Official 2014 NFL Draft - Round 2 & 3 Thread

[Keith]

Texans sit with the first pick in the 2nd round. With Bridgewater off the board and a potential QB (Ryan Mallett) available via trade with the Patriots for a mid-round pick, might this be a great opportunity for the Texans to trade back or out of the round and stockpile additional picks?

Or, oh the horror, will they select Derek Carr?

[nunusguy]

I wouldn't be surprised if right now the Texans are all huddling, talking about Carr. Who knows, O'Brien may really like him and be very surprised he's still on the Board while the owner/organization has probably got some deep reservations about drafting him for obvious reasons. But Carr has an excellent arm, very talented.
Then there's also guys like Morgan Moses who might finally fix the OLine at RT, and lots of DLine prospects including Stephon Tuitt and Ra-shead Hageman and
a real NT prospect in Louis Nix.
So Smith surely is going to get some opportunities to trade this pick and get a late 2nd rounder plus a third or fourth rounder just as Seattle did with their
1.32 last night. Texans got some ops right now.

[barrett]

So who should be the pick at 33? I just looked at a list of best available and it listed a few huge DTs. That would definitely fit our need and round out the defense.

With most of the QB hungy teams getting a QB it seems we could wait at QB (especially since Carr is the next likely one and he is toxic to us). Maybe we could score a similar deal to Seattle (pick 40 and a 4th for 32). A pick in the early 40s would fit QB better than the guys available now.

Marquise Lee and a few other WRs look good. I am doubting Andre plays for us in 2015.

OL had quite a 1st round run. Is there still talent there worth our pick? Is there depth if we wait?

[HPF Bob]

I want the OL fixed and we need to do that pronto if we aren't drafting a QB. The top guards are still on the board (Sua-Filo, Bitonio, Yankey, Gabe Jackson) as well as the second-tier OTs (Kuoandijo, Moses, Mewhort, Richardson). I like the guard talent better but the tackle talent is harder to replace.

You could be exotic and add Jace Amaro but that was always the "extra pick from trading down" fantasy. We have too many other true needs to flirt with that.

I would only want to trade down if we are *adding* 3rds or 4ths in the process. We already have multiple picks below that.

[popanot]

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter · 7m
Here we go again: Texans listening to offers and open to moving the top pick in the second round.

Raiders don't have many picks this year, but I could see them wanting to move up for Carr and 2.4 isn't a big drop for the Texans. I'd take a 2014 #3 ~or~ a 2014 #4 and a 2015 #2 to make that move.

[nunusguy]

I hope the new regime has had enough time to evaluate the existing Texans roster re needs in both the defensive and offensive lines so they can prioritize their Draft needs in those areas ? For example can Crick and/or Jamison help us in the DLine, or are they too small for Crennels liking ? And what about Quess, is he possibly a prospect for RT or are his OLine opportunites limited to inside at guard ? And I haven't heard anything lately about last years 3rd round RT pick Williams ?

[popanot]

Not that any of these draft "experts" had any clue as to what was going to happen last night (I'm sure for 99.999% of them, things got waaay off track once JAX took Bortles), the "rumor" is the Texans like Garoppolo in the 2nd. If so, please trade down Mr. Smith!!!!

[Nconroe]

I'm guessing Texans will trade down at top of second, but if go with best player available could be on DLine. Couple of Notre Dame lineman could be good value early in second.

[popanot]

Supposedly Clowney is going to wear #90. Now all we need to complete the horrific cycle is for the Texans to draft Carr and give him #8!!

[Roy P]

Day 2: My top picks left for the Texans

OG Xavier Su'a-Filo
DE Kony Ealy
OT Joel Bitonio
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
QB Derek Carr
DE Trent Murphy
WR Donte Moncrief
RB Bishop Sankey
CB Stanley Jean-Baptiste
RB Tre Mason
CB Keith McGill
ILB Jordan Tripp
WR Jordan Matthews
DE Kareem Martin
CB Jaylen Watkins
WR Bruce Ellington
QB AJ McCarron
QB Zach Mettenberger
TE CJ Fiedorowicz
WR Martavis Bryant
OLB Chris Smith
OLB Demarcus Lawrence
OC Weston Richburg
NT Caraun Reid
OG Brandon Thomas

[popanot]

Day 2: My top picks left for the Texans

OG Xavier Su'a-Filo
DE Kony Ealy
OT Joel Bitonio
QB Jimmy Garoppolo


Roy - Sorry to hijack your post and go off-topic, but as you have some downtime tonight, may I suggest you login to our ITB MFL site and fill in your pre-draft. ;) BTW, any interest in trading your DEN RB?

[HPF Bob]

Sua-Filo. Great pick. Very happy with this. Clowney and Sua-Filo. Can't argue with their decisions so far, not knowing what trade-down offers they had.

[Arky]

Su'a-Filo

Didn't see it coming but yeah, looks OK.... "Trenchy" so far....

Cowboys traded up to pick next...

[HPF Bob]

Redskins got Dallas' 2nd and 3rd (both middle of the round). I presume Texans had same offer. Adding a third-rounder is tempting but falling 14-15 spots to do it might have been a hard pill to swallow.

[Arky]

Redskins got Dallas' 2nd and 3rd (both middle of the round). I presume Texans had same offer. Adding a third-rounder is tempting but falling 14-15 spots to do it might have been a hard pill to swallow.

Sounds like they took the same stance as 1.1 - they wanted to get an offer they couldn't refuse....

texans-need-to-be-blown-away-to-trade-33 (http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/5478/texans-need-to-be-blown-away-to-trade-33?ex_cid=espnapi_public).

Looks like just 1 pick in rounds 2 & 3? But two picks in the 4th.....

Pick 3.1 is going to be very interesting...

[Roy P]

The Texans drafted my top guy Sua-Filo. Then Bitonio goes #35. Instead of Clowney, I would have Greg Robinson and Xavier fixing the OL. Anyway, keeping my fingers crossed for Garoppolo.

[popanot]

Tell me David Carr isn't feeling a bit of redemption right about now. Schaub replaces Carr ---> Carr replaces Schaub.

[HPF Bob]

I think the Texans may be eyeing Savage or McCarron instead of Garoppolo. Just a hunch. They didn't like Bridgewater and Garoppolo is similar.

[nunusguy]

Texans must have loved this guy because they had to have had tons of ops to trade this pick for multiple mid-round picks. To think they valued this fella over a
Garrapolo or a Mettenzenburg or one of the Notre Dame DLineman, etc speaks highly of how they rate him. I gotta think they see this prospect as their next RT.

[Warren]

Cbssports.com is giving the picks well ahead of the networks.

40. Det Kyle Van Noy BYU

[popanot]

Cbssports.com is giving the picks well ahead of the networks.

40. Det Kyle Van Noy BYUWow they are way ahead! Rams : Lamarcus Joyner | CB, Florida State

Eagles just traded with the Titans moving up to 42 to 54. I think the Texans should jump the Titans if they want the next top QB.

Eagles: Jordan Matthews - WR

[Arky]

Cbssports.com is giving the picks well ahead of the networks.



Yes, they are!

Linky (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/drafttracker?ttag=DGL14_on_cspt_iab_live)

Pick 42 Eagles Jordan Matthews VANDY WR

[HPF Bob]

The trades are going crazy now.

[popanot]

I think we might be putting more weight on QB than the Texans, but I can see AZ at 52 and TENN 54 taking QB.

[HPF Bob]

They had Sus-Filo about 3-1/2 minutes before the streaming vid my co-worker is using.

[Warren]

There goes Kouandijo to Buffalo.

[Warren]

I think we might be putting more weight on QB than the Texans, but I can see AZ at 52 and TENN 54 taking QB.
I wouldn't count out CIN at 55 either.

[Warren]

Weston Richburg sounds like a made-up name for a snooty Thurston Howell III type of character.

[popanot]

RE: CBS Sports tipping the picks... The NFL must have caught wind b/c now they're slowing down to 1 pick ahead and saying "Pick is in" for the ones ahead of that.

[Warren]

Yeah, they must've been busted. That was fun while it lasted.

[HPF Bob]

My boy Jace Amaro of Texas Tech has been slipping down. I thought he'd be late 1st or early 2nd. Would hate to see NE get him.

[HPF Bob]

Pricso at CBS Sports crabbed that the Texans should have taken Nix over Sua-Filo at #33 but it's pick #49 and Nix hasn't been called yet.

[popanot]

Jets pick is in... Two more picks until AZ. If the Texans are gonna jump up, SD or CHI is the time to do it.

EDIT: SD pick is in...

[Arky]

My boy Jace Amaro of Texas Tech has been slipping down. I thought he'd be late 1st or early 2nd. Would hate to see NE get him.

Oy, he's a Jet.

[HPF Bob]

Jets take my boy Amaro and here comes Pricso to whine....

They need weapons for the offense, but why not a receiver? They do have Jeff Cumberland at tight end. I would have taken a receiver,

News flash, stupid. A) Amaro *is* a receiver and B) now he won't be a Patriot. That's two good reasons why the Jets took him.

[Arky]

About 10 more till the Texans pick again...

[HPF Bob]

Houston Texans ✔ @HoustonTexans

“Only one way to play football & that’s aggressive, physical & nasty.”

Xavier Su’a-Filo: http://bit.ly/1l9YPs0 pic.twitter.com/sLTfrZD2lD

[Roy P]

Houston Texans ✔ @HoustonTexans

“Only one way to play football & that’s aggressive, physical & nasty.”

Xavier Su’a-Filo: http://bit.ly/1l9YPs0 pic.twitter.com/sLTfrZD2lD

Love this pick. :D

[HPF Bob]

Denver trades up in the second and selected Cody Latimer who had been invited to NYC for last night's draft and I dubbed him "most likely to go home unselected". They had already signed Emmanual Sanders to "replace" Decker so this is depth for when Welker is waived next spring.

[Arky]

Radio saying Patriots expected to take Garoppolo...

[Roy P]

Well, shit :mad:

Not only do we not get him, but my favorite QB is a Patriot. Ugh!

[HPF Bob]

Morgan Moses is still on the board as I type. ACC guy from the Virginia area we allways seem to get at least one player from. Would make a great add at RT.

[popanot]

Radio saying Patriots expected to take Garoppolo...Coming to the realization that Smith is the worst GM in the league. The guy has no vision or feel when to make a move.

[Arky]

2nd round in the books (w/ESPN grade):

1 Xavier Su'a-Filo OG Texans 88
2 Demarcus Lawrence OLB Cowboys 86
3 Joel Bitonio OT Browns 89
4 Derek Carr QB Raiders 68
5 Ra'Shede Hageman DT Falcons 86
6 Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE Buccaneers 81
7 Marqise Lee WR Jaguars 90
8 Kyle Van Noy OLB Lions 80
9 Lamarcus Joyner DB Rams 80
10 Jordan Matthews WR Eagles 83
11 Weston Richburg C Giants 77
12 Cyrus Kouandjio OT Bills 88
13 Paul Richardson WR Seahawks 74
14 Stephon Tuitt DE Steelers 89
15 Trent Murphy OLB Redskins 69
16 Timmy Jernigan DT Ravens 87
17 Jace Amaro TE Jets 84
18 Jeremiah Attaochu OLB Chargers 89
19 Ego Ferguson DT Bears 69
20 Troy Niklas TE Cardinals 79
21 Davante Adams WR Packers 85
22 Bishop Sankey RB Titans 85
23 Jeremy Hill RB Bengals 79
24 Cody Latimer WR Broncos 88
25 Carlos Hyde RB 49ers 88
26 Stan Jean-Baptiste DB Saints 86
27 Jack Mewhort OT Colts 73
28 Kony Ealy DE Panthers 87
29 Allen Robinson WR Jaguars 78
30 Jimmy Garoppolo QB Patriots 82
31 Jarvis Landry WR Dolphins 84
32 Justin Britt OT Seahawks 45

[HPF Bob]

So where's this Nix kid we were supposed to take at #33? You suppose he flunked a pee test?

[HPF Bob]

C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa. Not really one of my favorite choices here although I grabbed him a few times when we had multiple picks. There are still some needs I would have rather filled and I would have loved to have grabbed Morgan Moses or Christian Jones or Tre Mason. He's a decent addition but not really a big need at this point.

[popanot]

Freaking TE, C.J. Fiedorowicz!! Guess we don't need a decent QB prospect!

Welcome to Houston, Ryan Mallett!!

[HPF Bob]

Has Smith ever made a good third round pick? I'm trying to think of one.

Eric Winston was the last of Casserly's drafts. Still trying to think of a third rounder by Rick Smith that panned out.

[chuck]

Has Smith ever made a good third round pick? I'm trying to think of one.

Jacoby Jones was a pretty good pick. Of course that came on the heels of Okoye. Earl Mitchell. Basically both of those guys would have been good picks in the fifth.

[Warren]

FWIW, Brian Ferentz, Iowa's OL coach, worked under O'Brien with the Pats and was rumored to be joining the Texans' staff. Gotta wonder if that connection played into this pick.

[Roy P]

C.J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa. Not really one of my favorite choices... I would have loved to have grabbed Morgan Moses or Christian Jones or Tre Mason. He's a decent addition but not really a big need at this point.

I thought Fiedorowicz was as good as Sefarian-Jenkins or Amaro and could be gotten later, thus more value in the pick. I'm still stewing about the Patriots. Tre Mason would have been insurance that we lost in Ben Tate, but who knows we may get a RB later. There are no more TEs in this draft of his caliber, there's a drop off like Crocket Gilmore. Not sure who I would have taken, my top guy was WR Donte Moncrief as Andre's eventual replacement. I also have a special feeling about WR Bruce Ellington. Getting a CB like Keith McGill would have made sense too. All I know, I want DT Caraun Reid in the 4th round

[barrett]

Freaking TE, C.J. Fiedorowicz!! Guess we don't need a decent QB prospect!

Welcome to Houston, Ryan Mallett!!

What do we want with a decent QB prospect? Seriously. What good does decent do us? We just spent 5 years with a guy who was better than decent and it got us nowhere.

You can draft a decent OL/DL/RB/WR/TE... But what is the point of drafting a decent QB? Do we really think O'Brien liked one of these guys, and we failed to draft him multiple times? We had our pick of the top 3 and our pick of everyone else and we passed both times. That tells me O'Brien didn't want any of them. Why go trading around the board for a QB our HC doesn't like simply because we have a need there?

We are building both lines and adding players that will allow O'Brien to play the style he wants to play (multiple TEs). It is his first draft and first chance to acquire players he wants (since we sat out FA with $20 million in dead money thanks to Kubiak).

Did anyone think we entered this draft as a team who was a QB away from winning? Then why force it? Buckle in for a losing season under a Head Coach who has the patience that only a 4-5 year leash can give. It looks like O'Brien will spend the next year remaking the roster and is content to address QB at a later date. I can't blame him with what was available.

[Warren]

Mort speculating that O'Brien was eyeing Garoppolo.

[barrett]

Mort speculating that O'Brien was eyeing Garoppolo.

Mort's an idiot.

Not only did O'Brien pass on Garoppolo at 33, he watched half a dozen potential QB teams draft in the 50s and never felt compelled to move up (even though we have plenty of extra picks).

All Mort is doing is perpetuating the ESPN Bristol myth that the Patriots always outsmart everyone.

[Roy P]

Mort speculating that O'Brien was eyeing Garoppolo.

I wonder if we could get an SEC QB in the 5th round: Mettenberger, Murray, McCaron? There's also Logan Thomas and Taj Boyd. Who knows? Tom Savage or David Fales getting anybody's hopes up?

[Warren]

Whatever QB they pick at this point, assuming they do, won't be anointed the QB of the future. I'm better with taking one of those guys under those circumstances, especially Savage or maybe Mettenberger. I think McCarrron and Murray are backups at best and I don't think Boyd is an NFL QB.

[barrett]

If you draft a QB in round 4 or 5 and then cut him a year later nobody cares. If you draft a QB in round 1 or 2 you are tied to that guy and cannot get out from under him for a while (Gabbert, Locker, etc...).

If O'Brien doesn't want to bet his future or his job on a QB in this draft, then it is a self-serving and calculating move (and a smart one for the team), to not tie us to a QB he doesn't really believe in, just to get some young guy in here.

Either way it doesn't appear he is in any particular hurry to turn this team around (no real FA, no urgency at the most urgent position). I figured this was in store with any new coach, but especially with a guy known for doing it his way.

We will see a remade roster before we see a winning season (if we see one). And not going in big with a QB assures that O'Brien will not be judged on the results until he has his guys in place.

I am ok with taking the long view right now. If we have the right HC it will be worth it. If we don't, it just means we wasted 5 years instead of 3.

[barrett]

Whatever QB they pick at this point, assuming they do, won't be anointed the QB of the future. I'm better with taking one of those guys under those circumstances, especially Savage or maybe Mettenberger. I think McCarrron and Murray are backups at best and I don't think Boyd is an NFL QB.

Exactly. You just said in 1 sentence what I rambled for a page about.

[Roy P]

ILB Jordan Tripp, DE Kareem Martin, OL Brandon Thomas or OL Trai Turner could also help this roster. Interested in seeing where they are selected.

[Joshua]

If you draft a QB in round 4 or 5 and then cut him a year later nobody cares. If you draft a QB in round 1 or 2 you are tied to that guy and cannot get out from under him for a while (Gabbert, Locker, etc...).

If O'Brien doesn't want to bet his future or his job on a QB in this draft, then it is a self-serving and calculating move (and a smart one for the team), to not tie us to a QB he doesn't really believe in, just to get some young guy in here.

Either way it doesn't appear he is in any particular hurry to turn this team around (no real FA, no urgency at the most urgent position). I figured this was in store with any new coach, but especially with a guy known for doing it his way.

We will see a remade roster before we see a winning season (if we see one). And not going in big with a QB assures that O'Brien will not be judged on the results until he has his guys in place.

I am ok with taking the long view right now. If we have the right HC it will be worth it. If we don't, it just means we wasted 5 years instead of 3.

This makes sense but it's nevertheless depressing to pretty much write off this year already (and probably next year as well). O'Brien better be right that there wasn't an elite QB in this draft.

[Arky]

Radio saying the Texans are moving up! 83rd pick....

[Roy P]

NT Louis Nix ok. Why not. Need a big boy in the middle.

[Arky]

Nix!

----------------

[barrett]

This makes sense but it's nevertheless depressing to pretty much write off this year already (and probably next year as well). O'Brien better be right that there wasn't an elite QB in this draft.

NFL coaches that will try to win with someone else's guys are rare. You don't get a ton of credit for winning with someone else's guys. You don't get to be declared a genius. Only pre-existing geniuses are willing to try it (Dungy and Gruden).

Bellachik guys are particularly well known for tearing down a franchise to rebuild it in their own image (McDaniels).

It's like you said, O'Brien better be right (about the QBs and everything else). But unless he was going to go way outside the box and roll the dice on Manziel, I am glad we passed on all these guys. I'll find some young guys to root for next year, I'll try not to let myself realize we have begun wasting JJ Watt's prime like we wated AJ's, and I will remain optimistic about the future.

[Arky]

Texans give up 4.1 and 5.1 for the trade-up.....

[barrett]

Pricso at CBS Sports crabbed that the Texans should have taken Nix over Sua-Filo at #33 but it's pick #49 and Nix hasn't been called yet.

Good Call Bob. Prisco looks even dumber now that we got Nix at 83.

[Roy P]

Well, Bob, we have been wanting a big run-stuffing NT for how long? I'll admit I didn't put Nix on MY GUYS because he was getting so much buzz as a late first or early second round pick. Figured he would be off the board before we picked in the 4th which is where I would have taken him. We shall see how he performs on 1st down and 4 down.

[Joshua]

NFL coaches that will try to win with someone else's guys are rare. You don't get a ton of credit for winning with someone else's guys. You don't get to be declared a genius. Only pre-existing geniuses are willing to try it (Dungy and Gruden).

Bellachik guys are particularly well known for tearing down a franchise to rebuild it in their own image (McDaniels).

It's like you said, O'Brien better be right (about the QBs and everything else). But unless he was going to go way outside the box and roll the dice on Manziel, I am glad we passed on all these guys. I'll find some young guys to root for next year, I'll try not to let myself realize we have begun wasting JJ Watt's prime like we wated AJ's, and I will remain optimistic about the future.

I wish I shared your optimism. I see Fitzpatrick as a caretaker this year. Probably go 6-10 or so. Pretty much have to draft a QB next year, which may even require us to trade up and mortgage some future picks because we can't spin our wheels without even trying to get a QB for 2 straight years. Assuming we draft one, we then have a year with the rookie getting his feet wet (maybe he can take the league by storm but I doubt it). So, 2015 is likely a lost cause as well. As it stands now, 2016 is realistically when this team can reasonably be expected to compete again.

[popanot]

Talking heads on NFLN bringing up a Mallett to HOU deal again. Saying there's talk of Mallett agreeing to extend his contract for a year to get it done.

[HPF Bob]

Well we can always tank the season just for draft picks but, wait, there's a baseball team in Houston that already specializes in that. Two in one town would be brutal.

[HPF Bob]

Talking heads on NFLN bringing up a Mallett to HOU deal again. Saying there's talk of Mallett agreeing to extend his contract for a year to get it done.

Since we no longer have a 4th or a 5th, what are we using to acquire him with? Keenum?

[Joshua]

I think we have a 4th but it's a compensatory pick and can't be traded. If they trade for Mallet, I suspect it will be next year's 3rd.

[WMH]

Talking heads on NFLN bringing up a Mallett to HOU deal again. Saying there's talk of Mallett agreeing to extend his contract for a year to get it done.

Why trade for him? Can't see him making the team after NE drafting a QB in the 2nd. Belicheat is a 2 QB kinda guy.

At this point, I don't see that he's that much upgrade over Fitz.

[Keith]

This makes sense but it's nevertheless depressing to pretty much write off this year already (and probably next year as well). O'Brien better be right that there wasn't an elite QB in this draft.
What makes it hurt more is that 2014, like 2013, is another opportunity for a playoff run. The division is weak, the conference is full of incomplete and/or aging playoff teams, and the schedule this fall is not all that daunting on paper.

If 2013 taught us anything, it should be that you need a QB to win. Perhaps if we were clued into the long-term plan at the position, I might feel better.

That said, I do like all of the picks made so far. :o But you need a QB to win.

[Nconroe]

Seems we got 4 guys who will contribute in 2014 which is a good thing.

I'm glad we got Nix.

What next, perhaps ILB or CB or QB? At end of 4th?

[popanot]

Since we no longer have a 4th or a 5th, what are we using to acquire him with? Keenum?Don't we have the Raiders 5th for Schaub? I'm assuming Bilicheck would almost give him away now. No way would I give a 2015 pick for him unless it's late conditional pick.

[WMH]

Don't we have the Raiders 5th for Schaub? I'm assuming Bilicheck would almost give him away now. No way would I give a 2015 pick for him unless it's late conditional pick.

No it was a 6th.

We have 4.35 - compensatory, can't trade
3 - 6's
2 - 7's

[popanot]

No it was a 6th.Ah, thanks!

[Arky]

Round 3 in the books (w/ESPN grade):

1 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE Texans 72
2 Morgan Moses OT Redskins 92
3 Billy Turner OT Dolphins 58
4 Dez Southward S Falcons 58
5 Charles Sims RB Buccaneers 70
6 Marcus Martin C 49ers 87
7 Chris Kirksey OLB Browns 61
8 Scott Crichton DE Vikings 80
9 Preston Brown ILB Bills 65
10 Jay Bromley DT Giants 48
11 Tre Mason RB Rams 78
12 Travis Swanson C Lions 51
13 Chris Borland ILB 49ers 70
14 Spencer Long OG Redskins 49
15 Terrence Brooks S Ravens 80
16 Dex McDougle DB Jets 47
17 Gabe Jackson OG Raiders 73
18 Will Sutton DT Bears 61
19 Louis Nix III DT Texans 88
20 Kareem Martin DE Cardinals 71
21 Khyri Thornton DT Packers 57
22 Josh Huff WR Eagles 60
23 Phillip Gaines DB Chiefs 71
24 William Clarke DE Bengals 61
25 Chris Watt OG Chargers 54
26 Donte Moncrief WR Colts 68
27 John Brown WR Cardinals 59
28 Trai Turner OG Panthers 76
29 Brandon Linder OG Jaguars 56
30 Terrance West RB Browns 68
31 Michael Schofield OT Broncos 55
32 Jerick McKinnon RB Vikings 51
33 Dri Archer RB Steelers 68
34 Richard Rodgers TE Packers 44
35 Crockett Gillmore TE Ravens 54
36 Brandon Thomas OG 49ers 70

[WMH]

Maybe they'll say piss on it all together, but I gotta think they'll take one of these guys at 4.35.....maybe?

Evan Silva ‏@evansilva ·3 secs
QBs still undrafted: AJ McCarron, Zach Mettenberger, Aaron Murray, Tom Savage, Logan Thomas, D Fales, Keith Wenning, Brett Smith, Tajh Boyd.

[Keith]

Honestly, there's decent value at 4.35 for a couple of those QBs. But none of them should likely see the field in 2014.

[HPF Bob]

My assessment of the picks:

1-1 Clowney (Bob would have chose...Clowney). Not knowing what trade-down options were available and knowing all the Manziel love was window dressing, the Texans stayed home and got the best talent on the draft board. I still say his career track will resemble Jevon Kearse but is it all that bad? Kearse was a terror for the first few years.

2-1 Sua-Filo (Bob would have chose...Sua-Filo). We desperately needed to upgrade the offensive line and we did so with the best guard prospect in the draft. Should be a top guard in the NFL for years to come.

3-1 Fiedorowicz (Bob would have chose... Moses Morgan, OT, UVa). There were four top tight ends in this draft and the Texans took the last of them. From that standpoint, hard to argue this pick if you thought TE was a big need. I didn't but that doesn't mean O'Brien has different ideas for the offense. I would have rather grabbed my right tickle which, IMO, is a greater need.

3-19. Nix (Bob applauds the trade up but unsure if Nix was the guy to trade up for). We needed more second-day bodies I've said all along so I can hardly be upset that we traded back up into the third round. Good job, guys. DT is certainly a position of need but is it vital in a Romeo Crennel defense or would big tubs of goo we can find later fill the bill as well? Nix was supposed to be a first-round guy and I do not know why everyone passed on him twice (and Houston three times). That's the big mystery and until I learn what turned off all the other teams, it is hard for me to endorse the selection.

We sacrifice two of our tradable picks on Day 3 but I am okay with that although I would have liked to packege 4-1 and one of the 6th instead of the 5th. But, to get to 3-19, that's a reasonable sacrifice.

Overall, I give the Texans an A-. The first two picks were spot on and the third one is defendable. Trading back up was a great move and choosing Nix may be a fantastic move or it may be a total waste. I'd still like to know why he dropped so far.

[Joshua]

I've heard some speculate that Nix dropped because he'll primarily be a run stuffer and will come off the field on 3rd downs. Personnally, if a guy helps to consistently put the other team in 3rd and long, he's done his job and I'm fine giving him a blow and bringing in the pass rushers.

Can't say I dislike the picks so far. All make a certain amount of sense. Just wish I knew what the plan is at QB. Until we get one, I'm concerned this is all Titanic deck chair shuffling.

[nunusguy]

Understood we probably wouldn't take a QB in the first round, but figured it would be in the 2nd or 3rd, not the 4th or later ? Very surprising. And then it also seems puzzling that they'd draft a LG before a RT, especially with the 33rd overall, unless they plan on playing the "X-man" at RT (he's played quite a bit of tackle in college at UCLA according to his resume).

[Nconroe]

These likely qualify as rumor red flags on Nix.

First, apparently he tweaked his knee for a few games this past season so some durability question.

Second, condtioning , apparently the boy likes to eat and can easily get up to 350, with ideal playing weight around 330.

And as mentioned is he a one, two or three down player.

Lots of upside and likely a first round value we got.

Overall, seems we got best player available at each pick and built with picks from inside out, OL and DL. Good plan on building a team.

Fidorowixz should help blocking and some possible flexibilty in backfield, 6'5" , 265 . Red zone help as well.

[Joe Joe]

Understood we probably wouldn't take a QB in the first round, but figured it would be in the 2nd or 3rd, not the 4th or later ? Very surprising. And then it also seems puzzling that they'd draft a LG before a RT, especially with the 33rd overall, unless they plan on playing the "X-man" at RT (he's played quite a bit of tackle in college at UCLA according to his resume).

I think the Texans are going BPA. I suspect the Texans only liked either Bortles or Bridgewater if that and without trade down from 1-1, the Texans didn't have picks to trade up into first round.

[Nconroe]

Some thoughts on OL. Could be by getting our LG for next 10 years we now let three RT , incl Quessenberry, Williams, and Newton compete.

And by using Clowneyat OLB with Mercilus, possibly Brooks Reed can go to ILB.

At QB, in a way lucky, could be Savage or Mettenberger are better than any of 5 QB already drafted. And maybe 3 QB we already have aren't that bad. Or we might trade for MCGloin or Mallett. Or something else.

And soon will have 6 or so more picks.

[popanot]

I'm starting to suspect the Mallett rumors are more media and Pats driven. Being that he's in the last year of his contract, if you trade for him, you have to start him in order to see what you have. And if that's the case, they wasted $8MM on Fitz. The only way Mallett works is if you get him for a cheap pick and he's signs a cheap, super cap friendly extension. But again, you've probably burnt $8MM on Fitz that could've went elsewhere. Smith and BOB have to see this, right?

Personally, I think they'll draft one of these rookies sooner or later and hope they strike gold. If not, pray they're in position for a top QB in 2015.

[Joe Joe]

I'm starting to suspect the Mallett rumors are more media and Pats driven. Being that he's in the last year of his contract, if you trade for him, you have to start him in order to see what you have. And if that's the case, they wasted $8MM on Fitz. The only way Mallett works is if you get him for a cheap pick and he's signs a cheap, super cap friendly extension. But again, you've probably burnt $8MM on Fitz that could've went elsewhere. Smith and BOB have to see this, right?

Personally, I think they'll draft one of these rookies sooner or later and hope they strike gold. If not, pray they're in position for a top QB in 2015.

If the Texans aren't in position to take a QB next season, something will have went horribly right this coming season.

[popanot]

Re Mallett: I fully understand they likely signed Ftiz before they even thought about Mallett and wasting $8MM is secondary. However, signing Fitz also implies they were wanting to draft a QB, and probably high. While things can change, it just adds to my thought that Mallett just doesn't make sense.

[popanot]

If the Texans aren't in position to take a QB next season, something will have went horribly right this coming season.Is .500 ball horribly right? End up at pick 12+ in 2015 and we might have a hard time getting a top QB.

[barrett]

If I can get Mallet for one of our 6ths I am not against it. I heard a report yesterday he was willing to add a year to his deal to get it done. Under those circumstances I am for it. And it still wouldn't stop me from drafting Murray/McCarron/Mettenberger/Savage if one is left in the 6th.

As for Fitzpatrick, backup QBs are paid what he is paid these days. If he is your backup this year at that salary you are fine. If you accidentally solve your QB with Mallet or a 6th round guy, you can cut Fitzpatrick, eat the cap hit, and still spend less in 2015 at QB than almost any team in the league. If you are drafting your QB in 2015, then Fitzpatrick is not a bad option as a veteran backup. Either way, I really don't see Fitzpatrick or the $8 million as a problem.

[nunusguy]

I'm starting to suspect the Mallett rumors are more media and Pats driven. Being that he's in the last year of his contract, if you trade for him, you have to start him in order to see what you have. And if that's the case, they wasted $8MM on Fitz. The only way Mallett works is if you get him for a cheap pick and he's signs a cheap, super cap friendly extension. But again, you've probably burnt $8MM on Fitz that could've went elsewhere. Smith and BOB have to see this, right?

Personally, I think they'll draft one of these rookies sooner or later and hope they strike gold. If not, pray they're in position for a top QB in 2015.
Negatory ! Let's pray we aren't in position for a top QB in 2015.

[nunusguy]

Some thoughts on OL. Could be by getting our LG for next 10 years we now let three RT , incl Quessenberry, Williams, and Newton compete.


Former UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, who recruited Su’a-Filo and started him as a freshman, said he’s talented enough to play left tackle in the pros but is a better fit at guard because he doesn’t have unusually long arms.

“He’s a dancing bear,” Neuheisel said. “His feet never stop, and they’re not just moving to move. They’re purposeful. He still has huge upside in terms of his strength potential, but there isn’t a better athlete in the offensive front in this draft.”
http://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/la-sp-nfl-draft-ucla-sua-filo-20140505-story.html
***
I'm thinking that less than ideal arm-length is not the liabilty at RT it is at LT, and given this guys athleticism I'm starting to get hopeful the Texans see
him as their salvation at RT ? Of course don't know, unless anybody has heard anything from the Texans about their specific intentions for the X-man ?

[Warren]

I haven't seen anything from the team, but one scouting report I read said X "struggled mightily" at LT and should be considered only as a G. At RT he'd still have to deal with long-armed DE rather than the shorter DTs inside.

[chuck]

Some thoughts on OL. Could be by getting our LG for next 10 years we now let three RT , incl Quessenberry, Williams, and Newton compete.

And by using Clowneyat OLB with Mercilus, possibly Brooks Reed can go to ILB.

At QB, in a way lucky, could be Savage or Mettenberger are better than any of 5 QB already drafted.

These are three great points that I've been trying to keep in mind myself. We have a couple of unseen RT types that may be good solutions now that they're presumably healthy.

And I'm not at all convinced that one of the quarterbacks yet to be drafted won't be better than the five that already have been.

[Joe Joe]

Is .500 ball horribly right? End up at pick 12+ in 2015 and we might have a hard time getting a top QB.

No QB and play .500...I would consider that horribly right. Also, at 12 would likely have be as good a chance at a QB as any in this draft.