Official 2014 NFL Draft - Round 4-7 Thread

[Keith]

Today is the day we find the next developmental QB for the Texans. Will it be Savage? McCarron? Someone else?

[Keith]

Continuing the QB thought...

I have a sense, between Savage and McCarron at least, that the Texans would prefer Savage given his arm strength and size. Someone to develop, something of a poor man's Blake Bortles in this draft, who I've heard was the team's #1 QB on the board.

I would think though, that McCarron is more of a poor man's Teddy Bridgewater. I like his smarts and decision-making. His arm is not as strong as Savage, but McCarron has a lot of what O'Brien wants in a QB.

[Arky]

Barring a trade, Texans are picking:

4.35
6.1
6.5
6.35
7.1
7.41 (Mr. Irrelevant)

Picks should happen at a pretty good clip today...

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

I'm thinking if they take a developmental QB, then there's probably not a deal for Mallet...that would be too crowded @ QB.

[nunusguy]

My money is on Georgia QB Murray. Subject to availability.

[Roy P]

Some of My Guys that are still available. I could also see Aaron Murray.

CB Keith McGill Utah
ILB Jordan Tripp Montana
QB AJ McCarron Alabama
QB Zach Mettenberger LSU
RB Lache Seastrunk Baylor
WR Kevin Norwood Alabama
RB Tyler Gaffney Stanford
TE Arthur Lynch Georgia

[barrett]

Barring a trade, Texans are picking:

4.35
6.1
6.5
6.35
7.1
7.41 (Mr. Irrelevant)

Picks should happen at a pretty good clip today...

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

I'm thinking if they take a developmental QB, then there's probably not a deal for Mallet...that would be too crowded @ QB.

I don't think a QB precludes a Mallet deal. Any or all of the 3 QBs we have now could be cut if it came down to it (including Fitzpatrick). Fitzpatrick's gauranteed money is not bigger than his salary so it would have no cap ramifications.

It just comes down to if O'Brien actually likes Mallet or if NE is just flooding the media with rumors to try to stir up interest in him. But if a 6th or 7th went for Mallet and a 6th or 7th for any of the available QBs, that is not overly crowded. You would have 2 guys competing for the job and a 3rd low round pick who was destined for the practice squad (or the #3 spot if you fall in love with him in camp and think you can't sneak him by).

[barrett]

And I like Mettenberger or Murray. I might even draft Murray and then just bury him on IR and let him take it all in mentally this year.

[Nconroe]

Wonder if anyone would give us a draft pick or trade for Yates or Keenum?

Seems so far we are getting big, tough, smart type players.

[chuck]

I was always intrigued by Logan Thomas. I agree that if they go QB they'll look for a big guy with a big arm.

[Roy P]

I was always intrigued by Logan Thomas. I agree that if they go QB they'll look for a big guy with a big arm.

I was thinking that he might be a developmental guy for B O'B. It will be interesting to see how well Bruce Arians can coach him up.

[Arky]

I don't think a QB precludes a Mallet deal. Any or all of the 3 QBs we have now could be cut if it came down to it (including Fitzpatrick). Fitzpatrick's gauranteed money is not bigger than his salary so it would have no cap ramifications.

It just comes down to if O'Brien actually likes Mallet or if NE is just flooding the media with rumors to try to stir up interest in him. But if a 6th or 7th went for Mallet and a 6th or 7th for any of the available QBs, that is not overly crowded. You would have 2 guys competing for the job and a 3rd low round pick who was destined for the practice squad (or the #3 spot if you fall in love with him in camp and think you can't sneak him by).

Sign a guy (Fitz) and then cut him within months? That's not good business.

Yates/Keenum are already here. Yes, they could both go but then you have who for backup... Fitz backing up Mallet? Mallet backing up Fitz? Two so-so QB's both getting paid more than they are worth? Meh.

Mallet is not all that (the Pats realize this, hence Garropolo) and is inexperienced - hasn't seen many real bullets. He's really just an older rookie who has good physical tools but can be inconsistent. At Arkansas, he could look great and then he has these WTF moments.....

Anything is possible I suppose. I'm just saying, if they draft a QB, any QB, the odds of them going after Mallet are greatly diminished...

[popanot]

Twitter report says Arians asked Logan if he would be OK with a move to TE if he fails at QB and he agreed. Nice gamble move.

[Roy P]

I kept drafting S Marqueston Huff and WR Kevin Norwood in the 6th and 7th rounds of mock drafts. I thought they were undervalued and Seattle and Tennessee got good football players.

[Arky]

Now taking bets on the Texans getting scooped again on a QB...

[Keith]

SAVAGE

THought so.

[Blitzwood]

Twitter report says Arians asked Logan if he would be OK with a move to TE if he fails at QB and he agreed. Nice gamble move.

I had heard about this possibility too and hoped we would pull that off.

I see a qb, (McCarron or Savage), rb, or possibly Christian Jones with this comp pick.

My OC Stork came off a bit early too.

[Roy P]

Well, he has the strongest arm in the draft. And we now know who the rookie QB is.

[Nconroe]

Me too. Like it and surprised Savage still there. Big, tough, smart.

[Warren]

I got the impression that O'Brien liked Savage since he always used to mention him when talking about the QB prospects.

[barrett]

Now taking bets on the Texans getting scooped again on a QB...

When did we get scooped on a QB? Maybe your mock draft got scooped, but is there anything to indicate we wanted any other QB or got out maneuvered a single time?

[Arky]

Whoa, I've been a fan of Savage for, pfft, at least 5 minutes....

Big arm, tall... sounds like OB has his project....

[barrett]

I like the pick and I like that we waited. BOB can attempt to develop him with no pressure to force him if he doesn't work. A risk free QB with a big arm that will not keep us from pursuing other QB solutions. And waiting allowed us to get 4 very good players that will help if we ever have the QB we need.

If you didn't believe there was a QB worth drafting at 1.1 then this was the best possible outcome.

[Roy P]

He was the "Ryan Nassib" of this draft. Everyone talked about him as a 5th rounder then as we got closer to draft day, there were rumors he could be a 1st rounder and 5-7 QBs could go in the 1st round. I know he transferred from Rutgers and Arizona to wind up at Pitt. He didn't want to compete with The Eagles' QB Foles (who played very well last year for Chip Kelly). He sort of reminds me of Joe Flacco (who also transferred to leave Pitt when he didn't want to compete there with Drew Brees' backup).

There's no pressure with being the 4th rounder.

[Arky]

When did we get scooped on a QB? Maybe your mock draft got scooped, but is there anything to indicate we wanted any other QB or got out maneuvered a single time?

I'm not in the war room, barrett, but I'd say the Texan brass blinked a little when Bridgewater went one pick before their pick and Garropolo went 2 picks before their pick...

Maybe you have information to the contrary?

[Nconroe]

I like the pick and I like that we waited. BOB can attempt to develop him with no pressure to force him if he doesn't work. A risk free QB with a big arm that will not keep us from pursuing other QB solutions. And waiting allowed us to get 4 very good players that will help if we ever have the QB we need.

If you didn't believe there was a QB worth drafting at 1.1 then this was the best possible outcome.

Agree with this.

[barrett]

I'm not in the war room, barrett, but I'd say the Texan brass blinked a little when Bridgewater went one pick before their pick and Garropolo went 2 picks before their pick...

Maybe you have information to the contrary?

I never saw anything that indicates we had any interest in Bridgewater. It seems of the 3, he was the least likely. Sure, they could have hid their interest, but sitting at 33 shows a lack of interest in Bridgewater more than it does getting "scooped." I am sure the Texans knew a trade up was in play for half a dozen teams from picks 23-32, and yet they sat and watched. That does not look like a team that got scooped. It looks like a team that didn't want Teddy Bridgewater.

If he had lasted to 33 do you think we would have picked him? I think we would have traded down with someone who wanted him.

[Warren]

He was the "Ryan Nassib" of this draft. Everyone talked about him as a 5th rounder then as we got closer to draft day, there were rumors he could be a 1st rounder and 5-7 QBs could go in the 1st round. I know he transferred from Rutgers and Arizona to wind up at Pitt. He didn't want to compete with The Eagles' QB Foles (who played very well last year for Chip Kelly). He sort of reminds me of Joe Flacco (who also transferred to leave Pitt when he didn't want to compete there with Drew Brees' backup).

There's no pressure with being the 4th rounder.
Savage left Arizona because they hired Rich Rodriguez, whose offenses are built around running QBs like Pat White at West Virginia. Foles was gone by the time he would've been eligible to play there.

[popanot]

Soooo much happier with a prospect like Savage over Mallett.

[Roy P]

Now we have drafted a NT and QB, I'd like to get an ILB. Jordan Tripp would be nice or even Avery Williamson or Ronald Powell. Just saying.

Can't believe DT Caraun Reid is still on the board.

Thanks for the info, Warren. I stand corrected.

Me too, Popanot

[Warren]

The case against drafting QBs on Day 3 from Bears GM Phil Emery: (http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4691890/palmer-early-favorite-at-no-2-qb)
"I just did a little study. It's very interesting," Emery said. "That developmental theory doesn't hold a whole lot of water. There's entire classes of quarterbacks, since '06, I went back and looked at from Jay's on -- when people say developmental quarterbacks, OK, so who has gotten developed? There isn't a single quarterback after the third round since 2006 that has been a long-term starter. So you're either developing thirds, and most of them have been wiped out of the league. So to get a quality quarterback, you've got to draft them high. That 2012 class is a blip on the radar that's unusual, highly unusual.

"Most of the starters in this league come from the first and second round. So that's where you need to take a quarterback. So when you talk about quarterback every year, they have to be somebody that you truly believe will beat out the second and third quarterback that you perceive on your roster. And if not, history shows that you shouldn't make that pick."
I still think it's worth a shot, though.

[Arky]

I never saw anything that indicates we had any interest in Bridgewater. It seems of the 3, he was the least likely. Sure, they could have hid their interest, but sitting at 33 shows a lack of interest in Bridgewater more than it does getting "scooped." I am sure the Texans knew a trade up was in play for half a dozen teams from picks 23-32, and yet they sat and watched. That does not look like a team that got scooped. It looks like a team that didn't want Teddy Bridgewater.

If he had lasted to 33 do you think we would have picked him? I think we would have traded down with someone who wanted him.

It was initially a joke. Did you not see the groaning in this forum when we got "scooped"?

[Keith]

From what I've heard... Texans would have considered moving up if Bortles began to slip. And they had interest next in Garappolo, so if anything, the Pats jumped in front to take him.

Aside from that, they gave up their 5th to move up for Nix... evidence they had a small cluster of guys they figured one of which would be there at 4.35.

I would have preferred McCarron myself, but given the team liked Bortles over Bridgewater, it doesn't surprise me they liked Savage over McCarron (or Murray or any other QB still on the board).

I don't get why O'Brien favors these big guys with strong arms (Mallett, too maybe) when he says he wants a smart guy making good decisions. Savage is a project. He is projectable and maybe he develops, but if he plays significant snaps in 2014, the team won't be winning a lot of games. Give him a year, which should be easy as a late 4th.

[Blitzwood]

I really like the pick too, but it makes Mallett now a bit redundant. Savage offers the same arm strength with more mobility than Mallett.

[nunusguy]

Now we have drafted a NT and QB, I'd like to get an ILB. Jordan Tripp would be nice or even Avery Williamson or Ronald Powell. Just saying.

Can't believe DT Caraun Reid is still on the board.

Thanks for the info, Warren. I stand corrected.

Me too, Popanot
Rick Smith made a fairly strong hint in a Q-&-A the other day that Reed is now likely to go inside next to Cushing since we've now got JD & Mercilus at OLB.
OK so I'm wondering about O'brien's possible interest in a slot receiver in the Texans remaining picks, a subject/position he's been known to talk about.

[Roy P]

I think this Coach has in his mind the type of QB he wants. Savage is a Fitzpatrick clone. Very strong arm. Savage played horrible early in the year and got better near the end of the season. He took time to learn the new offense since he had not played with Pitt having transferred from Rutgers and Arizona. I believe the plan is Fitzpatrick starts the season until Savage gets up to speed. Meanwhile, improving the OL with Xavier, improving the NT position with Nix, taking the most talented player in Clowney, and getting the best TE in the draft to play in this Offense makes the team better.

[Roy P]

Rick Smith made a fairly strong hint in a Q-&-A the other day that Reed is now likely to go inside next to Cushing since we've now got JD & Mercilus at OLB.
OK so I'm wondering about O'brien's possible interest in a slot receiver in the Texans remaining picks, a subject/position he's been known to talk about.

Okay, with that in mind

WR Michael Campanaro Wake Forest 5' 9" 192 4.46 6.77 4.01 39 20 10' 2"

What about another RB or TE?

RB Lache Seastrunk Baylor
RB Tyler Gaffney Stanford
TE Arthur Lynch Georgia
RB David Fluellen Toledo
RB George Atkinson Notre Dame

Miami took my Bulldog TE. Really happy we got Feidorowicz now.

[Arky]

4th round in the books (w/ESPN grade):

1 Jaylen Watkins DB Eagles 70
2 Bashaud Breeland DB Redskins 75
3 Devonta Freeman RB Falcons 71
4 Jalen Saunders WR Jets 61
5 Bryan Stork C Patriots 48
6 Bruce Ellington WR 49ers 79
7 Justin Ellis DT Raiders 66
8 Cassius Marsh DE Seahawks 50
9 Ross Cockrell DB Bills 59
10 Maurice Alexander S Rams 48
11 Russell Bodine C Bengals 69
12 DaQuan Jones DT Titans 71
13 Andre Williams RB Giants 69
14 Aaron Colvin DB Jaguars 69
15 Shaq Evans WR Jets 57
16 Keith McGill DB Raiders 73
17 Ka'Deem Carey RB Bears 61
18 Martavis Bryant WR Steelers 76
19 Anthony Hitchens OLB Cowboys 30
20 Logan Thomas QB Cardinals 61
21 Carl Bradford OLB Packers 64
22 Marqueston Huff DB Titans 66
23 Kevin Norwood WR Seahawks 66
24 De'Anthony Thomas RB Chiefs 65
25 Walt Aikens DB Dolphins 51
26 Khairi Fortt OLB Saints 49
27 Pierre Desir DB Browns 72
28 Tre Boston S Panthers 57
29 Dontae Johnson DB 49ers 68
30 James White RB Patriots 38
31 Brock Vereen S Bears 67
32 Kevin Pierre-Louis OLB Seahawks 39
33 Nevin Lawson DB Lions 60
34 Brent Urban DT Ravens 76
35 Tom Savage QB Texans 75
36 Larry Webster DE Lions 54
37 Dakota Dozier OT Jets 40
38 Lorenzo Taliaferro RB Ravens 42
39 Prince Shembo OLB Falcons 52
40 Cameron Fleming OT Patriots 60

[barrett]

I'd like a RB. We have 1 guy coming off of back surgery (has any RB recovered from that), and the other guy is less durable then the guy with back surgery.

[barrett]

It was initially a joke. Did you not see the groaning in this forum when we got "scooped"?

Got it. .

[chuck]

RB or CB. You can never have too many guys competing for a CB spot.

[Nconroe]

Rick Smith made a fairly strong hint in a Q-&-A the other day that Reed is now likely to go inside next to Cushing since we've now got JD & Mercilus at OLB.
OK so I'm wondering about O'brien's possible interest in a slot receiver in the Texans remaining picks, a subject/position he's been known to talk about.

After the second day of practice this week, O'Brien said, after seeing receivers on the squad we already have several WR who can play the slot.

[Blitzwood]

RB or CB. You can never have too many guys competing for a CB spot.

100% agree.

I was hoping Ed Reynolds would continue to fall to us in the 6th, but eagles just took him in the 5th, great value.

I want a db, rb, og, or lb here.

[Arky]

Murray (Chiefs) and McCarron (Bengals) go back-to-back @ 5.23 and 5.24.....

[Roy P]

Any thoughts on getting another Big DT for Romeo?

NT Anthony Johnson LSU 6' 2 1/2" 308
NT Zack Kerr Delaware 6' 1 3/8" 326


My board is bare of any DBs.

OLB James Gayle Virgina Tech 6' 3 3/4" 259
OLB Devon Kennard USC 6' 3" 249
OLB Howard Jones Shepard 6' 2 1/2" 235
NT Zack Kerr Delaware 6' 1 3/8" 326
OT James Hurst North Carolina 6'5" 296

[chuck]

Any thoughts on getting another Big DT for Romeo?

I like that, too, since we don't know how healthy Nix is going to be. But right now the secondary looks pretty rough.

[Roy P]

6'3" 310lbs 4.92-Forty.....Guess Romeo gets his big DE

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2014/profiles/jeoffrey-pagan?id=2543547

[Arky]

Jeoffrey Pagan


DE
6-3½, 310 lbs
Alabama

[Arky]

Round 5 in the books (w/ESPN grade):

1 Taylor Hart DE Eagles 64
2 Ryan Grant WR Redskins 51
3 Kadeem Edwards OG Buccaneers 55
4 Telvin Smith OLB Jaguars 68
5 David Yankey OG Vikings 59
6 Devin Street WR Cowboys 44
7 Ricardo Allen DB Falcons 34
8 Bené Benwikere DB Panthers 54
9 Kevin Pamphile OT Buccaneers 30
10 Aaron Lynch DE 49ers 52
11 Avery Williamson ILB Titans 41
12 Nat Berhe S Giants 40
13 Cyril Richardson OG Bills 64
14 Jeremiah George ILB Jets 33
15 Arthur Lynch TE Dolphins 45
16 Lamin Barrow OLB Broncos 57
17 Shaquille Richardson DB Steelers 30
18 Caraun Reid DT Lions 70
19 Chris Smith DE Jaguars 65
20 Ed Stinson DE Cardinals 69
21 Corey Linsley C Packers 30
22 Ed Reynolds S Eagles 42
23 Aaron Murray QB Chiefs 62
24 AJ McCarron QB Bengals 78
25 Ryan Carrethers DT Chargers 42
26 Jonathan Newsome DE Colts 44
27 Vinnie Sunseri S Saints 43
28 Marquis Spruill OLB Falcons 37
29 Ronald Powell OLB Saints 48
30 Keith Reaser DB 49ers 30
31 Jordie Tripp OLB Dolphins 58
32 Jimmy Staten DT Seahawks 30
33 Wesley Johnson C Steelers 49
34 Devon Kennard OLB Giants 34
35 John Urschel OG Ravens 67
36 Jared Abbrederis WR Packers 48

[Arky]

Alfred Blue RB LSU

[Roy P]

Okay....so we do get a RB. 1253 rush yds, 6 yds/carry, 11 TD (in career) :confused:

6'2" 223lbs 4.63

[HPF Bob]

Blue injured his knee and missed most of 2012 then got stuck behind others during his senior year but he has size, speed and good hands according to the scouts. He could be one of those like Terrell Davis that nobody knows because he didn't play that much. He could have been a UDFA like Foster.

[Arky]

I'd like to see them get some special team types the rest of the way....

[WMH]

Okay....so we do get a RB. 1253 rush yds, 6 yds/carry, 11 TD (in career) :confused:

6'2" 223lbs 4.63

As an LSU fan, I can tell you that his production was limited due to some injuries and total RBBC scenario. He's a pretty good runner.

[Arky]

FB Jay Prosch Auburn

[Nconroe]

FB Jay Prosch Auburn

I guess they are determined to be able to run this year. Maybe a good special teams guy.

[HPF Bob]

Six rounds are almost complete and not one Texas Longhorn has been selected. Not Jackson Jeffcoat. Not Mike Davis. Not Anthony Fera.

Explains why a new head coach was needed.

[Nconroe]

Jeoffrey Pagan
DE
6-3½, 310 lbs
Alabama

Looks like he was projected as rd 3-4 pick as a JR, so good value in sixth. Maybe some knee concerns.

[Joe Joe]

Six rounds are almost complete and not one Texas Longhorn has been selected. Not Jackson Jeffcoat. Not Mike Davis. Not Anthony Fera.

Explains why a new head coach was needed.

My initial thought was Kubiak didn't draft Longhorns either....

[Arky]

CB Andre Hal Vandy

[Arky]

6th round in the books (w/ESPN grade):

1 Jeoffrey Pagan DE Texans 63
2 Zach Mettenberger QB Titans 60
3 Jon Halapio OG Patriots 43
4 Kenneth Acker DB 49ers 30
5 Alfred Blue RB Texans 33
6 Antone Exum DB Vikings 65
7 David Fales QB Bears 63
8 Kendall James DB Vikings 52
9 Robert Herron WR Buccaneers 67
10 Lache Seastrunk RB Redskins 58
11 Bennett Jackson DB Giants 39
12 E.J. Gaines DB Rams 45
13 TJ Jones WR Lions 53
14 Matt Hazel WR Dolphins 46
15 Pat O'Donnell P Bears 34
16 Jordan Zumwalt OLB Steelers 42
17 Zach Fulton OG Chiefs 51
18 Keith Wenning QB Ravens 42
19 Brandon Dixon DB Jets 30
20 Walt Powell WR Cardinals 30
21 Demetri Goodson DB Packers 41
22 Zach Moore DE Patriots 46
23 Garrett Scott OT Seahawks 30
24 Laurent Duvernay-Tardif OT Chiefs 42
25 Marion Grice RB Chargers 50
26 Tavon Rooks OT Saints 30
27 Andrew Jackson ILB Colts 49
28 Tyler Gaffney RB Panthers 56
29 Luke Bowanko C Jaguars 30
30 Jemea Thomas S Patriots 47
31 Matt Paradis C Broncos 30
32 Eric Pinkins S Seahawks 30
33 Quincy Enunwa WR Jets 39
34 IK Enemkpali DE Jets 31
35 Jay Prosch FB Texans 36
36 Marquis Flowers OLB Bengals 30
37 Tajh Boyd QB Jets 39
38 Garrett Gilbert QB Rams 31
39 Dan McCullers DT Steelers 62

[Nconroe]

CB Andre Hal Vandy

Average size for CB, good KR, competitive cover apparently from Vanderbilt

Only Mr Irrelevant to go.

[popanot]

Looks like BOB wants a team that will beat the $h#t out of the other team. No more Kubiak finesse. I'm good with that.

[painekiller]

Only Mr Irrelevant to go.

Solid draft, going for big tough guys. Can't wait for this to be over

[HPF Bob]

Will a Longhorn get picked before a gay guy? :confused:

Cowboys have five picks late. Jackson Jeffcoat's father was longtime Cowboys DE Jim Jeffcoat. Plus we know what a publicity whore Jerry Jones is. This could get interesting.

[barrett]

Looks like BOB wants a team that will beat the $h#t out of the other team. No more Kubiak finesse. I'm good with that.

That was my thought. We will apparently be big and physical.

[HPF Bob]

Texans should offer to take Michael Sam as Mr. Irrelevant if the league promises to add a third round comp pick for next year. See if it flies.

[chuck]

The gay guy gets drafted before any Longhorn. That sounds about right.

[HPF Bob]

The gay guy gets drafted before any Longhorn. That sounds about right.

You just gotta laugh. UT will be back.

Guaranteed the Rams get chosen for "Hard Knocks" now.

[chuck]

You just gotta laugh. UT will be back.

Guaranteed the Rams get chosen for "Hard Knocks" now.

I certainly hope the new guy is interested in coaching his players. The old guy obviously wasn't.

I hope that young man goes out and plays great and we can collectively turn a page and start thinking about something else. I'm proud of him and proud of the Rams.

[Arky]

Lonnie Ballentine S Memphis

[HPF Bob]

He deserves a fair shot. The NFL has had gay players before and survived.

And the draft closes with a Ballentine!

[Arky]

Round 7 in the books (w/ESPN grade):

1 Dre Hal DB Texans 42
2 Ted Bolser TE Redskins 30
3 Michael Campanaro WR Ravens 47
4 T.J. Carrie DB Raiders 43
5 Shamar Stephen DT Vikings 67
6 Randell Johnson OLB Bills 30
7 Storm Johnson RB Jaguars 59
8 Brandon Watts OLB Vikings 31
9 Beau Allen DT Eagles 36
10 Jabari Price DB Vikings 40
11 Mitchell Van Dyk OT Rams 30
12 Kiero Small FB Seahawks 30
13 Zach Hocker PK Redskins 30
14 Nate Freese PK Lions 30
15 Rob Blanchflower TE Steelers 34
16 Ben Gardner DE Cowboys 38
17 Ulrick John OT Colts 30
18 Trevor Reilly OLB Jets 30
19 Terrence Fede DE Dolphins 30
20 Shelby Harris DE Raiders 30
21 Jeff Janis WR Packers 52
22 Seantrel Henderson OT Bills 53
23 Will Smith ILB Cowboys 30
24 James Wright WR Bengals --
25 Tevin Reese WR Chargers 49
26 C.B. Bryant S Rams 30
27 Corey Nelson OLB Broncos 30
28 Kaleb Ramsey DT 49ers 37
29 Jeremy Gallon WR Patriots 30
30 Trey Millard FB 49ers 40
31 Charles Leno OT Bears 49
32 Jonathan Dowling DB Raiders 46
33 Ahmad Dixon S Cowboys 56
34 Michael Sam DE Rams 43
35 Demetrius Rhaney C Rams 30
36 Ken Bishop DT Cowboys 30
37 Lavelle Westbrooks DB Bengals 48
38 Yawin Smallwood ILB Falcons 48
39 Terrance Mitchell DB Cowboys 55
40 Tyler Starr OLB Falcons 35
41 Lonnie Ballentine S Texans 33

[chuck]

He deserves a fair shot. The NFL has had gay players before and survived.

And the draft closes with a Ballentine!

One of my all-time favorite Oilers was gay as a picnic basket.

[HPF Bob]

One of my all-time favorite Oilers was gay as a picnic basket.

I didn't know you knew them so personally, Chuck. ;)

[Keith]

Re: Sam, if there is a head coach capable of managing distractions, I'd pick Jeff Fisher. He did an admirable job during the Oilers move to Tennessee, and in general, working for a publicity nightmare of an owner in Bud Adams.

[barrett]

Re: Sam, if there is a head coach capable of managing distractions, I'd pick Jeff Fisher. He did an admirable job during the Oilers move to Tennessee, and in general, working for a publicity nightmare of an owner in Bud Adams.

Just don't ask his teams to score points or do anything other than lap the rest of the league when it comes to personal fouls.

[Nconroe]

This Mr Irrelevant seems to have raw physical skills, ran 4.38 at pro day.

Good special teams to start

Lonnie Ballentine (FS)
HT: 6'3" WT: 219LBS.
POSITION: FS
SCHOOL: Memphis
ARM LENGTH: 33"
HANDS: 9 1/2"

[Roy P]

I like the FB from Auburn. Didn't think we'd draft one. Should help the running game immensely.

[Keith]

In case you didn't get enough of the draft this weekend, channel 13 locally is airing a draft special "Texans Reloaded: 2014 Draft" at 11pm Sunday night.

[Joshua]

By all accounts, Sam seems like a good guy and what he did definitely took courage so I hope he's able to make it. However, I do find it ironic that the people (particularly media) pushing for him are the ones doing him the biggest disservice.

He's a marginal prospect. But because of his coming out, he will create a disportionate amount of media coverage. I suspect most coaches don't like the idea of getting asked repeated questions about fringe guys (see Tebow the last year or so). Moreover, it won't just be the coaches who get asked. Every player is going to get asked questions about him as well. Many of these guys are young and maybe not the most PR savvy. So, a team now has to worry about someone sticking their foot in their mouth constantly. And finally, since he is a fringe guy, there is a very real possibility (likelihood?) that he doesn't make it out of training camp. When he's cut, it won't simply be a 7th rounder washing out like most do. Questions will invariably arise about whether the coach/team is homophobic and didn't want a gay guy on the team. All of these questions will be in the name of purportedly helping Sam, but all they will do is make his transition that much more difficult and make it more likely that another team decides not to deal with the hassle.

[popanot]

For the love God PLEASE DO NOT let Savage have #8. Keenum has Savage's college #7. Maybe they should cut Andy Cruse so Savage can take #12 and hopefully get some of that #12 luck. Oh well, ANYTHING but #8!!!

[WMH]

For the love God PLEASE DO NOT let Savage have #8. Keenum has Savage's college #7. Maybe they should cut Andy Cruse so Savage can take #12 and hopefully get some of that #12 luck. Oh well, ANYTHING but #8!!!

Changed his twitter to # "3".

[HPF Bob]

#3 is fitting because that will probably be his role this season...

[popanot]

I have a feeling #7 will be available soon.

[nunusguy]

I have a feeling #7 will be available soon.
Yep, "friends of Gary" need not apply for work on OB's football team.

[Nconroe]

Looks like no. 3 for Savage.

Here is table showiung CBS draft board, player rank, pos. rank, predicted round, ht, wt, and just added jersey no with Texans.

Rank Jersey Player Pos. Pos. Rank School Class Ht. Wt. Proj. Round
1 90 *Jadeveon Clowney DE 1 South Carolina Jr 6/5 266 1
27 79 *Xavier Su'a-Filo OG 2 UCLA rJr 6/4 307 1/2
107 87 C.J. Fiedorowicz TE 5 Iowa Sr 6/6 265 3/4
24 92 *Louis Nix DT 2 Notre Dame rJr 6/2 331 1
45 3 Tom Savage QB 5 Pittsburgh rSr 6/4 228 2
266 97 *Jeoffrey Pagan DE 22 Alabama Jr 6/4 310 7-FA
323 44 Alfred Blue RB 24 LSU Sr 6/2 223 7-FA
155 45 Jay Prosch FB 1 Auburn rSr 6/1 254 5
279 38 Andre Hal CB 34 Vanderbilt Sr 5/10 188 7-FA
231 39 Lonnie Ballentine FS 9 Memphis Sr 6/3 219 6/7