2014 Mock Drafts

[painekiller]

WalterFootball.com 9.25.13 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)


19 C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position.

51 David Fales, QB, San Jose State
If Matt Schaub disappoints yet again, the Texans will be tempted to grab one of the talented quarterbacks in this class during the first two days of the draft.

83 Deandre Coleman, DE/DT, California
The Texans have a couple of defensive linemen heading for free agency in March, including Antonio Smith.


My cherry pick of this mock, I am not claiming to know anything about the player I am picking only going for the position.

19 Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma
51 Jackson Jeffcoat, OLB, Texas
83 Andrew Jackson, ILB, Western Kentucky

I think LG is an issue which can be filled by Quiss. I think that Antonio is either resigned or Crick and Montgomery are used to fill the spot ( see the other thread where Montgomery has been moved to DE). It's real early and there is no telling what happens between now and next May.

[Nconroe]

Not sure what all might happen between now and 2014 draft but seems there are quite a few QB rated as first and second round picks, so we shall see.

[painekiller]

Not sure what all might happen between now and 2014 draft but seems there are quite a few QB rated as first and second round picks, so we shall see.

For the first time in years I am going to be tracking early round QBs.

[painekiller]

WalterFootball.com 10.2.13 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

17 C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position.

49 Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
What the hell was Matt Schaub thinking when he tossed that pick-six to Richard Sherman? It's time for Houston to move on.

81 Jeoffrey Pagan, DE/DT, Alabama
The Texans have a couple of defensive linemen heading for free agency in March, including Antonio Smith.

An all SEC draft? Not a bad one here, don't currently think Murray will last this long, but he is a solid pick. I also agree with ILB help, and Mosley is a machine.

[HPF Bob]

I thought we only took ACC players and U. of South Carolina. Now I'm confused. :confused:

[barrett]

WalterFootball.com 10.2.13 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

17 C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position.

49 Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
What the hell was Matt Schaub thinking when he tossed that pick-six to Richard Sherman? It's time for Houston to move on.

81 Jeoffrey Pagan, DE/DT, Alabama
The Texans have a couple of defensive linemen heading for free agency in March, including Antonio Smith.

An all SEC draft? Not a bad one here, don't currently think Murray will last this long, but he is a solid pick. I also agree with ILB help, and Mosley is a machine.

When Cushing went down Sharpton was terrible. He could have cost us the game twice (going inside shoulder on the 4th down play that would have kept it 20-6, and then the dumb horse collar when the guy was already going out of bounds). If a training camp cut like Mays starts for us, and Sharpton is the best of the rest, count me in. I don't think it is a round 1 player in our defense, but I would love it if we could just draft a healthy tackler in the 3rd-4th.

[painekiller]

Walters 10.9.2013 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

14 C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position.

46 Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
What the hell was Matt Schaub thinking when he tossed that pick-six to Richard Sherman? It's time for Houston to move on.

78 Henry Anderson, DE/DT, Stanford
The Texans have a couple of defensive linemen heading for free agency in March, including Antonio Smith.

Pick change; previously Jeoffrey Pagan, DE/DT

Almost the same as last weeks

Like last week the need for a QB is growing, Johnny Football is on the board with the first pick and I do not see McNair biting on him. Only pick I might look at a different position is CB in the 3rd.

[barrett]

Walters 10.9.2013 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

14 C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position.

46 Aaron Murray, QB, Georgia
What the hell was Matt Schaub thinking when he tossed that pick-six to Richard Sherman? It's time for Houston to move on.

78 Henry Anderson, DE/DT, Stanford
The Texans have a couple of defensive linemen heading for free agency in March, including Antonio Smith.

Pick change; previously Jeoffrey Pagan, DE/DT

Almost the same as last weeks

Like last week the need for a QB is growing, Johnny Football is on the board with the first pick and I do not see McNair biting on him. Only pick I might look at a different position is CB in the 3rd.

Who do we get for drafting in the top 5?

[popanot]

Who do we get for drafting in the top 5?A QB that Kubiak won't know how to utilize and will stymie with his antiquated schemes.

[painekiller]

A QB that Kubiak won't know how to utilize and will stymie with his antiquated schemes.

I would guess a player that is chosen by the new head coach.

[painekiller]

Walters 10.16.2013 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

10 C.J. Mosley, ILB, Alabama
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position.

I thought about slotting Johnny Manziel here, but the Texans put so much stock into character that they may look elsewhere for a solution at the quarterback position.

42 Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU
What the hell was Matt Schaub thinking when he tossed that pick-six to Richard Sherman? Schaub's confidence is completely gone. It's time for Houston to move on.

Pick change; previously Aaron Murray, QB

74 Ed Stinson, DE/DT, Alabama
The Texans have a couple of defensive linemen heading for free agency in March, including Antonio Smith.

Pick change; previously Henry Anderson, DE/DT


What do you guys think?

As of right now, I think it's time for a change, but a rookie QB is not what this team needs, is it? A new HC maybe. So I have no way of knowing how this team will draft next year.

[barrett]

Walters 10.16.2013 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)




What do you guys think?

As of right now, I think it's time for a change, but a rookie QB is not what this team needs, is it? A new HC maybe. So I have now way of knowing how this team will draft next year.

Interesting logic from him. We pass on one QB due to character issues to draft a guy who was kicked out of his first school for legal troubles.

[HPF Bob]

If we're truly going to pick 10th, it may be the year to take a rookie QB. Who knows how long it may be before we pick that high again. Then again, I'm not wowed by any of the QBs who might be there - even Bridgewater.

Manziel might make sense if the Texans were having trouble selling out the place but otherwise, no. Too many ways for that scenario to go wrong.

[barrett]

If we're truly going to pick 10th, it may be the year to take a rookie QB. Who knows how long it may be before we pick that high again. Then again, I'm not wowed by any of the QBs who might be there - even Bridgewater.

Manziel might make sense if the Texans were having trouble selling out the place but otherwise, no. Too many ways for that scenario to go wrong.

I like Taj Boyd more than any of the other QBs, and I am sure that Hopkins wouldn't mind.

Manziel is intriguing in our current offense due to his mobility and ability to throw on the run. But if it's a whole new offense it is far less intriguing.

[painekiller]

Manziel is intriguing in our current offense due to his mobility and ability to throw on the run. But if it's a whole new offense it is far less intriguing.

I agree with that, I just see him being an issue, an issue that McNair will not want to deal with.

[barrett]

I agree with that, I just see him being an issue, an issue that McNair will not want to deal with.

I would agree, but a new HC will likely come with the mandate to find a QB. A Smith/New Guy combo would likely have the juice to go with anyone they wanted. Especially if it was Sumlin.

[painekiller]

Walters 10.22.2013 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

5 Taylor Lewan, OT, Michigan
This was a tough decision. I considered C.J. Mosley, as I've been mocking him to Houston the past four weeks, but it's too early for an inside linebacker, despite the glaring need. Tajh Boyd was an option, but I wanted to move him down into the middle portion of the first round. Louis Nix was also a candidate, but I ultimately settled on Taylor Lewan.

The Texans let Eric Winston go this past offseason, thinking they could easily replace him because of their system. As it turns out, the new right tackle, Derek Newton, has been one of the worst starting linemen in all of football.

Pick change; previously C.J. Mosley, ILB

37 Stephen Morris, QB, Miami
Case Keenum will get a chance to prove himself for the rest of the season. If he doesn't convince Houston's front office that he can be a solid starter, the team will attempt to find a franchise quarterback in the spring.

Pick change; previously Zach Mettenberger, QB

69 Yawin Smallwood, ILB, Connecticut
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position, especially in the wake of yet another injury to Brian Cushing.

Pick change; previously Ed Stinson, DE/DT


If the Texans have the 5 pick, I trade up for

3 Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M
37 Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas
69 Yawin Smallwood, ILB, Connecticut

Ok I admit, no way do the Texans go this way. But Matthews can play RT until it's time to move on from Brown. i chose Jeffcoat cause I just love the kid, but i don't think it's the right move right here in the draft, but I did it anyway.
As for Smallwood, we need as many ILBs as we can find. IMO :D

[HPF Bob]

Rob Rang at CBSSports.com now has the Texans selecting 4th and taking Johnny Manzeil. My reaction is "wrong Aggie". If the Texans are drafting that high, they should take Jake Matthews and start him at RT (his natural position). That would instantly upgrade the offense because the backs will have better holes to run through and the QB (whoever he is) will get more time to throw.

Plus, there are no issues with Matthews not being focused on football. With his bloodlines, he knows how to be a pro.

I'd be shocked if they were drafting that high because they'd probably lose all their remaining games (including both with Jacksonviile) in order to get there. But if you gave me a choice between Manziel and Matthews, that's a layup for me. Get Matthews.

[barrett]

Rob Rang at CBSSports.com now has the Texans selecting 4th and taking Johnny Manzeil. My reaction is "wrong Aggie". If the Texans are drafting that high, they should take Jake Matthews and start him at RT (his natural position). That would instantly upgrade the offense because the backs will have better holes to run through and the QB (whoever he is) will get more time to throw.

Plus, there are no issues with Matthews not being focused on football. With his bloodlines, he knows how to be a pro.

I'd be shocked if they were drafting that high because they'd probably lose all their remaining games (including both with Jacksonviile) in order to get there. But if you gave me a choice between Manziel and Matthews, that's a layup for me. Get Matthews.

It's a QB driven league. Jacksonville had a great RT this year they drafted and it meant just about nothing because they did not have a QB. I don't care "which Aggie" or if it's an Aggie at all, but I hope it's a QB, especially if we are that high.

[nunusguy]

Rob Rang at CBSSports.com now has the Texans selecting 4th and taking Johnny Manzeil. My reaction is "wrong Aggie". If the Texans are drafting that high, they should take Jake Matthews and start him at RT (his natural position). That would instantly upgrade the offense because the backs will have better holes to run through and the QB (whoever he is) will get more time to throw.

Plus, there are no issues with Matthews not being focused on football. With his bloodlines, he knows how to be a pro.

I'd be shocked if they were drafting that high because they'd probably lose all their remaining games (including both with Jacksonviile) in order to get there. But if you gave me a choice between Manziel and Matthews, that's a layup for me. Get Matthews.
LTs are worthy of the 4th overall pick, but not RTs unless they would be drafted with the plan of ultimately being the "franchise" LT. However since we've already got Duane Brown, well like I said in the first place, the 4th overall is too high for a RT.

[HPF Bob]

Well, there's always the possibility of trading down but I haven't given up on the QBs we already have and giving them better protection would seem to be a key need and Matthews would definitely be an upgrade projected to be a Top 10 pick. If there was a great QB available, I might be intrigued but there aren't any in this draft that I want from what I've seen of them.

[painekiller]

Well, there's always the possibility of trading down but I haven't given up on the QBs we already have and giving them better protection would seem to be a key need and Matthews would definitely be an upgrade projected to be a Top 10 pick. If there was a great QB available, I might be intrigued but there aren't any in this draft that I want from what I've seen of them.

I agree with your assessment of the QBs in this draft, and I also think OL or DL is the way to go early in a draft. All that said, the Texans schedule for the rest of the way points to a mid round pick. And I would go with the best ILB or OL available.

[painekiller]

cbssports mock (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft)

Rob Rang has us taking Johnny Manziel, QB
Texas A&M at #4

And Dane Brugler has us taking Anthony Barr, OLB
UCLA at #4.

Rob Rang

(2-5) Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M: The Texans are desperate for a spark at quarterback. No one provides a spark like Johnny Football, whose short to intermediate-level accuracy and dynamic athleticism could make him quite a fit in head coach Gary Kubiak's offense.

Dane Brugler
Anthony Barr, OLB, UCLA: After starting 2-0, the Texans have lost five straight and are on track to pick in the top-10 of the 2014 NFL Draft. But that doesn't mean this pick will be a quarterback, instead, Anthony Barr would desperately help a streaky Houston defense.

[Joshua]

cbssports mock (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft)

Rob Rang has us taking Johnny Manziel, QB
Texas A&M at #4

And Dane Brugler has us taking Anthony Barr, OLB
UCLA at #4.

Rob Rang


Dane Brugler

Why in the world would Rang think Kubiak will still be here if we're picking 4th?

[chuck]

Why in the world would Rang think Kubiak will still be here if we're picking 4th?

Maybe he has McNair's phone number.

I like how a couple of months ago in mock drafts we were picking 30th.

[HPF Bob]

Yeah, depressing that we're now picking in the Top 5 like old times. But, hey, they could be like the Astros and have the #1 pick every year.

[nunusguy]

Yeah, depressing that we're now picking in the Top 5 like old times. But, hey, they could be like the Astros and have the #1 pick every year.
I think I like picking #1 better than #4 with the new flatter, less progressive CBA. And look at KC, only remaining unbeaten team in the league right now after picking #1 in the Draft just 5 months ago. If you are gonna blow it up, might as well blow it up big-time so you know you've got a new regime coming in along with the top pick in the Draft ? And who's this upcoming off seasons Andy Reid ?

[painekiller]

Walters 10.30.13 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

#7 Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M
Wide receiver is not a top need for the Texans, but there isn't a better match for them in this scenario than Mike Evans. They spent a first-round pick on another wideout last year, but the position could be addressed again. Andre Johnson, 33 in July, is owed $28 million over the next three years. That's way too much for a cap-strapped Houston squad. They may ask him to renegotiate, but Johnson, sensing he has just one more shot at a big pay day, may want to move on to a team with a more stable quarterbacking situation.

Pick change; previously Taylor Lewan, OT

#39 Stephen Morris, QB, Miami
Case Keenum will get a chance to prove himself for the rest of the season. If he doesn't convince Houston's front office that he can be a solid starter, the team will attempt to find a franchise quarterback in the spring.


#71 Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position, especially in the wake of yet another injury to Brian Cushing.

Pick change; previously Yawin Smallwood, ILB

I could live with Evans, to go with Hopkins and Posey, that would have the potential to be one of the best young WR corps in the league. If I am looking at QB in the 2nd, I have to do more research before commenting, my pick is still Jeffcoat from UT, and I would be very happy to have Skov slide to our 3rd pick. He can cover and has skills.

[painekiller]

3 Anthony Barr, DE/OLB, UCLA
Charlie Campbell's mock has slotted Anthony Barr to Houston for a couple of weeks now, and it makes a ton of sense. The Texans aren't getting much of a pass rush from their outside linebackers. Whitney Mercilus hasn't done much outside of the Seattle game, while Brooks Reed has been an even greater disappointment.

Anthony Barr is the best player available; some argue that he should be chosen before Jadeveon Clowney. A former running back, Barr played defense for the first time last season and made an instant impact, recording 13 sacks. He has 14.5 TFL and seven sacks through 10 games this season. The sky's the limit for him, as he'll only get better at his new position.

Pick change; previously Brett Hundley, QB

34 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
Case Keenum played well prior to the Oakland game, but things started to fall apart for him. If he finishes poorly, the Texans will likely draft a quarterback in the top two rounds.

Tajh Boyd struggled in a big game against Florida State and has some height issues, which is why I've moved him down in my mock draft. However, he's still worthy of being chosen in the 20-40 range.

Pick change; previously Ryan Shazier, LB

69 Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position, especially in the wake of yet another injury to Brian Cushing.

Pick change; previously A.J. McCarron, QB

[painekiller]

My take after the 9th straight loss

2 Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M ;this is early for him by a few slots, but he is the most can't miss pick IMO

34 Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU; has a huge arm, and has played in Cam Cameron's offense this season. Aaron Murray is having knee surgery so might be a nice pick up later in this draft for insurance.

66 Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford ; I have been mocking him to the Texans for two seasons, so why stop now.

[HPF Bob]

My take after the 9th straight loss

2 Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M ;this is early for him by a few slots, but he is the most can't miss pick IMO

34 Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU; has a huge arm, and has played in Cam Cameron's offense this season. Aaron Murray is having knee surgery so might be a nice pick up later in this draft for insurance.

66 Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford ; I have been mocking him to the Texans for two seasons, so why stop now.

I hope there's a better option than Mettenberger who has never really wowed me but, otherwise, I'd be thrilled with this draft.

The only QB I've been impressed with this college year may be going to prison instead of going pro. Who we take as a QB may depend on who is the head coach.

I'll admit, I've only had two good looks at Bridgewater. One was the Orange Bowl win last year when he was amazing and the other was the loss to UCF this year when he looked very ordinary.

If we're drafting #1 or #2, I've got to give Clowney a serious look.

[painekiller]

My take after the 9th straight loss

2 Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M ;this is early for him by a few slots, but he is the most can't miss pick IMO

34 Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU; has a huge arm, and has played in Cam Cameron's offense this season. Aaron Murray is having knee surgery so might be a nice pick up later in this draft for insurance.

66 Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford ; I have been mocking him to the Texans for two seasons, so why stop now.

I want to acknowledge that I have watched little college football this season, and even less pro football. So I am going to hold off on creating anymore of my own takes on mocks until after I watch some bowl games and senior bowl practices.

I am reading some takes on Matthews being overrated and slow footed. I will not be able to see that unless he goes to the Senior Bowl and is exposed like Winston was in 2006.

Also I have only watched a handful of QBs who will be in this draft. So i have little actual knowledge of them.

So I hope I am able to keep my word on this. :eek:

[painekiller]

Walters 11.25.2013 (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

2 Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB, South Carolina
This is an obvious pick with Jadeveon Clowney on the board. Some call Clowney the top defensive prospect to come along in years. Clowney has motivational problems, as Charlie Campbell reported before anyone else about two months ago. Clowney is having a mediocre season, but teams will overlook that in favor of his talent. There were similar concerns with Julius Peppers coming out of North Carolina in 2002, and he still went No. 2 overall.

The Texans aren't getting much of a pass rush from their outside linebackers. Whitney Mercilus hasn't done much outside of the Seattle game, while Brooks Reed has been an even greater disappointment. Clowney would provide a huge boost.

Pick change; previously Anthony Barr, DE/OLB

33 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson
Case Keenum played well prior to the Oakland game, but things have fallen apart for him. If he finishes poorly, the Texans will likely draft a quarterback in the top two rounds.

Tajh Boyd struggled in a big game against Florida State and has some height issues, which is why I've moved him down in my mock draft. However, he's still worthy of being chosen in the 20-40 range.

67 Shayne Skov, ILB, Stanford
The Texans really wanted to add some inside linebackers in the 2013 NFL Draft, but never got around to it (Arthur Brown was snagged off the board right before they picked in Round 2). They remain pretty thin at the position, especially in the wake of yet another injury to Brian Cushing.

I could live with this one.

[HPF Bob]

Live with it? I'd love it but I am having my doubts that either Boyd will fall to the second or Skov will fall to the third. Keep in mind, too, that if J-ville picks ahead of us, they may take a guy they think we really want or make us trade up to get the guy we really want.

Given that the Hags are in just as deep a QB hole as we are, I wonder if we can hustle them into trading with us and maybe adding another pick. I think they'll either play us or we'll play them (on draft day, that is, as opposed to the regular schedule).

[HPF Bob]

Clowney reminds me a bit of Warren Sapp - unmotivated pothead at Dah U who everyone knew had off-the-charts ability but he fell all the way to 14th and Tampa who never regretted it. If we can keep Clowney's head on straight, he'll be a Hall-of-Famer.

[Joshua]

Clowney reminds me a bit of Warren Sapp - unmotivated pothead at Dah U who everyone knew had off-the-charts ability but he fell all the way to 14th and Tampa who never regretted it. If we can keep Clowney's head on straight, he'll be a Hall-of-Famer.

As i understand it, the knock on Clowney is whether he has a burning desire to play football. Although he had some off-the-field issues, i don't recall anyone questioning Sapp's desire once the game started.

To me, the better comparison is our last No. 1 pick--Mario Williams. Absolute physical specimen with a question mark about his motor.

[painekiller]

As i understand it, the knock on Clowney is whether he has a burning desire to play football. Although he had some off-the-field issues, i don't recall anyone questioning Sapp's desire once the game started.

To me, the better comparison is our last No. 1 pick--Mario Williams. Absolute physical specimen with a question mark about his motor.

That's who I would compare him to. And I think the Texans became frustrated by Mario's on again off again motor. I don't see them touching Clowney because of the Mario experience.

[WMH]

That's who I would compare him to. And I think the Texans became frustrated by Mario's on again off again motor. I don't see them touching Clowney because of the Mario experience.

The new regime wouldn't have picked Mario. Fresh blood = Fresh decisions.

[painekiller]

The new regime wouldn't have picked Mario. Fresh blood = Fresh decisions.

Bob McNair is the person I remember listening to, he was talking about this in an interview. And he is not going any where in the near future.

McNair also mentioned Carr as a did not love the game type. He said they have now added love of the game into the profile they use to rate players.

[barrett]

Mario was a very good draft pick. The rest of the top 5 was Bush, VY, D'Brickshaw Ferguson, and AJ Hawk. Mario is the best player of any of them. I would also take him over the rest of the top 10 (Vernon Davis, Michael Huff, Whitner, Ernie Sims and Matt Leinhart round out the top 10). I hope if another Mario came along we would absolutely be open to drafting him.

Mario's biggest problem is he is judged by what he could be and not against the standards of mere mortals. Sure the guy could be Reggie White good if he really cared about football, but even only caring a bit he is a very good/great player at the 2nd most important position in football.

If Clowney is another Mario type you draft him and hope you have the coaching staff to get him to play hard.

[WMH]

Bob McNair is the person I remember listening to, he was talking about this in an interview. And he is not going any where in the near future.

McNair also mentioned Carr as a did not love the game type. He said they have now added love of the game into the profile they use to rate players.

Was that during his Ox in a ditch speech or the one that said we're on the right track?

Just sayin......

[nunusguy]

I think ultimately we are going to regret taking Hopkins this year with our 1st round pick, and that's just among other WRs that were available in the draft this year including several receivers who went in later rounds.
Anybody else catch the Fresno - San Jose State game yesterday ? I watched Derrick Carr on a couple drives and he's an impressive passer, had excellent accuracy atleast on several short and medium length passes, didn't really watch enough of the game to see him throw it downfield. And San Jose has a slinger named David Fales who might be another interesting QB prospect.

[barrett]

I think ultimately we are going to regret taking Hopkins this year with our 1st round pick, and that's just among other WRs that were available in the draft this year including several receivers who went in later rounds.
Anybody else catch the Fresno - San Jose State game yesterday ? I watched Derrick Carr on a couple drives and he's an impressive passer, had excellent accuracy atleast on several short and medium length passes, didn't really watch enough of the game to see him throw it downfield. And San Jose has a slinger named David Fales who might be another interesting QB prospect.

Who do you like more than Hopkins from the later rounds?

[nunusguy]

Who do you like more than Hopkins from the later rounds?
Keenan Allen (SD/CAL) & Terrance Willimans (Dal/Baylor) are a couple and both were 3rd rounders in April.
As more time passes the less I like our Draft, and it's not just the player we took with our top pick. Swearington for example is a good player, I like him and he will most likely be a success in the NFL over the long-term, but I don't think we should have used a second round pick on him, or any safety for that matter. And then there's the third round where we had 2 picks and it was clearly a disaster for us.

[barrett]

Keenan Allen (SD/CAL) & Terrance Willimans (Dal/Baylor) are a couple and both were 3rd rounders in April.
As more time passes the less I like our Draft, and it's not just the player we took with our top pick. Swearington for example is a good player, I like him and he will most likely be a success in the NFL over the long-term, but I don't think we should have used a second round pick on him, or any safety for that matter. And then there's the third round where we had 2 picks and it was clearly a disaster for us.

I don't like our 3rds at this point either, but I like rounds 1 and 2 a lot. I'd rather have Hopkins than any WR in the draft. I think he has a much higher ceiling than any of those guys. He has clearly struggled since our QB play took a nose dive, but he is still the guy from the 4th quarter and OT of Tennessee in week 2. In fact, I think WR might be the best position group on the team going forward. AJ is still near the top, Hopkins looks like he could be a true #1, and I really like Posey.

Swearinger has been our best Safety this year (I know that is like being the favorite prison guard, but still). We needed a safety at the time and he filled the need nicely. I would say he is the only sure piece of our Secondary going forward.

[nunusguy]

I don't like our 3rds at this point either, but I like rounds 1 and 2 a lot. I'd rather have Hopkins than any WR in the draft. I think he has a much higher ceiling than any of those guys. He has clearly struggled since our QB play took a nose dive, but he is still the guy from the 4th quarter and OT of Tennessee in week 2. In fact, I think WR might be the best position group on the team going forward. AJ is still near the top, Hopkins looks like he could be a true #1, and I really like Posey.

Swearinger has been our best Safety this year (I know that is like being the favorite prison guard, but still). We needed a safety at the time and he filled the need nicely. I would say he is the only sure piece of our Secondary going forward.
I hope you are right about Hopkins.
Re our secondary, Keo has shown a lot of improvement this year, but don't know if it's enough for him to viewed as a starter over the long-term here in our secondary ? Sounds like you don't think Keo has a future beyond a reserve/ST type, atleast here in Houston ?

[HPF Bob]

Re: Hopkins. Not sure about his downfield speed or ability to get open but he can win jump balls and seems to have good ball skills. I think he has suffered withour QB woes and clearly Andre is still the receiver of choice. I'm not down on Hopkins. Sometimes receivers need a year or two to flourish.

Re: Swearingen. He's just as advertised. Tough guy. Big hitter. Not a polished product and sometimes takes bad angles. Smith obviously knew all that when he was drafted so how can anyone complain with what we got? He was meant to be insurance in case Ed Reed was not ready and, boy, did we need that.

Re: Keo. I've never thought of him as more than backup/special teams and I'm really surprised he has lasted this long. Somebody obviously sees more in this guy than I have been.

[painekiller]

Walter 12.3.2013

1 Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
The Texans are losing games, but it'll pay off. They've quit in most weeks - losing consecutive home games to the Raiders and Jaguars, and then battling the Patriots tough is an obvious sign of that - but it'll work out in the long run because they'll be able to land Teddy Bridgewater.

Given how important the quarterback position is, Teddy Bridgewater will the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, barring injury or Marcus Mariota declaring. There's really no discussion. Jadeveon Clowney wouldn't get Houston's franchise back into the playoffs. Bridgewater would.

I should mention that I've seen some project Mariota to be the No. 1 pick. He'd be in contention, but redshirt sophomore quarterbacks seldom declare. Andrew Luck didn't even come out despite being guaranteed the No. 1 spot. Besides, Mariota is only 19. I'm not saying he won't declare, but I think it's more than likely that he'll stay at Oregon. Mariota is the No. 1 pick in my 2015 NFL Mock Draft.

By the way, I'm doing this live because I thought it'd be fun to get instant feedback. I'm going to post my mock anyway, so why not do it this way? Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Pick change; previously Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB

33 James Hurst, OT, North Carolina
Teams that spend early picks on quarterbacks often double up on offense. If the Texans decide to do that, they could certainly upgrade the right tackle position, which is a big problem area for them.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Pick change; previously Tajh Boyd, QB

65 Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
This pick kills two stones with one bird, as Emmitt would say. The Texans have to upgrade their pass rush and bolster the inside linebacker position. With Jeremiah Attaochu on board, Houston can move Brooks Reed into the interior.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

Pick change; previously Shayne Skov, ILB

[nunusguy]

Just how good is this Jadeveon Clowney ? Has his reputation, image, whatever been blown totally out of all proportion because of this one hit, this one play he made on the RB across the los that got so much pub, or is he really that rare of a talent as a pass-rusher that comes along once just ever so often ? Maybe another Jevon "the freak" Kearse, or even the potential to be the second coming of Lawrence Taylor ? I've not seen any of his games and I'd like to know
since it's looking like he ours if we want him in the 2014 draft. So thoughts, comments anybody ?

[Nconroe]

I'm not the expert on this either, but,

Jadeveon Clowney , 6',6", 268 lbs South Carolina seems to be top choice some draft boards recommending for Texans

http://fansided.com/2013/12/02/2014-nfl-mock-draft-jadeveon-clowney-takes-1-spot/

The Freshman QB from Florida St might be worth waiting a year for, although not sure he would pass Texans ethics background check..

Right now, my opinion for top three draft picks is all defense, two pass rushers, DE and OLB, then a tall playmaking CB like Seattle has who can cover the tall Wr and TE.

There are a few other top pass rushers in this draft such as Barr from UCLA.

[Nconroe]

Just a thought, if Zach Mettenberger is available at top of third would we take him. Good size, arm strength, injured now. Had been rated late first or early second round.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=89700&draftyear=2014&genpos=qb

[painekiller]

WalterFootball 12.11.13

1 Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
The Texans are losing games, but it'll pay off. They've quit in most weeks - losing consecutive home games to the Raiders and Jaguars, and then battling the Patriots tough is an obvious sign of that - but it'll work out in the long run because they'll be able to land Teddy Bridgewater.

Given how important the quarterback position is, Teddy Bridgewater will the No. 1 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, barring injury. There's really no discussion. Jadeveon Clowney wouldn't get Houston's franchise back into the playoffs. Bridgewater would.

By the way, I've repeatedly discussed why Mariota wouldn't declare as a redshirt sophomore. He has announced that he'll be going back to school. He's the No. 2 pick in my 2015 NFL Mock Draft, updated a few days ago.

33 James Hurst, OT, North Carolina
As mentioned earlier, teams that spend early picks on quarterbacks often double up on offense. If the Texans decide to do that, they could certainly upgrade the right tackle position, which is a big problem area for them.


65 Jeremiah Attaochu, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
This pick kills two stones with one bird, as Emmitt would say. The Texans have to upgrade their pass rush and bolster the inside linebacker position. With Jeremiah Attaochu on board, Houston can move Brooks Reed into the interior.

I want so bad to offer another alternative, but I promised not to. :(

[jaimeg]

don't like Bridgewater, like Bortles

[barrett]

don't like Bridgewater, like Bortles

Have you followed Bortles? All I saw was the one game against UH and he was pretty bad. Strangely, Bridgewater was pretty average against them too. And obviously UH is not Alabama on defense. They turn people over at an awesome rate but don't really stop people (but did against Bortles and Bridgewater).

I keep seeing his name and wondered if anyone else had seen him play more. What are his strengths? Weaknesses? How has he climbed to a potentially high draft pick? etc?

[nunusguy]

don't like Bridgewater, like Bortles
Never heard of him, but then I never heard of OT Eric Fisher of Central Michigan this time last year and he ended up being the #1 pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
So whoever goes #1 in the 2014 Draft may also be a complete unknown to many NFL fans at this point in time.

[Nconroe]

Did a search on Bortles, quite a few recent articles on him. Underclassmen who hasn't decided yet to enter draft. Found a Raiders blog where they had analysis and quoted ESPN Todd McShay-

In fact, it wouldn't shock me if he ends up going ahead of Bridgewater.

Bortles has good size, arm strength and accuracy, and has proved he can win from inside the pocket. He also possesses good character and a strong football IQ. A nice bonus is that he's built to last in the NFL because he's big and mobile enough to move around. He isn't Cam Newton, but more of a cross between Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger.

[jaimeg]

I did see the end of the Louisville game, but didn't see the UH game. Heard an analyst on either espn radio or nfl radio saying he was probably the most "clutch" along with Stanford qb. He also mentioned smarts or IQ. Since that point Ive tried to research (draft sites, youtube, etc). I seem to remember liking his pocket presence and the fact that he throws the ball well with pressure around him. I can't name specifics but that is what I came away with. But there is still a long time and Im sure the Texans won't be asking for my opinion.

[HPF Bob]

It's a been awhile and they've made some changes with the lower rounds:

1. 1. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville


I wrote this in my NFL Power Rankings a few weeks ago regarding the No. 1 pick: Mel Kiper appeared on Sunday NFL Countdown and said that the No. 1 overall pick will come down to three players: Jadeveon Clowney, Anthony Barr and Jake Matthews. If the 2014 NFL Draft were held today, Clowney would probably be the pick. But this reminds me of the 2011 NFL Draft. Both Kiper and Todd McShay thought a defensive lineman would be the top choice (Kiper said Nick Fairley, while McShay suggested Da'Quan Bowers), yet the Panthers ultimately fell in love with Cam Newton.

With Jay Cutler re-signed, the same thing will almost certainly happen to the Texans, who will have four months to become smitten with Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel. One of those signal-callers will probably be the No. 1 pick.

Given how important the quarterback position is, Bridgewater or another signal-caller will the No. 1 selection in the 2014 NFL Draft. There's really no discussion. Clowney, Barr and Matthews wouldn't get Houston's franchise back into the playoffs. A franchise quarterback would. The Texans will talk themselves into drafting one of them.

So, which one will it be? Bridgewater is considered the favorite right now, but Bortles might be a better fit for Bill O'Brien's offense. I may slot him here in the near future. Then, there's Manziel, whom owner Bob McNair seems smitten with. He can't be counted out.

2. 33. Kyle Van Noy, DE/OLB, BYU

The Texans would kill two stones with one bird with this pick, as Emmitt would say. They need to upgrade their pass rush and find some help at inside linebacker. Kyle Van Noy would satisfy the former, which would allow Brooks Reed to move inside.

3. 65. Joel Bitonio, OT/G, Nevada

As mentioned earlier, teams that spend early picks on quarterbacks often double up on offense. If the Texans decide to do that, they could certainly upgrade the right tackle position, which is a big problem area for them.

4. 97. E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri

Brice McCain was a huge disappointment in 2013, so the Texans will want to add a cornerback at some point during the middle rounds.

The 1-1 choice will be picked apart so no point rehashing it here. Van Noy is an interesting choice as he is an impact player but a tad undersized for the next level. He can defenitely rush the QB and we need that and, as a bonus, has some pass coverage skills so he can definitely be a three-down player. He makes plays. As with anybody from BYU, check the birth certificate.

Drafting OL in the third round makes sense except we seem to do that every year and mostly have wound up with crap. Help at RT is definitely needed but I'm leaning towards finding a veteran in free agency rather than fooling around with more rookies. CB in the 4th round is another smart get. I wonder if/when we might look for a RB to give us depth and insurance in case Foster/Tate aren't ready. Your thoughts?

[Blitzwood]

I think we all need to(or have already come to) realize this team needs more than a new QB and new HC to get to the SB. We have needs at almost every position due to some bad draft picks and FA signings in recent years. With that said, this is a scenario I would do, although I know it's been over 10 years since a First overall pick has been traded.

Trade the 1 to the Browns for the 4, 26, and 35.
Trade the 26 to the 49ers for their 30 and 94.


1-1. Browns - J. Manziel. QB
1-2. Rams - G. Robinson. OT
1-3. Jags - J. Clowney. DE

1-4. Blake Bortles. QB, B.O.B. makes out like a bandit in his first draft as HC. He gets the proto type signal caller he most desires and many assumed he'd take 1st overall, and a hand full of additional picks to help reload the team. (Anthony Barr also gets a long look here)

1-30. Stephan Tuitt. 3-4DE, 1st Team All-American. A. Smith is not resigned.
2-33. David Yankey. OG, 1st Team All-American. W. Smith is not resigned.
2-35. Ed Reynolds. S, 1st Team All-American. Keo becomes expendable.
3-65. Bryan Stork. C, Consensus All-American. Ben Jones moves to the PS.
3-94. Jeremy Hill. RB, 1st Team All-SEC. Tate is all but gone.
4-97. Christian Jones. OLB, Brooks Reed is not resigned.
5.129. Stanley Jean-Baptiste. CB, Offers much needed depth.
6-161. JaWuan James. OT, Newton becomes the swing OT.
7-193. Spencer Shuey. ILB, Trevardo Williams and Shuey battle for the other ILB.

[HPF Bob]

The old trade chart from the 1990s is probably outdated now that there's a rookie salary cap but I seriously doubt the Browns would give up #4, #26 and #35 just to move up three spots. We'll be lucky to get #4 and #26 but your choice at #35 can be eliminated from the exercise without much impact in the overall design.

Then swapping #26 for #30 and #94 is very plausible if the 49ers target someone they want. The Niners have two picks in the second and third with #94 the lowest of them.

Bortles and Tuitt would seem like wasted opportunities to me. Yankey ought to be an anchor for the line. Stork I don't see as upgrade from Jones who was just as highly praised coming out of Georgia.

I'm not expecting Christian Jones or JaWaun Jones to be there where you have us choosing them. I do like the trade down ideas and if you can talk Cleveland into giving up their top three picks, give Rick Smith a call.

[nunusguy]

Assuming we could work a deal to secure a QB like Brock Osweiler or Ryan Mallet with our 2.1, how about exchanging our 1.1 with a team sitting out of the top 5 like ATL, TB, or Minny for their first and second round picks ? OK so it's not an even-steven swap according to the DVCs, but with such a loaded Draft this year it might mean an additional starter for us.

[HPF Bob]

BTW, I looked at the trade value chart at Walter's and the 1-1 pick is worth 3000 pts, the #4 overall is 1800, the #26 overall is worth 700 and the #35 overall is worth 550. So Blitzwood's proposed trade does not seem as outlandish as I thought - 3000 pts for 3050 pts. Still, I can't imagine a real professional NFL GM would give up two #1s and a high #2 to move up three spots to 1-1 unless Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck were at 1-1 and, no Aggies, Johnny Manziel is not in the same hemisphere as either of those two.

Then again, we are talking about the Browns' front office so maybe they are crazy enough to do it.

[Blitzwood]

Don't worry Bob, I'm not the least bit offended at your first mental lapse in the last decade or so, I most often find your commentary insightful and refreshing like a South Texas fertilizer plant in mid August.... :D

There was a trade a couple years ago between the Rams and the Redskins to move up four spots for some guy named RG3. Rookie Salary cap in play, also.

I believe the haul was:


Redskins get:
2nd-overall pick (2012)


Rams get:
2nd-overall pick (2014)
6th-overall pick (2012)
22nd-overall pick (2013)
39th-overall pick (2012)


I bet that trade was slightly over 50 points.


BTW, I like Tuitt, what don't u like about him?

[HPF Bob]

I just don't see Tuitt as the sort of impact guy I like in the first round. There are some other guys projected in the first I feel the same way about - solid but not dynamic. Then again, I wasn't a big fan of Watt coming out of college either.

See if the Browns will bite on 2 1sts and a high 2nd. I'll be happy if it works but unless they want something exclusive (i.e. Clowney), I just don't see them making that jump. RG3 was RG3. From a draftnik's perspective, he was a definite franchise quarterback.

[nunusguy]

BTW, I looked at the trade value chart at Walter's and the 1-1 pick is worth 3000 pts, the #4 overall is 1800, the #26 overall is worth 700 and the #35 overall is worth 550. So Blitzwood's proposed trade does not seem as outlandish as I thought - 3000 pts for 3050 pts. Still, I can't imagine a real professional NFL GM would give up two #1s and a high #2 to move up three spots to 1-1 unless Peyton Manning or Andrew Luck were at 1-1 and, no Aggies, Johnny Manziel is not in the same hemisphere as either of those two.

Then again, we are talking about the Browns' front office so maybe they are crazy enough to do it.
Bob, you need to forget about all of that crap. there's no "franchise" QB in this Draft. Therefor a team like the Texans has got to really sweeten the pot to get multiple picks for its 1.1. For example, if we could get Clevelands 1.4 & 2.4 for our 1.1 I'd jump all over it even though the DVC says it's a bad deal for
us: 3000/Texans-2340(1800+540)Browns. In other words its meaningless most years unless a teams got an an Andy Luck or Peyton Manning to deal.

[HPF Bob]

I agree that we don't have a franchise QB in this draft and a trade down would likely mean less value in return. However, if a #1 and a #2 is all that is needed, you won't need the Browns. I think the Falcons may be the better trade partner because they seem to genuinely want Clowney, already have a starting QB and are thinking their awful season can be fixed with better health, better luck and a few new parts.

I'd accept the Falcons' 1-6 and 2-6 plus a 2013 2nd for our #1 spot and use the 1-6 for an offensive tackle or a blitzing LB (or Sammy Watkins if you want to get exotic). We fill a hole, add another Top 40 pick and add a second-rounder for next year while the Falcons get the DE they covet.

Some mocks have the Rams doing this deal on the premise we aren't taking Clowney but there's no reason we can't cut out the middle man and do it ourselves.

[Keith]

I feel like I'm more and more on an island in my belief that Teddy Bridgewater is a franchise QB...

[barrett]

I agree that we don't have a franchise QB in this draft and a trade down would likely mean less value in return. However, if a #1 and a #2 is all that is needed, you won't need the Browns. I think the Falcons may be the better trade partner because they seem to genuinely want Clowney, already have a starting QB and are thinking their awful season can be fixed with better health, better luck and a few new parts.

I'd accept the Falcons' 1-6 and 2-6 plus a 2013 2nd for our #1 spot and use the 1-6 for an offensive tackle or a blitzing LB (or Sammy Watkins if you want to get exotic). We fill a hole, add another Top 40 pick and add a second-rounder for next year while the Falcons get the DE they covet.

Some mocks have the Rams doing this deal on the premise we aren't taking Clowney but there's no reason we can't cut out the middle man and do it ourselves.

Who was the Falcons 2013 2nd round pick?

[HPF Bob]

D'oh! I meant 2015. Need to wake up earlier.

[Roy P]

I feel like I'm more and more on an island in my belief that Teddy Bridgewater is a franchise QB...

Probably with a small population. I like Bortles in O'Brien's system and I like Gorappolo in that I could get him with a 2nd round pick (reducing my risk).

[painekiller]

I think we all need to(or have already come to) realize this team needs more than a new QB and new HC to get to the SB. We have needs at almost every position due to some bad draft picks and FA signings in recent years. With that said, this is a scenario I would do, although I know it's been over 10 years since a First overall pick has been traded.

Trade the 1 to the Browns for the 4, 26, and 35.
Trade the 26 to the 49ers for their 30 and 94.


1-1. Browns - J. Manziel. QB
1-2. Rams - G. Robinson. OT
1-3. Jags - J. Clowney. DE

1-4. Blake Bortles. QB, B.O.B. makes out like a bandit in his first draft as HC. He gets the proto type signal caller he most desires and many assumed he'd take 1st overall, and a hand full of additional picks to help reload the team. (Anthony Barr also gets a long look here)

1-30. Stephan Tuitt. 3-4DE, 1st Team All-American. A. Smith is not resigned.
2-33. David Yankey. OG, 1st Team All-American. W. Smith is not resigned.
2-35. Ed Reynolds. S, 1st Team All-American. Keo becomes expendable.
3-65. Bryan Stork. C, Consensus All-American. Ben Jones moves to the PS.
3-94. Jeremy Hill. RB, 1st Team All-SEC. Tate is all but gone.
4-97. Christian Jones. OLB, Brooks Reed is not resigned.
5.129. Stanley Jean-Baptiste. CB, Offers much needed depth.
6-161. JaWuan James. OT, Newton becomes the swing OT.
7-193. Spencer Shuey. ILB, Trevardo Williams and Shuey battle for the other ILB.

I'll play along, but I am not doing the SF trade.

1-4 Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
1-26 Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
2-33 Stephon Tuitt, DE/DT, Notre Dame
2-35 Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
3-65 Cameron Fleming*, OT, Stanford
4-97 Daniel McCullers, NT, Tennessee
5 129 Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice

Mack is a high motor guy with off the chart skills. Mack and Mercilus become the speed guys on the outside, along with Trevardo Williams who can also be seen inside at times. Shazier is on the smallest side, but reports have the Texans meeting with him at the Combine. He has off the chart speed for the ILB. (What college did our new LB coach play at?)

Tuitt would be a monster DE to play the 5 tech for Crennel, along with McCullers at NT. To round out the defensive picks, local product Gaines from Rice has top end speed and plenty of upside.

Fleming is a junior that could be a RT. Lastly I have them taking Garoppolo, Roy and I both like him.

[Roy P]

I'll play along

1-4 Khalil Mack, OLB, Buffalo
1-26 Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State
2-33 Stephon Tuitt, DE/DT, Notre Dame
2-35 Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
3-65 Cameron Fleming*, OT, Stanford
4-97 Daniel McCullers, NT, Tennessee
5 129 Phillip Gaines, CB, Rice.

Lastly I have them taking Garoppolo, Roy and I both like him.

I used my draft board and came away with this:

1-4 Justin Gilbert, CB/KR, Oklahoma State
1-26 Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
2-33 Xavier Su'a-Fill, G/T, UCLA
2-35 Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford
3-65 Marcus Smith, OLB, Louisville
4-97 Jordan Tripp, ILB, Montana
5-129 Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton

At #4 I take a hard look at OT Greg Robinson and OLB Anthony Barr. If I knew Barr would drop so low in the first round, I could trade down some more and be happy. I went with Gilbert because the Colts have more receivers than we can cover.

I grabbed my QB early to make sure I got one. If I could guarantee I could draft AJ McCarron at #97, my draft might look different. OLB Dee Ford was tempting here too, but concerned about his medical, since he wasn't allowed to work out at The Combine.

At #33 I drafted Logan Mankins, Steve Hutchinson, or Alan Faneca, a Pro-Bowl LG. Maybe he can play RT or maybe Quessenberry can, but Su'a-Filo couldn't be passed up.

At #35 I'm torn between Trent Murphy and Kareem Martin. K Martin has the size I like, but I saw Murphy in action during the season more often and he reminded me of JJ Watt. So, I pit him in the weight room with JJ and hope he bulks up to 275lbs and replaces Antonio Smith.

At #65 There's still plenty of talent on the board. Since I haven't drafted an OLB yet, Marcus Smith is my guy. If I look at the Sacks, TFLs, Fumbles that Murphy & Smith produced last year, I start hoping it projects to the next level. I also considered my Safety Deone Bucannom here. If I missed on Su'a-Filo, Joel Bitonio would be the pick here. Offensive weapons Donte Moncrief, and Bishop Sankey were also available here.

At #97 I take one of my favorite players on the draft. At the Senior Bowl he seemed like he was in on every tackle. I had no idea who he was, but I looked him up. At the Combine his 6.89 Cone drill, and 3.96 Shuttle opened my eyes. So, with Cushing's history of injuries and the lack of depth at ILB, this pick makes me happy. This is where we COULD have drafted AJ McCarron.

At #129, much like #35 I draft a guy I saw play but just hope he gets bigger. He is not Vince Wilfork, nor is he Teddy Washington or Dontari Poe. At 6' 2" 302lbs, he's not "Tiny" either. Earl Mitchell is gone and we need someone on the middle. Maybe, he only plays on third down, but he has quickness to pass rush and I'm taking him. Other options I considered: RB Tyler Gaffney, OC Weston Richburg, OT Trai Turner, NT Zack Kerr, and WR Kevin Norwood.

[painekiller]

I used my draft board and came away with this:

1-4 Justin Gilbert, CB/KR, Oklahoma State
1-26 Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois
2-33 Xavier Su'a-Fill, G/T, UCLA
2-35 Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford
3-65 Marcus Smith, OLB, Louisville
4-97 Jordan Tripp, ILB, Montana
5-129 Caraun Reid, DT, Princeton



This would be a great draft on many levels. Best CB/ best OG (who I don't see lasting until 33), and a QB that has the features that O'Brien is on record stating what he is looking for.

[painekiller]

Walters April 8th (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

1 Blake Bortles, QB, Central Florida
Anyone who says the Texans know what they're doing for sure is lying. This front office doesn't even know whether it wants to take Jadeveon Clowney or Blake Bortles yet. If the 2014 NFL Draft were held today, Clowney would probably be the pick; Bob McNair stated that he was smitten with him, though that was likely an attempt to create a trade possibility. However, they still have plenty of time to fall in love with one of the quarterbacks.

Bortles, who has the characteristics of what Bill O'Brien looks for, will be the signal-caller if Houston chooses to take one. Charlie Campbell reported that two teams in the top five prefer Bortles over Bridgewater and Manziel. Something else to keep in mind is that O'Brien seemed impressed with Bortles at the Central Florida Pro Day. Meanwhile, Tony Pauline said that Bortles is the consensus No. 1 quarterback, and that he has been impressive in the interviews.

Having said that, I'm leaning toward switching this to Clowney. It seems like the Texans might be growing confident that they can land a potential franchise signal-caller at No. 33; perhaps even Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater because multiple teams believe both Manziel and Bridgewater will fall.

33 Carlos Hyde, RB, Ohio State
The Texans have officially lost Ben Tate, who signed with the Browns. This was expected all along though, so the team has been looking at new options behind Arian Foster (Andre Brown signed on for just one year). Carlos Hyde would make a lot of sense for them atop Round 2.

65 Carl Bradford, DE/OLB, Arizona State
The Texans would kill two stones with one bird with this pick, as Emmitt would say. They need to upgrade their pass rush and find some help at inside linebacker. Carl Bradford would satisfy the former, which would allow Brooks Reed to move inside.

101 E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri
There are a few areas the Texans need to address outside of the quarterback position. They need to find a new second running back, upgrade the outside linebacker position, obtain another tight end and acquire a better nickel.

135 Houston Texans: Arthur Lynch, TE, Georgia
The Texans are looking to add a new tight end after cutting Owen Daniels.

141 James Hurst, OT, North Carolina
The Texans could spend a mid-round pick on a right tackle who could potentially challenge for a starting job.

My take

1 Jadeveon Clowney, OLB/DE, South Carolina
33 Stephon Tuitt, DE/DT, Notre Dame
65 Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU
101 E.J. Gaines, CB, Missouri
135 Seantrel Henderson, OT, Miami
141 Tajh Boyd, QB, Clemson

Clowney to put on the opposite side of the defense from Watt, Now we have some pass rush options. Tuitt is a perfect 5 tech, needs to bring his motor up, Mr golden domer meet Mr Watt & Mr Cushing.

Two QBs that have upside, Mettenberger would be a 1st rounder had he not had the knee injury. Has a rocket arm and has played in a pro set offense. Boyd has been a solid QB and has a history with last years 1st round pick. Time to develop a young QB.

Not a perfect draft but one I would not scream at on the Monday after the draft. :confused:

[HPF Bob]

Henderson quit during his Pro Day which his agent later claimed was due to dehydration. I suspect he'll still be there in the seventh if you want him.

[painekiller]

Henderson quit during his Pro Day which his agent later claimed was due to dehydration. I suspect he'll still be there in the seventh if you want him.

I missed that one. He has an upside, but he also has never lived up to his talent level.

[painekiller]

Walters has a new mock April 15th. (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

1 Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina
I've said all along that the Texans were 50-50 between Jadeveon Clowney and Blake Bortles, so Charlie and I decided that it would be a good idea to have our mocks begin with each of those players. That's going to change now, as it appears as though Houston is inching toward selecting Clowney with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The Texans aren't 100-percent settled on Clowney just yet. They still have a pre-draft visit with Bortles coming up, and that could sway their decision. But from what I'm hearing, it seems like Houston believes there isn't enough of a difference between the first- and second-round quarterbacks to warrant passing on the greatest pass-rushing prospect in years.

Besides, there's actually a chance the Texans can grab either Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Manziel at No. 33; especially the former. Multiple teams believe both Manziel and Bridgewater will fall.

33 Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville
You would've been locked in a mental ward had you told someone five months ago that the Texans could draft Teddy Bridgewater - in the second round! But Bridgewater is probably going to fall that far. You can check out the various reports in the NFL Draft Rumor Mill, and stay tuned for another report coming soon. We've spoken to a personnel man with an NFC team that doesn't need a quarterback, and the things he said about Bridgewater blew my mind.


65 Tre Mason, RB, Auburn
The Texans have officially lost Ben Tate, who signed with the Browns. This was expected all along though, so the team has been looking at new options behind Arian Foster (Andre Brown signed on for just one year). Tre Mason would make a lot of sense for them atop Round 3.

101 Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State
The Texans may consider a safety in the middle rounds as competition for D.J. Swearinger, who struggled last year.

They are still doing the mock live and have not gotten through the 4th round. will update the rest later.

[painekiller]

Draftsite has a 7 round mock up. (http://www.draftsite.com/nfl/mock-draft/2014/)


1 Blake Bortles* QB Central Florida 6' 5" 232
DraftSite's comments: Jadeveon Clowney remains a strong possibility here as a linebacker in the 3-4 set but Bortles gives the Texans the long term answer they are seeking at quarterback. There are questions about all of the top quarterbacks available but Bortles seems like the sure thing, had the best pro day and working out at the Combine helped his stock.


33 Morgan Moses OT Virginia 6' 6" 314
65 Troy Niklas* TE Notre Dame 6' 6" 270
101 Andre Williams RB Boston College 5' 11" 230
135 Stanley Jean-Baptiste CB Nebraska 6' 3" 218
141 Dominique Easley DT Florida 6' 2" 288
177 Marcus Williams CB North Dakota State 5' 11" 192
211 Prince Shembo OLB Notre Dame 6' 1" 253
216 Matt Hall OT Belhaven 6' 10" 320
256 Zac Kerin OC Toledo 6' 5" 300

Again my Cherry Pick:

1 Jadeveon Clowney* DE South Carolina 6' 5" 266
33 Zach Mettenberger QB LSU 6' 5" 224
65 Shayne Skov ILB Stanford 6' 2" 245
101 Cameron Fleming* OT Stanford 6' 5" 323
135 Stanley Jean-Baptiste CB Nebraska 6' 3" 218
141 Marcel Jensen TE Fresno State 6' 6" 259
177 Marcus Williams CB North Dakota State 5' 11" 192
211 Logan Thomas QB Virginia Tech 6' 6" 248
No clue about the 7th round picks. Why not pick a 6'10" OT? If he can stay low, which I doubt.

My Clowney flags are waiving to stay away from this kid, but his talent is hard to pass up. The $.05 brain is worrying me, also who is advising this kid?

Logan Thomas has met with team a couple times, so he is on my radar.

[HPF Bob]

I think Logan Thomas could be converted to TE ala Owen Daniels. He has the size and good hands. I don't believe for a moment anyone is looking at him for QB.

[HPF Bob]

Walters has a new mock April 15th. (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

1 Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

33 Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

65 Tre Mason, RB, Auburn

101 Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State

They are still doing the mock live and have not gotten through the 4th round. will update the rest later.

I would be sooo happy with Clowney, Bridgewater and Mason as our top three picks. That's three guys who ought to be above-average to great NFL players.

But after that we need to fix the O-line and the defense with most of the remaining picks.

[painekiller]

Walters has a new mock April 15th. (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014.php)

1 Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

33 Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

65 Tre Mason, RB, Auburn

101 Terrence Brooks, S, Florida State

They are still doing the mock live and have not gotten through the 4th round. will update the rest later.
135 Arthur Lynch, TE, Georgia
The Texans are looking to add a new tight end after cutting Owen Daniels.

141 JaWuan James, OT, Tennessee
The Texans could spend a mid-round pick on a right tackle who could potentially challenge for a starting job.

[Nconroe]

Texans aren't telling us very many of 30 visits they can schedule, but appears Khalil Mack , 6'3", 250 lbs, 28 sacks in Mack conference will be visiting soon. He could be an OLB who could drop in coverage or pass rush and will go pretty high in the draft.

[painekiller]

I think Logan Thomas could be converted to TE ala Owen Daniels. He has the size and good hands. I don't believe for a moment anyone is looking at him for QB.

I think the Texans are looking at him as a QB project. I know I would in the late 6th or 7th rounds.

[painekiller]

By Walter Cherepinsky - @walterfootball (http://walterfootball.com/draft2014meetingsteams.php)
Updated: April 15, 2014


This is a compilation of draft prospect visits sorted by team. The data was acquired via Charlie Campbell (@draftcampbell) and other media sources.

SR - Senior Bowl meeting.
EW - East-West Shrine meeting.
COM - Combine meeting.
INT - Interested.
VINT - Very Interested.
PRO - Pro Day or campus meeting/workout.
LOC - Local visit.
PRI - Private visit.
% - indicates more than one meeting.
# - indicates meeting set up outside of the 2014 Senior Bowl or the 2014 East-West Shrine Game

Houston Texans:
Blake Bortles%, QB, Central Florida (PRO) (PRI) (COM)
Teddy Bridgewater%, QB, Louisville (PRI) (COM)
Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State (COM)
Aaron Donald, DL, Pittsburgh (COM)
Dee Ford, DL, Auburn (COM)
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, Eastern Illinois (PRO)
Demetri Goodson, DB, Baylor (COM)
Ra'Shede Hageman, DL, Minnesota (SR)
Jon Krause, WR, Vanderbilt (PRO)
Johnny Manziel%, QB, Texas A&M (PRI) (COM)
Zach Mettenberger, QB, LSU (COM)
Jack Mewhort, OL, Ohio State (SR)
Stephen Morris, QB, Miami (SR)
Greg Robinson, OL, Auburn (PRI)
Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State (COM)
Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech (PRI/PRO)
Jordan Tripp, LB, Montana (SR)

[Nconroe]

Thanks, that is most complete list I've seen this year. All I could find was this much shorter list as confirmed visits with the Texans
Johnny Manziel,
Blake Bortles,
Teddy Bridgewater,
Stephon Tuitt , DT, Notre Dame
Jadeveon Clowney.

and now apparently
Khalil Mack, Univ. of Buffalo

Heard Clowney cancelled most of rest of his scheduled visits. Maybe due to not wanting to be injured, maybe speculation due to he knows where he will be picked now.

and another top five pick coming in next week
Greg Robinson At 6-5 and 323 lbs. Auburn