2012 mocks

[painekiller]

I know for some this is way to early, but with little going on in the world of football, now is not a bad time to start this thread.

draftsite.com has a 7 round mock for the 2012 already up. They are using 2011 draft order, this is the 1st of many to follow. Texans picks

11 Mark Barron S Alabama 6' 2" 210
42 Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6' 3" 220
73 Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
104 Peyton Thompson CB San Jose State 5' 11" 170
135 Carmen Messina ILB New Mexico 6' 2" 222
173 Tony Bergstrom OT Utah 6' 6" 310
203 Jake Bequette DE Arkansas 6' 5" 270

Not claiming to know all of the players, so I will talk players I know of and positions of need.

The current needs appear to be: Safety, WR2, ILB, OLB, DE, OL.

How would I approach this draft?

11 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215 Fuller has played in our offense, he is a big strong WR, he had a big day against Patrick Peterson in the bowl game. Solid pick up to be the #2WR and develop to a future #1WR.

42 Dont'a Hightower ILB Alabama 6' 4" 250 Hightower would be insurance/replacement for Ryans. The history of recover to an elite level for an Achilles injury is not promising. So a stud for the middle of the defense is needed.

The next move I would make is DB. Then I would look for a OLB to develop. Every year or two will be time to draft a project to play OLB in the 3-4.

Then I would go from there .

[painekiller]

This one is interesting one, Walter has the Texans picking at 20, and you know what that means, again they miss they playoffs. So does Gary get the boot? I don't know that, but a decent mock here.

20 Cliff Harris, CB/PR, Oregon
This is a tough mock draft projection because we don't know how Houston's defensive players will adjust to Wade Phillips' new 3-4. However, the cornerback position could still be a big area of need if Kareem Jackson doesn't improve and Brandon Harris doesn't flash as a rookie.

Cliff Harris had six interceptions and four punt returns for a touchdown as a sophomore.

52 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
Now that the Texans have fixed their defense, maybe they'll finally obtain a reliable No. 2 receiver for Matt Schaub.

Another dynamic wideout out of North Carolina, the 6-5, 210-pound Dwight Jones caught 62 balls for 946 yards and four touchdowns in 2010.

My attempt, I am thinking that the Texans sign a FA to start at CB this off season and because of that they skip the CB in the 1st. In the 2nd round I did an A or B. A is if they have to look at an upgrade to Ryans who has a hard time coming back from from the heal (hope I am wrong but stats about his injury from other players is not encouraging), my B 2nd pick is in case Ryans has a full recovery.

20 Jeff Fuller, WR, Texas A&M (I admit the Aggie in me is rooting for this)
52 A Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
52 B Ray Ray Armstrong, SS, Miami

[painekiller]

My reason for posting these mocks: It give me players to watch this upcoming college season. Other wise I have no reason to watch.

This last season I saw Watt's play in no fewer than 6 game because I was watching John Clay, who turn out not to be drafted.

So go to the mocks, see who the so called expert think are the top prospects, and watch some college football.

[Arky]

52 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
Now that the Texans have fixed their defense, maybe they'll finally obtain a reliable No. 2 receiver for Matt Schaub.

Another dynamic wideout out of North Carolina, the 6-5, 210-pound Dwight Jones caught 62 balls for 946 yards and four touchdowns in 2010.

This was TJ Yates' (our 5th round QB) goto receiver. Some good vids of these two hooking up on youtube. Perhaps they meet again?

[painekiller]

This was TJ Yates' (our 5th round QB) goto receiver. Some good vids of these two hooking up on youtube. Perhaps they meet again?

I saw some of those highlights. He does look nice. I would not be opposed to Jones being a Texans, he looked solid, he plays in our offense, has decent enough speed, appears to have good hands and looks very good after the catch.

[Nconroe]

Here could be some other choices -some early cool-aid has Texans making playoffs again in several predictions

http://www.mockdraftmania.com/20110502-2012-nfl-mock-draft-2-rounds/
29. Houston Texans Janzen Jackson FS Tennessee
61. Houston Texans Brandon Lindsey 3-4 LOLB Pittsburgh

ok, another early go
http://www.footballmockery.com/2011/04/2012-nfl-mock-draft.html
24.) Houston Texans Vinny Curry - DE-Marshall

or
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Peter-Schrager-NFL-2012-first-round-mock-draft-050311
21. Houston Texans — Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

[NBT]

With the draft just past, and Wade Phillips as the honcho of the defense, I think the 2012 Draft will address offense again. The #2 WR would seem to be the logical place to look, being that AJ needs a good #2 to take some of the double coverage off of him. It is way early yet but I will be watching the kid from NC this season.

[painekiller]

11 Luke Kuechly* ILB Boston College 6' 3" 225
42 Darius Fleming OLB Notre Dame 6' 2" 245
73 James Wilson OG Florida 6' 3" 318
104 Shea McClellin DE Boise State 6' 3" 262
135 Lance Lewis WR East Carolina 6' 3" 200
173 Travian Robertson DT South Carolina 6' 4" 298
203 Brandon Bolden RB Mississippi 5' 11" 220

I could see an ILB in the 1st round, not likely, but possible. Now another OLB in round two? That would be three years in row, Barwin, Reed, and then Fleming. Now if Mario leaves in FAs then maybe a 2nd on OLB. But you also draft a DE in round 4 that will most likely be a conversion OLB, now you are getting alful young at OLB.

My early shot, and this is more about position than players at this point.

11 Dont'a Hightower ILB Alabama 6' 4" 250
42 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
73 Derek Wolfe 3-4 DE Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
104 Brian Peters S Northwestern 6' 4" 215
135 Al Netter OT Northwestern 6' 6" 310
173 Drew Butler PT Georgia 6' 2" 205
203 Malik Jackson 3-4 OLB Tennessee 6' 5" 265

First off I want to say I have only watched Hightower Fuller and Butler play off this mock. I picked guys that looked to fit a role on paper, after all this is a summer mock.

ILB is a concern until Ryans proves he has recovered from his injury. Time to get a #2 that can grow into a future #1. Need to think about replacing Smith at some point at DE. The rest of the picks were just a crap shoot.

[nunusguy]

I dunno, what are the odds of somebody BESIDES Luck being the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft ?

[painekiller]

11 Riley Reiff* OT Iowa 6' 6" 280
43 Billy Winn DT Boise State 6' 4" 288
75 Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
107 Zach Collaros QB Cincinnati 6' 0" 209
139 Alex Hoffman OG Cincinnati 6' 5" 293
171 James Rodgers WR Oregon State 5' 7" 185
203 Tyler Moeller OLB Ohio State 6' 0" 210

I know this is preseason, pre FA signings, pre anything, but come on. Not a great mock IMO.

[painekiller]

11 Riley Reiff* OT Iowa 6' 6" 280
43 Billy Winn DT Boise State 6' 4" 288
75 Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
107 Zach Collaros QB Cincinnati 6' 0" 209
139 Alex Hoffman OG Cincinnati 6' 5" 293
171 James Rodgers WR Oregon State 5' 7" 185
203 Tyler Moeller OLB Ohio State 6' 0" 210

I know this is preseason, pre FA signings, pre anything, but come on. Not a great mock IMO.

What positions do I think are next years draft needs pre-FA signings: WR, DE, S, CB, ILB, OLB, NT, P, KR

And where do I expect them to be picking?

21 Mark Barron S Alabama 6' 2" 210
53 Jaye Howard 3-4DE Florida 6' 3" 295
85 Courtney Upshaw ILB Alabama 6' 2" 262
117 Janoris Jenkins CB Florida 5' 11" 186
149 Travian Robertson DT South Carolina 6' 4" 298
181 Drew Butler PT Georgia 6' 2" 205
214 Dan Hoch OT Missouri 6' 7" 318

I guess I will be redoing in a week or so when the FAs are signed.

[painekiller]

24 Dwight Jones WR UNC 6' 4" 225
56 Mychal Kendricks OLB Cal 6' 0" 241
88 Jeff Allen OT Illinois 6' 5" 305
120 Christian Tupou DT USC 6' 2" 285
152 Brandon Taylor S LSU 6' 0" 191
184 Jordan Jefferson QB LSU 6' 5" 220
215 Nate Eachus RB Colgate 5' 10" 206

They have us in the playoffs, but not there for very long.

My attempt

24 Dwight Jones WR UNC 6' 4" 245 or Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
56 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
88 Ben Jones OC Georgia 6' 3" 300
120 Joel Foreman OG Michigan State 6' 4" 304
152 Tony Jerod-Eddie DT Texas A&M 6' 5" 300
184 Miles Burris ILB San Diego State 6' 3" 240
215 Bradley Sowell OT Mississippi 6' 7" 315

[painekiller]

Here is one I can get my teeth around.

25 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
57 Nigel Bradham ILB Florida State 6' 2" 235
89 Lucas Nix OT Pittsburgh 6' 6" 300
121 Austin Davis QB Southern Miss 6' 2" 208
153 Melvin Ingram DT South Carolina 6' 2" 264
185 Tramain Thomas S Arkansas 6' 0" 198
216 Jeffrey Demps RB Florida 5' 8" 183

My attempt:

25 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
50 Dont'a Hightower ILB Alabama 6' 4" 250
89 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
121 traded with #57 to get #50
153 Chris Galippo ILB USC 6' 2" 250
185 Momo Thomas CB Colorado State 5' 9" 179
216 Ben Burkett OC Northwestern 6' 4" 300

[painekiller]

25 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
57 Nigel Bradham ILB Florida State 6' 2" 235
88 Blake Gideon S Texas 6' 1" 200
120 D.J. Woods WR Cincinnati 6' 1" 170
152 Andrew Sweat OLB Ohio State 6' 2" 238
184 Marcus Bartels CB Florida Atlantic 5' 9" 170
215 Isaac Madison CB Arkansas 5' 11" 185

Better than their last attempt, but still to many DBs. The Texans need to start looking at some of the core positions on the offensive side of the ball, so they can develop young guys for depth and later stars.

My attempt;
25 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
57 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
88 Ryan Miller OG Colorado 6' 8" 320
120 Courtney Upshaw ILB Alabama 6' 2" 262
152 Cam Johnson DE Virginia 6' 4" 265
184 Trevor Robinson OG Notre Dame 6' 5" 300
215 Ben Burkett OC Northwestern 6' 4" 300

[painekiller]

25 Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6' 3" 220
57 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
88 Ryan Miller OG Colorado 6' 8" 320
120 Chris Galippo ILB USC 6' 2" 250
152 Aaron Corp QB Richmond 6' 3" 200
184 Trevor Olson OT Northern Illinois 6' 6" 306
215 Antonio Fenelus CB Wisconsin 5' 9" 190

[painekiller]

25 Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6' 3" 220
57 Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington 6' 3" 348
88 William Vlachos OC Alabama 6' 1" 292
120 Chris Galippo ILB USC 6' 2" 250
152 Brandon Taylor S LSU 6' 0" 191
184 Mike Harris CB Florida State 5' 11" 183
215 Matt McCants OT Alabama, Birmingham 6' 7" 295

My take

25 Dwight Jones WR UNC 6' 4" 245
57 Dont'a Hightower ILB Alabama 6' 4" 250
88 Antonio Allen S South Carolina 6' 2" 205
120 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
152 Brandon Taylor S LSU 6' 0" 191
184 Drew Butler PT Georgia 6' 2" 205
215 Damario Belcher WR Indiana 6' 5" 215

[painekiller]

25 Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6' 3" 220
57 Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington 6' 3" 348
88 Ryan Lindley QB San Diego State 6' 4" 215
120 Eddie Whitley S Virginia Tech 6' 1" 192
152 Danny Trevathan ILB Kentucky 6' 1" 228
184 Alex Hoffman OG Cincinnati 6' 5" 293
215 Marcus Bartels CB Florida Atlantic 5' 9" 170

[painekiller]

27 Mark Barron S Alabama 6' 2" 210
59 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
90 Joel Foreman OG Michigan State 6' 4" 304
122 Zach Collaros QB Cincinnati 6' 0" 209
154 Lance Lewis WR East Carolina 6' 3" 200
186 J.K. Schaffer ILB Cincinnati 6' 1" 223
218 Mike Harris CB Florida State 5' 11" 183

[painekiller]

26 Mark Barron S Alabama 6' 2" 210
58 A.J. Jenkins WR Illinois 6' 1" 185
89 Jaye Howard DT Florida 6' 3" 295
121 Rokevious Watkins OT South Carolina 6' 4" 340
153 Jerry Franklin ILB Arkansas 6' 1" 241
185 Jacquies Smith DE Missouri 6' 4" 255
217 Jarrett Lee QB LSU 6' 2" 207


My take? Going in a different from there picks type draft.

26 Courtney Upshaw ILB Alabama 6' 2" 262
58 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
89 Ryan Miller OG Colorado 6' 8" 320
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 Julian Miller DE West Virginia 6' 4" 260
185 Matt McCants OT Alabama, Birmingham 6' 7" 295
217 Micanor Regis DT Miami 6' 3" 300

[painekiller]

Your not going to like the drop, but they have us not making the playoffs, so here it goes.

17 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
49 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
81 Kirk Cousins QB Michigan State 6' 3" 202.
112 Ryan Miller OG Colorado 6' 8" 320
144 George Iloka S Boise State 6' 3" 207
176 Donnie Fletcher CB Boston College 6' 1" 196
208 Adrian Robinson DE Temple 6' 2" 248

[chuck]

Your not going to like the drop, but they have us not making the playoffs, so here it goes.

17 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
49 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
81 Kirk Cousins QB Michigan State 6' 3" 202.
112 Ryan Miller OG Colorado 6' 8" 320
144 George Iloka S Boise State 6' 3" 207
176 Donnie Fletcher CB Boston College 6' 1" 196
208 Adrian Robinson DE Temple 6' 2" 248

I don't hate this draft at all. Other than not making the playoffs of course.

[painekiller]

I don't hate this draft at all. Other than not making the playoffs of course.

The not making the playoffs is the part I was talking about not being happy about.

[barrett]

I still don't like a WR in round 1 because then you have to get him the ball. Too many mouths disease brought on by Bryant and Jones in Dallas and Atlanta has meant a big step back for Austin and White, and for their offense as a whole since they don't run the ball as much. I'd prefer a Jacoby Jones replacement in rounds 2-4.

I'd also love a tackle on either side that could move Winston inside. Aside from that CB (if our front office is either gone or smart enough to admit a mistake), DT, KR/PR specialist, ILB, OC, WR again for 4/5 and special teams coverage (Andre Davis type).

[painekiller]

Talk about a swing in the rankings, I think this maybe a little high, but we will see.

27 T.J. McDonald* S USC 6' 2" 205
59 Kendall Reyes DT Connecticut 6' 4" 295
90 Marvin McNutt WR Iowa 6' 4" 215
122 Andrew Sweat OLB Ohio State 6' 2" 238
154 Omar Bolden CB Arizona State 5' 10" 195
186 G.J. Kinne QB Tulsa 6' 2" 215
217 Tysyn Hartman CB Kansas State 6' 3" 206

Or we could be crazy and go this way:

27 Rueben Randle* WR LSU 6' 3" 201 BPA for our system, not my choice of position
59 Billy Winn DT Boise State 6' 4" 288
90 Joel Foreman OG Michigan State 6' 4" 304
122 George Iloka S Boise State 6' 3" 207
154 Sammy Brown OLB Houston 6' 3" 240
186 Trevor Olson OT Northern Illinois 6' 6" 306
217 Tysyn Hartman CB Kansas State 6' 3" 206

[barrett]

I like Tyron Carrier to be what Trindon Holliday was supposed to be for us. I'd love him as a last day pick or UDFA. Awesome return skills, and they used him all over the field on offense and he ran great routes in every possible use. I think you could get him as a KR and then see if you can make the speed work elsewhere as a bonus.

[painekiller]

25 Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma 5' 11" 178
57 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
88 Joel Foreman OG Michigan State 6' 4" 304
120 Jerry Franklin ILB Arkansas 6' 1" 241
152 Zach Collaros QB Cincinnati 6' 0" 209
184 Kyle Wilber DE Wake Forest 6' 5" 235
216 Rodney Stewart RB Colorado 5' 6" 175

My try:

25 Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington 6' 3" 348
57 Ben Jones OC Georgia 6' 3" 300
88 Tony Jerod-Eddie DT Texas A&M 6' 5" 300
120 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
152 Chris Galippo ILB USC 6' 2" 250
184 Tyrone Crawford DE Boise State 6' 4" 275
216 Korey Williams ILB Southern Miss 6' 2" 243

I don't love my mock but there are some interesting names there.

[NBT]

Too early to name names, but I would like to see a Calvin Johnson type WR (I know, I don't want much do I?), CB, LB, and a rookie QB before the end of the 3rd round. I like the way Smith moved around in the Draft this year to get an extra second. Maybe we could do something like that again in the 2012 Draft.

[painekiller]

27 Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma 5' 11" 178
59 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
90 Ryan Lindley QB San Diego State 6' 4" 215
122 Danny Trevathan ILB Kentucky 6' 1" 228
154 Cam Johnson DE Virginia 6' 4" 265
186 Tysyn Hartman CB Kansas State 6' 3" 206
217 Lance Dunbar RB North Texas 5' 9" 202

I'm not feeling this one, but like the draft position. I'm waiting until bowl time to get a real feel for this draft. Not sure yet how solid the draft is going to be.

[barrett]

27 Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma 5' 11" 178
59 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
90 Ryan Lindley QB San Diego State 6' 4" 215
122 Danny Trevathan ILB Kentucky 6' 1" 228
154 Cam Johnson DE Virginia 6' 4" 265
186 Tysyn Hartman CB Kansas State 6' 3" 206
217 Lance Dunbar RB North Texas 5' 9" 202

I'm not feeling this one, but like the draft position. I'm waiting until bowl time to get a real feel for this draft. Not sure yet how solid the draft is going to be.

I think I'd like more size out of a 1st round WR. Who are the big WRs for us to watch who would be late 1st-3rd round talent?

[painekiller]

I think I'd like more size out of a 1st round WR. Who are the big WRs for us to watch who would be late 1st-3rd round talent?

This is the WRs taken in the first 3 rounds of the above mock, in the order they were taken. This order will change between now and the draft due to forty times and combine workouts. There are a couple guys I really want to see more of and a good number of them are currently in the 2nd round range.


Justin Blackmon* WR Oklahoma State 6' 1" 205
Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
Michael Floyd WR Notre Dame 6' 3" 220
Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma 5' 11" 178
Rueben Randle* WR LSU 6' 3" 201
Dwight Jones WR UNC 6' 4" 245
Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
Juron Criner WR Arizona 6' 4" 210
A.J. Jenkins WR Illinois 6' 1" 185
Kendall Wright WR Baylor 5' 11" 185
Marvin McNutt WR Iowa 6' 4" 215
Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
Jarius Wright WR Arkansas 5' 10" 180

[painekiller]

Check out where the pick is, do you think the Kubiak haters will shut up?

31 Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma 5' 11" 178
63 Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
94 William Vlachos OC Alabama 6' 1" 292
126 Duke Ihenacho S San Jose State 6' 1" 210
158 G.J. Kinne QB Tulsa 6' 2" 215
190 Andrew Sweat OLB Ohio State 6' 2" 238
221 Jacquies Smith DE Missouri 6' 4" 255

I don't like the 1st pick, I don't see the team taking a short WR with a bad knee in the 1st round. Other than that I could live with draft.


31 Rueben Randle* WR LSU 6' 3" 201
*39 Nate Potter OT Boise State 6' 6" 293
63 Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
*71 Ryan Tannehill QB Texas A&M 6' 4" 216
94 Tony Jerod-Eddie DT Texas A&M 6' 5" 300
126 Louis Nzegwu DE Wisconsin 6' 4" 250
159 James Wilson OG Florida 6' 3" 318
190 Donald Stephenson OT Oklahoma 6' 6" 309
221 Adrian Hamilton DE Prairie View A&M 6' 3" 255

In my mock we get a 2nd and 3rd round pick from Washington for Matt Leinart. :D

[chuck]

If Kubiak can navigate this disaster and make a deep playoff run I might back off a bit. Some goon's idea of the team's future draft status does not impress me at this point.

Broyles, though, does impress me. He's not the 6'3" you want but I can see him being a Steve Smith sort of NFL player.

I'd still rather draft a corner there or maybe a safety.

[painekiller]

If Kubiak can navigate this disaster and make a deep playoff run I might back off a bit. Some goon's idea of the team's future draft status does not impress me at this point.

Broyles, though, does impress me. He's not the 6'3" you want but I can see him being a Steve Smith sort of NFL player.

I'd still rather draft a corner there or maybe a safety.

I'm not opposed to CB or S at the 31st pick:
Jayron Hosley* CB Virginia Tech 5' 11" 170
Chase Minnifield CB Virginia 6' 0" 185
Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama 5' 11" 186
Cliff Harris* CB Oregon 5' 11" 160
Brandon Boykin CB Georgia 5' 10" 185

Those are the next 5 DBs in this mock, not another safety taken until the 3rd (not accounting for the 3 safeties taken before our pick in the 1st). Also want to point out that Brandon Harris has yet to see the field in our crowded defensive backfield. Doesn't mean we cannot upgrade the #2 CB that is on the roster now. But I do want to point out that Jackson has played well as of late.

[painekiller]

26 Bacarri Rambo* S Georgia 6' 1" 208
58 Mike Brewster OC Ohio State 6' 5" 293
89 Mike Martin DT Michigan 6' 2" 299
121 Marquis Maze WR Alabama 5' 10" 179
153 G.J. Kinne QB Tulsa 6' 2" 215
185 Marcus McGraw ILB Houston 6' 0" 210
216 Matt Conrath DE Virginia 6' 7" 270


They have us taking a safety in the 1st round, I've been happy with Quin, so I don't get this one. But it's November...

[NBT]

I think last years Draft, along with the excellent FAs we picked up, indicate that we have really beefed up the defense. So I would like to see the emphasis this time be on the offense.

[painekiller]

25 Devon Still DT Penn State 6' 5" 311
57 Matt Daniels S Duke 6' 1" 200
88 Marvin McNutt WR Iowa 6' 4" 215
120 David Molk OC Michigan 6' 2" 285
152 Donnie Fletcher CB Boston College 6' 1" 196
184 Zach Collaros QB Cincinnati 6' 0" 209
215 Chris Rainey RB Florida 5' 9" 174

They always have us going for a big NT type. Wade has not had one of those in a long time. Cody has done a fairly reasonable job in Wade's system.

My cherry pick:

25 Vontaze Burfict* OLB Arizona State 6' 3" 245
57 Peter Konz OC Wisconsin 6'5" 315
88 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
120 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
184 Keenan Robinson ILB Texas 6' 3" 232
215 Trevor Robinson OG Notre Dame 6' 5" 300

OK I have to many OL guys, but the chance to keep Konz and Zeitler together was fun. Konz is a Junior and may not being coming out, he just hurt his ankle and that might just prompt him to want to be paid.

I would be moving Burfict top ILB same with Robinson. I took Randall where I have him, 3rd round not the 6th like Draftsite has him.

[Nconroe]

I had been thinking perhaps DT or OG-C, now starting to think WR is top need? still time to go however.

[barrett]

Not sure where he's rated, but I really like wright from Baylor if he can be had outside of the 1st. Amazing acceleration. He reminds me of desean Jackson.

[painekiller]

25 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
57 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
88 Antonio Allen S South Carolina 6' 2" 205
120 Danny Trevathan ILB Kentucky 6' 1" 228
152 James Wilson OG Florida 6' 3" 318
184 Brandon Mosley OT Auburn 6' 5" 305
215 Justin Francis DE Rutgers 6' 2" 275

Just a draft, not a sexy one and not a bad one.

My try

25 Vontaze Burfict* ILB Arizona State 6' 3" 245 ILB in our 3-4
57 Kirk Cousins QB Michigan State 6' 3" 202
88 Mike Brewster OC Ohio State 6' 5" 293
120 B.J. Cunningham WR Michigan State 6' 2" 205
152 Brandon Taylor S LSU 6' 0" 191
184 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295 no way this guy falls this far
215 Ben Burkett OC Northwestern 6' 4" 300

Burfict is a tackling machine. Him next to Cushing will be a studly pair for the future.

[Mike]

A draft heavy on SEC players. :) We always manage to get a V-Tech guy every year, so will need to add that.

[painekiller]

31 Bacarri Rambo* S Georgia 6' 1" 208
63 Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington 6' 3" 348
94 DeVier Posey WR Ohio State 6' 2" 200
126 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
158 Carmen Messina ILB New Mexico 6' 2" 222
190 Josh Pleasant CB Kent State 5' 10" 181
221 Dezman Moses DE Tulane 6' 3" 248

OK so they have us in the big game, nice. I see us doing a best player available type draft with the current team. So i might go this way

31 Jared Crick DT Nebraska 6' 6" 285
63 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
94 Cyrus Gray RB Texas A&M 5' 10" 196
126 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
158 Keenan Robinson ILB Texas 6' 3" 232
190 Lucas Nix OT Pittsburgh 6' 6" 300
221 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295

I know this is heavy with the UT and TAMU guys, and no way do I see it playing out this way. I truly admit at this time I have no clue what way the team will go.

[Blitzwood]

Draftsite 12/17

31 Bacarri Rambo* S Georgia 6' 1" 208
63 Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington 6' 3" 348
94 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
126 Isaiah Pead RB Cincinnati 5' 10" 193
158 Audie Cole ILB North Carolina State 6' 5" 239
190 Brandon Mosley OT Auburn 6' 5"305
221 Cody Johnson FB Texas 5"'11" 250

Not a bad draft, IMO

Don't think we'll make the SB, but oh well...

31 Jared Crick DT/DE Nebraska 6' 6" 285
63 Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington 6' 3" 348
94 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6'3" 212
126 Tank Carder OLB TCU 6' 2" 232
158 Brandon Taylor S LSU 6'0" 191
190 Ben Burkett OC Northwestern 6' 4" 300
221 Greg Childs WR Arkansas 6' 3" 217

[HPF Bob]

I could go for either of those drafts. I don't think we need to use a high draft choice on an offensive skill position. I could go for an OL but the ZBS allows us to take quality guys in the middle rounds. Otherwise, it's defense, defense, defense. More big bodies up front. More fast coverage guys and hard hitters in back.

[painekiller]

Draftsite 12/17

31 Bacarri Rambo* S Georgia 6' 1" 208
63 Alameda Ta'amu DT Washington 6' 3" 348
94 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
126 Isaiah Pead RB Cincinnati 5' 10" 193
158 Audie Cole ILB North Carolina State 6' 5" 239
190 Brandon Mosley OT Auburn 6' 5"305
221 Cody Johnson FB Texas 5"'11" 250


I could see this, but then again I could see us not doing it.

My take:
31 Bacarri Rambo* S Georgia 6' 1" 208
63 Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
94 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
126 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
158 Audie Cole ILB North Carolina State 6' 5" 239
190 Lucas Nix OG/OT Pittsburgh 6' 6" 300
221 Nelson Rosario WR UCLA 6' 5" 211

[painekiller]

27 Devon Still DT Penn State 6' 5" 311
59 Ryan Broyles WR Oklahoma 5' 11" 178
90 Joel Foreman OG Michigan State 6' 4" 304
122 Shaun Prater CB Iowa 5' 11" 172
154 Eddie Pleasant S Oregon 5' 11" 208
186 Rokevious Watkins OT South Carolina 6' 4" 340
217 Dezman Moses DE Tulane 6' 3" 248

Not a bad attempt, but not a great attempt.

Now my not so great attempt. Time to give AJ some help, WR depth.

27 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
59 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
90 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
122 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
154 Terrance Ganaway RB/FB Baylor 6' 0" 245
186 Lucas Nix OG/OT Pittsburgh 6' 6" 300
217 James-Michael Johnson ILB Nevada 6' 2" 240

[HPF Bob]

Absolutely not. It would be a total waste to draft three WRs with the first three picks. If I'm not mistaken, AJ and JJ are on multi-year contracts. Not sure Walters' contract status but they are adequate unless you're planning to trade them and you won't get value doing that. One WR out of top three I could accept (although I'd rather build depth at other positions first) but three is pure lunacy.

[painekiller]

Absolutely not. It would be a total waste to draft three WRs with the first three picks. If I'm not mistaken, AJ and JJ are on multi-year contracts. Not sure Walters' contract status but they are adequate unless you're planning to trade them and you won't get value doing that. One WR out of top three I could accept (although I'd rather build depth at other positions first) but three is pure lunacy.

First off, I glad to know that people do read my mocks. Secondly, I know there is no way that any team would draft 3 WR with the first three picks of the draft. It's hard enough to get one rookie up to playing speed much less three. That said, I wanted to show that in the draftsite mock we could get a stud WR in the 1st, or we could get a good WR in 2nd or 3rd round. At this time there is no way to know how these things will play out, and I did say I was offering up a bad attempt.

Thanks Bob

[Nconroe]

I watch your posts here PK, but early, thanks for updating guys to watch.

How about in first round - try to dominate both lines
Alameda Ta'amu Washington 6-3 / 337 DT
40 Time: 5.22 40 Low: 5.08 40 High: 5.38
Projected Round: 2 Rated number 3 out of 183 DT's

maybe in second - lotta big receivers so maybe need some big DB's?
Ray Ray Armstrong Miami 6-4 216 SS / FS
40 Time: 4.54 40 Low: 4.44 40 High: 4.65
Rated number 1 out of 93 SS's

[chuck]

Thanks Bob

I understood that you were saying that the team could draft an excellent prospect at receiver in any number of positions. And I think you're right. And they probably should. I was thinking a Steve Smith type initially like the Broyles kid from Oklahoma but lately I'm thinking the team might literally need a replacement for AJ. Not that AJ won't continue to play but I think the team needs most another big, fast, physical receiver with good hands. As much as I'd like to see the team loiter around until the second or the third to find one and as much as I want defensive secondary in the first I could be convinced to look for a receiver there also if the right guy came up.

But I think we can all agree that we'd be much happier if we could simply get back to gratuitously bashing Mexicans.

[NBT]

PK, I too appreciate you doing the Mocks. I just think this next Draft will finally be BPA (if we don't trade up), and they will try to emphasize the Oline, and WR.

[painekiller]

Now my not so great attempt. Time to give AJ some help, WR depth.

27 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
59 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
90 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
122 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
154 Terrance Ganaway RB/FB Baylor 6' 0" 245
186 Lucas Nix OG/OT Pittsburgh 6' 6" 300
217 James-Michael Johnson ILB Nevada 6' 2" 240

How about me trying to do a good attempt?

27 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
59 Mike Brewster OC Ohio State 6' 5" 293
90 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
122 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
154 Micah Pellerin CB Hampton 6' 0" 187
186 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
217 Jacquies Smith DE Missouri 6' 4" 255

[barrett]

How about me trying to do a good attempt?

27 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
59 Mike Brewster OC Ohio State 6' 5" 293
90 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
122 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
154 Micah Pellerin CB Hampton 6' 0" 187
186 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
217 Jacquies Smith DE Missouri 6' 4" 255

I'd really rather go Tackle than Guard if we are going to use an early pick on an OL. Winston just isn't a Tackle to me. And Duane Brown definitely seems like a guy who could play either side. I say take the best Tackle in our first two picks and slide Winston in and flip Brown if need be. And Briesel is out the door.

I am still weary about a round 1 WR. The #2 WR in our offense has to do a lot of blocking and gets inconsistent targets (unless AJ goes down). And GMs tend to want to see draft picks justified (just like Rick Smith still wants Jackson on the field). I'd much rather see a round 2 or 3 WR so we don't have to take the ball away from Foster 5-7 times a game to get it to our new toy (like Dallas or Atlanta who look worse with very good 1st round WRs because they run less).

[painekiller]

I'd really rather go Tackle than Guard if we are going to use an early pick on an OL. Winston just isn't a Tackle to me. And Duane Brown definitely seems like a guy who could play either side. I say take the best Tackle in our first two picks and slide Winston in and flip Brown if need be. And Briesel is out the door.

I am still weary about a round 1 WR. The #2 WR in our offense has to do a lot of blocking and gets inconsistent targets (unless AJ goes down). And GMs tend to want to see draft picks justified (just like Rick Smith still wants Jackson on the field). I'd much rather see a round 2 or 3 WR so we don't have to take the ball away from Foster 5-7 times a game to get it to our new toy (like Dallas or Atlanta who look worse with very good 1st round WRs because they run less).

Let me try it this way.

27 Mike Adams OT Ohio State 6' 7" 300
59 Jeff Fuller WR Texas A&M 6' 4" 215
90 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
122 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
154 Micah Pellerin CB Hampton 6' 0" 187
186 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
217 Jacquies Smith DE Missouri 6' 4" 255

Most of the OTs rated in the late 1st and later will be RT at the next level in this draft. I will wait until the Senior Bowl to get a good read on Adams. Brown has been solid on the left side IMO, but Winston is still slow footed.

[barrett]

Looks great, but honestly who knows. If the organization has any long term health concerns for AJ my thinking goes out the window. But if AJ is still AJ for a few years I think I like the 2nd or 3rd round route. Especially since either our GM or our Coach forces early round picks whether they perform or not.

[painekiller]

25 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
57 Markelle Martin S Oklahoma State 6' 1" 198
88 Marcus Forston* DT Miami 6' 3" 305
120 Joe Looney OG Wake Forest 6' 3" 298
152 Matt Conrath DE Virginia 6' 7" 270
184 Steven Johnson OLB Kansas 6' 1" 237
216 Alfred Morris RB Florida Atlantic 5' 11" 222

I will not argue the 1st two picks, but the 3rd pick does not seem to be the type guy the Texans target. He was good as a sophomore then was suspended and then played poorly before and injury ended his junior year.

[NBT]

Yeah, and I remember a lot of you soothsayers saying you didn't think much of DE Aldon Smith who was taken by SF, and now has 14 sacks. :eek:!

[painekiller]

Yeah, and I remember a lot of you soothsayers saying you didn't think much of DE Aldon Smith who was taken by SF, and now has 14 sacks. :eek:!

I'm very happy with Watts playing every down at DE. Aldon Smith is a 3rd down specialist that is having a solid year.

I may have missed on him, but again I would rather have what Watts gives us over what Smith would have given us.

[painekiller]

25 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
57 Markelle Martin S Oklahoma State 6' 1" 198
88 Marcus Forston* DT Miami 6' 3" 305
120 Joe Looney OG Wake Forest 6' 3" 298
152 Matt Conrath DE Virginia 6' 7" 270
184 Steven Johnson OLB Kansas 6' 1" 237
216 Alfred Morris RB Florida Atlantic 5' 11" 222

I will not argue the 1st two picks, but the 3rd pick does not seem to be the type guy the Texans target. He was good as a sophomore then was suspended and then played poorly before and injury ended his junior year.

25 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
57 Markelle Martin S Oklahoma State 6' 1" 198
88 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
120 Keenan Robinson ILB Texas 6' 3" 232
152 Brandon Taylor S LSU 6' 0" 191
184 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
216 Josh Oglesby OT Wisconsin 6' 7" 330

[painekiller]

25 Bacarri Rambo* S Georgia 6' 1" 208
57 Vinny Curry DE Marshall 6' 5" 242
88 Andrew Datko OT Florida State 6' 6" 283
120 T.Y. Hilton WR Florida International 5' 10" 175
152 Joe Adams WR Arkansas 5' 11" 182
184 G.J. Kinne QB Tulsa 6' 2" 215
215 Kyle Martens PT Rice 6' 6" 200


Just so you guys can see some different names:

25 Jayron Hosley* CB Virginia Tech 5' 11" 170
57 Zebrie Sanders OT Florida State 6' 5" 288
88 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
or Mike Martin DT Michigan 6' 2" 299
or William Vlachos OC Alabama 6' 1" 292
120 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
152 Ryan Miller OG Colorado 6' 8" 320
184 Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6' 2" 212
215 Jarrett Boykin WR Virginia Tech 6' 2" 215

This is not how I see them drafting nor how I would draft it, just an alternative at each pick. The way this mock falls we can get very good guys for the trenches all the way through the draft.

[painekiller]

26 Houston Texans: Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers
I asked this question in my 2013 NFL Mock Draft: How long is Gary Kubiak going to make us fantasy football owners suffer through Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones? The Texans really need an upgrade across from Andre Johnson.

I'll admit that this is a reach, but nothing else really makes sense at this juncture. Besides, the Texans have reached to fill needs before, so I think it's possible that they could consider Mohamed Sanu if the 2012 NFL Draft unfolds this way.

Pick change; previously Kendall Wright, WR/KR

58 Houston Texans: Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama
I really like this pick for the Texans. They need help at nose tackle, and Wade Phillips prefers smaller players at the position. Plus, Houston has seemed to favor prospects out of the southeast in recent drafts.

89 Houston Texans: Michael Brewster, C, Ohio State
Chris Myers has been one of the best centers in football this year. However, Myers will be a free agent this offseason along with Mario Williams and Arian Foster. Can the Texans afford to sign all three players to massive contracts? Because there's no way they're letting Williams and Foster go.

121 Houston Texans: Trevor Guyton, DE/DT, California
The Texans will be a little thin up front if five-tech Tim Bulman leaves via free agency. (Really? Has he watched this team play even one game?)

My cherry pick

26 Mark Barron, SS, Alabama
58 Dwight Jones, WR, North Carolina
89 Kheeston Randall, DE/DT, Texas
121 ?

[painekiller]

27 Dontari Poe* DT Memphis 6' 5" 350
59 Rueben Randle* WR LSU 6' 3" 201
90 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
122 Keenan Robinson ILB Texas 6' 3" 232
154 Matt McCants OT Alabama, Birmingham 6' 7" 295
186 Tysyn Hartman CB Kansas State 6' 3" 206
217 Chris Rainey RB Florida 5' 9" 174

I think they have been reading some of my cherry picks, here is my take for BPA, might not line up with our needs.

27 Jayron Hosley* CB Virginia Tech 5' 11" 170
*54 Brandon Boykin CB/PR Georgia 5' 10" 185
90 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
*122 traded with #59 to move up for Boykin
154 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
186 Chris Galippo ILB USC 6' 2" 250
217 Jarrett Boykin WR Virginia Tech 6' 2" 215

[painekiller]

27 Melvin Ingram DT South Carolina 6' 2" 264
58 Rueben Randle* WR LSU 6' 3" 201
89 Mike Brewster OC Ohio State 6' 5" 293
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 Bobby Wagner ILB Utah State 6' 1" 230
184 Josh Oglesby OT Wisconsin 6' 7" 330
216 Jeremy Ebert WR Northwestern 6' 0" 195

I like the positions taken, but do not agree with the order.

27 Peter Konz* OC Wisconsin 6' 5" 315
58 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
89 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
184 Josh Oglesby OT Wisconsin 6' 7" 330
216 Jarrett Boykin WR Virginia Tech 6' 2" 215

OK so this one has to many Wisconsin boys in it, but I would be very happy to grab one out of Konz or Zeitler. Konz is the best OC in the draft, and we may loose Meyers.

[WMH]

27 Melvin Ingram DT South Carolina 6' 2" 264
58 Rueben Randle* WR LSU 6' 3" 201
89 Mike Brewster OC Ohio State 6' 5" 293
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 Bobby Wagner ILB Utah State 6' 1" 230
184 Josh Oglesby OT Wisconsin 6' 7" 330
216 Jeremy Ebert WR Northwestern 6' 0" 195

I like the positions taken, but do not agree with the order.

27 Peter Konz* OC Wisconsin 6' 5" 315
58 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
89 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
184 Josh Oglesby OT Wisconsin 6' 7" 330
216 Jarrett Boykin WR Virginia Tech 6' 2" 215

OK so this one has to many Wisconsin boys in it, but I would be very happy to grab one out of Konz or Zeitler. Konz is the best OC in the draft, and we may loose Meyers.

Randle is coming back.

[painekiller]

Randle is coming back.

Know where there is a list of the guys that have declared?

[painekiller]

Know where there is a list of the guys that have declared?

Never mind I found a list:

http://www.gbnreport.com/juniors.htm

And according to that list Randle has declared.

[WMH]

Never mind I found a list:

http://www.gbnreport.com/juniors.htm

And according to that list Randle has declared.

Scratch that. I got him and Russell Shepard mixed up.

[painekiller]

26 Dontari Poe* DT Memphis 6' 5" 350
58 Rueben Randle* WR LSU 6' 3" 201
89 Mike Brewster OC Ohio State 6' 5" 293
121 Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6' 2" 212
153 Joel Foreman OG Michigan State 6' 4" 304
184 Tyrone Crawford DE Boise State 6' 4" 275
216 Miles Burris ILB San Diego State 6' 3" 240

I have a hard time talking a NT in the 1st, that position only plays in about 40% of the downs, if that. Not sure that is the biggest need at that pick.

My take?

26 Peter Konz* OC Wisconsin 6' 5" 315 or
58 Brandon Boykin CB Georgia 5' 10" 185
89 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
121 Mike Martin DT Michigan 6' 2" 299
153 Vick Ballard RB Mississippi State 5' 11" 215
184 Kheeston Randall DT Texas 6' 5" 295
216 Lucas Nix OG/OT Pittsburgh 6' 6" 300

Meyers should be resigned, and it might be time to start getting his replacement ready and this junior is the top OC in college this year, we are finally at the spot that the 1st pick might have to sit a while.

[HPF Bob]

If NT is not a need, why are you taking two DT?

An impact NT like Ngata is certainly worth the money. Where we are drafting, I'm not sure one will be there who is worth it but I'm fine with a true run-stuffer for short yardage situations. It might also be cool to find one who would like to try some lead blocking in short yardage as well.

I'm still for upgrading the secondary first then wide receiver but I would not be too upset if they go NT first.

[painekiller]

If NT is not a need, why are you taking two DT?

An impact NT like Ngata is certainly worth the money. Where we are drafting, I'm not sure one will be there who is worth it but I'm fine with a true run-stuffer for short yardage situations. It might also be cool to find one who would like to try some lead blocking in short yardage as well.

I'm still for upgrading the secondary first then wide receiver but I would not be too upset if they go NT first.

I did not say that NT was not a need position, only that I did not want to go 1st round on a NT, even at the 26th pick of the 1st round.

One of the DT in my mock is more of a 3-4 DE, IMO, and the Michigan guy is a high motor guy like Mitchell, Watt and Reed, who, again IMO, can be a part of the NT rotation and possible DE rotation. Plus both of these guys were BPA when I took them.

Now if Poe, who I admit I have not seen on tape, is on Wade's list of wants then I will not complain.

BTW I still believe the needs are WR1b, OL depth, DBs if BPA, ILB depth, and I would add DL depth, and RB depth if Ward is cut. In my mocks, I try to go BPA at the slot we pick. I have decided in round 2 on up I can go up to the 5 previous picks and cherry pick a guy, why because I wanted Boykin to return punts in the 2nd.

And if you really want to know I originally took Kendall Wright as a "b" choice for round 1 because he is a game changer and he can fly, and he might be able to return kicks.

We are very early in this process, and I still want to watch the Senior Bowl practices and catch up on last weekends East West game. (DVR). So I am in no way writing my picks in ink just yet. Some of these guys will not be on my final list of possible picks.

[painekiller]

I missed it and I want to change my 1st pick to

26 Jerel Worthy* DT Michigan State 6' 3" 292

He is similar to Watt IMO and he can be the replacement to Smith when his contract is up.

That would mean that the entire draft would change for me. So here is a 2nd attempt at it.

26 Jerel Worthy* DE Michigan State 6' 3" 292
58 Nick Toon WR Wisconsin 6' 3" 212
89 Kendall Reyes NT/DE Connecticut 6' 4" 295 (this one's for Bob + he's a team captain)
121 Jerry Franklin ILB Arkansas 6' 1" 241
153 Josh Norman CB Coastal Carolina 6' 2" 190
184 Jarrett Boykin WR Virginia Tech 6' 2" 215
216 Lucas Nix OG/OT Pittsburgh 6' 6" 300

Different take on the same draft, I'm sure all of us on this site can do a different cherry pick and have a reasonable justification for the picks.

[Blitzwood]

26 Dontari Poe* DT Memphis 6' 5" 350
58 Rueben Randle* WR LSU 6' 3" 201
89 Mike Brewster OC Ohio State 6' 5" 293
121 Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6' 2" 212
153 Joel Foreman OG Michigan State 6' 4" 304
184 Tyrone Crawford DE Boise State 6' 4" 275
216 Miles Burris ILB San Diego State 6' 3" 240



My Take:

26. Stephon Gilmore* CB South Carolina 6' 1" 188
58. Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
89. Marvin McNutt WR Iowa 6' 4" 215
121. Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
153. Joe Adams WR Arkansas 5' 11" 182
184. Austin Davis QB Southern Miss 6' 2" 208
216. Cody Johnson FB Texas 5' 11" 250

[NBT]

The only defensive player I'm interested in right now in the Draft would be CB because I'm begining to wonder if Kareem Jackson will ever learn to watch the WR's eyes and turn his head for the int.

Why the preoccupation with DT & NT? We may need one in the future, but didn't we just finish like 4th against the run last year?

Start talking more WR & OL and I will listen better.

[Blitzwood]

In other recent draft news/rumors, this little snipet from walterfootball.com:

26. Houston Texans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
The Texans want to draft a receiver in the first round, but they may change their minds if Peter Konz is available. We've reported that the front office believes some team will outbid for Myers in free agency, so Houston will probably have a big need at the center position. In that case, Konz will be too difficult to pass up.



I would assume the Raiders with G. Knapp now their OC, but wouldn't rule out the Colts and Redskins. Myers playing in the ProBowl during a contract year could come back to bite us in the end.:rolleyes:

[painekiller]

In other recent draft news/rumors, this little snipet from walterfootball.com:

26. Houston Texans: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin
The Texans want to draft a receiver in the first round, but they may change their minds if Peter Konz is available. We've reported that the front office believes some team will outbid for Myers in free agency, so Houston will probably have a big need at the center position. In that case, Konz will be too difficult to pass up.


To take this mock further:

58 Houston Texans: Josh Chapman, NT, Alabama
I really like this pick for the Texans. They need help at nose tackle, and Wade Phillips prefers smaller players at the position. Plus, Houston has seemed to favor prospects out of the southeast in recent drafts. Josh Chapman is one of the top players available.

89 Houston Texans: Tommy Streeter, WR, Miami
It shouldn't shock anyone if the Texans decide to double up on receivers in the first few rounds. That is position is their No. 1 need by far.

121 Houston Texans: Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa
Another receiver. The Texans are going to make upgrading a position a priority this offseason.

My take is that I do not see Meyers as a hard sign, only the Redskins employ the same type running scheme, Knapp came from a different coaching tree of the WCO and I do not believe he is married to the Shanahan/Kubiak running game. I am betting that Knapp will use a power running game similar to the one he used last time he was in Oakland.

As for multiple WR, we have Lestar Jean coming back to camp next year, he might be a big surprise for us.

I love the pick of Konz, I also would love getting Jeffery, so I have no clue what they do.

In the 2nd. I love Martin from Michigan for the NT or Brandon Boykin, CB, Georgia who has played both ways for the Bulldogs and is a top return guy.

AT 89, I would be ok with the Streeter pick or the guy selected next, Keenan Robinson, OLB, Texas, who I see as an ILB in our system. I also would have to look hard at Zeitler one of the best OG in the draft.

As for the last pick here, McNutt is solid and I like Dwight Jones also. I would have to look hard at Kheeston Randall, DE/DT, Texas who I see as a good solid fit for our DE, Smith is in the final year of his contract after all

[HPF Bob]

While I do look for a WR upgrade early in the draft, I'm not sure it's our #1 priority and, certainly, if we are going o-line, d-line with our first two picks, then it really wasn't a huge priority. I still want to see the secondary upgraded, whether through free agency or the draft. Joseph/Manning were a huge upgrade but Allen is a free agent and Jackson/Quin still make me nervous.

The two guys at CBS Sports.com both have us taking WR at #27, not the big NT Poe as before. Kunz is taken by the Ravens a few choices further down in both mocks.

[barrett]

I thought Quinn was very good this year. His coverage ability in the slot gave us versatility and he was one of our surest tacklers.

[chuck]

I thought Quinn was very good this year. His coverage ability in the slot gave us versatility and he was one of our surest tacklers.

Everyone in the secondary is good except Jackson. Everyone in the secondary could realistically be upgraded in the draft except Joseph.

[barrett]

Everyone in the secondary is good except Jackson. Everyone in the secondary could realistically be upgraded in the draft except Joseph.

I would replace Manning before Quinn. Manning is better as a centerfield type when facing the QB, but Quinn was very good in coverage on TEs and RBs. And he was a great tackler in run support and the open field. So unless we are looking to replace both safeties, I feel like Quinn is perfect where he is.

[popanot]

As long as it took this staff to get serious about the S position and considering the poor play of years past, I'm fairly certain they're satisfied with the production we got last year and S is a loooooow priority in this draft.

[chuck]

As long as it took this staff to get serious about the S position and considering the poor play of years past, I'm fairly certain they're satisfied with the production we got last year and S is a loooooow priority in this draft.

That's my read as well. I would love for the team to try to get better at corner through the draft but I believe that they think they have a lot of depth at the position with Harris and Carmichael yet to contribute.

I was just looking over the team's draft history. Holy shit was Casserly terrible.

[HPF Bob]

I was just looking over the team's draft history. Holy shit was Casserly terrible.

The Painted Lady (Babin) didn't blossom until he left Houston but he's turned out to be a solid low-first-round pick. Was he worth what we gave up for him? Probably not but at least he's not the bust that Travis Johnson or Amobi Okoye were.

[barrett]

It is tough to diagnose exactly what we do this year in the draft. We have a few postions that could be upgraded but that do not play that big of a role in our system (DT, MLB#2, WR#2/3).

And we have a few that could be upgraded even though guys performed well (both guard spots or Tackle if you move Winston in, Safety).

You have one spot they probably won't upgrade because of what they have invested already and don't want to admit they are wrong about (CB#2, KJ, Harris).

And you have one spot that will almost certainly be upgraded (KR/PR).

And on top of all that, the priorities could all be changed around by our own FA (C, G, OLB, CB#2 Allen) or by any cuts we make if we resign Mario and Foster (Demeco, Walter, JJ, etc...).

And then their is anyone we sign from outside in FA.

And one final concern is if Schaub has complications lingering.

Basically it is a total crapshoot to mock draft this year because for the first time ever we are a real NFL franchise without a gaping hole that we have to force our 1st round pick into filling.

[barrett]

The Painted Lady (Babin) didn't blossom until he left Houston but he's turned out to be a solid low-first-round pick. Was he worth what we gave up for him? Probably not but at least he's not the bust that Travis Johnson or Amobi Okoye were.

He had almost 20 sacks this season. That is worth what we gave up.

I think the bad coaching/bad drafting argument is chicken and egg, but does anyone think that last year's DC would have made Rick Smith look like executive of the year or would last year's defense have made Jonathon Joseph, Manning, Watt, and Reed look terrible.

So I am sure Casserly and Capers made each other look bad.

[chuck]

So I am sure Casserly and Capers made each other look bad.

Oh, I do not mean to insulate Capers and staff from culpability, at all. But every single draft from 2002-2005 was a near disaster or a full-on disaster. I can't even credit that imbecile for Andre Johnson because Casserly had his sights set on McGahee until he got hurt.

In light of that it is especially curious then that the expansion draft was, with the Boselli injury excepted, an unqualified success.

[HPF Bob]

In light of that it is especially curious then that the expansion draft was, with the Boselli injury excepted, an unqualified success.

Other than Boselli, Casserly played the expansion draft like a chess master - in part because teams were just beginning to realize what cap hell was like (they've adjusted) and Casserly was able to make pre-draft deals with the Jets, Jaguars and Ravens to expose players for us to take so that they could keep other players in the fold. It was a far better outcome than the way the Browns went about it.

Weary and Pitts were quality selections and Dominick Davis was a steal before he was injured. Faggins was a nice pick and the two safeties (Earl and Brown) were good for where they were drafted. The Henson ploy was worth trying.

OTOH, there were definite reaches like Seth Wand.

I'm not totally down on the early drafts. In retrospect, 2002 was a sucky draft year for the whole NFL. Very few good players emerged from that draft.

[barrett]

And 2006 was a Casserly draft sans Capers. That was our best draft ever and the kind of class that makes a GMs career (if you haven't preceded it with the 2002-2005 stretch).

I just think that our organization was broken for the first decade or so, and it made it tough to evaluate what kind of players we actually had. When Kubiak came along you could fairly evaluate the offensive talent and Wade's arrival means you can judge the defensive guys. But I honestly believe we would have made Julius Peppers look bad if we drafted him instead of Carr. We were just a terrible, terrible franchise.

[edo783]

I was just looking over the team's draft history. Holy shit was Casserly terrible.

A reasonable case can be made that Kubes inherited a worse team than was had in the expansion. Probably not true, but also probably not to far wrong. Talk about screwing the pooch.

[chuck]

A reasonable case can be made that Kubes inherited a worse team than was had in the expansion. Probably not true, but also probably not to far wrong. Talk about screwing the pooch.

Oh, I could very easily argue that the 2005 Texans were worse than the 2002 Texans. It would be far more challenging to argue otherwise.

That's pretty damning, really.

[painekiller]

26 Kendall Wright WR Baylor 5' 11" 185
58 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315.
89 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 William Vlachos OC Alabama 6' 1" 292
184 Asa Jackson CB Cal Poly 5' 10" 188
216 Mario Kurn DE San Diego 6' 2" 220

Other then Wright not being a prototype body type for Kubiak and not a known entity as a returner, I like this mock.

[painekiller]

This one starts the same but changes late:

26 Kendall Wright WR Baylor 5' 11" 185
58 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
89 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 Sammy Brown OLB Houston 6' 3" 240
184 Matt Reynolds OT BYU 6' 6" 325
216 Randy Bullock K Texas A&M 5' 9" 205

I like the last one a little better than this one. I'm not sure where a OLB fits the current roster, same with OT. And lastly as much as a lot of you guys want Rackers gone I do not see them going with the Aggie, rookie kickers are not a Kubiak thing.

[Blitzwood]

26. Peter Konz* OC Wisconsin 6' 5" 315
58. Brandon Thompson DT Clemson 6' 3" 305
89. Frank Alexander DE Oklahoma 6' 4" 259
121. Derek Wolfe DT Cincinnati 6' 5" 298
153. Donnie Fletcher CB Boston College 6' 1" 196
184. Jordan White WR Western Michigan 6' 0" 208
216. Jarius Wright WR Arkansas 5' 10" 180

UDFA. Lavasier Tuinei WR Oregon 6'5" 216
UDFA. Blair Walsh K Georgia 5' 10" 185

This draft would address most needs. Konz can play all three interior positions. Thompson will take over the NT position this year. F. Alexander can battle for the OLB spot once Mario leaves in FA. Wolfe spends the year behind A.Smith at the other 5 tech. Fletcher is a steal in the 5th round and can challenge for KJ's spot. Can play some FS, too. White and Wright can step in right away to help our recieving corp. Kubiak's M.O. has been to select WR's late in the draft, this year is no different. Walsh is healthy competition for training camp.

[HPF Bob]

The two mocks at CBS Sports.com both have us choosing WR Rueben Randle of LSU.

[painekiller]

This one starts the same but changes late:

26 Kendall Wright WR Baylor 5' 11" 185
58 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
89 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 Sammy Brown OLB Houston 6' 3" 240
184 Matt Reynolds OT BYU 6' 6" 325
216 Randy Bullock K Texas A&M 5' 9" 205

I like the last one a little better than this one. I'm not sure where a OLB fits the current roster, same with OT. And lastly as much as a lot of you guys want Rackers gone I do not see them going with the Aggie, rookie kickers are not a Kubiak thing.

Boy is this one going to be changed after Tuesday...

[painekiller]

My Post Combine Cherry Pick

26 Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech, 6' 5", 206. Size, Speed guy that will not have to be a #1 for a couple of years. He can block and is a team player. (Needs time to learn the WCO).

If Mario Leaves 58 Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State, 6' 3", 262. High motor guy who can be an excellent rotation guy at OLB.

If Mario Stays 58 Harrison Smith, S, Notre Dame, 6' 2", 212. It's a bad year for safeties this year but this guy can play. Only Team Caption on the Irish this season.

89 Isaiah Pead, RB, Cincinnati, 5' 10", 193. Would be the #3 RB and a return guy.

121 David Molk, OC, Michigan, 6' 2", 285. High motor guy, with excellent feet, gets to the 2nd level very well.

153 Derek Wolfe, DE, Cincinnati, 6' 5", 298. If he falls this far an excellent pick, I'm getting mixed reports on his placement. Another high motor guy.

What are your thoughts?

[HPF Bob]

Pead is someone who has impressed me the few times I saw Cincinnati play. Smallish guy but can he block at the next level and how good are his pass-catching skills? Is it worth spending a 3rd on a guy who won't see the field all that much, assuming he ranks behind Foster and Tate on the depth chart?

[nunusguy]

My Post Combine Cherry Pick

26 Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech, 6' 5", 206. Size, Speed guy that will not have to be a #1 for a couple of years. He can block and is a team player. (Needs time to learn the WCO).



What are your thoughts?
Going with the WO-Warrior are you PK ?
The thing is I'm also really impressed by this guy since I watched him during the combine, however I keep reminding myself that his size/speed combo reminds me quite a bit of a recent Texans Draft pick that didn't work so well: Dorin Dickerson, who of course was only a 7th round pick.

[painekiller]

Pead is someone who has impressed me the few times I saw Cincinnati play. Smallish guy but can he block at the next level and how good are his pass-catching skills? Is it worth spending a 3rd on a guy who won't see the field all that much, assuming he ranks behind Foster and Tate on the depth chart?

I see Pead as insurance for one of the top two guys going down, and for being an answer for cutting ties with Jacoby, at a cheaper price then Ward. Plus special teams is a major part of keeping a #3,

[painekiller]

Going with the WO-Warrior are you PK ?
The thing is I'm also really impressed by this guy since I watched him during the combine, however I keep reminding myself that his size/speed combo reminds me quite a bit of a recent Texans Draft pick that didn't work so well: Dorin Dickerson, who of course was only a 7th round pick.

When I watch the Texans draft, I see them go BPA for need, and at 26, this kid has to be right there. Now I agree he is raw, but as in the post above he allows you cut Jacoby and pick up a willing blocker with great top end speed.

I see the Texans going WR in the 1st no matter what, and I ask why not this guy? Imagine him across from AJ.

[nunusguy]

When I watch the Texans draft, I see them go BPA for need, and at 26, this kid has to be right there. Now I agree he is raw, but as in the post above he allows you cut Jacoby and pick up a willing blocker with great top end speed.

I see the Texans going WR in the 1st no matter what, and I ask why not this guy? Imagine him across from AJ.
From Mario to JJ, Kubiak has a string (and a policy) of first-rounders starting from Day One, but do you really think this Hill guy would be up that assignment ?
And isn't this supposed to be an extremely deep Draft for WRs ? Well if so I can see them holding off until the second-round to get their receiver, especially if a really good edge-rusher or DBack that Wade covets is available to them in the first round.

[painekiller]

From Mario to JJ, Kubiak has a string (and a policy) of first-rounders starting from Day One, but do you really think this Hill guy would be up that assignment ?
And isn't this supposed to be an extremely deep Draft for WRs ? Well if so I can see them holding off until the second-round to get their receiver, especially if a really good edge-rusher or DBack that Wade covets is available to them in the first round.

I have heard Kubiak say that this is the first season that they expect the number 1 pick to not start. They do not see any obvious holes in the starters, unless Myers leaves, which they do not expect.

Now if Mario leaves, I do see them looking at the BPA from the OLB or WR positions. Also there are some decent WR prospects available in the 2nd, same with the OLBs.

[HPF Bob]

For the first time, we need to think a round lower when assessing draft picks because we are so low in the drafting order. IOW, when you hear "third round projection", that is who we should look at in the second round, "fourth round projection" in the third round, etc. because most of the guys we think might be available in a certain round will probably be gone by the time we're on the clock. So, for example, the guys you think merit a third round grade should be the ones you consider with your second round pick along with the guys who have fallen out of earlier rounds. That way, when you're on the clock, you have a pool of guys to consider instead of cursing all the players already taken. Better to go through the draft pleasantly surprised than bitterly disappointed.

[chuck]

Better to go through the draft pleasantly surprised than bitterly disappointed.

I don't know. As a general rule being bitterly disappointed has always worked pretty well for me.

[painekiller]

For the first time, we need to think a round lower when assessing draft picks because we are so low in the drafting order. IOW, when you hear "third round projection", that is who we should look at in the second round, "fourth round projection" in the third round, etc. because most of the guys we think might be available in a certain round will probably be gone by the time we're on the clock. So, for example, the guys you think merit a third round grade should be the ones you consider with your second round pick along with the guys who have fallen out of earlier rounds. That way, when you're on the clock, you have a pool of guys to consider instead of cursing all the players already taken. Better to go through the draft pleasantly surprised than bitterly disappointed.

That pretty much sums up how I have approached this draft.

[nunusguy]

Now if Mario leaves
My whole viewpoint of the Texans' Draft is premised on Mario's departure, isn't yours ?

[painekiller]

My whole viewpoint of the Texans' Draft is premised on Mario's departure, isn't yours ?

No it's not. I think that it's likely to happen, but I also will not be shocked to see Mario back.

In the whole FA things going on I believe Foster and Meyer's mean more to the team, then Mario. I do not see Mario being worth the money he has been paid, and a rookie came in last year and did a serviceable job.

Now to be clear, I want Mario back and we are better with him than without him, but it comes down to allocation of resources and a team with enough weapons on offense and defense.

[nunusguy]

No it's not. I think that it's likely to happen, but I also will not be shocked to see Mario back.

In the whole FA things going on I believe Foster and Meyer's mean more to the team, then Mario. I do not see Mario being worth the money he has been paid, and a rookie came in last year and did a serviceable job.

Now to be clear, I want Mario back and we are better with him than without him, but it comes down to allocation of resources and a team with enough weapons on offense and defense.
I agree with much of what you say, except I honestly don't want Mario back because as you yourself point out we would have likely had to pay a larger price for him than what he's really worth to us. I will be very surprised if Mario is a Texan in the 2012 season.

[barrett]

I agree with much of what you say, except I honestly don't want Mario back because as you yourself point out we would have likely had to pay a larger price for him than what he's really worth to us. I will be very surprised if Mario is a Texan in the 2012 season.

Demeco Ryans $5+ million.
Jacoby Jones $3 million.

Drop Demeco and JJ and you have the year one cap number for Mario or very close to it if he signs a long term deal. Throw in Leinhart and look at it this way.

Cut Demeco, JJ, Leinhart. Franchise Mario (terrible deal, but just saying).

Less money than Demeco, JJ, Leinhart, Mario cost last year.

If you resign Mario rather than Franchising him, then cut those 3, you are talking a combined 10-15 million less than those 4 cost us last year. Foster tagged and Meyers can fit in that number.

Where do you think you are allocating resources that help us more than Mario? Do we have some high impact way to spend that money that I don't know about? Any FA we try to go out and sign is going to involve even more overpaying than we would do to keep mario.

[nunusguy]

Demeco Ryans $5+ million.
Jacoby Jones $3 million.

Drop Demeco and JJ and you have the year one cap number for Mario or very close to it if he signs a long term deal. Throw in Leinhart and look at it this way.

Cut Demeco, JJ, Leinhart. Franchise Mario (terrible deal, but just saying).

Less money than Demeco, JJ, Leinhart, Mario cost last year.

If you resign Mario rather than Franchising him, then cut those 3, you are talking a combined 10-15 million less than those 4 cost us last year. Foster tagged and Meyers can fit in that number.

Where do you think you are allocating resources that help us more than Mario? Do we have some high impact way to spend that money that I don't know about? Any FA we try to go out and sign is going to involve even more overpaying than we would do to keep mario.
I hear you, but it's just that I don't think Mario is worth the kind of money to the Texans it's expected he's gonna receive from the team that ultimately signs him, whether or not we could potentially put the deal together.

[barrett]

I hear you, but it's just that I don't think Mario is worth the kind of money to the Texans it's expected he's gonna receive from the team that ultimately signs him, whether or not we could potentially put the deal together.

I agree he's not. But I also think that almost nobody who signs in the first half of FA is "worth" the money they get.

Letting go of Mario either allows us to overpay for someone else in FA, or it allows us to keep guys like Demeco/JJ/Leinhart (who are more overpaid). I guess I'd rather overpay Mario than anyone else we might get/keep. Not sure it works out that way, but I am just saying their is plenty of dead weight and bad contracts I'd look at long before letting Mario walk.

[chuck]

Any FA we try to go out and sign is going to involve even more overpaying than we would do to keep mario.

This is about as concise as can be said.

[painekiller]

back on topic

26 Mohamed Sanu* WR Rutgers 6' 2" 218
58 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
89 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
121 Aaron Henry S Wisconsin 6' 0" 210
153 Sammy Brown OLB Houston 6' 3" 240
184 Matt Reynolds OT BYU 6' 6" 325
216 Randy Bullock K Texas A&M 5' 9" 205

Not sold on Sanu, i love Zeitler, not a huge fan of Chapman.

I would look at this one a little differently

26 Stephen Hill* WR Georgia Tech 6' 5" 206
58 Shea McClellin OLB Boise State 6' 3" 262
89 Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6' 2" 212
121 Isaiah Pead RB Cincinnati 5' 10" 193
153 Donald Stephenson OT Oklahoma 6' 6" 309
184 Janzen Jackson CB McNeese State 6' 0" 182
216 William Vlachos OC Alabama 6' 1" 292

I like the size speed combo of Hill a lot more than I like Sanu. McClellin explodes across the line and would be an excellent addition to our OLB rotation. IMO there is no way Smith falls to us in the 3rd, he is a solid 2nd rounder that might creep into the 1st. You guys already know I like Pead in the 3rd so the 4th round was a no brainer for me. Stephenson showed quickness and we like quickness. Jackson comes with baggage and I do not see use taking him but he has talent.Vlachos had to block some monsters everyday in practice for the Tide so he is worth a 7th round pick.

[machoneil]

26 Ryan Tannehill QB TAMU 6' 4" 216
+ This is the year to draft replacement. Future value pick.

58 Coryell Judie CB TAMU 5' 11" 188
+ ST Gunner/Returner. It's a third of the game, my friends.

89 Jeff Fuller WR TAMU 6' 4" 215
+ Total opposite of that WR whose name shall not be mentioned. Reliable target, but no YAC.

121 Audie Cole ILB NCSt 6' 5" 239
+ Tough-as-nails inside backer who can cover tall, fast TEs.

153 DeAngelo Peterson TE LSU 6' 4" 243
+ Pass-catchin' token TE taken

184 Matt Reynolds OT BYU 6' 6" 325
+ Clean-livin' anchor of brotherhood that thought sacks were sins.

216 Chris Galippo ILB USC 6' 2" 250
+ Backer/ST depth. I don't know why this guy is available this late.

[barrett]

26 Ryan Tannehill QB TAMU 6' 4" 216
+ This is the year to draft replacement. Future value pick.

58 Coryell Judie CB TAMU 5' 11" 188
+ ST Gunner/Returner. It's a third of the game, my friends.

89 Jeff Fuller WR TAMU 6' 4" 215
+ Total opposite of that WR whose name shall not be mentioned. Reliable target, but no YAC.

121 Audie Cole ILB NCSt 6' 5" 239
+ Tough-as-nails inside backer who can cover tall, fast TEs.

153 DeAngelo Peterson TE LSU 6' 4" 243
+ Pass-catchin' token TE taken

184 Matt Reynolds OT BYU 6' 6" 325
+ Clean-livin' anchor of brotherhood that thought sacks were sins.

216 Chris Galippo ILB USC 6' 2" 250
+ Backer/ST depth. I don't know why this guy is available this late.

Tannehill is intriguing with the size/arm/athleticism combo, but he seems to really lack QB skills. I don't think I could take such a high risk pick in the 1st round. What are the chances that he is an upgrade over Schaub at any point in the next 3 years? For that matter is he better than Yates in the next 2 years? For a team with a chance to win, I don't think I could spend a 1st rounder on a guy who won't play soon and may not ever be good. I'd trade the 1st rounder to someone interested in Tannehill before drafting him.

[HPF Bob]

CBS Sports has added and updated several mocks with 4 of 6 saying we will now take Baylor's Kendall Wright but all are in agreement we are taking a WR. Personally, I'd love Wright over any other WR choice other than Blackmon.

I do believe, however, that if we can't come to terms with Myers, we will be drafting Peter Konz with our first choice.

[barrett]

CBS Sports has added and updated several mocks with 4 of 6 saying we will now take Baylor's Kendall Wright but all are in agreement we are taking a WR. Personally, I'd love Wright over any other WR choice other than Blackmon.

I do believe, however, that if we can't come to terms with Myers, we will be drafting Peter Konz with our first choice.

I'd love Wright. PR and KR is one of the only spots on this roster begging for an upgrade, and Wright is electric.

[NBT]

CBS Sports has added and updated several mocks with 4 of 6 saying we will now take Baylor's Kendall Wright but all are in agreement we are taking a WR. Personally, I'd love Wright over any other WR choice other than Blackmon.

I do believe, however, that if we can't come to terms with Myers, we will be drafting Peter Konz with our first choice.

Prior to the Combine I would have agreed with you about Wright, but the less than inspiring 4.61/40, has changed my mind. And I don't think we will be drafting OL in the first round.

In my estimation, we need to cut JJ and Walters, and draft a couple of WRs to add to our explosivenes. It will also take some of the double teams off AJ.

[barrett]

Prior to the Combine I would have agreed with you about Wright, but the less than inspiring 4.61/40, has changed my mind. And I don't think we will be drafting OL in the first round.

In my estimation, we need to cut JJ and Walters, and draft a couple of WRs to add to our explosivenes. It will also take some of the double teams off AJ.

If a 40 time is slow it is a red flag to me and it makes me look at the film. Kendall Wright is the fastest guy on the film against NFL talent every week. I have no speed concerns about him.

[idymoe]

I had a few minutes and saw this recent version of draftsite.com

26 Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
58 Brandon Washington OG Miami 6' 4" 320
89 Marcus Forston DT Miami 6' 3" 305
121 Cam Johnson DE Virginia 6' 4" 265
153 Janzen Jackson S McNeese State 6' 0" 182
184 Carmen Messina ILB New Mexico 6' 2" 222
216 Marcel Jones OT Nebraska 6' 6" 320



Can't say I'm crazy about any of those picks.

I took a couple of players at the end of the draft before they were actually gone in the following round (or undrafted) by draftsite.

Whitney Mercilus
Josh Chapman
Phillip Blake
Joe Adams
Amini Silatolu
Akiem Hicks
Devon Wylie

I would really like to get Mike Martin in the 3rd, but if Blake were there, I think I would have to take him.

Draftsite had Wylie undrafted, but I thought he looked very quick at the combine, in addition to plus straight-line speed. It looked like he had good hands, too. I can't say I've researched much for this draft class. Mostly going by what I have read and my impressions at the Combine & Senior Bowl.

[painekiller]

My Cherry Pick is like this:
26 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234 or Stephen Hill* WR Georgia Tech 6' 5" 206
58 Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6' 2" 212
89 Philip Blake OC Baylor 6' 3" 315
121 Kheeston Randall DE Texas 6' 5" 295
153 Donald Stephenson OT Oklahoma 6' 6" 309
184 Malik Jackson OLB Tennessee 6' 5" 265
216 John Brantley QB Florida 6' 3" 218

I still like Hill, but if Jeffery has a solid pro day later this month, I could be happy with him. Smith looks the part at safety. I agree with idymoe here and I also believe we lose all of our FAs, Blake is a stud at OC. I like Randall for our DE rotation. Stephenson has the quickness we look for. And Brantley is a sleeper QB that can be groomed.

[Blitzwood]

my draft predictions:

26. Coby Fleener TE Stanford 6' 6" 248
I have him as the top player on the board when we pick with Hill and Floyd gone. He's a nightmare to matchup against and upgrades a very important part of our offense. OD isn't the player he once was, but lined up with AJ and the explosive Fleener would make his job a whole lot easier. Also free's Dressen to walk in FA. Not to mention it takes Luck's favorite target off the board. First Team All PAC-10 TE.


58. Kendall Reyes DT/NT Conn 6'4" 300
A disruptive clog in the middle that is a load to handle. Very tough against the run. Had a great career at UConn finishing with All Big East First Team. Cody's apparent heir to take over the NT.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS0rD3s4hoI&feature=player_embedded


89. Marvin Jones WR Cal 6' 2" 201
Very smooth route runner with excellent hands and polish. Can line up anywhere on the field and make plays for you, 4.4 speed. Was the top WR on the north squad at the senior bowl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boy0tkwcv-A


121. Malik Jackson DE3-4 Tenn 6'5" 284
All SEC-First Team by AP, great kid with a high motor, shown by his 56 tackles as a DL last year. A.Smith's replacement in waiting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA5-ZDjj488&feature=player_embedded


153. Cyrus Gray RB Texas A&M 5'10" 206
Our 3rd RB and kick returner. Derrick Ward looked pretty old last year, can help in a number of different ways and could come in handy considering how often our RB's have had to miss time. Knows how to pick up the blitz which is a must for Kube's.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxEWOSG-jf4&feature=player_embedded#!


184. Miles Burris 3-4OLB San Siego State 6'2" 246
Total Beast mode type of player that looks like a steal in the 6th. All Mountain West First team last year. He'd be our rotation 3rd OLB keeping the pass rush fresh. This kid could turn out so good it's Scary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtlONCH8jPA&feature=player_embedded#!


216. Tyler Horn C Miami 6'4" 308
Some depth at center that can play guard if needed.

[NBT]

Coby Fleener would likely be a good replacement for Dreeson, who is likely gone to FA. If they can get a likely WR in the second round to replace Jacobe, that would be slick.

[NBT]

If a 40 time is slow it is a red flag to me and it makes me look at the film. Kendall Wright is the fastest guy on the film against NFL talent every week. I have no speed concerns about him.

Maybe, but it's hard to judge "NFL caliber talent" in college before they actually DO IT in the NFL. If he turns out to be a Jerry Rice, you will be absolutely correct, But how many Jerry Rice's have there been? Just one to my knowledge.

[painekiller]

26 Houston Texans: Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC
The Texans desperately want to draft a receiver at No. 26, but the four first-round prospects are all off the board. Thus, Houston will have to look elsewhere.

Something else the Texans are interested in doing at this juncture is to find another pass-rusher to replace Mario Williams. Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed are great, but Houston wants a third guy to get after the quarterback so it can have a strong and deep rotation.

Pick change; previously Stephen Hill, WR

58 Houston Texans: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona
The Texans, a team that tends to focus in on one or two positions in each round of the NFL Draft, will take the top receiver available with at least one of their picks in the first two rounds. That's pretty much been apparent for months now, but the Houston Chronicle confirmed it recently.

89 Houston Texans: Joe Adams, WR/KR, Arkansas
The Texans could easily go back-to-back receivers to kick off the 2012 NFL Draft. They're going to make upgrading the position a priority this offseason.

Pick change; previously Billy Winn, DE/DT

121 Houston Texans: Philip Blake, C, Baylor
We've reported that the front office believes some team will outbid for Chris Myers in free agency, so Houston will probably have a big need at the center position.


153 Houston Texans: Kheeston Randall, DE/DT, Texas
The Texans will be a little thin up front if five-tech Tim Bulman leaves via free agency.

Pick change; previously James-Michael Johnson, ILB

I do like the way this mocked ended, not sure how it begins...

And I laugh that they are using McClain as a the source in what the Texans will do, McClain has gotten it wrong every year that Rick Smith has been in charge.

[painekiller]

26 Stephen Hill Georgia Tech WRF Height: 6'5" Weight: 200
58 Shea McClellin Boise State OLB34
89 Brandon Mosley Auburn LOT
121 Matt Conrath Virginia DE34
153 Nicolas Jean-Baptiste Baylor DT34
184 Quinton Saulsberry Mississippi State OC
216 George Bryan North Carolina State TE

I like the way this starts ....

[idymoe]

I like the way both of those start, PK. Most mocks have Perry gone by our pick, as well as Mercilus, but who knows. Having watched Shea his collegiate career, I certainly like him. All he did was consistently make big plays. To be honest, I was surprised by his numbers at the combine. I just always thought it was his great football instincts that made him so good for BSU.

Hill could turn out great, with outstanding measurables, but had minimal production in college. Like I mentioned earlier, I like Mike Martin a lot. If you agree, how high would you be willing to draft him. He has a motor, and he is a big man whose built like a little man, and that's a good thing.

[painekiller]

Like I mentioned earlier, I like Mike Martin a lot. If you agree, how high would you be willing to draft him. He has a motor, and he is a big man whose built like a little man, and that's a good thing.

I love Martin, but I see him going in the late 2nd early 3rd.

The Huddle Report has him as the 84th best player, CBS Sports has him 78th, Draft Tek has him at 82, and Gil Brandt of NFL,com has him at 76th.

So that has him going before our third round pick, but well after our 2nd rounder.

I love his motor, and he appears to be a great gap shooter.

[painekiller]

26 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
58 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
89 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
121 Bobby Wagner ILB Utah State 6' 1" 230
153 Shaun Prater CB Iowa 5' 11" 172
184 Winston Guy S Kentucky 6' 1" 208
216 Marcel Jones OT Nebraska 6' 6" 320

[idymoe]

26 Whitney Mercilus
58 Kevin Zeitler
89 Marvin Jones
121 Michael Egnew or Ladarius Green
153 Joe Adams or Amini Silatolu
184 Josh Kaddu or Akeim Hicks
216 Devon Wiley


Definately some risky picks in the lower rounds. I have seen Wiley move up in some mocks. If I knew Wiley would be there in the 7th, I would take a chance on Silatolu.

[painekiller]

Post Demeco Trade mock, they have us taking the following:

26 Alshon Jeffery* WR South Carolina 6' 3" 234
58 Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin 6' 4" 315
76 Keith Tandy CB West Virginia 5' 10" 198
98 Nigel Bradham ILB Florida State 6' 2" 235
120 DeVier Posey WR Ohio State 6' 2" 200
152 Levy Adcock OT Oklahoma State 6' 6" 330
183 Malik Jackson DE Tennessee 6' 5" 265
215 Logan Harrell DT Fresno State 6' 2" 275

My cherry pick:

26 Mike Adams OT Ohio State 6' 8" 300
58 Brian Quick WR Appalachian State 6' 5" 220
76 Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6' 2" 212
98 Mike Martin NT Michigan 6' 2" 299
120 Keenan Robinson ILB Texas 6' 3" 232
152 Kheeston Randall DE Texas 6' 5" 295
183 William Vlachos OC Alabama 6' 1" 292
215 Randy Bullock K Texas A&M 5' 9" 205

While this fails to address OLB, that maybe well backed up by Nading and Braman at this time. Plus I wanted to throw out some new names to bounce off you guys.

There might not be any instant starters on this team, but there are some guys that will make plays.

[HPF Bob]

Going OT in the first is certainly a new twist as long as it is someone who can fit the ZBS. I'm not sure about some of the individuals but I'm good with the drafting strategy. If Bullock is still there in the seventh round, that's a nice pick-up. I like getting a S and an NT.

[painekiller]

Going OT in the first is certainly a new twist as long as it is someone who can fit the ZBS. I'm not sure about some of the individuals but I'm good with the drafting strategy. If Bullock is still there in the seventh round, that's a nice pick-up. I like getting a S and an NT.

I didn't think Adams was quite the LT, but he might work at RT. And Smith was the best safety working out at the combine. And I have loved Martin from day one in my looking at this years prospects.

[Nconroe]

Did you watch Baylor Pro Day on NFL network?

Kendall Wright looked pretty fast and quick and good at WR. Doubt he will be around at 26.

RG3 looks fantastic. Real strong arm.

Interesting Indy was there, Washington had everyone there incl the owner.

[painekiller]

26 Kendall Wright Baylor WRF
Although Kendall Wright's Combine performance left something to be desired, scouts will value his production on game tape more than "underwear olympics" results. This play-maker will make an immediate impact on special teams, and there is no doubt that Gary Kubiak will install some offensive packages to take advantage of his talents. It won't be long before he's lined up opposite Andre Johnson on a permanent basis.

58 Bruce Irvin West Virginia OLB34
Mario Williams is a Buffalo Bill! Houston's pass-rushing cupboard is not bare with starters Brooks Reed and Connor Barwin, but "Flash" Irvin adds a "speed and explosion dimension" the Texans don't currently possess. When a 245 lb OLB runs a sub-4.5 forty, 4.03 shuttle and 6.70 3-cone, plus 23 bench press reps, 33" vertical and 10'3" broad jump, that is the definition of speed and explosion (factor = 66). Look for Bruce to make a "special" impact (as in specialty defenses and special teams)!

76 Audie Cole North Carolina State SILB
98 Tom Compton South Dakota ROT
120 Matt Conrath Virginia DE34
152 Brandon Brooks Miami (OH) OG
183 Nicolas Jean-Baptiste Baylor DT34
215 D'Anton Lynn Penn State FS

I think Bruce Irving has a real shot at being a Texan.

[HPF Bob]

When I read the blurb about Irvin, I was asking myself "If he's that good, why is he available at pick #58?" If he's that fast and can *tackle*, then by all means let's get him and probably with #26 since good WRs will still be available at #58.

At least he's from that Virginia/Virginia Tech/West Virginia axis that we seem to take a lot of players from.

[painekiller]

When I read the blurb about Irvin, I was asking myself "If he's that good, why is he available at pick #58?" If he's that fast and can *tackle*, then by all means let's get him and probably with #26 since good WRs will still be available at #58.

At least he's from that Virginia/Virginia Tech/West Virginia axis that we seem to take a lot of players from.

Solid points, He was on my radar before the combine, but like you ask, why is he not being talked about as a top 15 pick with those combine numbers?

[HPF Bob]

Maybe here's why Irvin's still there at #58. He got arrested the day after his Pro Day.

Rang, CBS Sports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/general/blog/rob-rang/17903081/a-day-after-his-pro-day-wvu-pass-rusher-bruce-irvin-arrested)

[painekiller]

Maybe here's why Irvin's still there at #58. He got arrested the day after his Pro Day.

Rang, CBS Sports.com (http://www.cbssports.com/general/blog/rob-rang/17903081/a-day-after-his-pro-day-wvu-pass-rusher-bruce-irvin-arrested)

Well there you go, I don't see him on the Texans radar. But remember Braman was in serious trouble with the law before we brought him to the NFL. So there is hope.

[WMH]

Well there you go, I don't see him on the Texans radar. But remember Braman was in serious trouble with the law before we brought him to the NFL. So there is hope.

Braman might have been the lone exception to the golden boy routine. IIRC, Wade knew his HC in college.

[idymoe]

I guess this thread is as good as any to post this. Boise State had their pro day yesterday. I'm never real sure how BSU players will do in drills. I am always sure about their attitude, fundamentals, work ethic, etc. I was really wondering how WR Tyler Shoemaker would test out, as he didn't get an invite to the combine. He had 60+ receptions this year and a team record 16 touchdowns. He is decent sized at 6' 1 1/2" and 216. Anyway, he ran a 4.43 40 yesterday and had a 37" vertical. Very respectable for a receiver with a little size. I can tell you he runs very good routes and is a hard worker. I think he has a chance to get drafted in the 6th or 7th round. I think he would be a good value pick there.

I love Doug Martin, but since we don't need an RB, I just hope he goes to a team I don't hate.

[HPF Bob]

The fact that he didn't get an invite to the combine makes him an automatic sleeper. If he's not drafted, he'll probably be in demand as a UDFA. I'm sure any scouts who went to see Martin now know who he is.

[idymoe]

Another sleeper is NT Chase Baker. He is only around 300, but also only a little over 6' and plays low with great leverage. I can't remember ever seeing anyone drive him and he drew a lot of double-teams. He kept the linebackers clean and got good penetration from his position. Starter from his sophomore season on. I saw at KFFL.com he has visits scheduled with the Vikings and Cowboys.

[painekiller]

26 Mark Barron S Alabama 6' 2" 210
58 A.J. Jenkins WR Illinois 6' 1" 185
76 Brandon Washington* OG Miami 6' 4" 320
99 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
121 Brandon Lindsey DE Pittsburgh 6' 2" 250
161 Matt Reynolds OT BYU 6' 6" 325
195 Sammy Brown OLB Houston 6' 3" 240
233 Robert Blanton CB Notre Dame 6' 0" 200

Not a bad day for us, but is it the best we can do?

26 Stephen Hill* WR Georgia Tech 6' 5" 206
58 Coby Fleener TE Stanford 6' 6" 248
76 Harrison Smith S Notre Dame 6' 2" 212
99 Mike Martin DT Michigan 6' 2" 299

Not that this is going to happen but I would be happy if it did.

[NBT]

Another sleeper is NT Chase Baker. He is only around 300, but also only a little over 6' and plays low with great leverage. I can't remember ever seeing anyone drive him and he drew a lot of double-teams. He kept the linebackers clean and got good penetration from his position. Starter from his sophomore season on. I saw at KFFL.com he has visits scheduled with the Vikings and Cowboys.

I am kind of intrigued with Akiem Hicks from Canada. 6-5-,324, 4.98/40. Mammoth player with elite measurables, light feet, and impressive length. However, he is extremely raw. Long arms (35") and a wingspan of 84". Surprising atheletic ability for a player his size. Rare movement skills, explosive hitter. He would be a good fit for those of you who think our nose tackle should be bigger. And due to his inexperience, he will probably be available as late as the 5th, or 6th round.

[HPF Bob]

I am kind of intrigued with Akiem Hicks from Canada. 6-5-,324, 4.98/40. Mammoth player with elite measurables, light feet, and impressive length. However, he is extremely raw. Long arms (35") and a wingspan of 84". Surprising atheletic ability for a player his size. Rare movement skills, explosive hitter. He would be a good fit for those of you who think our nose tackle should be bigger. And due to his inexperience, he will probably be available as late as the 5th, or 6th round.

Works for me. I'd even snag him with one of our two fourths. I remember how inexperience Seth Wand was and we still took him in the third. You can't teach size and quickness.

[WMH]

Source: Grambling WR Mario Louis to visit Texans next week: http://t.co/krBtV0lP -- Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider)

[Warren]

Hicks isn't the typical guy from Saskatoon State or wherever. He's from California and signed with LSU out of junior college. He never played there though because an assistant coach set him up with some illegal benefits (rides and a place to stay) and they were tried to cover it up when it was investigated. He then headed to Canada.

I wouldn't be surprised to see someone reach for him by following Bill Parcells' "planet person" philosophy -- there's a limited number of 300 pounders on the planet with that kind of athleticism, so you shouldn't pass them up. He supposedly isn't as impressive on the field, though.

[Warren]

Per PFT, the Texans have visits set up with:


Old Dominion DT Ronnie Cameron
Grambling WR Mario Lewis
Kansas St. S Kelcie McCray
Illinois S Tavon Wilson


http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/03/29/2012-draft-visits-and-workout-tracker/

[Warren]

And to put that in perspective, they didn't draft any of the eight guys it was reported they brought in last year: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/15/2011-draft-visits-and-workouts-tracker/

[painekiller]

And to put that in perspective, they didn't draft any of the eight guys it was reported they brought in last year: http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/15/2011-draft-visits-and-workouts-tracker/

And that has been the trend since Rick Smith took over the draft. The Texans tend to only bring in for a meeting with UDFA types, they almost never draft guys they have in for visits.

[painekiller]

26 Dont'a Hightower Alabama SILB
58 Bruce Irvin West Virginia OLB34
76 Mitchell Schwartz California LOT
99 A.J. Jenkins Illinois WRF
121 Derek Wolfe Cincinnati DE34
161 Nicolas Jean-Baptiste Baylor DT34
195 Ryan Miller Colorado OG
233 Terrence Frederick Texas A&M CB

IMO they are over stating our need at ILB in the 1st round. The loss of Ryan is a big one and he will be missed, but his position is only on the field 50% of the defensive snaps. Going ILB in the 1st is luxury we may not be able to afford. As for Irvin, I do not see the Texans selecting him.

Overall not a bad mock.

[HPF Bob]

Draftek now has a simulator where you can tweak their priority formulas so I changed a few of them and got this:

26. Andre Branch 3-4OLB Clemson (Poe, Fleener, Wright, Perry still on board)
58. Marvin Jones WR California
76. Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California
99. Demario Davis, ILB, Arkansas St.
121. Reuben Randle, WR, LSU
151. Matt Conrath, 3-4 DE, Virginia
195. Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, 3-4 DT, Kent St.
233. Jaymes Brooks, OG, Virginia Tech

The problem with Draftek is that they don't seem to update their databases as players become fallers and risers. They still have Poe as a low 1st even though he has risen to mid-first on many boards. Rang has us taking Randle - but in the first round.

Still, I like this draft in terms of the depth it provides. I think the Texans will probably fill some other needs besides these.

[HPF Bob]

If I were to choose by position, not player, I would probably draft this way:

1. OLB or WR
2. WR or LT
3. LT or OLB
4a. TE or NT
4b. NT or TE
5. trade down for two sevenths
6. OG
7a. QB
7b. FB
7c. PK

It would be really cool to me if the sevenths turned out to be Case Keenum, QB, Houston, Cody Johnson, FB, Texas and Randy Bullock, PK, Texas A&M. They could all be useful parts and could fall all the way to the seventh (or might possibly be UDFAs).

[WMH]

IMO, a 7th rounder isn't likely to play for us anytime soon, UNLESS he's a K. I would be on board with that, as he would be on the cheap for atleast 4 years.

[HPF Bob]

IMO, a 7th rounder isn't likely to play for us anytime soon, UNLESS he's a K. I would be on board with that, as he would be on the cheap for atleast 4 years.

But all three of these would help. Keenum would be the development QB now that Leinart is gone and Yates has playoff experience. Fullbacks are not even a part of many team's rosters anymore. We're one of the few. Johnson has a great deal of experience both as the designated short yardage back and lead blocker. And, as you noted, a PK will be an immediate help and Bullock was an exceptional one with the Aggies. So, there you are - three guys the Texans can use now that Leinart, Vickers and Rackers are gone for the puny cost of a 5th and a 7th. Plus, as an added bonus, each will bring a bit of their old college supporters with them.

[NBT]

By Position:

1. WRz or TE (Fleener)

2. ORT/OG

3. WRf* or OLB

4. ILB or S

5-7 BPA

*( Oklahoma's WR Ryan Broyles - ACL surgery)

[HPF Bob]

DraftSite has added the compensatory picks:

3rd round:
95. Oakland

4th round:
128. Minnesota
129. Oakland
130. Baltimore
131. NY Giants
132. Green Bay
133. Green Bay
134. Minnesota
135. Dallas

5th round:
168. Oakland
169. Baltimore
170. Indianapolis

6th round:
202. NY Jets
203. NY Jets
204. Cleveland
205. Cleveland
206. Indianapolis
207. Carolina

7th round:
240. Pittsburgh
241. Green Bay
242. NY Jets
243. Green Bay
244. NY Jets
245. Cleveland
246. Pittsburgh
247. Cleveland
248. Pittsburgh
249. Atlanta
250. San Diego
251. Buffalo
252. St. Louis
253. Indianapolis

[NBT]

At this point before the Draft, my ideal would be:

26 WR Stephon Hill

58 TE (who could play a little slot) Coby Fleener.

Reality, I don't think Fleener will last to #58. We will be lucky if Hill lasts to #26! But one can always hope.

If it should happen, it would make us infinitely more dangerous for our opponents.

[painekiller]

26 Mark Barron S Alabama 6' 2" 210
58 Ronnell Lewis* OLB Oklahoma 6' 2" 234
76 Brian Quick WR Appalachian State 6' 5" 220
99 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
121 Matt McCants OT Alabama, Birmingham 6' 7" 295
161 Matt Conrath DE Virginia 6' 7" 270
195 Grant Garner OC Oklahoma State 6' 3" 289
233 Austin Davis QB Southern Miss 6' 2" 208

Even though I cannot argue all the positions taken, I am not sold on the priority/players with these picks.

By now a lot of my cherry picks will be the same old guys I have been selecting for some time now.

26 Stephen Hill* WR Georgia Tech 6' 5" 206 - offensive explosion with the #1 pick, but does not have to start day one.
58 Shea McClellin OLB Boise State 6' 3" 262 - depth/rotational OLB to help with the lose of Mario
76 Mike Martin DT Michigan 6' 2" 299 - High motor quick NT
99 Derek Wolfe DE Cincinnati 6' 5" 298 - Rotation guy who could be Smith future replacement
121 Jerry Franklin ILB Arkansas 6' 1" 241 -tackling machine in the middle
161 William Vlachos OC Alabama 6' 1" 292 - OL depth
195 Randy Bullock K Texas A&M 5' 9" 205 - could be our kicker for next 10 years
233 Donald Stephenson OT Oklahoma 6' 6" 309 - OL depth

I see this draft as a chance to add depth, not to force anyone into starting roles, finally!!!

[machoneil]

26 Peter Konz OG/C Wisconsin 6'4" 315 - Competes for the guard spot and ST OC Day 1. Drafting Badgers with the first pick is lucky.

58 Shea McClellin OLB/ILB Boise State 6'3" 262 - Can play multiple LB spots, so a potential 3-down backer sometimes, as well as ST.

76 Brian Quick WR Appalachin St 6'3" 222 - Big, fast target with big hands for red zone packages. Needs coaching up, though.

99 Mitchell Schwartz OT/OG Cal 6'5" 318 - Ideal RT for our blocking scheme, with long arms even.

121 Greg Childs WR Arkansas 6'3" 219 - Big, fast target with big hands. Knee looks healed.

161 Chris Rainey RB/WR Florida 5'8" 180 - In Sproles/Bush/McCluster mold, which could be a nice change of pace.

195 Coty Sensebaugh CB Clemson 5'11" 189 - Fast leader of sucky Clemson backfield. Can man-up with tall, fast WRs, just not with strong, fast WRs. ST gunner.

233 Evan Rodriguez TE/FB/HB/QB/ST Temple 6'1" 242 - What's that position that Casey plays? He can back that up like a Brinks truck.

[Blitzwood]

26 Mark Barron S Alabama 6' 2" 210
58 Ronnell Lewis* OLB Oklahoma 6' 2" 234
76 Brian Quick WR Appalachian State 6' 5" 220
99 Josh Chapman DT Alabama 6' 1" 310
121 Matt McCants OT Alabama, Birmingham 6' 7" 295
161 Matt Conrath DE Virginia 6' 7" 270
195 Grant Garner OC Oklahoma State 6' 3" 289
233 Austin Davis QB Southern Miss 6' 2" 208






26. Ruben Randle WR
58. Ronnell Lewis OLB
76. Dwight Bentley CB Jason Allen's replacement
99. Nick Foles QB
121. Bobby Wagner ILB/OLB
161. Cody Johnson FB
195. Jeff Allen OT/OG
233. Keshawn Martin WR/PR

UDFA- James Hanna TE
UDFA- Greg Zuerlein K
UDFA- Jonas Gray RB

[painekiller]

26 Dont'a Hightower Alabama SILB
58 Marvin Jones California WRF
76 Jonathan Massaquoi Troy OLB34
99 Matt McCants UAB LOT
121 Matt Conrath Virginia DE34
161 Brandon Brooks Miami (OH) OG
195 Ishmaa'ily Kitchen Kent State DT34
233 Asa Jackson Cal Poly CB

I still think they are overvaluing the Texans need at ILB.

[NBT]

I certainly agree with PK on overstating the need for LB in the Draft coming up.

[Nconroe]

I think maybe in top 3 rounds Texans should pick who they think is the best player available. Realizing they ususually do this but with targeted positions.

Texans do have 4 picks in top 100, so should be some good talent.

Here is Billicks latest list of top 100, we will see in about two weeks how many on this or similar lists the Texans take.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Brian-Billick-top-100-nfl-draft-players-030812

[painekiller]

I think maybe in top 3 rounds Texans should pick who they think is the best player available. Realizing they ususually do this but with targeted positions.

Texans do have 4 picks in top 100, so should be some good talent.

Here is Billicks latest list of top 100, we will see in about two weeks how many on this or similar lists the Texans take.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/Brian-Billick-top-100-nfl-draft-players-030812

Did anyone happen to follow the link to the cbs video of Billick talking about the Texans? He thinks we signed Eric Winston, not cut him. What a waste of a few minutes.

[WMH]

Thought this one was interesting. Personally, I would rather have a rusher than a ILB in the 2nd though....

26. Stephen Hill, WR, GT
58. Mychal Kendricks, ILB, Cal
76. James Brown, OT, Troy
99. Joe Adams, WR/KR, Arkansas
121. DeQuan Menzie, CB, Bama
161. Trevor Guyton, DE/DT, Cal

[NBT]

After Kareem I am leery of any Bama CB. However any Mock that has us taking either Stephen Hill or Coby Fleener #1 is a good one. JMHO.

[painekiller]

I am going to use the cbssports.com player rankings to fill out a mock.

26 *Stephen Hill WR Georgia Tech Jr 6-4 215

At 26, I had to choose between (30)Hill, (31)Shea McClellin, and (26)Coby Fleener. Fleener is not the guy I have to have to go TE in the 1st, so he's out. That made a tough choice between Hill and McClelin, I went with the offense because the defense has been getting the picks the last few years.

58 Bruce Irvin OLB West Virginia Sr 6-3 245

I had a hard time picking at 58. I wanted to take Boykin, but Irvin ran a 4.4 and is a perfect 3-4 rush LB. I hope I made the right choice.

76 Mychal Kendricks ILB California Sr 5-11 240

This is a BPA pick for me. I have a group of guys I wanted to take here. But finding an ILB that runs a 4.4 at 240 and is a tackling machine is hard to do.

99 Philip Blake C Baylor Sr 6-3 311

Athletic middle of the OL guy, we need depth and he fits very well.

121 Derek Wolfe DE Cincinnati Sr 6-5 295

I can see Wolfe and Watts being bookend DE that scare teams in the future, solid depth who fits what we do like a glove.

161 Coryell Judie CB Texas A&M rSr 6-0 194

Injury concerns has Judie available on this list here, the team wants to add depth to the secondary according to McNair, so here is a good one in the 5th round.

195 Desmond Wynn OG Rutgers rSr 6-6 303

Athletic guy who is raw and still learning. Could be used to push Shelley Smith.

233 Randy Bullock K Texas A&M Sr 5-09 205

OK Bob I guess your waiting to take Bullock at 233 is not such a bad thing. Will Gary really take two Aggies?

This has turned out way different than I set out to draft, but I think it's a pretty solid mock. I added explosion to the offense in the 1st. I added two fast LB in the 2nd and 3rd. I added solid depth to the OL. I added insurance for Antonio Smith's future departure. I added secondary depth and a kicker from my alma mater :eek:. Plus Coach Joe has a bunch of new toys to play with.

And I added some names to my list.

[NBT]

Thsnks for your effort PK. Of course I like Hill at #1.

I agree with most of your draft, with the excetion of NO OT! I would like to have seen one in the mock. I suppose you are thinking that Newton will prove to be a viable backup?

Phillip Blake will have to make all the line calls. Do you think he is capable?

[Blitzwood]

26. Kendall Wright WR
58. Kevin Zeitler OG
76. Cam Johnson OLB
99. Sean Spence SS
121. Cyrus Gray RB
161. TJ Graham WR
195. BJ Colman QB
233. Donald Stephenson OT

Well, not what I was hoping for, but I can live with it.

[WMH]

With all of the mocks around having the Texans taking a WR or OLB in Rd. 1, my money is on them taking some obscure T or G that we aren't talking about.......

[HPF Bob]

What I find interesting is how the mockers vary on who is the better WRs. After Blackmon (one mock had him falling to #13 which made me fall out of my chair) and Floyd, it seems like there is a second tier of Wright, Hill, Randle, Jeffrey and Sanu that seems to fluctuate depending on who does the mock. Then there is a third tier of Criner, Jenkins, Quick and some add Toon followed by a fourth tier of McNutt, Childs, Jones and Jones who some have sneaking into the third while others have them falling as far as the fifth.

Unlike some other positions, WR are not particularly specialized. There are some for speed and some for possession but practically everyone was the #1 guy on their team in college so they are used to playing the same role.

So while there may be 4-5 guys in the upper half of the draft who make good rush OLBs for Wade Phillips' defense, there are 12 wide receivers who can be good #2 receivers for our offense. Therefore, I'd rather use my first round choice to make sure I get one of those OLBs that work for me and get a third-tier WR in the second round than get one of the top 5 WRs in the first round and then *hope* one of the OLBs is still there when we come up in the second. It was looking like McClellin was our secret fallback choice but now he's getting too well known and I don't think he'll last until #58.

Neither the WR or the OLB will be an immediate starter and there are other options if we miss out on who we want but, IMO, these two positions are our chief needs and there is less talent available at OLB than WR which is why I want to take OLB first.

[painekiller]

Thsnks for your effort PK. Of course I like Hill at #1.

I agree with most of your draft, with the excetion of NO OT! I would like to have seen one in the mock. I suppose you are thinking that Newton will prove to be a viable backup?

Phillip Blake will have to make all the line calls. Do you think he is capable?

I had planned on tacking an OT in the 2nd round. I had targeted Mitchell Schwartz from Cal. He will be an excellent RT in a few years and could be a swing guy in a pinch. But when I got there the two LBs made more sense and improved the team more then the young OT.

I know the the ILBs have 4 strong vets and we only have 3 vet OTs so maybe that was mistake.

I also had planned on taking a NT, but it did not happen.

[painekiller]

What I find interesting is how the mockers vary on who is the better WRs. After Blackmon (one mock had him falling to #13 which made me fall out of my chair) and Floyd, it seems like there is a second tier of Wright, Hill, Randle, Jeffrey and Sanu that seems to fluctuate depending on who does the mock. Then there is a third tier of Criner, Jenkins, Quick and some add Toon followed by a fourth tier of McNutt, Childs, Jones and Jones who some have sneaking into the third while others have them falling as far as the fifth.

Unlike some other positions, WR are not particularly specialized. There are some for speed and some for possession but practically everyone was the #1 guy on their team in college so they are used to playing the same role.

So while there may be 4-5 guys in the upper half of the draft who make good rush OLBs for Wade Phillips' defense, there are 12 wide receivers who can be good #2 receivers for our offense. Therefore, I'd rather use my first round choice to make sure I get one of those OLBs that work for me and get a third-tier WR in the second round than get one of the top 5 WRs in the first round and then *hope* one of the OLBs is still there when we come up in the second. It was looking like McClellin was our secret fallback choice but now he's getting too well known and I don't think he'll last until #58.

Neither the WR or the OLB will be an immediate starter and there are other options if we miss out on who we want but, IMO, these two positions are our chief needs and there is less talent available at OLB than WR which is why I want to take OLB first.

I respect this position, but want to offer up another line of thought. I think the Texans need to go into this draft thinking they are looking for the future #1 WR for this team, they should not be thinking they are picking just a #2 WR. And as such that severely limits the guys that should be looked at.

As for OLB, we already have two young solid guys, so the guy we bring in will be a rotational guy to start with and will be given time to learn. And while I agree McClellin is a stud, brings versatility and is a perfect fit for Wade, there are guys in the 2nd and 3rd round who can be rotational players. (And besides I want to see Braman's 2nd year leap).

On offense I want explosion from my #1, and that is hard to find, only a handful of guys in this draft have it. Jeffery and Hill might be the only guys available when the Texans pick that have what I think the Texans need. (size, speed, hands combo).

[HPF Bob]

I respect this position, but want to offer up another line of thought. I think the Texans need to go into this draft thinking they are looking for the future #1 WR for this team, they should not be thinking they are picking just a #2 WR. And as such that severely limits the guys that should be looked at.

As for OLB, we already have two young solid guys, so the guy we bring in will be a rotational guy to start with and will be given time to learn. And while I agree McClellin is a stud, brings versatility and is a perfect fit for Wade, there are guys in the 2nd and 3rd round who can be rotational players. (And besides I want to see Braman's 2nd year leap).

On offense I want explosion from my #1, and that is hard to find, only a handful of guys in this draft have it. Jeffery and Hill might be the only guys available when the Texans pick that have what I think the Texans need. (size, speed, hands combo).

While I respect that thinking, the only receiver in this draft I would look at as a future #1 receiver is Blackmon. That's the full package right there. All the other receivers are just maybes, including Floyd and Wright. So, if you are looking for A.J.'s successor, I'd say we're too far down the draft board to get him. We're going to be taking the 4th or 5th WR off the board at best which means he's not Andre Johnson and probably never will be Andre Johnson. Maybe these could be Heywood Jeffires but I never saw him as a true #1.

While I wasn't unhappy to see Mario leave because of his cap cost, I listened to all the people who said we need to make sure we can get after the QB. While I'm happy with Barwin and Reed, what happens if we lose one to injury? Do we want to trust that to Braman to fill that void? Having another strong rush LB to bring into the rotation seems just a little harder to fill than a wide receiver.

And I'd be really shocked if the Texans took a shot at Bruce Irvin in the second, give his arrests and jail time. Sounds like a natural for the Raiders or the Ravens.

[painekiller]

While I respect that thinking, the only receiver in this draft I would look at as a future #1 receiver is Blackmon. That's the full package right there. All the other receivers are just maybes, including Floyd and Wright. So, if you are looking for A.J.'s successor, I'd say we're too far down the draft board to get him. We're going to be taking the 4th or 5th WR off the board at best which means he's not Andre Johnson and probably never will be Andre Johnson. Maybe these could be Heywood Jeffires but I never saw him as a true #1.

While I wasn't unhappy to see Mario leave because of his cap cost, I listened to all the people who said we need to make sure we can get after the QB. While I'm happy with Barwin and Reed, what happens if we lose one to injury? Do we want to trust that to Braman to fill that void? Having another strong rush LB to bring into the rotation seems just a little harder to fill than a wide receiver.

And I'd be really shocked if the Texans took a shot at Bruce Irvin in the second, give his arrests and jail time. Sounds like a natural for the Raiders or the Ravens.

I do not think you ever find a player like Andre Johnson again. I have been in Houston for almost 50 years and there has been only one player like him and that is him. Just like Earl Campbell, they don't make many like him.

So, that said, IMO Hill's upside is a #1, his downside is Jacoby Jones. Yes he needs to learn a lot before he can play, but he has the potential.

As for OLB, I love McClellin, and it was a coin flip for me which one to take in my mock. But there are other guys available in this draft. As for Irvin arrest, a broken sign is much tamer than the drug charges Braman had against him. Granted UDFA is a much lower risk then a 2nd rounder. And Irvin has gotten his life together since his wake up call in jail for robbery.

[painekiller]

In response to NBT and Bob, I will do an alternative mock using the same list as before.

26 Shea McClellin OLB Boise State rSr 6-3 260
58 Brian Quick WR Appalachian State rSr 6-4 220
76 Mike Martin DT Michigan Sr 6-1 306
99 Brandon Mosley OT Auburn Sr 6-6 314
121 Derek Wolfe DE Cincinnati Sr 6-5 295 (repeat from the last mock but I really like him)
161 David Molk C Michigan rSr 6-1 298
195 Jerry Franklin ILB Arkansas rSr 6-1 242
233 Micah Pellerin CB Hampton rSr 6-0 194\

UDFA Philip Welch K Wisconsin rSr 6-2 206
UDFA Jarrett Boykin WR Virginia Tech Sr 6-2 217
UDFA G.J. Kinne QB Tulsa rSr 6-1 234
UDFA Raymond Carter RB Colorado State rSr 6-0 217 (where is Kubiak's son a coaching assistant?)

This is a whole different way the draft could go and I would be just as happy as my prior mock.

We get an OLB that is scheme diverse, He can play in the middle or with his hand down, nice. We get a tall WR with upside, not a big burner but fast enough for a #2. Get a high motor NT he blows up double teams. We get a guy who played both RT and LT at a SEC school. Molk can only play C so that is a strike against him, but he fits our mold for a C. We get a tackling machine from a SEC school, and then we finish with a small school project at CB.

I named a few UDFA that would be nice here, the last one was a slight joke but you never know.

[painekiller]

Charlie Casserly has done a two round mock (http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d8284ad28/article/tworound-mock-draft-no-quarterbacks-taken-in-second-round?module=HP11_cp)

26) Houston Texans: Rueben Randle, WR, LSU. Houston needs to upgrade the receiver position opposite Andre Johnson.

58) Texans: Bruce Irvin, OLB/DE, West Virginia. Wade Phillips likes depth at outside linebacker and the Texans just lost Mario Williams. Offensive tackle is a consideration ,too, after the release of Eric Winston.

Stephen Hill was taken at #22 and Shea McClellin went at #28 to Green Bay.

[Blitzwood]

Charlie Casserly has done a two round mock (http://www.nfl.com/draft/story/09000d5d8284ad28/article/tworound-mock-draft-no-quarterbacks-taken-in-second-round?module=HP11_cp)


Stephen Hill was taken at #22 and Shea McClellin went at #28 to Green Bay.

I too, tend to think S. Hill won't be there.

What do u think about:

1. Coby Fleener- #1 rated TE in an even weaker class than OLB & WR.
2. Jared Crick- Would have been a 1st rounder if not for the injury, can be A. Smith's backup this year and starter next year.
3. Kirk Cousins- A backup that will be bought in like Yates was last year, potential starter in a few years.
4a. Nick Toon- Good depth at a position of need.
4b. Frank Alexander- Our third OLB.
5. Gerell Robinson- More quality depth at WR.
6. Lucas Nix- offers versitility at G/OT.
7. John Hughes- NT

UDFA-Tyler Horn C
UDFA-Kendrick Adams DE/OLB

[painekiller]

I too, tend to think S. Hill won't be there.

What do u think about:

1. Coby Fleener- #1 rated TE in an even weaker class than OLB & WR.
2. Jared Crick- Would have been a 1st rounder if not for the injury, can be A. Smith's backup this year and starter next year.
3. Kirk Cousins- A backup that will be bought in like Yates was last year, potential starter in a few years.
4a. Nick Toon- Good depth at a position of need.
4b. Frank Alexander- Our third OLB.
5. Gerell Robinson- More quality depth at WR.
6. Lucas Nix- offers versitility at G/OT.
7. John Hughes- NT

UDFA-Tyler Horn C
UDFA-Kendrick Adams DE/OLB

Nice effort. I like most of this mock.

I am not a Fleener fan. Yes this is a weak TE class and IMO Fleener is a week TE, he is only a one dimensional TE. He is not on my list, which mean the Texans take him. I don't have any of the TE on my list this year.

[painekiller]

26 Andre Branch Clemson OLB34
58 Marvin Jones California WRF
76 Audie Cole North Carolina State SILB
99 Mitchell Schwartz California LOT
121 Kheeston Randall Texas DE34
161 Josh Chapman Alabama DT34
195 Josh LeRibeus SMU OG
233 Adrien Robinson Cincinnati TE

Not a bad mock. Not my favorite at the top, and they have a lot of guys way to low IMO. But a few picks in here could be the guys we take.

[HPF Bob]

Draftek will let you play with a team's priorities.

I changed a few, particularly downgrading ILB after recent developments. and it came up with:

26. Andre Branch, 34OLB, Clemson
58. Marvin Jones, WR, California
76. Mitchell Schwartz, OT, California
99. DaJohn Harris, 34DE, USC
121. Lucas Nix, OG, Pittsburgh
161. James Michael Johnson, ILB, Nevada
195. Aaron Henry, FS, Wisconsin
233. Evan Rodriguez, FB-TE, Temple

Hmmm. Fits the formula well even though, as Roy would say, these aren't "my guys". Rodriguez in the 7th, though, is your classic good hands hybrid H-back who could take Casey's place if we ask Casey to take Dreesen's place. Not really a solid blocker though. More the receiver type.

[nunusguy]

26 Dont'a Hightower Alabama SILB
58 Marvin Jones California WRF
76 Jonathan Massaquoi Troy OLB34
99 Matt McCants UAB LOT
121 Matt Conrath Virginia DE34
161 Brandon Brooks Miami (OH) OG
195 Ishmaa'ily Kitchen Kent State DT34
233 Asa Jackson Cal Poly CB

I still think they are overvaluing the Texans need at ILB.
Looks like somebody else noticed the Cal receiver before I did. It'll be interesting to see where and when he actually goes in the Draft next week ?

[barrett]

Here is a question for those who have really done their homework (I have not).

Stephen Hill makes me nervous as a GT WR considering how little they throw the ball and the limited experience and route tree. But then I considered the blocking expectations and requirements made of WRs on the Texans. So the question is whether Hill is considered a superior blocker at the WR position. I know he had to be called on to block on 90% of his snaps so I wonder if it translates to superior technique/willingness.

[NBT]

But that is the reason he will be there when it's our turn to draft. If he is still there, I would have no qualms taking him. His potential is off the chart.

[Blitzwood]

But that is the reason he will be there when it's our turn to draft. If he is still there, I would have no qualms taking him. His potential is off the chart.

Potential is a scary word, remember the saying from B. Billick:
"He is an intriguing prospect. He has great potential. But you know, just remember, the old saying, 'Son, your potential is going to get me fired.'"
Super Bowl winning coach Brian Billick.

[Warren]

Here is a question for those who have really done their homework (I have not).

Stephen Hill makes me nervous as a GT WR considering how little they throw the ball and the limited experience and route tree. But then I considered the blocking expectations and requirements made of WRs on the Texans. So the question is whether Hill is considered a superior blocker at the WR position. I know he had to be called on to block on 90% of his snaps so I wonder if it translates to superior technique/willingness.I haven't necessarily done my homework but the Cliff's Notes that I've read say he's a physical, aggressive blocker. Randle is considered a good blocker but Wright is supposed to be pretty mediocre.

[barrett]

I haven't necessarily done my homework but the Cliff's Notes that I've read say he's a physical, aggressive blocker. Randle is considered a good blocker but Wright is supposed to be pretty mediocre.

That makes me feel better about him as a potential pick. At least I know he won't be kept off of the field for not blocking like we expect.

[WMH]

I don't know about you guys, but I'm just about mocked out. Looking forward to something else to read about....

Don't recall seeing this name before:

26. Houston Texans: Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State
Sources tell us the Texans are more confident in Rashad Butler playing right tackle this season than they are with Antoine Caldwell at guard, so they select Silatolu to handle that spot.


Russ Lande
Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-04-17/nfl-draft-2012-mock-andre-luck-robert-griffin-giants-jets-cowboys-dolphins#ixzz1sUwAj0ja

[HPF Bob]

26. Houston Texans: Amini Silatolu, G, Midwestern State
Sources tell us the Texans are more confident in Rashad Butler playing right tackle this season than they are with Antoine Caldwell at guard, so they select Silatolu to handle that spot.


I guess we are back to first-round choices with more vowels than consonants in their first name like Mario, Amobi and Duane. We were doing pretty well with Brian and J.J....

[chuck]

I guess we are back to first-round choices with more vowels than consonants in their first name like Mario, Amobi and Duane. We were doing pretty well with Brian and J.J....

Excellent point. Save the players with vowel heavy first names for undrafted free agency where the team has a sterling track record.

[popanot]

I don't know about you guys, but I'm just about mocked out. Looking forward to something else to read about....Not to insult anyone (to each their own) because I know it's fun for some, but I've always found any and all mocks senseless for the obvious reasons. Fun reading the ones that have in-depth player profiles, but the pick slotting is pretty useless and borders on silly beyond the first 5 or so picks.

[HPF Bob]

I'm just thankful that we're finally good enough to be picking a few hours after the draft begins. Picking early was fun but I kinda like picking late for depth instead of picking early for need.

[NBT]

Silatolu would be nice in the 3rd round or so, but I am hoping for an athletic OT or TE in the 2nd. I am like most of you, I am tired of waiting.

[nunusguy]

Silatolu would be nice in the 3rd round or so, but I am hoping for an athletic OT or TE in the 2nd. I am like most of you, I am tired of waiting.
3rd round ? Why wait, why not use our 1st round pick on him ?
Seriously we know that's not going to happen, but there was a mock-drafter on 790 today who made just that prediction. Check the link for his mock:
http://www.russlande.com/2012-mock-draft/

[HPF Bob]

Leave it to Mel Kiper to come up with the most puzzling Texans draft projection:

1. Bobby Massie OT, Mississippi
2. Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
3. Bobby Wagner, ILB, Utah St.

CBS Sports also notes that the Texans are unlikely to choose OT Mike Adams of Ohio State due to character issues and also claims that Kendall Wright has fallen all the way down to 3rd round territory due to slow 40 times and high body fat.

Don't forget, this is NFL disinformation season so don't believe much of what is reported. Surely, there will be some legit surprises on draft day(s) but there's also a lot of hogwash going around.

[barrett]

Leave it to Mel Kiper to come up with the most puzzling Texans draft projection:

1. Bobby Massie OT, Mississippi
2. Alshon Jeffrey, WR, South Carolina
3. Bobby Wagner, ILB, Utah St.

CBS Sports also notes that the Texans are unlikely to choose OT Mike Adams of Ohio State due to character issues and also claims that Kendall Wright has fallen all the way down to 3rd round territory due to slow 40 times and high body fat.

Don't forget, this is NFL disinformation season so don't believe much of what is reported. Surely, there will be some legit surprises on draft day(s) but there's also a lot of hogwash going around.

The best was a few years back when somebody tried leaking concerns that Adrian Peterson was too dumb to play RB so everyone should just let him slip.

I think it is pathetic that teams covertly rip guys in the media to try to make them fall to them.

[painekiller]

I believe the reports that Wright is dropping. And if John McClain is to be believed, the Texans will not go WR in the first. The only OLB I would currently be in favor of would be Perry or McClellin . As for other position in the first I don't see the value at 26. I could see Rick Smith trading down.

I'm on vacation this week, just left Canton, on my way to Cooperstown on Monday. I'll be back on Friday or Saturday, so my post will be spotty this week. Hope I'm happy with the early draft picks or I will wear this phone out

[HPF Bob]

I've been to both Hall of Fames and they are a great experience although the baseball hall was the better exhibit. Great time of year to see them when the weather is warm but not hot and not chilly. The difference between the two? The Pro Football Hall still proudly displays the bust of O.J. Simpson while the Baseball Hall won't even allow Pete Rose.

[Blitzwood]

I believe the reports that Wright is dropping. And if John McClain is to be believed, the Texans will not go WR in the first. The only OLB I would currently be in favor of would be Perry or McClellin . As for other position in the first I don't see the value at 26. I could see Rick Smith trading down.

I'm on vacation this week, just left Canton, on my way to Cooperstown on Monday. I'll be back on Friday or Saturday, so my post will be spotty this week. Hope I'm happy with the early draft picks or I will wear this phone out

There are also reports that C. Upshaw is dropping. If true, and he's still there when we are up, I have a hard time seeing us pass on him, if in fact OLB is our target in the 1st. Championship pedigree , SEC, and dominated talents like Massie last year.

Enjoy you're vacation.

[HPF Bob]

1. (26) Jerel Worthy, DT, Michigan St. (my choice: Courtney Upshaw, OLB, Alabama)
2. (58) Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida St. (my choice: Sanders)
3. (76) Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina (my choice: Marvin McNutt, WR, Iowa)
4a. (99) Eric Page, WR, Toledo (my choice: Josh Chapman, DT, Alabama)
4b. (121) Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma (my choice: Mike Brewster, C-G, Ohio St.)
5. (151) Darron Thomas, QB, Oregon (my choice: Tony Dye, SS, UCLA)
6. (195) Micah Pellerin, CB, Hampton (my choice: Demario Davis, ILB, Arkansas St.)
7. (233) Bryce Brown, RB, Kansas St. (my choice: Randy Bullock, PK, Texas A&M)

[nunusguy]

FWIW Mike Mayock is currently ranking Perry, Chandler Jones, & Curry in that order as DEs and he has the OLBs ranked in the order as follows: Ingram, McClellin, Mercilus, & Branch.

[HPF Bob]

It looks like Fleener is getting some late love on the nets and now a second projection of us taking OT Martin from Stanford.

Also read from Gosselin in Dallas that this draft has "six blue-chippers and 22 who should get a first-round grade", meaning that when it comes our time to pick we are looking at high-end second-round talent. He sees a large group from 23-50s who could all be late 1st, early 2nds in no particular order. Judging from how widely the rankings are for DTs and WRs in this draft, there really seems to be less consensus than normal.

Of course, now that you have 32 teams spreading disinformation and 1001 "draft experts" all trying to be the smartest guy in the room, you're going to get a lot of confusion. I'm always amazed how often the draft winds up looking largely like it should have with a few boons and busts factored in.

One guy whose name will be interesting to see/not see in this draft is LB Vontaze Burfict. There's no question he has second-day talent but he has a UDFA brain and as poorly disciplined as anyone can remember. Does a bad-ass team like the Ravens or Raiders take a chance on him anyway and see if they can straighten him out or will he fall totally out of the draft?

[Warren]

One guy whose name will be interesting to see/not see in this draft is LB Vontaze Burfict. There's no question he has second-day talent but he has a UDFA brain and as poorly disciplined as anyone can remember. Does a bad-ass team like the Ravens or Raiders take a chance on him anyway and see if they can straighten him out or will he fall totally out of the draft?I'm betting we won't be seeing his name. Supposedly some teams had taken him off their boards even before his horrible combine and pro day performances. According to reports he just didn't play well -- he missed tackles, was often out of position, couldn't get off blocks, and drew a ton of stupid penalties. I could see the Ravens gambling on a talented guy with character issues (like CB Jimmy Smith last year), especially at ILB where they Ray Lewis to mentor him, but it sounds like even if Burfict had his head screwed on straight he'd still be a marginal prospect. And is the Raiders' new regime going to follow the old Al Davis failed gameplan? That will be interesting to see.

[Blitzwood]

FWIW Mike Mayock is currently ranking Perry, Chandler Jones, & Curry in that order as DEs and he has the OLBs ranked in the order as follows: Ingram, McClellin, Mercilus, & Branch.

Mayock just did his 1st round mock on nfl network. He has us taking Fleener,

And I can only hope he's right. He said with the play action we run, and AJ always double teamed, expect Fleener to make a big impact on our offense.

I only hope he lasts to 26.

[nunusguy]

Mayock just did his 1st round mock on nfl network. He has us taking Fleener,

And I can only hope he's right. He said with the play action we run, and AJ always double teamed, expect Fleener to make a big impact on our offense.

I only hope he lasts to 26.
I saw his Draft show last night and a lot of his picks were out of "left-field", but who's to say he's not got it right ? We'll find out soon.
I don't think Kubiak will draft this TE or any TE with a first round pick, just like I won't believe they would draft an interior OLineman in the first-round until I see it happen. It's not their history as their current roster has 4th rounders at TE and no body taken higher than the late rounds in the interior OLine except for Caldwell in the third a couple years ago.
Assuming one of the rush-LBs they covet is not on the Board at 26, it seems the chances of an OT in the first keep getting better if there's any truth at all to the rumors coming out of Reliant that they will wait until the second round to get a WR.

[HPF Bob]

McClain sees their draft board as such:

OLB Whitney Mercilus, Illinois
OT Jonathan Martin, Stanford
OL Cordy Glenn, Georgia
another OL like Zeitler or Konz

If they go OLB in the first, they'll got OL in the second and WR in the third.
If they go OL in the first, they'll go OLB in the second and WR in the third.

In later rounds they will take a second OL, TE, ILB and possibly PK.

Keep in mind two things. 1) McClain has sources inside the Texans so he does have some good understanding of their thoughts. 2) Most teams use that newspaper source to spread pre-draft misinformation (sometimes with the reporter's knowledge, sometimes without) so other teams won't know who they are after.

Keep in mind also that we didn't see Duane Brown or J.J. Watt coming and I don't think Kareem Jackson's name was that hot on draft boards either. Seems to me more people were talking about us drafting Clay Matthews instead of Brian Cushing too although it turns out both choices would have been good ones. So be prepared for a name we haven't talked much about.

[NBT]

Assuming Hill is gone when our turn to pick, I would be happy to see Fleener's name called.

[machoneil]

I'm hoping for that special teams monster, Trades Down, from the University of Extra Picks.

[chuck]

1) McClain has sources inside the Texans so he does have some good understanding of their thoughts.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHAH AHAHAHA.

That fat redneck knows next to nothing about what is actually happening with the Texans. Whenever something happens he is invariably scooped by one of the TV guys, usually Berman. You're right about feeding him misinformation. The team does that all the time because he's too stupid to know when they're doing it. There have been numerous instances where he adamantly stated something that soon thereafter turned out to be utterly false.

[painekiller]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHAH AHAHAHA.

That fat redneck knows next to nothing about what is actually happening with the Texans. Whenever something happens he is invariably scooped by one of the TV guys, usually Berman. You're right about feeding him misinformation. The team does that all the time because he's too stupid to know when they're doing it. There have been numerous instances where he adamantly stated something that soon thereafter turned out to be utterly false.

Seems he hit this one on the head.

[chuck]

Seems he hit this one on the head.

If you think that means he has some inside line on what's going on within the franchise then go right ahead and do so.

[HPF Bob]

Every team says "this is the guy we wanted all along" but I think that is really true here. Most mocks had Mercilus going before our pick and McClain quoted Phillips that the Texans were trying to trade up to get him and were glad they didn't have to. When guys like Irvin and Weeden were taken before us, it became clear to me that some better players would slide down.

Now maybe they'll use that pick they were willing to use to trade up in the first to trade up in the second to get the OL they want, although if they stay put they could probably still get Massie or Sanders. I'd be happier if they could get Glenn or Martin.

WR in the third and maybe again in the fourth.

[NBT]

Day before yesterday, McClain was unequivacally stating the Texans would drfaft an OL with their first pick. The team simply uses him to spread their misinformation before the Draft.

[painekiller]

I've been to both Hall of Fames and they are a great experience although the baseball hall was the better exhibit. Great time of year to see them when the weather is warm but not hot and not chilly. The difference between the two? The Pro Football Hall still proudly displays the bust of O.J. Simpson while the Baseball Hall won't even allow Pete Rose.

I have to agree with you about the two HOFs. I was a little disappointed with the football one. But they are in the middle of a major expansion, hopefully it will include more films clips of the members. Also some interactive exhibits would be nice.

The baseball HOF, was huge. They did an excellent job of telling stories. Plus they are a much older sport with a HOF that was open near to the time that the NFL started.

As for the weather, I had to bug out of Cooperstown early due to a snow storm that was chasing me across NY state. It was simply freezing when I was at Niagara Falls.

Glad to be home

[HPF Bob]

I checked out Niagara Falls on my trip up there too. Gorgeous May day with lots of flowers in bloom. I bought a sweatshirt that said "Canada Eh!" Took a friend's camcorder and got to zoom in on the Falls and record while others were pumping quarters into these standing binoculars.

[Arky]

I made the Baseball HOF a few years back. For some reason, it felt kinda like a "circus" musuem..... All the old art and nostalgia..... Joe DiMaggio's locker... I remember it was weird looking at an old rotten plum of a baseball from the 1870's....