as a late round to UDFA prospect. Its my belief that Josh will start for an NFL team one day no matter where he's drafted.

 

[Rey]

Disagree.

That's fine.

Teo is a little above average. Weak overall draft for mlb's. Last year would have been a better year to take one.

 

[mussop]

I agree with this guy^

Terrible mock, nobody on this forum would bother making that crap. I really don't like the ILB in the 1st idea, we need something else there. ILB should be a 3-5 round priority.

Disagree. That's some solid talent. ILB is a bigger need than some of you guys realize. Other than Cushing the rest of our ILBs are garbage. Factor in the relentless way that Cushing plays and we need depth there in a bad way. This defense would be SO MUCH BETTER if the middle was fixed. Right now we get virtually no pressure up the middle from our ILBs or DT. this is why our OLBs sacks are down.

And as far as the OL goes, it's a difficult system to jump in and be effective right away. Remember how many people here were calling for Meyers head when he first arrived? Smith wasn't a world beater either at first. Not to mention this teams philosophy and history on drafting OL suggest we won't be drafting one early. If we do do you really think he would come in and start right away? Look where we are drafting.

ILB is a need. So is DT and the secondary. You take the best available that fill needs and you can't really go wrong.

 

[mussop]

That's fine.

Teo is a little above average. Weak overall draft for mlb's. Last year would have been a better year to take one.

Teo is over rated. I agree that it is a weak year for ILB. That doesn't mean there aren't some good ones that would upgrade this defense. I'm liking Kiko in the fourth round. Either of the Stanford boys in the third.

 

[Dutchrudder]

Disagree. That's some solid talent. ILB is a bigger need than some of you guys realize. Other than Cushing the rest of our ILBs are garbage. Factor in the relentless way that Cushing plays and we need depth there in a bad way. This defense would be SO MUCH BETTER if the middle was fixed. Right now we get virtually no pressure up the middle from our ILBs or DT. this is why our OLBs sacks are down.

And as far as the OL goes, it's a difficult system to jump in and be effective right away. Remember how many people here were calling for Meyers head when he first arrived? Smith wasn't a world beater either at first. Not to mention this teams philosophy and history on drafting OL suggest we won't be drafting one early. If we do do you really think he would come in and start right away? Look where we are drafting.

ILB is a need. So is DT and the secondary. You take the best available that fill needs and you can't really go wrong.

Teo is over rated. I agree that it is a weak year for ILB. That doesn't mean there aren't some good ones that would upgrade this defense. I'm liking Kiko in the fourth round. Either of the Stanford boys in the third.

It's funny how you can disagree with such a short post, and then essentially agree with it in your next post 3 minutes later. Thanks for the laugh

 

[mussop]

It's funny how you can disagree with such a short post, and then essentially agree with it in your next post 3 minutes later. Thanks for the laugh

Don't really see how I did that. Minter is worth a first round pick and plays a position of need. That doesn't change the fact that It is a weak overall draft at ILB. You stated ILB shouldn't be chosen in the first. How in my post did I contradict the statement I made that it is?

 

[Dutchrudder]

Don't really see how I did that. Minter is worth a first round pick and plays a position of need. That doesn't change the fact that It is a weak overall draft at ILB. You stated ILB shouldn't be chosen in the first. How in my post did I contradict the statement I made that it is?

Well, you didn't mention Minter by name at all, so I assumed you were talking about all 4 of the picks. In any case, the guys you specifically said you wanted are 3rd/4th round picks, and that's exactly where I placed the priority of this position.

Just because I don't want Minter in the 1st doesn't mean I don't want an ILB. I do think it's a position of need, but it's certainly not our top priority. I think the value for that position, and weighing it against the need within the Texans' D, it should be a 3-5 round pick. Also have to consider the talent of the other positions that could be chosen in the 1st, such as WR. The WRs you could get at the end of the 1st are far more talented than those in the 3-5 rounds, unlike the ILBs. Personally I would prefer a WR like Patterson, Hunter, Allen or Williams and a ILB like Jackson, Alonso or Reddick in the 3rd. I don't think the drop from Minter to any of those guys is nearly as large as the drop from the WRs to the guys that will be there in the 3-5 rounds.

 

[steelbtexan]

Disagree. That's some solid talent. ILB is a bigger need than some of you guys realize. Other than Cushing the rest of our ILBs are garbage. Factor in the relentless way that Cushing plays and we need depth there in a bad way. This defense would be SO MUCH BETTER if the middle was fixed. Right now we get virtually no pressure up the middle from our ILBs or DT. this is why our OLBs sacks are down.

And as far as the OL goes, it's a difficult system to jump in and be effective right away. Remember how many people here were calling for Meyers head when he first arrived? Smith wasn't a world beater either at first. Not to mention this teams philosophy and history on drafting OL suggest we won't be drafting one early. If we do do you really think he would come in and start right away? Look where we are drafting.

ILB is a need. So is DT and the secondary. You take the best available that fill needs and you can't really go wrong.

Have youwatched the offense the last month and a half? While I agree the defense could use upgrades, the defense is atleast serviceable if not better. They didn't give up a TD against the bengals in a playoff game. I think they probably will get torched a bit by Brady because that is what Brady does. The Texans need to score more TD's. This is why I would like to see them go all offense in rds 1-5. Good news is WR/OL are deep positions in this yrs draft.

Rd.1 Hunter, Williams or Patterson will fall to 28/32.
Rd.2 Bray, Best arm in draft. 32 TD's -15 ints
Rd. 3 Kyle Long, Has athletic skill and temperment to be a massive upgrade on the OL. If I had to trade up to get him I would.

Then turn to defense with the supp picks. I rank S as the biggest need due to the fact that the defense plays 60% nickle and Demps is the nickle defenses biggest weakness. IMHO There should be a really good S like Rambo or Duke Williams there with the supp 3rd rd pick.

 

[beerlover]

Bradie James, Tim Dobbins, Barrett Rudd are football players just not great ones anymore. If Cushing was still out there ILB would be considered a luxury pick. But with that said, he is not & now we need to target one probably sooner than we like. Middle of the second seems to be a sweet spot for this position to still find a star player. Tried to fit Bobby Wagner into a mock draft last year but where he fell & Texans selected are two different things. Either slot him in way early, like first round, or cross your fingers & hope to get lucky end of 2nd round. It's always a tough call to make. Trading down or up are always discouraged practice in mock drafts.

Also interesting to note that elite ILB positional players rarely hit the open market, which is why Texans will lock up Cushing. While players available will be the James, Dobbins & Rudd of the world. Making free agency almost a non-option. So in a nutshell Texans will probably have to reach for one.

This is what I feel is fair value for top LB each round to Texans. However if Texans stand pat & don't adjust their position, other than compensatory pick coming from Mario (Kiko is a natural fit in that late 3rd range) or compensatory pick in fifth (Mauti in conjunction with Kiko) Texans will have to pay a premium price for rest (only consider thru 2nd day picks as premium). Which means the big three are Alec, probably requires trading up, Minter should be that mid second rd. grade & Jackson is the wildcard, cross your fingers & hope he is there.

First Round: Alec Ogeltree, Georgia, 6030 240

Second Round: Kevin Minter, LSU, 6010 245

Third Round: Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky, 6010 262

Fourth Round: Kiko Alonzo, Oregon, 6030 242

Fifth Round: A.J. Klein, Iowa State, 6010 244

Sixth Round: Michael Mauti, Penn State, 6020 245 (coming off season ending surgery)

Seventh Round: Greg Blair, Cincinnati, 6020 252

 

[steelbtexan]

Bradie James, Tim Dobbins, Barrett Rudd are football players just not great ones anymore. If Cushing was still out there ILB would be considered a luxury pick. But with that said, he is not & now we need to target one probably sooner than we like. Middle of the second seems to be a sweet spot for this position to still find a star player. Tried to fit Bobby Wagner into a mock draft last year but where he fell & Texans selected are two different things. Either slot him in way early, like first round, or cross your fingers & hope to get lucky end of 2nd round. It's always a tough call to make. Trading down or up are always discouraged practice in mock drafts.

Also interesting to note that elite ILB positional players rarely hit the open market, which is why Texans will lock up Cushing. While players available will be the James, Dobbins & Rudd of the world. Making free agency almost a non-option. So in a nutshell Texans will probably have to reach for one.

This is what I feel is fair value for top LB each round to Texans. However if Texans stand pat & don't adjust their position, other than compensatory pick coming from Mario (Kiko is a natural fit in that late 3rd range) or compensatory pick in fifth (Mauti in conjunction with Kiko) Texans will have to pay a premium price for rest (only consider thru 2nd day picks as premium). Which means the big three are Alec, probably requires trading up, Minter should be that mid second rd. grade & Jackson is the wildcard, cross your fingers & hope he is there.

First Round: Alec Ogeltree, Georgia, 6030 240

Second Round: Kevin Minter, LSU, 6010 245

Third Round: Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky, 6010 262

Fourth Round: Kiko Alonzo, Oregon, 6030 242

Fifth Round: A.J. Klein, Iowa State, 6010 244

Sixth Round: Michael Mauti, Penn State, 6020 245 (coming off season ending surgery)

Seventh Round: Greg Blair, Cincinnati, 6020 252

I truly believe there is not much difference in those LB's, regardless of Rd.

Give me Alonso in the 4th and Mauti in the 6th for best value. Although I really think Klein will be a Gary Spani type LB. (Solid Starter for 7-10 yrs, great ST guy)

 

[badboy]

That's fine.

Teo is a little above average. Weak overall draft for mlb's. Last year would have been a better year to take one.

Mucho agree. lol

 

[badboy]

Well, you didn't mention Minter by name at all, so I assumed you were talking about all 4 of the picks. In any case, the guys you specifically said you wanted are 3rd/4th round picks, and that's exactly where I placed the priority of this position.

Just because I don't want Minter in the 1st doesn't mean I don't want an ILB. I do think it's a position of need, but it's certainly not our top priority. I think the value for that position, and weighing it against the need within the Texans' D, it should be a 3-5 round pick. Also have to consider the talent of the other positions that could be chosen in the 1st, such as WR. The WRs you could get at the end of the 1st are far more talented than those in the 3-5 rounds, unlike the ILBs. Personally I would prefer a WR like Patterson, Hunter, Allen or Williams and a ILB like Jackson, Alonso or Reddick in the 3rd. I don't think the drop from Minter to any of those guys is nearly as large as the drop from the WRs to the guys that will be there in the 3-5 rounds.

Eye to eye on the bolded. This is what keeps bringing me back to WR in first. Hunter has me stumped as he seems to effortlessly glide down field during games but in our offense he needs to be more "rugged" I guess is the word. Not sure NFL coaching/conditioning will correct that or his "want" to block. If Patterson & T Williams are gone in first, I'd probably look at Cobi Hamilton in second. I'd have to rethink my first.

 

[badboy]

Help me out here, fill in my blanks:

1- Cordarelle Patterson, WR
2- Aboushi/Long, OT
3- Marcus Lattimore, RB
3a-__________________ , DB?
4- Josh Dworaczyk - LSU, OG
5-____________________ , LB?
6-_____________________ , TE?
7-_____________________ , QB?

Full disclosure: Josh is my cousin, so I'm a little partial to us picking him.

Currently, most of the draft boards show Josh as a late round to UDFA prospect. Its my belief that Josh will start for an NFL team one day no matter where he's drafted.

Just some thoughts:

NT? Are you just gonna ignore one of the dire needs or do you think Cody will re-sign, get healthy and be better than he has for his contract?

LB: inside, outside or both? How do you evaluate needs?
Lattimore had a devastating injury, not sure I'd spend a 3rd, at least not 3 months from draft.

Nothing wrong with reaching for your cousin but 3-4 round reach is a bit. I did not see him offering much but TBH I did not focus on LSU Oline.

Finally, if you are going to include the comp for Mario in 3rd might as well speculate on the other 3 comps. Dutchrudder thinks we should have two extra fifths and a seventh. This sounds reasonable to others.

 

[steelbtexan]

Just some thoughts:

NT? Are you just gonna ignore one of the dire needs or do you think Cody will re-sign, get healthy and be better than he has for his contract?

LB: inside, outside or both? How do you evaluate needs?
Lattimore had a devastating injury, not sure I'd spend a 3rd, at least not 3 months from draft.

Nothing wrong with reaching for your cousin but 3-4 round reach is a bit. I did not see him offering much but TBH I did not focus on LSU Oline.

Finally, if you are going to include the comp for Mario in 3rd might as well speculate on the other 3 comps. Dutchrudder thinks we should have two extra fifths and a seventh. This sounds reasonable to others.

Agree with you on Lattimore.

Since the nickle defense is on the field 60% of the time and Mitchell seems to be growing into the position, NT is a lower level priority for me. Although depth is needed. If Brandon Williams is there in the 3rd he would be my pick.

 

[badboy]

Bradie James, Tim Dobbins, Barrett Rudd are football players just not great ones anymore. If Cushing was still out there ILB would be considered a luxury pick. But with that said, he is not & now we need to target one probably sooner than we like. Middle of the second seems to be a sweet spot for this position to still find a star player. Tried to fit Bobby Wagner into a mock draft last year but where he fell & Texans selected are two different things. Either slot him in way early, like first round, or cross your fingers & hope to get lucky end of 2nd round. It's always a tough call to make. Trading down or up are always discouraged practice in mock drafts.

Also interesting to note that elite ILB positional players rarely hit the open market, which is why Texans will lock up Cushing. While players available will be the James, Dobbins & Rudd of the world. Making free agency almost a non-option. So in a nutshell Texans will probably have to reach for one.

This is what I feel is fair value for top LB each round to Texans. However if Texans stand pat & don't adjust their position, other than compensatory pick coming from Mario (Kiko is a natural fit in that late 3rd range) or compensatory pick in fifth (Mauti in conjunction with Kiko) Texans will have to pay a premium price for rest (only consider thru 2nd day picks as premium). Which means the big three are Alec, probably requires trading up, Minter should be that mid second rd. grade & Jackson is the wildcard, cross your fingers & hope he is there.

First Round: Alec Ogeltree, Georgia, 6030 240

Second Round: Kevin Minter, LSU, 6010 245

Third Round: Andrew Jackson, Western Kentucky, 6010 262

Fourth Round: Kiko Alonzo, Oregon, 6030 242

Fifth Round: A.J. Klein, Iowa State, 6010 244

Sixth Round: Michael Mauti, Penn State, 6020 245 (coming off season ending surgery)

Seventh Round: Greg Blair, Cincinnati, 6020 252

Draft Partner, you are right on target with your evaluations. I think the first three are starters day one, Alonzo not so soon but I would throw him in as much as possible next to Cush and let him learn. Couldn't be any worse than what we have.

 

[badboy]

Agree with you on Lattimore.

Since the nickle defense is on the field 60% of the time and Mitchell seems to be growing into the position, NT is a lower level priority for me. Although depth is needed. If Brandon Williams is there in the 3rd he would be my pick.

Mitchell's emergence is what convinced me to go with Brandon over Sylvester. As you notice above, I take care of the defensive middle in round three A&B. Now if I could get a trade down in first that would allow me to pick Patterson or T Will + a third I'd use with our own 5th and trade into second. Three seconds and two thirds!

 

[Hagar]

Just some thoughts:

NT? Are you just gonna ignore one of the dire needs or do you think Cody will re-sign, get healthy and be better than he has for his contract?

LB: inside, outside or both? How do you evaluate needs?
Lattimore had a devastating injury, not sure I'd spend a 3rd, at least not 3 months from draft.

Nothing wrong with reaching for your cousin but 3-4 round reach is a bit. I did not see him offering much but TBH I did not focus on LSU Oline.

Finally, if you are going to include the comp for Mario in 3rd might as well speculate on the other 3 comps. Dutchrudder thinks we should have two extra fifths and a seventh. This sounds reasonable to others.

I was just playing around and filling in the blank. I haven't even started thinking about the offseason yet.

Josh is a good young man with a bright future either as a player or as a coach. I you're interested here's and article about him.

I will say this, having watched LSU closely over the years, there's nothing average about Minter.

 

[mussop]

Best thread in a long time. Lots of good discussion going on. Have replies after work.

 

[beerlover]

Best thread in a long time. Lots of good discussion going on. Have replies after work.

Kinda like should I empty out the attic, sort out & throw away all my crap or just shove another box up there?