2015 Mocks

[painekiller]

WalterFootball Mock

10/28/14

13 Houston Texans: Cedric Ogbuhei, OT, Texas A&M
The Texans have won too many games to be in contention for one of the top three quarterbacks. Instead, they'll have to make an upgrade elsewhere, and one area they could consider is the right tackle position. Derek Newton has looked like a human turnstile this season, so Houston could consider bolstering its blocking.

Pick change; previously Landon Collins, S

45 Houston Texans: Shawn Oakman, DE/DT, Baylor
The Texans have struggled against the run this year because they miss Antonio Smith, whom they failed to replace this past offseason. Here's an upgrade who will make their defensive front even more formidable.

Pick change; previously Danny Shelton, NT

77 Houston Texans: Wayne Lyons, CB, Stanford
The Texans wanted to address cornerback depth in the previous offseason, but never got around to it. Perhaps they will this spring.

Pick change; previously Sean Mannion, QB

I could live with this one. My list of needs is QB, CB, OT, WR, S

At some point they need to play the two QBs on the bench to see what we have, or do they look that bad in practice. We maybe needing two CBs early in this draft, we all know they need another answer at ROT, AJ is not getting younger and WRs take time to mature. Lastly we need an future upgrade at Safety.

[chuck]

Umm, Derek Newton has been one of the best OL on the team this year. At 13 you could make an argument for damn near any other position on the team other than OT. They need to watch some Texans games over there, painful as that might be.

If the Texans do pick in that area I think that is prime CB territory.

[HPF Bob]

Time to replace Watt... (j/k)

I don't think Walter has watched any Texans games this year. We need a new QB, yes, but not another project so unless one is there in the first that we like, we need to turn our attention to trades and free agents.

We could always use better DBs and more help at ILB. Pinkett has helped a lot at DT.

The OL has been improving although I'd love some upgrades there. Another WR if we aren't going to play Posey and let's find somebody who knows how to field and run back kicks.

[painekiller]

We could always use better DBs and more help at ILB. Pinkett has helped a lot at DT.


How could I forget ILB?

[Nconroe]

Pickett is 35 and came out of retirement, but for sure helping. Maybe DT or DE help needed as well. We aren't really getting that much pressure on QB so far this year. Maybe that pass rush will improve as Clowney and Cushing get in shape. And as young guys get experience.

Run offense ranked 5th and run defense ranked 13th, everything else in mid-20s, so, yeah, almost any position could upgrade.

[HPF Bob]

I'd rather see what Nix has to offer next year before using a top pick on a nose guard. Maybe he's a fat ass with a bad knee who can't control his weight but maybe he'll realize he's blowing a chance for a good career and want to be the fireplug NT we invested in.

[painekiller]

What about a draft of :

13 Marcus Peters CB Washington rJr 6-0 198
45 Benardrick McKinney ILB Mississippi State rJr 6-4 249
77 Sean Mannion QB Oregon State rSr 6-5 220

[painekiller]

CBSSports.com posted a Mock 10.26.14

14. Houston Texans -- Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State: Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick may keep the Texans from picking in the top 10 but he's clearly not the long-term answer and there has been little indication to this point that fourth round pick Tom Savage is either. Scouts are intrigued by Cook's confidence, poise and strong arm and Bill O'Brien would know him well.

[popanot]

Saw on my Twitter feed this morning Cook has decided to return to Michigan State next year. Of course, that could change, but he felt the need to announce it now so I guess there's something to it.

EDIT w/LINK: http://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/michigan-state/spartans/2014/10/30/msus-connor-cook-says-return-season/18210927/

[WMH]

Wasn't sure where to stick this, but thought this was interesting. Came out due to the Pack cutting their 2011 1st rounder.
@dpbrugler: NFL 1st rounders still on team that drafted him
2010: 28
2009: 11
2008: 10
2007: 10
2006: 10
2005: 4
2004: 5
2003: 3
2002: 0
2001: 1
2000: 1

[painekiller]

Walters new mock is out. 11.25.14

12 Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Texans could target the wide receiver position in the first round this upcoming April. Andre Johnson won't be on the team much longer, so Houston will have to find a new starting wideout across from DeAndre Hopkins.

45 Denzel Perryman, LB, Miami
The Texans need some help in the middle of their defense, as the disappointing Brian Cushing won't be around much longer.

Pick change; previously Benardrick McKinney, LB

76 Cam Thomas, CB, Western Kentucky
The Texans wanted to address cornerback depth in the previous offseason, but never got around to it. Perhaps they will this spring.

Any thoughts on this one?

[painekiller]

One of my first attempt at a mock. I am paying closer attention to the position than the player himself, I have not had much college game time this season.

12 P.J. Williams CB Florida State Jr 6-0 196
45 Ty Montgomery WR Stanford Sr 6-2 215
76 Kurtis Drummond FS Michigan State rSr 6-1 200
108 Eric Kendricks ILB UCLA rSr 6-0 230

I was also looking at OL, and QB if the team is not sold on one of the current guys.

[painekiller]

WaltersFootball 12.3.14

13 Kevin White, WR, West Virginia
The Texans could target the wide receiver position in the first round this upcoming April. Andre Johnson won't be on the team much longer, so Houston will have to find a new starting wideout across from DeAndre Hopkins.

45 Shawn Oakman, DE/DT, Baylor
The Texans have struggled against the run this year because they miss Antonio Smith, whom they failed to replace this past offseason. Here's an upgrade who will make their defensive front even more formidable.

Some are saying that Shawn Oakman is a top-10 prospect, but they are making the mistake of not reading Charlie Campbell's NFL Draft Rumor Mill, where Charlie reported that one NFL general manager considers Oakman to be a third-day prospect.

Pick change; previously Denzel Perryman, LB

77 Cam Thomas, CB, Western Kentucky
The Texans wanted to address cornerback depth in the previous offseason, but never got around to it. Perhaps they will this spring.

[painekiller]

Walters 12.17.14

13 Houston Texans: P.J. Williams, CB, Florida State
The Texans wanted to address cornerback depth in the previous offseason, but never got around to it. Perhaps they will this spring after seeing how poorly their corners performed this season.

Pick change; previously Kevin White, WR

45 Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
The Texans could target the wide receiver position in early rounds this upcoming April. Andre Johnson won't be on the team much longer, so Houston will have to find a new starting wideout across from DeAndre Hopkins.

Pick change; previously Jalen Collins, CB

79 Houston Texans: Sean Hickey, OT, Syracuse
Derek Newton is a liability at right tackle that the Texans should think about addressing.

Pick change; previously Ray Drew, DE/DT

IMO Walters has not watched a single game this season of the Texans. I can see them going CB-WR 1-2, but his comments have not been updated most of the season for our guys.

[painekiller]

draftsite.com (http://www.draftsite.com/nfl/mock-draft/2015/)

13 Danny Shelton DT Washington 6' 1" 325

45 Nick O'Leary TE Florida State 6' 3" 250

77 Le'Raven Clark* OT Texas Tech 6' 5" 320

109 Lorenzo Mauldin OLB Louisville 6' 3" 245

141 R.J. Harris WR New Hampshire 5' 10" 200

[HPF Bob]

Rob Rang currently has us picking Shelton.

Walters typically changes their picks but not their narratives. Once the season is over, that will probably get updated.

[chuck]

IMO Walters has not watched a single game this season of the Texans.

That's a luxury enjoyed by most people who are not Texans fans.

[Arky]

Walters 12.17.14

.......
IMO Walters has not watched a single game this season of the Texans. I can see them going CB-WR 1-2, but his comments have not been updated most of the season for our guys.

Eheh, Walter sometimes makes "old" statements like this.... I always cut him some slack cause his job is to stay on top of 32 NFL teams and all the prospects coming from college while most of us don't.....

[painekiller]

What if? My Mock 2015 2.0

13 *Shawn Oakman 3/4 DE Baylor rJr 6-8 275 Either BOB loves this kid, or he doesn't give him the time of day after his stint at Penn St. If he loves the kid and Clowney returns healthy someday, we could have a front seven of Watt, Nix, Oakman, Mercilus, Cushing, Mohamed, Clowney. Call it the "Pick Your Poison Defense". That is 5 guys who play in the other teams backfield on most plays.

45 Ty Montgomery WR/KR Stanford Sr 6-2 215

77 *Charles Gaines CB/PR Louisville rJr 5-11 175

109 *Tyler Kroft TE Rutgers rJr 6-5 240

141 Ladarius Gunter CB Miami (Fla.) rSr 6-2 198

173 Quandre Diggs DB Texas Sr 5-10 204

I don't think we go DE in the 1st, but it could be fun to envision.

[popanot]

draftsite.com (http://www.draftsite.com/nfl/mock-draft/2015/)

13 Danny Shelton DT Washington 6' 1" 325

45 Nick O'Leary TE Florida State 6' 3" 250

77 Le'Raven Clark* OT Texas Tech 6' 5" 320

109 Lorenzo Mauldin OLB Louisville 6' 3" 245

141 R.J. Harris WR New Hampshire 5' 10" 200This looks exactly like a Rick Smith draft. Horrible.

[painekiller]

Just got a mock from DraftTek.com (http://www.drafttek.com/2015-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp) dated 12.17.14

14 Brett Hundley UCLA QB 6'3" 227
Well, Ryan Mallett didn't show much during his short audition . . . and he's a F/A in 2015. Ryan Fitzpatrick is injured and has one more year on his 2-year contract with the Texans . . . and Tom Savage looked like a 3rd-string rookie QB starting his first game against the Colts. Folks, this team needs a QB and the athletic Hundley from UCLA should be a nice candidate for HC O'Brien to groom.

46 Charles Gaines Louisville CB 5'11" 175
Starter Kareem Jackson is a F/A in 2015 . . . do you open the vault for a player better suited to play nickel? Johnathan Joseph needs a pick-pocket partner in crime and so far, Messrs. Hal, Bouye, Morris, or Rolle have not stepped up to the plate. Gaines led the Cardinals in interceptions as a sophomore and has great hands, as he has also played offense.

78 Josh Harper Fresno State WRF 6'1" 185

110 Tevin Coleman Indiana RBF 6'1" 210

[painekiller]

New Walter's mock

15 Ronald Darby, CB, Florida State
The Texans wanted to address cornerback depth in the previous offseason, but never got around to it. Perhaps they will this spring after seeing how poorly their corners performed this season.

Pick change; previously P.J. Williams, CB

50 Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
The Texans really need help in the interior of their defense, as Brian Cushing is not expected back with the team next year.

Pick change; previously Sammie Coates, WR

81 Ray Drew, DE/DT, Georgia
The Texans have struggled against the run this year because they miss Antonio Smith, whom they failed to replace this past offseason. Here's an upgrade who will make their defensive front even more formidable.

Pick change; previously Sean Hickey, OT


I like a CB in the 1st, and would like an SEC ILB in the 2nd round. I do not agree that we are weak against the run currently at DE. I am also looking forward to Nix's return next off season.

But I am not sure the guys we have are what RAC would ideally have on defense.

[painekiller]

Another Walter Mock

16 Landon Collins, S, Alabama
Landon Collins slips a bit out of circumstance in this update, but the Texans won't complain too much. They have some issues at safety that they need to address. Former second-rounder D.J. Swearinger has not lived up to expectations.

Pick change; previously Ronald Darby, CB

51 Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State
The Texans really need help in the interior of their defense, as Brian Cushing is not expected back with the team next year.

82 Josh Harper, WR, Fresno State
It's unknown how much longer Andre Johnson will last, but the Texans could look into adding a future No. 2 wideout across from DeAndre Hopkins.

Pick change; previously Ray Drew, DE/DT

[barrett]

I would not bring back Cushing (even though he's one of my all time favorites), but I had not heard it was likely the Texans wouldn't bring him back.

[chuck]

I'm really excited about this. Why, the last time the Texans had the #16 pick they made off with Travis Johnson!

What a complete joke this team is. Yes, Casserly, I know. But let's get back to reality today. Two playoff wins in thirteen years. This is 100% on the owner. He is a fkwit. His son is worse. We are going to have to live with Cal McDickwit for another, hell, lifetime.

Sure, BOB seems to break the mold of previous Texans head coaches by not being a total dickwit but with these clowns at the controls that will get us only so far.

[HPF Bob]

They made off with Travis Johnson after trading out of the spot to take LB Derrick Johnson. Still wince over that one.

[chuck]

They made off with Travis Johnson after trading out of the spot to take LB Derrick Johnson. Still wince over that one.

I was literally jumping up and down when it became clear that Derrick Johnson would be available. Then the Texans went and did what they did and I sat back down in total disbelief. You know, honestly, things haven't been quite the same between the team and me since. Hell, I used to travel significant distances to watch PRESEASON games. And now I haven't attended a game of any kind in years. I might just go to the game in Miami next year, though, depending on when it is.

[barrett]

Neither of these QBs looks very good in this semi final. Mariotta looks about like what I see when I watch my local HS team (Manvel), except he's bigger with a bigger arm. I think in the whole 1st half he has attempted to make an on time pass in the pocket to a receiver more than 5 yards downfield about 3 times. It's a junior high offense.

I'd go with Winston if I was picking between the two. I've seen more guys grow up in the NFL than I've seen guys learn to be QBs.

[Nconroe]

I would not bring back Cushing (even though he's one of my all time favorites), but I had not heard it was likely the Texans wouldn't bring him back.

I was surprised by that comment, but still hope for Cushing to fully recover and be back.

But I'm good with drafting a top ILB fairly early.

[HPF Bob]

BTW, what choice was Cushing? Wasn't he mid-first a few years back?

[painekiller]

I would not bring back Cushing (even though he's one of my all time favorites), but I had not heard it was likely the Texans wouldn't bring him back.

My understanding of the cap hit on Cushing is that he will cost more to cut than to keep this year, from a football move cutting Cushing makes sense, from a cap move it doesn't. I could be wrong on the cap hit.

No matter Cushing health, the team needs to draft another ILB in the top three rounds.

[painekiller]

BTW, what choice was Cushing? Wasn't he mid-first a few years back?

He was #15 in 2009

[Keith]

My understanding of the cap hit on Cushing is that he will cost more to cut than to keep this year, from a football move cutting Cushing makes sense, from a cap move it doesn't. I could be wrong on the cap hit.
Yeah, Cushing isn't really the one to cut. You could try to ask him to restructure his base, which I think is $4 million in 2015, but there are many other spots on the roster more easily addressed financially than Cushing this season. He signed like a 6-yr extension two years ago, so he's probably here not just for 2015 but for 2016 as well.

[painekiller]

a new drafttek mock 2.18.15

16 Houston Malcom Brown Texas DT34 6'4" 320

The Texans are not influenced by opinions when considering in-state selections; the correlation between talent, value, and need supercedes emotion. Texans' draft decisions are based on what's best for the team, and Big Malcolm's versatility makes this pick intriguing. Houston already has a phenom unleashing havoc on opposing QBs and RBs; it's time to get JJ a dance partner. The "next-best thing" to having one dominant, versatile, and respectful defensive lineman . . . is having two! Scheme-versatile players increase play call flexibility and make the defense more unpredictable. Opponents must prepare for multiple alignments instead of just one. Malcom is not going to come in and produce JJ Watt numbers during his rookie season, although he is a plug-and-play rookie with the versatility to have a special career. ~CME, Texans Analyst

51 Houston Charles Gaines Louisville CB 5'11" 175
Upcoming roster moves will play a significant role in determining priority levels assigned to position groups as the Texans construct their draft board. Uncertainty surrounding the CB position makes one thing certain; the Texans must address the position before the 2015 season. Even if Kareem is re-signed to a long-term deal, J Joe has a large cap figure and is not getting any younger. The earlier a replacement is identified, the better. Charles Gaines has a reputation for making "Deion-like business decisions" when it comes to tackling, but his coverage skills are in-line with the best CBs in this draft. Gaines is a former WR who understands route concepts and would fit nicely into the Texans' nickel CB role. In addition to his defensive prowess, Gaines provides an immediate boost to the return game. ~CME, Texans Analyst

82 Houston Tony Lippett Michigan State WRF 6'3" 190
113 Houston Ameer Abdullah Nebraska RBC 5'9" 194
144 Houston Tyler Kroft Rutgers TE 6'6" 240
179 Houston Sean Mannion Oregon St QB 6'4" 220
210 Houston Junior Sylvestre Toledo ILB 6'0" 222

Not sure I agree with this one, though another DT could give this team a jumbo package it currently does not possess, and if Nix comes back healthy, it gives the team the potential to have a formidable rotation at the NT. As for the CB, not sure BOB will go for a CB who shy's away from tackling.

[HPF Bob]

One thing you have to agree is that the Texans have never been into drafting local fan favorites from college. Even Case Keenum was a UDFA, not a draft choice. We passed on big-name Aggies and Longhorns several times over the years.

[painekiller]

One thing you have to agree is that the Texans have never been into drafting local fan favorites from college. Even Case Keenum was a UDFA, not a draft choice. We passed on big-name Aggies and Longhorns several times over the years.

In 2003 the Texans took Chance Pearce OC Texas A&M
In 2004 they took Sloan Thomas WR Texas
BTW Casserly's drafts really sucked
In 2007 Kasey Studdard OG Texas
In 2008 Frank Okam DT Texas
In 2009 James Casey TE Rice
In 2011 Cheta Ozougwu DE Rice
In 2012 Randy Bullock K Texas A&M

So not many local kids, and sadly even less memorable local kids.

This was more interesting to me:

Position Picks 1st Round
Quarterback 6 1
Running Back 7 0
Fullback 1 0
Wide Receiver 9 2
Tight End 6 0
Offensive Tackle 7 1
Offensive Guard 6 0
Center 4 0
Defensive End 7 3
Defensive Tackle 8 2
Linebacker 10 2
Cornerback 11 2
Safety 9 0
Kicker 1 0
Punter 0 0

Very little offense has been drafted in the 1st by this team 4/9 (O/D)

Edit note *** Sorry this is hard to read, it is all lined up until I hit save.

[HPF Bob]

I think those were all last-day choices though. Clearly "We have to get to Peyton Manning" has been the draft's overall meme all these years.

[painekiller]

I think those were all last-day choices though. Clearly "We have to get to Peyton Manning" has been the draft's overall meme all these years.

Yes to both points. And I agree with general premise that the team has not used local talent as a bump up the board.

I think we can name a view guys from the big state schools that many fans wanted the team to draft, and none where picked.

[painekiller]

DraftSite.com has this 7 round mock. (http://www.draftsite.com/nfl/mock-draft/2015/)

16 Malcom Brown DT Texas 6' 3" 325
51 Jalen Collins* CB LSU 6' 0" 195
82 Rob Havenstein OT Wisconsin 6' 7" 330
113 Deontay Greenberry* WR Houston 6' 2" 200
144 Arie Kouandijo OG Alabama 6' 5" 320
179 Shaquille Riddick OLB West Virginia 6' 5" 245
210 Xzavier Dickson ILB Alabama 6' 2" 265

The teams FA loses and signing will have an impact on this mock.

My take:
16 Melvin Gordon* RB Wisconsin 6' 1" 205
51 Alex Carter* CB Stanford 6' 0" 195
82 Clive Walford TE Miami 6' 4" 255
113 Donovan Smith* OT Penn State 6' 6" 340
144 Mike Hull ILB Penn State 6' 0" 230
179 Adrian Amos S Penn State 6' 0" 215
210 Darren Waller WR Georgia Tech 6' 6" 240

Why not a Penn St heavy draft? I am kidding about that, but the position groups might be close, and I would not be shocked if they drafted 2 TEs. I am interested in getting faster on offense, thus Gordon the kid can fly. I am not feeling any of the QBs projected to be available to them.Would not be upset if they signed Jerry Lovelocke QB Prairie View A&M as an UDFA.

[chuck]

Vandermeer had a mock up that I didn't hate.

First Round – Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State

Second Round – Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami

Third Round – Donovan Smith, OT Penn State

Fourth Round – Bryce Petty, QB Baylor

Fifth Round – Deontay Greenberry, WR Houston

Sixth Round – Jean Sifrin, TE UMass

Seventh Round – Malcolm Brown, RB Texas

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/VanderMOCK-10/00c694e9-5104-4d0f-9cad-41c6dffbfac6

[HPF Bob]

Vandermeer had a mock up that I didn't hate.

First Round – Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State

Second Round – Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami

Third Round – Donovan Smith, OT Penn State

Fourth Round – Bryce Petty, QB Baylor

Fifth Round – Deontay Greenberry, WR Houston

Sixth Round – Jean Sifrin, TE UMass

Seventh Round – Malcolm Brown, RB Texas

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/VanderMOCK-10/00c694e9-5104-4d0f-9cad-41c6dffbfac6

Really early to do a lot of round-projecting but I think many on this list will be gone by the time we're on the clock. Waynes is a good call but I've seen Perryman listed as a first-rounder, Petty as a third-rounder and Greenberry as a fourth so it looks great if you can grab them the middle of the next round. That's what I hate about cherry-picking with no context.

[chuck]

Maybe that's why I didn't hate it, because it's unreasonably optimistic.

[painekiller]

Vandermeer had a mock up that I didn't hate.

First Round – Trae Waynes, CB Michigan State

Second Round – Denzel Perryman, ILB Miami

Third Round – Donovan Smith, OT Penn State

Fourth Round – Bryce Petty, QB Baylor

Fifth Round – Deontay Greenberry, WR Houston

Sixth Round – Jean Sifrin, TE UMass

Seventh Round – Malcolm Brown, RB Texas

http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/VanderMOCK-10/00c694e9-5104-4d0f-9cad-41c6dffbfac6

I would have to agree, that is not half bad.

[painekiller]

Really early to do a lot of round-projecting but I think many on this list will be gone by the time we're on the clock. Waynes is a good call but I've seen Perryman listed as a first-rounder, Petty as a third-rounder and Greenberry as a fourth so it looks great if you can grab them the middle of the next round. That's what I hate about cherry-picking with no context.

I would agree that it's early, but currently cbssports has Perryman at 54, Petty at 117, Greenberry at 160. And the Texans picks currently are 51, 113, and 144.

As you have pointed out there is no consensus on these guys and where that stack up, but there are some list that would make these picks possible.

[Nconroe]

Texans have their weekly survey of 28 draft sites up
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Mock-Draft-30-Waynes-World/49fb3bac-cb3e-4433-8d6c-4caba8b424d0

Pick breakdown

CB: 7 (25%)
OT: 6 (21%)
LB: 4 (14%)
S: 4 (14%)
DL: 3 (11%)
RB: 2 (7%)
WR & TE each with 1 apiece for 4% each

Texans included a nice video from combine of Trae Waynes running 40 in 4.35 who was picked by six of seven drafters picking a CB.

There is also a video analyzing team needs which quotes O'Brien to McClain answering QB, WR, secondary, line backers.

Of course that list of needs makes sense when you look at Texans top seven FA , who could be gone if not signed by March 10, next week.
◾ Kareem Jackson, CB
◾ Brooks Reed, OLB
◾ Ryan Pickett, DT
◾ Danieal Manning, S
◾ Kendrick Lewis, S
◾ Ryan Mallett, QB
◾ Derek Newton, OT

[painekiller]

Texans have their weekly survey of 28 draft sites up
http://www.houstontexans.com/news/article-2/Mock-Draft-30-Waynes-World/49fb3bac-cb3e-4433-8d6c-4caba8b424d0

Pick breakdown

WR & TE each with 1 apiece for 4% each



I bet that percent goes up next week.

[HPF Bob]

I'd like to see us trade down unless somebody jumps out at #16. The mocks I look at, we could go down to 22-24, pick up another second day pick and add another contributor.

[painekiller]

I'd like to see us trade down unless somebody jumps out at #16. The mocks I look at, we could go down to 22-24, pick up another second day pick and add another contributor.

That's not a bad idea

[Roy P]

I did a mock draft on Fanspeak.com with the intention of taking CB Kevin Johnson TE Clive Warford and WR Tyler Lockett in the first three rounds. Instead it played out like this :
16 WR Amari Cooper
51 TE Maxx Williams
82 CB Byron Jones
113 QB Bryce Petty
144 RT Rob Havenstein
179 LG Mitch Morse
210 FS Damorious Randall
I wanted a ILB & DT and perhaps an OLB, but really couldn't complain about the results.

[painekiller]

Just got a new Mock from DraftTek (http://www.drafttek.com/2015-NFL-Mock-Draft-Round1.asp)

16 Malcom Brown Texas DT34 6'4" 320
51 Devin Smith Ohio St WRF 6'1" 197
82 Duke Johnson Miami (FL) RBF 5'9" 207
113 Charles Gaines Louisville CB 5'11" 175
144 Ben Heeney Kansas ILB 6'0" 231
179 Deion Barnes Penn St DE34 6'4" 245
210 Chris Conley Georgia WRF 6'2" 213

[Roy P]

I would have to take Preston Smith instead of Duke Johnson. But I like the players.

[Blitzwood]

Just read some of the best news.
BOB interviewed Chris Conley for an hour at UGA proday.
He's a kid I'm REALLY hoping we draft this year, and a perfect compliment to Hopkins. Is projected to go in the 4-5 round, but may go sooner after is ridiculous combine.


http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/10507/bill-obrien-takes-in-georgias-pro-day-meets-with-chris-conley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmPVipftmes

[HPF Bob]

Most of the mocks now have us taking a WR in the first round - mostly Devante Parker or Jaelen Strong with one (Rob Rang) thinking we'll be the ones to believe in Dorial Green-Beckham.

I don't think DG-B is a possibility but I have been doing at least one mock a day at Fanspeak and it is interesting how often somebody falls at #16 you didn't expect and that trade-down possibilties are there. With all the trading frenzy that happened in free agency, some draft-day trades also seem very likely. Could the Texans be one?

Would the Browns (at 19) or the Eagles (at 20) be in the mood to deal?

[Arky]

Just read some of the best news.
BOB interviewed Chris Conley for an hour at UGA proday.
He's a kid I'm REALLY hoping we draft this year, and a perfect compliment to Hopkins. Is projected to go in the 4-5 round, but may go sooner after is ridiculous combine.


http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-texans/post/_/id/10507/bill-obrien-takes-in-georgias-pro-day-meets-with-chris-conley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmPVipftmes

Cool stuff... He sounds like a good athlete....

I wonder if Obie spoke with that Gurly fella while he was there....

[nunusguy]

Just read some of the best news.
BOB interviewed Chris Conley for an hour at UGA proday.
He's a kid I'm REALLY hoping we draft this year, and a perfect compliment to Hopkins. Is projected to go in the 4-5 round, but may go sooner after is ridiculous combine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmPVipftmes

Conley is a sub 4.4 40 guy and that's the kind of speed we need to compliment Hops who's not that kind of burner. Forget about the 4-5 range, and after this kids pro day there's no telling how high he' gonna go. Wonder if O'Brien really likes him that much, or if it's some kind of decoy or diversion to make that big show about visiting him personally at his PD ?

[Roy P]

I have been doing at least one mock a day at Fanspeak and it is interesting how often somebody falls at #16 you didn't expect and that trade-down possibilties are there. With all the trading frenzy that happened in free agency, some draft-day trades also seem very likely.
/QUOTE]

I have drafted Amari Cooper and Kevin White. As well as Bud Dupree and Randy Gregory. Even Shane Ray could fall after his Pro Day.

[HPF Bob]

I have been doing at least one mock a day at Fanspeak and it is interesting how often somebody falls at #16 you didn't expect and that trade-down possibilties are there. With all the trading frenzy that happened in free agency, some draft-day trades also seem very likely.


I have drafted Amari Cooper and Kevin White. As well as Bud Dupree and Randy Gregory. Even Shane Ray could fall after his Pro Day.

I have either done the same or had the opportunity. My eyes popped when it was Gregory. As much as I wanted to draft a WR in the first, I chose Gregory. I've seen him go as early as #3 in some mocks. Imagine if we could throw him, Watt, Wilfork, Cushing and a healthy Clowney at teams?

Here's a fairly representative sample. Keep in mind that this is before the comp picks are announced and without much study of lower-round prospects. When it got to 16, Devante Parker was available but there were also some good defensive players and Jaelen Strong was still on the board so I traded down with Cincinnati to #21 and acquired their third-rounder, thinking I still had Strong if I lost out on Parker. Instead, Parker was still there.

#21 - (from CIN) Devante Parker, WR, Louisville
#51 - Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
#82 - Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon (if Myers isn't re-signed, we need a C behind Ben Jones)
#85 - (from CIN) Jesse James, TE, Penn St. (for O'Brien)
#113 - Chris Hackett, S, TCU
#144 - Chris Conley, WR, Georgia (since he's still there and we publicly courted him)
#179 - Quandre Diggs, CB, Texas (fell off a bit as a senior but has NFL talent)
#210 - Chucky Hunter, DT, TCU

I have my doubts about Conley but the others could realistically be there at that point of the draft.

[Roy P]

I am a bit skeptical of some of the draft boards that I am seeing them use. If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Yet it is nice to see some of the possibilities. I also use it to verify when I like a player too much and draft them in the 3rd round and see them consistently being drafted in the 5th or 6th round if I pass on them. I have used four different draft boards and these are some of the permutations :

1st round - Amari Cooper, Bud Dupree, Jaelen Strong, Kevin White
2nd round - Clive Walford, Laken Tomlinson, Preston Smith, Kevin Johnson
3rd round - Henry Anderson, Ali Marpet, Philip Dorsett, Xavier Cooper
4th round - Anthony Chickillo, Donovan Smith, Eric Rowe, Steven Nelson
5th round - Bryce Petty, Jesse James, Ben Heeney, Kwon Alexander
6th round - David Johnson, Derrick Lott, Tre McBride, Damarious Randall
7th round - Jake Ryan, Xavier Williams, Mitch Morse, Shane Carden

[Roy P]

As I was saying....I have a hard time buying some of the "information" I have read. So, I decided to throw my hat in the ring and create my own mock draft.

1 TB DT Leonard Williams
2 Tenn DE Dante Fowler
3 Jax DE Vic Beasley
4 Oak OLB Randy Gregory
5 Wash QB Jameis Winston
6 NYJ OLB Shane Ray
7 Chi CB Trae Waynes
8 Atl DE Bud Dupree
9 NYG S Landon Collins
10 StL WR Kevin White
11 Minn OT La'el Collins
12 Cle WR Amari Cooper
13 NO DT Malcolm Brown
14 Mia OT Ereck Flowers
15 SF OG Brandon Scherff
16 Hou WR Devante Parker
17 SD QB Marcus Mariota
18 KC OC Cameron Erving
19 Cle DT Danny Shelton
20 Phi DE Preston Smith
21 Cin WR Jaelen Strong
22 Pitt DE Arik Armstead
23 Det OT TJ Clemmings
24 Az RB Melvin Gordon
25 Car OT Andrus Peat
26 Bal RB Todd Gurley
27 Dal DT Jordan Phillips
28 Den LB Eric Kendricks
29 Ind OLB Eli Harold
30 GB DT Eddie Goldman
31 NO CB Jalen Collins
32 NE CB Kevin Johnson

Winston has too much documented off-field issues and Lovey is a Defensive Coach. He can't pass on the "Next Warren Sapp" in Tampa Bay. The Redskins can still trade RGIII since Coach Gruden doesn't seem to appreciate him. Phil Rivers is pressing his luck in SD, so the Chargers buy insurance that falls in their laps. Two RBs in the first round?!?! :p

[HPF Bob]

I can't believe Mariota falls to 17. Surely the Jets draft him if nobody else will. If we're at 16 and Mariota is still on the board, we're going to get some great offers to trade down, particularly from Philly.

[Roy P]

I can't believe Mariota falls to 17. Surely the Jets draft him if nobody else will. If we're at 16 and Mariota is still on the board, we're going to get some great offers to trade down, particularly from Philly.

I am hopeful, just not sure if Chip Kelly pulls the trigger. If Cleveland gets on the phone to express interest, then maybe. Chip may be bluffing, but it sounded like he was content with Sam Bradford & Mark Sanchez. Then, again he may be betting on Mariota falling to him at 20 after that bad Pro Day.

[Roy P]

Some things to keep in mind. Mariota could fall because he isn't NFL Ready for any other team except the Eagles. There are other players available who can make an impact in the rookie year. Now, Cleveland has an extra first round pick to risk. So, we would have to make a market and have Cleveland bidding against Philadelphia for the chance to leapfrog. We tell the Browns that Mariota isn't dropping to #19 because Philadelphia isn't staying at #20.

Looking at the Trade Value chart our #16 pick is worth 1000 points.
Cle : #19 (875), #77 (205), #108 (78) #139 (37) #173 (22)
Phi : #20 (850), #84 (170), #110 (74) #148 (32) #180 (19)

So, we could get a 3rd & 4th from Philly or a 4th, 5th, and 6th from Cleveland. So, you give up the opportunity to get a "Top 3 WR" for an extra 3rd or 4th rounder. I would do it, not sure if Rick Smith would. Of course he may only be offered a 4th & 5th or nothing at all if both teams believe that Mariota continues to free fall.

[Roy P]

I just completed another mock draft on Fanspeak.com and came away with the following :
#16 WR Amari Cooper
#51 CB Kevin Johnson
#82 WR Phillip Dorsett
#113 OC Ali Marpet
#144 OLB Anthony Chickillo
#179 OT D.J. Humphries
#210 ILB Bryce Hager

I have a hard time believing Humphries lasts that long, but was using the "Composite" Draft Board.

Considering the Eagles potential draft trade, the players available at #84 included DL Henry Anderson, QB Bryce Petty, OL Donovan Smith, & WR Devin Smith. The players available at #110 included ILBs Jake Ryan, Stephone Anthony, and Jordan Hicks.

[HPF Bob]

My latest mock attempt had all four receivers disappear on me. I traded down with the Steelers to pick up their 2nd and still able to land Malcom Brown, DT from Texas. With the board being a bit crazy, I could still get Landon Collins amd Maxx Williams in the second. I didn't get a WR until the 4th (Kevin Lockett) and 6th (Deonte Greenberry). Couldn't land a good ILB and the WRs are not star caliber but those were some nice additions.

[HPF Bob]

D.J. Humphries is the oddest selection on these mocks and big boards. He's either Top 50 or down in the fifth or sixth rounds. The NFL evaluators told him he should go back to Florida for another year and he ignored them. Apparently had a good combine.

[painekiller]

My first mock with the Comp Picks added:

16 *Malcom Brown DT Texas Jr 6-2 319
51 Jalen Collins CB LSU rJr 6-1 203
82 Phillip Dorsett WR Miami (Fla.) Sr 5-10 185
116 Bryce Petty QB Baylor rSr 6-3 230
152 Taiwan Jones ILB Michigan State Sr 6-3 245
174 Nick Marshall CB Auburn Sr 6-1 207
194 Shaquille Riddick DE West Virginia Sr 6-6 236
211 Nick Boyle TE Delaware Sr 6-4 268
216 Josh Robinson RB Mississippi State rJr 5-8 217
235 Miles Dieffenbach OG Penn State rSr 6-3 305

I admit that I don't have great knowledge at the bottom of the draft, and two CBs might be one to many. With the owner and the HC both attaching Nix, Brown is the young guy that has time to develop under Wilfork, and can play DE or DT. Dorsett adds blazing speed and allows you play Short outside. Petty is allowed to develop behind Hoyer/Mallett. Giving us our best QB room in team history.

After that, I am filling positions more so than drafting players. Some of you guys will have better selection in the late rounds.

Also I know I have been on Brown for some time, but I don't see a WR at 16, and I am not sure they go RB that early.

[HPF Bob]

A key question is whether Bryce Petty is an O'Brien type of quarterback. Plus, if he drafts someone too famous to hide on the practice squad, is it admission that they wasted a pick on Savage?

[painekiller]

A key question is whether Bryce Petty is an O'Brien type of quarterback. Plus, if he drafts someone too famous to hide on the practice squad, is it admission that they wasted a pick on Savage?

We will not know if Petty is an BOB type guy until he is or isn't picked. As for Savage, no one knows what BOB thinks there either. To my knowledge, BOB has not discussed Savage this offseason. And taking a flyer on a QB last year does not preclude us from taking a another guy this year. That is just my opinion.

[Nconroe]

I think its excellent for Texans to now have ten draft picks to work with this year. We already have three promising young QB, why confuse the issue further by drafting a fourth which couldn't stay on active roster , unless super good.

I suppose comments by BOB and RSmith are in full mislead the public mode to do with draft right now.

Found this interesting list of about 50 guys Texans have met with and had private workouts preparing for this draft. The list keeps growing. Wonder how many of these will be drafted or UDFA for Texans.

http://hou.scout.com/story/1528951-2015-houston-texans-draft-prospect-list?s=116

[Roy P]

My first mock with the Comp Picks added:

16 *Malcom Brown DT Texas Jr 6-2 319
51 Jalen Collins CB LSU rJr 6-1 203
82 Phillip Dorsett WR Miami (Fla.) Sr 5-10 185
116 Bryce Petty QB Baylor rSr 6-3 230
152 Taiwan Jones ILB Michigan State Sr 6-3 245
174 Nick Marshall CB Auburn Sr 6-1 207
194 Shaquille Riddick DE West Virginia Sr 6-6 236
211 Nick Boyle TE Delaware Sr 6-4 268
216 Josh Robinson RB Mississippi State rJr 5-8 217
235 Miles Dieffenbach OG Penn State rSr 6-3 305

I admit that I don't have great knowledge at the bottom of the draft, and two CBs might be one to many. With the owner and the HC both attaching Nix, Brown is the young guy that has time to develop under Wilfork, and can play DE or DT. Dorsett adds blazing speed and allows you play Short outside. Petty is allowed to develop behind Hoyer/Mallett. Giving us our best QB room in team history.

Also I know I have been on Brown for some time, but I don't see a WR at 16, and I am not sure they go RB that early.

I am okay with Malcolm Brown, he has size to play the NT and can push the pocket. I am a fan of Dorsett, he reminds me of Steve Smith. The 2 CBs you drafted you let battle for the Nickel and the other can play Safety when you want D. Swag on the bench because he's a liability in the passing game.

Petty is my favorite QB in the draft, if you can get him in the 3rd round or later. He is behind a guy like Andrew Luck because he's been in a gimmick Offense, which is why I shake my head about Mariota being discussed as a 1st round pick. He needs time to adjust to the NFL, but I think he could be better than Alex Smith, Andy Dalton, or Ryan Mallet in two years.

T. Jones can tackle, but I am concerned about pass coverage.

The TE reminds me of Fedorowicz. Solid, but not spectacular.

[Warren]

A key question is whether Bryce Petty is an O'Brien type of quarterback. Plus, if he drafts someone too famous to hide on the practice squad, is it admission that they wasted a pick on Savage?Since Savage was only a 4th rounder I don't think there would (or at least should) be much wailing if another young QB were drafted to compete with him. It's not like they invested much in him. Heck, since they drafted him they've already traded for and re-signed Mallett and signed Hoyer.

[Roy P]

D.J. Humphries is the oddest selection on these mocks and big boards. He's either Top 50 or down in the fifth or sixth rounds. The NFL evaluators told him he should go back to Florida for another year and he ignored them. Apparently had a good combine.

He is "raw" but the upside is great. He reminds me of a better Loadholt or Oher. Could play RT starting day one.

[painekiller]

I think its excellent for Texans to now have ten draft picks to work with this year. We already have three promising young QB, why confuse the issue further by drafting a fourth which couldn't stay on active roster , unless super good.

I suppose comments by BOB and RSmith are in full mislead the public mode to do with draft right now.

Found this interesting list of about 50 guys Texans have met with and had private workouts preparing for this draft. The list keeps growing. Wonder how many of these will be drafted or UDFA for Texans.

http://hou.scout.com/story/1528951-2015-houston-texans-draft-prospect-list?s=116


Nice List Thanks

[Roy P]

Fanspeak.com updated their Draft Board and it feels like it is getting closer to the truth. This was the top 15 picks:
1 TB - Marcus Mariota
2 Ten - Leonard Williams
3 Jax - Shane Ray
4 Oak - Kevin White
5 Was - Dante Fowler
6 NYJ - Vic Beasley
7 Chi - Amari Cooper
8 Atl - Randy Gregory
9 NYG - Brandon Scherff
10 StL - Trae Waynes
11 Min - Devante Parker
12 Cle - Landon Collins
13 NO - Malcolm Brown
14 Mia - TJ Clemmings
15 SF - Bud Dupree

So, for the Texans I selected the following :
16 OL - La'el Collins
51 CB - Kevin Johnson
82 OLB - Anthony Chickillo
116 QB - Bryce Petty
152 WR - Chris Conley
174 ILB - Jake Ryan
194 RB - Karlos Williams
211 CB - Justin Coleman
216 DL - Leterrius Walton
235 DL - Ray Drew

[Nconroe]

What happened to Jameis Winston at 1 to TB?

[painekiller]

What happened to Jameis Winston at 1 to TB?

That one pick made me stop looking at that mock.

[Roy P]

Jameis Winston was selected #20 by the Eagles.

[popanot]

If Jameis is there at #16, we take him.

[Roy P]

I have seen some Mock Drafts where Mariota falls to #20, so for the purpose of "What If" - it would be better for the Texans if both QBs were selected before our pick, pushing down a player who would fit into a need. Unless you are one of those people who would draft Winston or Mariota or hope to trade the pick to someone else who does.

[popanot]

IMO, a franchise QB is the biggest need this team has. Has ever had!! No way they should pass up on Winston or Mariota if one of them is sitting there at #16. Good God we have a Cleveland cast-off, an unproven cast-off, and an unproven 1-yr guy who didn't last a whole game. It would be insane to pass up Winston or MM. And I don't buy into this "BOB's type of guy". What is BOB's type of guy? He has a ~6' noodle-armed QB, a 6'5" strong-armed QB that nobody knows anything about, and someone in between. What is BOBs type of guy? If you have a shot at one of the top QBs in the draft - especially at a value-pick like #16, you fire that bullet, IMO. You don't sit and hope someone (Petty) will be there in RD2/3/4 or that you'll get your guy next year.

[Roy P]

IMO, a franchise QB is the biggest need this team has. Has ever had!!

I agree with your point. I just don't have faith that either Winston or Mariota are going to be a Franchise QB. And the risk if they are a bust is too great.

[HPF Bob]

I'm not convinced that either Winston or Mariota is the real deal. If they are, there's no way they are lasting to the #16 pick but if they DO happen to get to the #16 pick and we decided we don't want the risk, I'm *immediately* on the phone with Philly, Cleveland and a few others on what they would give for a trade down. SOMEBODY is going to want to jump in and grab them. Then the only question becomes what price is enough for us to pull the trigger on a trade.

I routinely get offers in Fanspeak (again, not exactly real life) to trade down into the 20-23 range for a 1st and a 2nd and I usually accept because Jaelen Strong is usually available (IMO, he's equal to Parker) and then I have the ability to add another very strong player like an ILB, a S, or a C without waiting for the third round.

The results are rather satisfying.

[painekiller]

Walter has his newest mock up with a few of the extra picks in it. But most of the picks have not changed.

16 Houston Texans: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Todd Gurley to the Texans!? Don't they have Arian Foster? Sure, but Foster is usually banged up, and Todd Gurley, despite his injury, would be too good for Houston to pass up at No. 16. The Texans don't have a quarterback, and it doesn't look like they'll be able to get one this offseason - Brian Hoyer doesn't really count - so they better make sure they can run the hell out of the ball. Foster is too injury-prone and unreliable, so having Gurley in the backfield to split the carries would solidify that aspect of Houston's offense.

Gurley obviously couldn't perform at the NFL Combine, but he did check out positively in the medical. He's ahead of schedule, and many of the teams are reportedly pleased with his progress. He could end up being a steal here, as he would be the favorite to go sixth overall to the Jets if he were healthy.

51 Houston Texans: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami
The Texans lost Andre Johnson to the Colts, so they'll need a No. 2 wideout across from DeAndre Hopkins. Phillip Dorsett has moved up an entire round after a tremendous Senior Bowl. He also looked good at the NFL Combine.

82 Houston Texans: Sean Hickey, OT/G, Syracuse
The Texans managed to re-sign Derek Newton, but they still have to find some help at one of the guard positions.

116 Houston Texans: Henry Anderson, DE/DT, Stanford
The Texans never properly replaced Antonio Smith on the defensive line, so here's a potential solution.

152 Houston Texans: Cody Riggs, CB, Notre Dame
The Texans could use some depth at corner, as they were in trouble last year when some of their starters went down.

174 Houston Texans: Xzavier Dixon, DE/OLB, Alabama
The Texans could target an edge rusher early on in the 2015 NFL Draft. If one falls to No. 16, Houston will consider addressing the position. It's more likely, however, that the Texans take one in Rounds 2-5.

[painekiller]

DraftTek.com

16 Jaelen Strong Arizona St WRF 6'4" 205
One last time, goodbye Andre, thank you for the memories! We wish you the best with Luck and hope you finish second in your division the rest of your career, the first spot is ours. Jaelen Strong may not be on Dre's level, but a WR core with Hopkins and Strong out wide with Shorts III in the slot would give the Texans the best group of WRs in team history. With room to develop! At 6'4 and 200+lbs, Jaelen has a 42" vertical, runs a 4.4, over powers defenders on 50/50 balls, maintains body control, and catches with his hands. Not only does Jaelen have good measurables, he shows up in big games when his team needs him most. Mr. Strong sounds very similar to the man he is replacing. The timing of Andre's release could not have occurred at a better time for Houston. ~CME, Texans' Analyst.

51 Denzel Perryman Miami ILB 6'0" 240
Denzel Perryman is a violent football player. He has been one of the NCAA's hardest hitters the last couple years. When Denzel meets ball carriers, they go backwards. Houston has a hole in the middle of their defense that Denzel could fill admirably. Akeem Dent just resigned a two year deal to add depth, but he is not going to scare anyone. On paper Perryman, Cushing, Clowney, and Mercilus form an incredible LB corp. With the recent addition of Wilfork and the potential influence he has on Louis Nix, adding a thumper in the middle next to Cush will solidify Houston's front seven. In year two, Bill O'Brien's finger prints are already deeply rooted into the roster, adding a couple more roll players and the Texans defense would be set for many years. Meanwhile Vrabel gets another tool added to his toolbox. ~CME, Texans' Analyst.

82 David Johnson Northern Iowa RBF 6'4" 250
116 Charles Gaines Louisville CB 5'11" 175
152 Tyler Kroft Rutgers TE 6'6" 240
174 Leterrius Walton Central Michigan DT34 6'5" 319
194 Xavier Williams Northern Iowa DT43 6'3" 309
211 Kenny Bell Nebraska WRF 6'1" 197
216 Ray Drew Georgia DE34 6'4" 276
235 Xzavier Dickson Alabama OLB34 6'3" 265

[HPF Bob]

These drafters must not be Alfred Blue fans. Our star RB is too banged up so let's use our top draft pick on a banged up RB??? :confused: Let someone else take that risk. We don't need to. If we *must* draft a RB in the first, trade down and get Gordon.

Unless we go get some good veteran to fill AJ's shoes, then my pick in the first has to be Parker or Strong, hopefully Strong. Jaelen is a similar receiver to AJ in several ways and simply lacks the polish. Those who remember AJ his first few seasons remember the drops and the failures to get open at key moments. Strong will struggle with acceleration, just like AJ did but, otherwise, he's the full package and not a head case like some of the wideouts. He's bigger and faster than Devante Parker, just not as quick off the snap.

Of the guys further down the draft board, my eye is on Antwan Goodley of Baylor. He has kick return experience, lightning fast and a boxer's mentality so despite being 5-10, he's perfect for special teams and sneaking into 4-wide packages when someone tries to cover him with a safety. He'll be the deep threat opponents didn't see coming.

I do want an ILB in the first two rounds and am not totally worried if that player is McKinney, Perryman, Kendricks or Anthony but my reading is that Perryman is the worst of these in coverage.

So, the Draftek guy is much closer to what I want than Walter. I want us to go WR-ILB in the draft. We need to add a center if we don't add a free agent and I'd like to see some D-line and secondary help plus a tight end.

RB is way down my list and so is OT since we just shelled out money for Newton. Had we let Newton walk, I would probably put RT as a second-day priority.

[painekiller]

So, the Draftek guy is much closer to what I want than Walter. I want us to go WR-ILB in the draft. We need to add a center if we don't add a free agent and I'd like to see some D-line and secondary help plus a tight end.

RB is way down my list and so is OT since we just shelled out money for Newton. Had we let Newton walk, I would probably put RT as a second-day priority.

I may be wrong on this, I believe DraftTek uses local guys for each city to get a better feel for the teams needs. That is a Texans fans comments in the quoted area of the 2nd post.

That would explain the better coverage of needs on DraftTek compared to Walters.

[Roy P]

51 Houston Texans: Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami

116 Houston Texans: Henry Anderson, DE/DT, Stanford


I am a huge fan of these 2 players. It would not surprise me if Anderson went in the 2nd round and Dorsett lasted until the 3rd.

[HPF Bob]

I tried to trade down from 1-16 but could not so this is what my Texans draft might look like without any trades:

1-16 Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State. Parker was still on the board but I like Strong slightly better.
2-51 Bernardrick McKinney, ILB, Miss. St. Strong presence that goes sideline to sideline and can pass rush. A great complement to Cushing inside.
3-82 Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota. Shocked to find him here since he's the consensus best TE in the draft. A slower than expected 40 time at the combine seems to be why he's dropping a little. Still, if this seems unrealistic, I could take 6-7 Jesse James from Penn State as the TE here and be just as happy.
4-116 B.J. Finney, C, Kansas St. I was hoping a better center would fall here but the talent really drops off after Finney.
5-152 Charles Gaines, CB, Louisville Secondary help and someone expected to go sooner than mid-5th.
5-174 (comp) Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor As mentioned above, this is the late-round WR I want because of his kick-return skills.
6-194 Adrian Amos, S, Penn St. One of O'Brien's kids and provides secondary depth.
6-211 (comp) Miles Diffenbach, G, Penn St. Supposedly, this was one of O'Brien's favorite Nittany Lion players. Gutty but lacking in NFL talent. This regime's Kasey Studdard, he is part sentimental pick and part practice squad emergency material.
6-216 (comp) Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas This is about where I'm looking for third-RB depth. Brown isn't excellent at anything but does everything reasonably well - runs, blocks, catches passes in the flat. What you want from a third-stringer.
7-235 James Castleman, DT, Oklahoma State I meant to address the d-line sooner than this. If I had traded down in the first, I would be grabbing one in the third or fourth.

[Roy P]

I do want an ILB in the first two rounds and am not totally worried if that player is McKinney, Perryman, Kendricks or Anthony but my reading is that Perryman is the worst of these in coverage.

So, the Draftek guy is much closer to what I want than Walter. I want us to go WR-ILB in the draft.y.

It is my opinion that the team needs an upgrade at ILB. I was really wanting to sign Sean Weatherspoon or Mason Foster. The Texans re-signed Dent instead.

That being said, I am not excited about this draft class to fill the hole/need. In the 3-4, the player needs to be big enough to shed blocks of OL. He needs to be fast enough to cover TE & RBs. He has to have instincts to get to the ball and tackle once he gets there. In essence, a player that isn't found in this class. McKinney and Anthony have the size, but I am concerned about what BPA we would be passing on to fill a need. My favorite prospects are Ben Heeney, Jake Ryan, and Bryce Hager simply because of the value of when it appears that they will be selected. Now, if we got either McKinney or Anthony in the 3rd, I'll be okay with that.

[popanot]

Well, Gregory will be there at #16 if we want a pot-smoking, dimwitted Edge guy. Always amazed at these idiots that fail a drug test they know full well is coming.

[Roy P]

Well, Gregory will be there at #16 if we want a pot-smoking, dimwitted Edge guy. Always amazed at these idiots that fail a drug test they know full well is coming.

Which means that the top 3 WRs move up draft boards as well as Shane Ray, Bud Dupree, and Eli Harold. Gregory comes off my board in essence, because I won't draft him until the 2nd round now.

[chuck]

I'm more concerned about OLB than ILB since there's usually only one ILB on the field anyway. Of course I do not assume Clowney will play, ever. And for some reason I believe that Cushing will be better next year than last year.

[Roy P]

Anthony Chickillo is my "Value pick" but if he is off the board before our 3rd pick and we haven't selected an OLB in the 1st or 2nd, then we are screwed.

[Roy P]

I thought that this was interesting and would share. I ran a mock draft where I selected for the Colts since Chuck Pagano isn't getting a contract extension and needs to show that he can be competitive against the Patriots and improve their Defense. It was essentially a "Fill The Needs" Draft. I selected the following:
29 NT Jordan Phillips
61 DE Xavier Cooper
93 OLB Za'Darius Smith
128 OC Mitch Morse
165 ILB Jake Ryan
205 RB Karlos Williams
207 CB Justin Coleman
244 OT Andrew Donnel
255 DE Ray Drew

The reason I am sharing this here is to show who the Computer selected for the Texans:
16 WR Kevin White
51 ILB Stephone Anthony
82 OC Ali Marpet
116 FS Durrell Eskrine
152 OT Tyrus Thompson
175 TE E.J. Bibbs
195 RB Josh Robinson
211 DE Deion Barnes
216 QB Sean Mannion
235 WR Jordan Taylor

I'm not Really happy with my OLB who was available in the 3rd, but the Texans didn't get much in my opinion with Penn State prospect Deion Barnes.

[HPF Bob]

The reason I am sharing this here is to show who the Computer selected for the Texans:
16 WR Kevin White
51 ILB Stephone Anthony
82 OC Ali Marpet
116 FS Durrell Eskrine
152 OT Tyrus Thompson
175 TE E.J. Bibbs
195 RB Josh Robinson
211 DE Deion Barnes
216 QB Sean Mannion
235 WR Jordan Taylor

I'm not Really happy with my OLB who was available in the 3rd, but the Texans didn't get much in my opinion with Penn State prospect Deion Barnes.

That's not a bad draft. I would certainly be happy with that, especially 1-2.

I noticed that Fanspeak has added the CBS Sports big board, which is one I respect more than most of the ones I've seen.

I did my usual trade down in the first and still had Jaelen Strong on the board to select. Now I had two 2nds and Maxx Williams was still there so I took him along with Denzel Perryman. I've also begun trading back up into the lower third round for my natural 4th, 5th and 6th rounders. This allowed me to get a D-lineman and a center. With the remaining comp picks, I took my usual low-round favorites.

[Roy P]

The thought of John Simon or Jason Ankrah playing opposite of Merciless scares me. I like Maxx Williams, but would draft an OLB before TE. I just absolutely need one by the third round and am nervous there is not going to be any to be found when we pick. Maybe I love Anthony Chickillo more than any other GMs, but I am pissed whenever he is off the board when I make my 3rd round pick.

[Roy P]

Just wanted to see what I could do with the CBS draft board and committed myself to not drafting Chickillo until the 3rd round. The first couple of times I drafted Phillip Dorsett in the 3rd but couldn't get any decent OLBs in the 4th. This was my favorite Mock draft today :
#16 WR Amari Cooper
#51 TE Clive Walford
#82 OLB Anthony Chickillo
#116 RB T.J. Yeldon
#152 ILB Jake Ryan
#175 NT Derrick Lott
#195 OT Andrew Donnal
#211 CB Craig Mager
#216 WR Antwan Goodley
#235 CB Justin Coleman

[Roy P]

Last one for the day:
#16 WR Jaelen Strong
#51 WR Breshad Perriman
#82 OLB Anthony Chickillo
#116 WR Phillip Dorsett
#152 ILB Jake Ryan
#175 NT Derrick Lott
#195 CB Craig Mager
#211 TE Nick Boyle
#216 Damian Swan
#235 QB Shane Carden

I couldn't believe that Perriman was still available after running 4.25 at his Pro Day. Considered taking him @ #16, so snatched him in the 2nd round. With 2 excellent prospects at WR, I thought about Jesse James at #116, but love Dorsett in the slot. We may go 4 or 5 Wide with this draft. Jake Ryan is my value ILB and I love Derrick Lott due to his size and quickness. Mager and Swan provide depth and special teams. I love Carden and couldn't let him go undrafted.

[chuck]

Bob, when you trade down who are people trading up to get?

[HPF Bob]

Bob, when you trade down who are people trading up to get?

I think it is more positioning than strategy. The simulator is just simulating what it thinks is a fair trade. It's probably asking too much to ask it to actually target a player since the trade proposal normally comes at the start of the round, not when your team is on the clock.

But that leads into my latest draft which is using the CBS Sports big board and involves three trades to maximize second-day picks, knowing we have comp picks we can't trade with.

1) Traded 1-16 to Pittsburgh for 1-22 and 2-24 (PIT takes Eli Harold, OLB)
2) Traded 2-19 to Green Bay for 2-30 and 3-30 (GB takes D'Joun Smith, CB)
3) Traded 4-17, 5-16 and 6-19 to Seattle for 3-31*

* - I proposed this trade. The other two were computer-generated offers.

That leaves one pick in the first, 2 in the lower 2nd, 3 in the lower 3rd, no 4ths, 1 comp in the lower 5th, 2 comps in the lower 6th and one 7th. It's still 10 draft picks but more of them in the 2nd and 3rd where better quality resides.

With that, I chose:

1-22 (from PIT) Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona St.
2-24 (from PIT) Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
2-30 (from GB) Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami (FL)
3-18 Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville (tweener DE-LB for 3-4 defense)
3-30 (from GB) Eric Rowe, CB-S, Utah (three yrs as FS, played CB as Sr.)
3-31 (from SEA) Andy Gallik, C, Boston College
5-39 (comp) Antwan Goodley, WR-KR, Baylor
6-35 (comp) Joey Mbu, NT, Houston
6-40 (comp) Miles Dieffenbach, OG-C, Penn St.
7-18 Damian Swann, CB, Georgia

This hits pretty much all our needs other than a franchise QB (yeah, right). I think a RB can be found as a UDFA. I don't get many chances to pick Rowe but he's a guy I like as guy with corner and free safety skills - a hard tackler who can fill either need in a pinch. Lacks elite CB skills but could be a FS starter someday. Mauldin is big for a LB (6-4, 260) but has been played as both DE and OLB at Louisville which makes him a good fit in a 3-4 and be insurance if Clowney can't go. Mbu is your traditional fireplug nose tackle who is not a pass rusher but has enough lateral quickness to occupy blockers and stuff the run. Also had two interceptions in college.

[Roy P]

1) Traded 1-16 to Pittsburgh for 1-22 and 2-24 (PIT takes Eli Harold, OLB)
2) Traded 2-19 to Green Bay for 2-30 and 3-30 (GB takes D'Joun Smith, CB)
3) Traded 4-17, 5-16 and 6-19 to Seattle for 3-31*

* - I proposed this trade. The other two were computer-generated offers.
1-22 (from PIT) Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona St.
2-24 (from PIT) Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
2-30 (from GB) Denzel Perryman, ILB, Miami (FL)
3-18 Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville (tweener DE-LB for 3-4 defense)
3-30 (from GB) Eric Rowe, CB-S, Utah (three yrs as FS, played CB as Sr.)
3-31 (from SEA) Andy Gallik, C, Boston College
5-39 (comp) Antwan Goodley, WR-KR, Baylor
6-35 (comp) Joey Mbu, NT, Houston
6-40 (comp) Miles Dieffenbach, OG-C, Penn St.
7-18 Damian Swann, CB, Georgia



I did the same thing and drafted the following:

#24 NT Malcolm Brown
#56 WR Breshad Perriman
#63 CB Kevin Johnson
#82 WR Phillip Dorsett
#94 RB Tevin Coleman
#95 ILB Ben Heeney
#175 DE Derrick Lott
#225 RB Karlos Williams
6-40 CB Justin Coleman
7-18 OL Andrew Donnal

Unfortunately, Chickillo was drafted right after Perriman and before Johnson. I like the idea of the trades you made.

[Blitzwood]

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I've been reading and studying alot of the drafts here and finally decided to do one.

#16 S Landon Collins
#51 OLB Eli Harold
#82 WR Chris Conley
#116 OLB/ILB Jordan Hicks
#152 TE Jesse James
#174 DE Ray Drew
#195 CB Damian Swann
#211 OT Daryl Baldwin
#216 3-4DE Marcus Hardison
#235 WR Mario Alford

UDFA Gabe Wright

I'm a big fan of Landon Collins and would love to add him to the backfield. I can't recall the Texans ever in their existence having a true stud at safety. He has the pedigree and the experience you look for, and with us being in nickle and dime most of the time, it's a no brainer to get BPA at the S position. He can tackle RB's, he can cover TE's, he can do it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pl6_FcMQfQ

Harold is a great OLB with a good motor and plus athleticism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggykZAy4OvU

Conley is a must add, IMO, great hands, world class speed and athleticism, and is a top notch character that fits what the organization looks for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmPVipftmes

Hicks has been a stud at Texas, I thought about Kwon Alexander here, but went with Hicks because he's got no prior ACL's.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HdnO8FsAf0

BOb is familiar with Jesse James from his days at Penn State, and finally shoring up the TE position is something he's mentioned.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yg7nTsBWZNg

Drew and Swan are quality SEC players that give us depth, sure tackling, and speed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_jlJGscK_0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alreaQlU3U8

Baldwin was the ROT for Ohio State and did an great job in his first year to play OT, switching over from the DL. He'll be our swing tackle, but mainly provide some great camp competion for DN.

Hardison is a sleeper, but don't think he'll last that long. And Alford is a slot WR, with ST/return potential. He's small (5' 8.5") a real burner, a polishished route runner and scored more TD's this year than Kevin White, his teammate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOxNV_oVerQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umITie6jAlI

Being that their isn't usually a big market for NT's, and we already have two under contract, I took a flyer on Wright and hope he can either light a fire under Nix, or replace him all together.

[Roy P]

This is one of my favorite times of the year. I've been reading and studying alot of the drafts here and finally decided to do one.

#16 S Landon Collins
#51 OLB Eli Harold
#82 WR Chris Conley
#116 OLB/ILB Jordan Hicks
#152 TE Jesse James
#174 DE Ray Drew
#195 CB Damian Swann
#211 OT Daryl Baldwin
#216 3-4DE Marcus Hardison
#235 WR Mario Alford

UDFA Gabe Wright



I have seen several Mock Drafts where Landon Collins is the Texans pick at #16. To me he is a slight upgrade to D.J. Swearinger and they signed Rahim Moore. I'm not arguing that he isn't going to be a good player, I just am not sure how much better he makes the team.

As for Eli Harold, it won't surprise me to see him drafted in the first round. It would be a pleasant surprise to see him available by the time we draft in the 2nd.

Marcus Hardison may fall to where you have selected him, but I don't see any reason why Gabe Wright would go undrafted.

[Nconroe]

Texans website has BOB'S wishlist.

1. Special teams, returners and coverers.

2. OL depth

3. WR depth

4. Safety depth

so, we shall see if this list relates to actual draft or not.

[HPF Bob]

Why would they be honest about their draft needs? Nobody else in the NFL tells the truth this time of year?

[chuck]

Why would they be honest about their draft needs? Nobody else in the NFL tells the truth this time of year?

Let's draft Ted Ginn Jr 2.0. Better yet, let's trade up to do it.

As an aside, if you look at three consecutive years of drafts and have only one player who has provided you with anything nearing good, consistent production then, yes, I do start to wonder about the competence of the general manager.

[HPF Bob]

Let's draft Ted Ginn Jr 2.0. Better yet, let's trade up to do it.

Yes, that was classic.

As an aside, if you look at three consecutive years of drafts and have only one player who has provided you with anything nearing good, consistent production then, yes, I do start to wonder about the competence of the general manager.

I'm beginning to think our GMs just need to read the label. The Texans draft a guy whose last name starts C-L-O-W-N while the Astros draft a pitcher named Aiken first overall who has since needed Tommy John surgery. The previous Astros regime drafted a kid in the first round whose last name started with B-O-G-U-S. How much warning do these folks need to stay away?

[Roy P]

I did the same thing and drafted the following:

#24 NT Malcolm Brown
#56 WR Breshad Perriman
#63 CB Kevin Johnson
#82 WR Phillip Dorsett
#94 RB Tevin Coleman
#95 ILB Ben Heeney
#175 DE Derrick Lott
#211 RB Karlos Williams
#216 CB Justin Coleman
#235 OL Andrew Donnal .

#24 WR Devante Parker
#56 DE Henry Anderson
#63 OLB Anthony Chickillo
#82 OL Donovan Smith
#94 WR Tyler Lockett
#95 ILB Ben Heeney
#175 RB Tyler Varga
#211 QB Shane Carden
#216 DB Craig Mager
#235 DB Damian Swann

[painekiller]

This DraftTek draft is interesting

16 Jaelen Strong Arizona St WRF 6'4" 205
51 Quinten Rollins Miami (OH) CB 6'0" 203
82 Ameer Abdullah Nebraska RBC 5'9" 194
116 Ben Heeney Kansas ILB 6'0" 231
152 Lynden Trail Norfolk State OLB34 6'7" 269
175 Xavier Williams Northern Iowa DE34 6'3" 309
195 Jesse James Penn State TE 6'7" 254
211 J.J. Nelson UAB WRS 5'11" 160
216 Tevin McDonald Eastern Washington FS 5'11" 200
235 Vince Mayle Washington State WRF 6'3" 219

The kid at 152 is really interesting. (http://mmqb.si.com/2015/02/25/lynden-trail-nfl-draft/)
This is his JR highlight reel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iKq5cUdIro)
And he can play TE (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000462299/article/eight-things-we-learned-from-day-3-of-senior-bowl-practices)

[Roy P]

16 NT Malcolm Brown Texas 6' 2 3/8" 319
51 DE Henry Anderson Stanford 6'6 1/4" 294
82 WR Phillip Dorsett Miami 5'10" 185
116 OT Cedric Ogbuehi Texas A&M 6'5" 306
152 ILB Jake Ryan Michigan 6'2" 240
175 RB Tyler Varga Yale 5'11" 222
195 QB Shane Carden East Carolina 6'2" 218
211 CB Craig Mager Texas St 5' 11 1/2" 201
216 RB Zach Zenner S. Dakota St 5' 11" 223
235 WR Antwan Goodley Baylor 5' 10" 209

[painekiller]

DraftSite.com has the following 7 round mock with comp picks.

16 Houston Malcom Brown DT Texas 6' 3" 325
51 Houston Hroniss Grasu OC Oregon 6' 3" 300
82 Houston Mario Edwards Jr* DE Florida State 6' 3" 280
116 Houston Ibraheim Campbell S Northwestern 5' 10" 210
152 Houston Josh Harper WR Fresno State 6' 1" 190
175 Houston MyCole Pruitt TE Southern Illinois 6' 2" 250
195 Houston Robert Myers OT Tennessee State 6' 5" 330
211 Houston Antwan Goodley WR Baylor 5' 10" 210
216 Houston Tye Smith CB Towson 5' 10"
235 Houston Gary Nova QB Rutgers 6' 2" 225

[Roy P]

DE Henry Anderson Stanford 6'6 1/4" 294
WR Phillip Dorsett Miami 5'10" 185
ILB Jake Ryan Michigan 6'2" 240
QB Shane Carden East Carolina 6'2" 218


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDgAKPjS8EE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZatnTkhT8Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4qdjGrs-4A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGZVKLiIxQ8

[HPF Bob]

Is it a requirement that people who post highlight vids on YouTube have to dub over them with really crappy music that makes you want to puke? Just asking. How does this enhance the impact of what you're watching?

Looks like some of these draft sites are starting to come around to our way of thinking.

[HPF Bob]

Here's my latest using the Fanspeak draft board:

1) Traded 1-16 to Pittsburgh for 1-22 and 2-24.
2) Traded 4-17, 5-16 and 6-19 to Seattle fir 3-31.

1-22, (from PIT) Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona St.
2-19, Bernardrick McKinney, ILB, Mississippi St.
2-24, (from PIT) Mario Edwards, Jr., DE, Florida St.
3-18, Jesse James, TE, Penn St.
3-31, (from SEA) B.J. Finney, C, Kansas St.
5-39, (comp) Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor
6-35, (comp) Chris Hackett, S, TCU
6-40, (comp) Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas
7-18, Xzavier Dickson, OLB, Alabama

[Roy P]

Is it a requirement that people who post highlight vids on YouTube have to dub over them with really crappy music that makes you want to puke? Just asking. How does this enhance the impact of what you're watching?

Looks like some of these draft sites are starting to come around to our way of thinking.

If the video has the original broadcasters, I will listen to hear the opinion of the players as they are making a play. If it starts with a rap song, I just mute the video.

[HPF Bob]

I saw where Dorsett ran a 4.2 on his pro day. I don't know if 1/10th second means someone is a better player though. I'm sure *somebody* will take him too soon now.

[Roy P]

I saw where Dorsett ran a 4.2 on his pro day. I don't know if 1/10th second means someone is a better player though. I'm sure *somebody* will take him too soon now.

He is a faster Tyler Lockett with bigger hands. The perfect "Wes Welker" slot for this Offense.

[Keith]

If the video has the original broadcasters, I will listen to hear the opinion of the players as they are making a play. If it starts with a rap song, I just mute the video.

YouTube has seemingly odd licensing enforcement on the videos users upload. Perhaps that is an issue with using the broadcast audio? Some of the copyrighted music can be used though sometimes not.

[Warren]

They leave the decision up to the copyright owner. Many are okay with it, considering it free promotion, but not all. From what I understand, YouTube's copyright verification process is pretty impressive. Within minutes of when a video is posted they've identified the song and checked it again the permissions in its database.

[WMH]

@PatDStat: Brett Hundley in Houston to meet with the #Texans in pre-draft visit. http://t.co/OQn4aOH0Kv #NFL #UCLA

[HPF Bob]

@PatDStat: Brett Hundley in Houston to meet with the #Texans in pre-draft visit. http://t.co/OQn4aOH0Kv #NFL #UCLA

I don't want to add another QB with a high draft pick until we're ready to say if Mallett is/isn't the guy but Hundley is probably closest out of this year's QBs to what O'Brien probably wants.

I just see all sorts of problems if they take him. You basically undermine Mallett, you almost guarantee Hundley will take away from Mallett's development time and makes the 4th we spent on Savage a complete waste.

Unless this is a smokescreen, I don't think they've thought this through. The QB I watched at UCLA is not NFL ready but you'll almost have to draft him in the 2nd if you're going to take him which means you'll have to play him eventually.

[Roy P]

If they use a 3rd round pick or higher on a QB, I hope that they go with Petty over Hundley.

[HPF Bob]

The Texans traded down with the Detroit Lions (who took Alvin Dupree) and somehow everyone left this for us:

1-23 (from DET) Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

can't pass this up. Made my usual 3-for-1 trade to get an extra third-rounder and wound up with this for the rest:

2-19 Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
2-22 (from DET) Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
3-18 Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
3-32 (from NE) Reese Dismukes, C, Auburn
5-39 (comp) Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor
6-19 Miles Dieffenbach, G, Penn St
6-35 (comp) Damian Swann, CB, Georgia
6-40 (comp) Deion Barnes, DE, Penn St

This would be practically a dream draft for me. This won't really happen.

[Roy P]

The Texans traded down with the Detroit Lions (who took Alvin Dupree) and somehow everyone left this for us:

1-23 (from DET) Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson

can't pass this up. Made my usual 3-for-1 trade to get an extra third-rounder and wound up with this for the rest:

2-19 Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson
2-22 (from DET) Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
3-18 Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn
3-32 (from NE) Reese Dismukes, C, Auburn
5-39 (comp) Antwan Goodley, WR, Baylor
6-19 Miles Dieffenbach, G, Penn St
6-35 (comp) Damian Swann, CB, Georgia
6-40 (comp) Deion Barnes, DE, Penn St

This would be practically a dream draft for me. This won't really happen.

I love these trades. Decided to give it a shot myself, since I couldn't fathom Vic Beasley not being a top 10 pick. This is what I came away with:

1-23 OLB Vic Beasley
2-19 ILB Stephone Anthony
2-22 DE Henry Anderson
3-18 WR Phillip Dorsett
3-32 S/CB Eric Rowe
5-39 FB Tyler Varga
6-19 NT Derrick Lott
6-35 CB Justin Coleman
6-40 WR Antwan Goodley

I would be ecstatic with this draft.

[Roy P]

If they use a 3rd round pick or higher on a QB, I hope that they go with Petty over Hundley.

I have no idea how long it would take for Petty to get the "system" down and actually be able to play. Apparently, Tom Savage did not progress as much as I would have liked or there wouldn't have been the need to sign Mallett and Hoyer this off-season, so perhaps getting a Rookie QB for this team just doesn't make sense. There is so much progress that needs to occur. However, this guy has great 'arm-talent' and I really like him and wouldn't be upset if we selected him (hopefully, the 4th, but possibly the 2nd round).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEA9dsqDMI8

[Roy P]

Another day. ..another mock :
#16 OLB Bud Dupree
#51 WR Breshad Perriman
#82 WR Phillip Dorsett
#116 QB Bryce Petty
#152 FS James Sample
#175 FB Tyler Varga
#195 ILB Bryce Hager
#211 TE Wes Saxton
#216 CB Justin Coleman
#235 OT Andrew Donnal

Wanted to take a look at what happens if I take my 2 WRs in the 2nd & 3rd round followed by Petty in the 4th. Jesse James was off the board at #129. Also my ILB prospects, Jake Ryan (123), Taiwan Jones (130), and Jordan Hicks (147) were off the board before my 5th round pick. Luckily, I was able to fill those needs with Bryce Hager and Wes Saxton. On the flip side, if I had drafted WR later; I could draft Petty in the 3rd round and select Jesse James in the 4th rounds to ensure I get my "QB of the future" and my Gronkowski - prototype. If I had selected ILB Bernardick McKinney at #51, then I would have selected WR Chris Conley at #152. Also, if I passed on Dorsett to fetch Petty in the 3rd, I would probably choose WR Antwan Goodley at #195. Craig Mager replaces James Sample and Zach Zenner replaced Tyler Varga.

#16 Bud Dupree
#51 Bernardick McKinney
#82 Bryce Petty
#116 Jesse James
#152 Chris Conley
#175 Craig Mager
#195 Antwan Goodley
#211 Zach Zenner

I'm wondering if Perriman, Dorsett, Saxton > Conley, Goodley, James

[popanot]

I like the 2nd one better, although, I'd gamble that James (or another TE) will be there later and I'd take a RB in his place in RD4.

[Nconroe]

As long as take best available more or less consensus at each pick I will be ok.

I like the mocks to show name, position, height, weight, age , school

[Roy P]

I like the 2nd one better, although, I'd gamble that James (or another TE) will be there later and I'd take a RB in his place in RD4.

To be honest, I'm not sure Jesse James lasts that long. He has the Gronkowski role in the bag. But, for the sake of this conversation, the next 2 RBs drafted in the 4th round of this mock draft was Javorious "Buck" Allen (USC) & Matt Jones (Florida).

[HPF Bob]

This Fanspeak draft, I could not get any trade action going. At #16, I had a choice of Malcom Brown, Bud Dupree or Randy Gregory (or Jaelen Strong) and went with the immensely talented and rather stupid Randy Gregory as an OLB.

In the second, the best player on the board was another guy I'd expect the Texans to pass on - Dorial Green-Beckham.

In the 3rd, Maxx Williams was still there. In the 4th, Hroniss Grasu. Check and check. If I wanted to build an All- Bad Boy draft, P.J. Williams was still there in the 3rd.

In the 5th, I took CB Charles Gaines and WR Antwan Goodley. No problems there.

In the 6th, I took Miles Dieffenbach, James Castleman and Malcolm Brown (the RB) as roster depth.

In the 7th, I took A.J. Johnson, ILB from Tennessee with 2nd-round talent. One slight problem - he's been indicted on rape charges. But, if he's found not guilty, you have a late round steal.

Hey, if we're going to be like the Patriots...

[Roy P]

went with the immensely talented and rather stupid Randy Gregory as an OLB.

I'd expect the Texans to pass on - Dorial Green-Beckham.

If I wanted to build an All- Bad Boy draft, P.J. Williams was still there in the 3rd.

One slight problem - he's been indicted on rape charges. But, if he's found not guilty, you have a late round steal.

Hey, if we're going to be like the Patriots...

This was both sad and funny. I'm afraid of Gregory hanging out with Clowney and Swearinger. Pot & Pit Bulls don't mix.

[HPF Bob]

This was both sad and funny. I'm afraid of Gregory hanging out with Clowney and Swearinger. Pot & Pit Bulls don't mix.

I'm seeing several different possible names being floated for #16 right now. Cameron Erving (C-G, Florida St.), Randy Gregory (OLB, Nebraska), Shane Ray (OLB, Missouri), Malcom Brown (DL, Texas), La'el Collins (OT, LSU). Some mocks have them all falling to us. Although I'm still locked into the best WR left on the board, I could live with any of them which is why I'd love to see the Texans trade down another 5-7 spots and hopefully pick up a second in the trade-down.

Particularly if there are 2 of the 4 top receivers left, I think we could still get one after the trade down (if one of the receivers is White or Cooper, unlikely as that is, then I'd stay put and just take one of them).

[Roy P]

I'm seeing several different possible names being floated for #16 right now. Cameron Erving (C-G, Florida St.), Randy Gregory (OLB, Nebraska), Shane Ray (OLB, Missouri), Malcom Brown (DL, Texas), La'el Collins (OT, LSU). Some mocks have them all falling to us. Although I'm still locked into the best WR left on the board, I could live with any of them which is why I'd love to see the Texans trade down another 5-7 spots and hopefully pick up a second in the trade-down.

Particularly if there are 2 of the 4 top receivers left, I think we could still get one after the trade down (if one of the receivers is White or Cooper, unlikely as that is, then I'd stay put and just take one of them).

Cam Erving is a guy I hope falls to the Colts, but I doubt he drops that far. Gregory isn't a possibility b/c this owner won't sign off on a player who failed his piss test at the Combine as a first round pick, I hope. (Disregarding Cushing). I feel Ray and Collins are off the board when the Texans draft. Malcolm Brown is the best player I honestly believe could be available, and I would take him. The pundits love Shelton, but I think Brown is the cream of this crop. He is a mixture of Suh and McCoy in my opinion.

This WR class has depth. I am hesitant to draft any WR at where we are not named Cooper, White, or Parker. I love Dorsett, but am considering Conley from Georgia and Goodley from Baylor that I am debating taking a different position early in the draft.

If we select Strong or Eli Harold without trading down, then we are "reaching" to fill a need.

[HPF Bob]

1) Traded 1-16 to Detroit for 1-23 and 2-22.
2) Traded 4th, 5th and 6th to Green Bay for 3-30.
3) Indy offers a 2-29, a 4th and a 5th for 2-22. I swallow then take it.

At 1-23, Jaelen Strong is not there but DeVante Parker is. Here's the list:

23 - R1P23 (from DET) WR DEVANTE PARKER LOUISVILLE
51 - R2P19 TE MAXX WILLIAMS MINNESOTA
61 - R2P29 (from IND) C HRONISS GRASU OREGON
82 - R3P18 OLB LORENZO MAULDIN LOUISVILLE
94 - R3P30 (from GB) CB RONALD DARBY FLORIDA STATE
128 - R4P29 (from IND) CB-FS ERIC ROWE UTAH
165 - R5P29 (from IND) ILB HAYES PULLARD SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
175 - R5P39 (comp) DT DERRICK LOTT CHATTANOOGA
211 - R6P35 (comp) WR-KR ANTWAN GOODLEY BAYLOR
216 - R6P40 (comp) G MILES DIEFFENBACH PENN STATE
235 - R7P18 RB TREY WILLIAMS TEXAS A&M

[painekiller]

Gregory isn't a possibility b/c this owner won't sign off on a player who failed his piss test at the Combine as a first round pick, I hope. (Disregarding Cushing).

I don't remember Cushing failing a test before the draft, I could be forgetting something, but I do remember the owner signing off on Amobi Okoye, who IIRC failed the drug test at the combine. So one time fails get a pass, repeatedly failing test, they get removed from the board.

[HPF Bob]

I don't remember Cushing failing a test before the draft, I could be forgetting something, but I do remember the owner signing off on Amobi Okoye, who IIRC failed the drug test at the combine. So one time fails get a pass, repeatedly failing test, they get removed from the board.

IIRC, Cushing had steroid allegations before the draft. I don't recall anything else.

[painekiller]

IIRC, Cushing had steroid allegations before the draft. I don't recall anything else.

Allegations, but never a confirmed failed test IIRC. Big difference IMO.

[Roy P]

When Cushing was suspended for Performance Enhancing violation, it was my understanding that it wasn't the first offense. He was already on double - secret probation. I surmised that his first violation was at the Combine.

[Roy P]

1) Traded 1-16 to Detroit for 1-23 and 2-22.
2) Traded 4th, 5th and 6th to Green Bay for 3-30.
3) Indy offers a 2-29, a 4th and a 5th for 2-22. I swallow then take it.

At 1-23, Jaelen Strong is not there but DeVante Parker is. Here's the list:

23 - R1P23 (from DET) WR DEVANTE PARKER LOUISVILLE
128 - R4P29 (from IND) CB-FS ERIC ROWE UTAH
175 - R5P39 (comp) DT DERRICK LOTT CHATTANOOGA
211 - R6P35 (comp) WR-KR ANTWAN GOODLEY BAYLOR


Wow! Strong is off the board but Parker is available at #23. I have a very hard time buying that scenario. Big fan of Rowe, Lott, and Goodley by the way.

[Roy P]

1) Traded 1-16 to Detroit for 1-23 and 2-22.
2) Traded 4th, 5th and 6th to Green Bay for 3-30.&M

I hate trading up in the draft, but if I were giving up my 4th, 5th and 6th to get back into the 3rd round at 3-30 it would only be to select Bryce Petty.

[Warren]

When Cushing was suspended for Performance Enhancing violation, it was my understanding that it wasn't the first offense. He was already on double - secret probation. I surmised that his first violation was at the Combine.
Players are suspended on the first positive test under the performance enhancing drug policy. At that time the first positive PED test brought a four game suspension and a second positive was eight games. Cushing got four games. You're thinking of recreational drugs.

[Roy P]

Was Luis Castillo suspended for 4 games his rookie season for testing positive at the Combine?

Regardless, I would not have drafted Castillo or Cushing and I would not want Gregory this year with my 1st round pick. Red Flag that isn't worth the risk.

[Warren]

Was Luis Castillo suspended for 4 games his rookie season for testing positive at the Combine?
Good point, a positive test at the combine doesn't result in a suspension. But I think it does get them on the double-secret probation you talked about so if Cushing had tested positive at the combine it wouldn't have been treated like a first offense when he failed the test a year leader. And when Castillo tested positive at the combine, it was one of the big stories of that draft. If Cushing had done that it would've gotten out and it would've been a big deal. There were rumors of him juicing at USC, but never anything substantiated.

As for Gregory, you have to really wonder about a guy who tests positive when he knew he was going to be tested and how much was riding on the combine. It raises a lot of questions about his commitment, focus, and general mental state.

[Roy P]

As for Gregory, you have to really wonder about a guy who tests positive when he knew he was going to be tested and how much was riding on the combine. It raises a lot of questions about his commitment, focus, and general mental state.

That is exactly the reason why I would not draft him in the 1st round. There are other talented players who have not demonstrated that type of stupidity and immaturity. It tells me that he thought because he's talented that he can get away with it. Drafting him in the 1st round would only substantiate his belief of entitlement. It sends the wrong signal to the rest of the team in my opinion.

[HPF Bob]

Having the Walter Football board produced some unique challenges.

I started with my two favorite moves:

1) Traded 1-16 to Pittsburgh for 1-22 and 2-24.
2) Traded 4th, 5th and 6th to Green Bay for 3-30.

When I got to 22, however, all four of my favorite receivers were off the board and many of my defensive favorites too. CB Trae Waynes had slid to us but, personally, I think he could be both the best CB in the draft and somewhat overrated. Breshard Perriman is there as well as Arik Armstead, Randy Gregory, Cam Erving and Andrus Peat.

But I took the best LB left on the board, Eric Kendricks of UCLA who some project inside and others outside.

That then changed my normal pattern and the rest of the draft went like this. You should see the gobsmacked expression I had when OLB Hauoli Kikaha of Washington was still on the board. Most project him as a second or third. He was still there with a sixth round comp pick. In fact, I like the back of the draft almost better than the front part.

22 - R1P22 (from PIT): ILB ERIC KENDRICKS, UCLA
51 - R2P19: WR SAMMIE COATES, AUBURN
56 - R2P24 (from PIT): CB-FS ERIC ROWE, UTAH
82 - R3P18: G A.J. CANN, SOUTH CAROLINA
94 - R3P30 (from GB): DT GRADY JARRETT, CLEMSON
175 - R5P39 (comp): TE JESSE JAMES, PENN STATE
211 - R6P35 (comp): OLB HAUOLI KIKAHA, WASHINGTON
216 - R6P40 (comp): WR-KR ANTWAN GOODLEY, BAYLOR
235 - R7P18: CB DAMIAN SWANN, GEORGIA

[Blitzwood]

I would take Gregory in a second. No debate needed from me.
He is by far the most talented DE/OLB in the draft. Period. So the guy smoked a little weed. I'm sure at least 50% of players smoke weed, it's so glorified now in society, it's in music, movies, ect. It's legal now in a few states, with more states probably being added this year. I believe Justin Houston tested positive at the combine and he's hasn't had any problems. So you never know.

After watching this scout break down how ridiculously talented he is, you might be swayed too.

https://youtu.be/S8AdCCOD4iw

[HPF Bob]

I thought I could do better and took the same arrangement through a second time, only a situation developed where I couldn't resist trading up which caused another trade back:

1) Traded 1-16 to PIT for 1-22 and 2-24
2) Traded 4th, 5th and 6th to GB for 3-30

Sitting at 22 this time were several players I liked but the best on the board was Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson. As I started the second, I noticed Jaelen Strong was still on the board so I traded up to get him.

3) Traded 2-19 and 3-18 to WSH for 2-5. Now, I'm really happy. I got one of the best pass rushers in the draft as well as the WR I've wanted all along. I then used the 2-24 from Pittsburgh to take ILB Stephone Anthony of Clemson. We've got a real haymaker of a draft starting out but I had to give a third, so what do I do with one I still have from the Packers? An offer from the Patriots came up:

4) Traded 3-30 to NE for 3-32 and 7-2. With that selection, I took Tre Johnson, OG, Florida St. to shore up the interior line.

There was a big chasm then to the late 5th but I still had 5 picks and I like what I have with those.

22 - R1P22 (from PIT): OLB VIC BEASLEY, CLEMSON
37 - R2P5 (from WSH): WR JAELEN STRONG, ARIZONA STATE
56 - R2P24 (from PIT): ILB STEPHONE ANTHONY, CLEMSON
96 - R3P32 (from NE): G TRE' JACKSON, FLORIDA STATE
175 - R5P39 (comp): C B.J. FINNEY, KANSAS STATE
211 - R6P35 (comp): DT DERRICK LOTT, CHATTANOOGA
216 - R6P40 (comp): DE DEION BARNES, PENN STATE
219 - R7P2 (from NE): CB QUANDRE DIGGS, TEXAS
235 - R7P18: WR ANTWAN GOODLEY, BAYLOR

[WMH]

I'd be OK with Waynes in Rd. 1.

1. Buccaneers: QB Jameis Winston, Florida State.
2. Titans: DT Leonard Williams, USC.
3. Jaguars: LB Dante Fowler Jr., Florida.
4. Raiders: WR Amari Cooper, Alabama.
5. Washington: LB Vic Beasley, Clemson.
6. Jets: QB Marcus Mariota, Oregon.
7. Bears: WR Kevin White, West Virginia.
8. Falcons: OT La’El Collins, Louisiana State.
9. Giants: DT Malcom Brown, Texas.
10. Rams: WR DeVante Parker, Louisville.
11. Vikings: OT Brandon Scherff, Iowa.
12. Browns: S Landon Collins, Alabama.
13. Saints: LB Alvin “Bud” Dupree, Kentucky.
14. Dolphins: OT D.J. Humphries, Florida.
15. 49ers: DE Mario Edwards, Florida State.
16. Texans: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State.
17. Chagers: RT Ereck Flowers, Miami.
18. Chiefs: CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest.
19. Browns: OL Cameron Erving, Florida State.
20. Eagles: DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska.
21. Bengals: OT Andrus Peat, Stanford.
22. Steelers: OT Donovan Smith, Penn State.
23. Lions: DT Danny Shelton, Washington.
24. Cardinals: RB Todd Gurley, Georgia.
25. Panthers: WR Jalen Strong, Arizona State.
26. Ravens: WR Breshad Perriman, Central Florida.
27. Cowboys: RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin.
28. Broncos: DT Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma.
29. Colts: LB Shane Ray, Missouri.
30. Packers: WR Nelson Agholor, USC.
31. Saints: WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma.
32. Patriots: CB Marcus Peters, Washington.

[Roy P]

I'd be OK with Waynes in Rd. 1.

16. Texans: CB Trae Waynes, Michigan State.
17. Chagers: RT Ereck Flowers, Miami.
18. Chiefs: CB Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest.
19. Browns: OL Cameron Erving, Florida State.
20. Eagles: DE Randy Gregory, Nebraska.
21. Bengals: OT Andrus Peat, Stanford.
22. Steelers: OT Donovan Smith, Penn State.
23. Lions: DT Danny Shelton, Washington.
24. Cardinals: RB Todd Gurley, Georgia.
25. Panthers: WR Jalen Strong, Arizona State.
26. Ravens: WR Breshad Perriman, Central Florida.
27. Cowboys: RB Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin.
28. Broncos: DT Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma.
29. Colts: LB Shane Ray, Missouri.
30. Packers: WR Nelson Agholor, USC.
31. Saints: WR Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma.
32. Patriots: CB Marcus Peters, Washington.

I would have liked to have been able to trade down for extra picks and perhaps selected OLB Shane Ray or Eli Harold or even WR Strong or Perriman.

If they draft Waynes, I won't cry.

[popanot]

I'm steering way clear of Perriman in RD1. Reminds me too much of CPat or Justin Hunter - all hype. I'd rather go LB, OL, CB in RD1, and then hope Devin Smith, Nelson Agholor, Dorsett are there in RD2. Agholor will likely go higher, but Smith or Dorsett might be there.

[HPF Bob]

The knock on Perriman is he has world class speed but only marginal hands. Until somebody comes up with a 40-time for hands, the guys who can post really fast numbers at the combine are going to be overrated. Dorsett is another guy who is climbing because he clocked a 4.2.

If the "first four" are gone (Cooper, White, Parker and Strong), then I'd look for guys like Sammie Coates and Tyler Lockett. Those two have solid production and come up big in big games. Coates doesn't have top speed but he faced SEC defenders and produced big numbers.

Devin Smith, from what I read, is strictly a straight-line speed guy. If that's what I want, I can get Antwan Goodley much later.

[HPF Bob]

Regarding Waynes, what I read is he can run really fast and can break up passes. Ok, nice. What I didn't read was that he can tackle well or intercept passes. So, IMO, he reminds me of Aqib Talib who runs really fast and can shadow your top receiver but he gets hurt if you ask him to make a tackle and he rarely picks off passes. Is that what you want to spend a mid-round #1 on?

Now if he fell to the late first or early second, then, yeah, let's get him. In the 8-16 range, whoever gets him may feel disappointed. I still think he's the top corner in the draft but I'm not sure he merits where he's being ranked.

[Roy P]

Excellent points about "hands" on the prospects. Sammie Coates drops a lot of passes. I think Perriman is a little bit better. Dorsett actually has larger hands, but Tyler Lockett seems to catch the ball more easily. Finding the "natural hands catchers" with size and speed is kind of limited to the top 3. So, we're going to have to find players who we can hide insufficiency and demonstrate strength.

[Roy P]

16 OL Cameron Erving
51 ILB Stephone Anthony
82 QB Bryce Petty
116 WR Tyler Lockett
152 WR Chris Conley
175 WR Ty Montgomery
195 OLB Kyle Emanuel
211 RB Karlos Williams
216 CB Justin Coleman
235 TE Blake Bell

3 WRs in one draft. Kyle Emanuel is cheap OLB insurance. Erving can play any position on the OL.

[popanot]

Here's a good write up on some of the WRs:

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/2015-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-rankings.html

He's still developing his "Reception Perception" model, but I like where he's going with it.

Here's more info regarding the model:

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/the-2015-reception-perception-project.html

[nunusguy]

Here's a good write up on some of the WRs:

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/2015-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-rankings.html

He's still developing his "Reception Perception" model, but I like where he's going with it.

Here's more info regarding the model:

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/the-2015-reception-perception-project.html
6) Devin Smith, Ohio State

From the moment I popped on the first Devin Smith cutup, I was intrigued. His big play ability was screaming off the screen. After I studied Smith for Reception Perception, I was hooked. Starting with the obvious, he is a master of the vertical game, and he still owns the most ridiculous deep game Reception Perception I’ve charted. While prospects like Sammie Coates and Phillip Dorrsett have speed, Smith is the one player in this class with near complete vertical ability. Meaning, he has the speed to fly, the subtleties to inch away from coverage at the last moment to separate, and can win contested catches. His ability to track the ball is second to none in this class, especially in the deep game. When Devin Smith walks into an NFL team’s building, he will already bring true vertical artistry, and be an immediate deep threat. That is enough of a trump card for him to get first round consideration.
If O'Brien is looking for a WR with the real top-end speed, a real burner this might his man.

[barrett]

I would take Gregory in a second. No debate needed from me.
He is by far the most talented DE/OLB in the draft. Period. So the guy smoked a little weed. I'm sure at least 50% of players smoke weed, it's so glorified now in society, it's in music, movies, ect. It's legal now in a few states, with more states probably being added this year. I believe Justin Houston tested positive at the combine and he's hasn't had any problems. So you never know.

After watching this scout break down how ridiculously talented he is, you might be swayed too.

https://youtu.be/S8AdCCOD4iw

Downgrading him is not about how bad marijuana is. If I told a guy not to eat shell fish for a month before the draft because it was worth millions of dollars and would seriously impact his professional future, and then he ate some delicious bacon wrapped shrimp and tested positive for shell fish, I would downgrade him. Not because those shrimp were bad, but because knowing the situation and eating them anyways would show a huge lack of professionalism/poor decision making combo I would not be excited to invest a 1st round pick in.

Occasionally this results in the Randy Mosses of the world being undervalued and tumbling down draft boards, but the flip side is when character concerns are ignored (Lawerence Phillips is an old school example with a recent headline grabbing example that many leopards never change their spots).

[Roy P]

Here's a good write up on some of the WRs:

http://www.thebackyardbanter.com/2015-nfl-draft-wide-receiver-rankings.html

He's still developing his "Reception Perception" model, but I like where he's going with it.


I am all about attempting to make analysis more objective and less subjective, and appreciate the information. I took a look at his tiers, My Ranking, Average Mock Draft position, CBS Sports Scouting "Grades", and Combine Measurables.

My Rank Grade Avg Draft Position Tier Pos Name School Height Weight 40 Cone Shuttle Vert Bench Arm Jump Hand
3 7 4 1 WR Amari Cooper Alabama 6' 7/8" 211 4.42 10"
4 6.2 6 1 WR Kevin White West Va 6' 2 5/8" 215 4.35 4.14 36.5 23 32 5/8" 10'3" 9 1/4"
6 6.2 12 2 WR DeVante Parker Louisville 6'3" 209 4.45 17
13 5.8 24 4 WR Jaelen Strong Az State 6'2 217 4.44 42 10'3" 9"
24 5.8 16 2 WR Breshad Perriman Central Fla 6'2" 212 4.25
27 5.7 38 4 WR Phillip Dorsett Miami 5' 9 3/4" 185 4.25 6.7 4.11 38 13 30 1/4" 10'9" 10'2"
28 5.6 39 2 WR Nelson Agholor USC 6' 1/8" 198 4.48
29 5.7 44 2 WR Devin Smith Ohio St 6'0" 196 4.42 4.15 39 10 31" 10'2" 9"
43 5.5 70 4 WR Tyler Lockett Kansas St 5'10" 182 4.4 6.89 4.07 35.5 30" 8 3/8"
44 5.7 91 4 WR Rashad Greene Fla State 5'11" 182 4.53 6.88 4.12 36.5 31 5/8" 9"
59 5.5 157 4 WR Chris Conley Georgia 6'2 213 4.35 45 18 11' 7" 9 7/8"
65 5.3 85 2 WR Tre McBride Will&Mary 6 210 4.41 16
68 5.6 123 7 WR Ty Montgomery Stanford 6'0" 221 4.55 6.97 4.21 40.5 31" 10'1" 10 1/8"
71 5.4 86 3 WR Justin Hardy East Carolina 5'10" 192 4.56 6.63 4.21 36.5 11 32 1/8" 9'5" 10"
78 5.5 175 7 WR Antwan Goodley Baylor 5'10 1/4" 209 4.44 30 3/4" 9 1/4"


The main take-away is that everyone agrees that Cooper and White are the cream of the crop. Then the list and opinions begin to spiral at 3 - Parker, Strong, Perriman, Dorsett, etc. The guru at TheHuddleReport.com has Ty Montgomery as a 1st round talent while this guy trashes him. Nelson Agholor is gaining some steam as a top 2nd round pick. Devin Smith and Chris Conley could potentially be the steals of this draft. It will depend upon the team the player is selected as to how successful they will be at the next level. Seems like everyone has an opinion.

[Warren]

Downgrading him is not about how bad marijuana is. If I told a guy not to eat shell fish for a month before the draft because it was worth millions of dollars and would seriously impact his professional future, and then he ate some delicious bacon wrapped shrimp and tested positive for shell fish, I would downgrade him. Not because those shrimp were bad, but because knowing the situation and eating them anyways would show a huge lack of professionalism/poor decision making combo I would not be excited to invest a 1st round pick in.

Occasionally this results in the Randy Mosses of the world being undervalued and tumbling down draft boards, but the flip side is when character concerns are ignored (Lawerence Phillips is an old school example with a recent headline grabbing example that many leopards never change their spots).
Exactly. If I were making the call I'd have to be convinced that he's someone the team could count on and not another Sam Montgomery. The positive test indicates the exact opposite.

[Warren]

Regarding Waynes, what I read is he can run really fast and can break up passes. Ok, nice. What I didn't read was that he can tackle well or intercept passes. So, IMO, he reminds me of Aqib Talib who runs really fast and can shadow your top receiver but he gets hurt if you ask him to make a tackle and he rarely picks off passes. Is that what you want to spend a mid-round #1 on?

Now if he fell to the late first or early second, then, yeah, let's get him. In the 8-16 range, whoever gets him may feel disappointed. I still think he's the top corner in the draft but I'm not sure he merits where he's being ranked.
Here's a good article on Waynes' tackling: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2429002-top-prospects-flaws-major-minor-or-mostly-imagined. Summary: Not a good tackler at all, but he is a top cover guy and he does make an effort at tackling. You can work on his tackling and he has coverage ability that you can't teach.

[HPF Bob]

Michigan State is one of the better tackling schools in the country. If he could be taught to tackle, I would think he'd have learned it by now. Some guys get Deion Fever where they don't want to stick their nose in the pile. I really respected Dunte Robinson's game before he was injured. He would pile drive guys to the ground. I think he enjoyed it.

[Roy P]

Michigan State is one of the better tackling schools in the country. If he could be taught to tackle, I would think he'd have learned it by now. Some guys get Deion Fever where they don't want to stick their nose in the pile. I really respected Dunte Robinson's game before he was injured. He would pile drive guys to the ground. I think he enjoyed it.

Speaking of Michigan State. They have some ballers.....Kurtis Drummond, Jeremy Langford, Taiwan Jones, and this guy who might be one of the steals of the draft. Excellent Pro-Day numbers, he wasn't invited to the Combine.

OLB Marcus Rush Mich St 6'2" 247 4.69 6.75 4.24 34 24 9'9"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i3oitcKLxM

[HPF Bob]

I'm not sure that video helps him, Roy.

[Roy P]

I'm not sure that video helps him, Roy.

I will admit that the guy narrating isn't the most eloquent speaker and it could have been better rehearsed beforehand, but there's plenty of good content that showed that Rush can play. Some key elements jumped out at me. I'm projecting him as an OLB, but he played DE at Michigan State.

6:00 into the video he beats Donovan Smith.
7:30 beats the RT.
9:11 demonstrates a spin move like Freeney.
10:02 beat Jessie James
16:30 taking on a pulling Guard
18:00 Double swim moves against a TE then the RB
19:50 beat RT
23:05 beat Tackle inside
24:50 demonstrated Rip move
25:30 pancakes the Center while splitting the C & RG on stunt.
This is a player who is not talked about even being drafted and I hadn't heard of until his Pro day. Could be a nice late round guy to get in case we don't draft Beasley or Chickillo and Clowney isn't 100%

[HPF Bob]

Sure, there's always roster depth and a few UDFAs. Bulloch can probably tell us all about him.

[Roy P]

If we drafted say, OLB Bud Dupree in the first, who would you rather have with the 2nd pick : WR Devin Smith or ILB Stephone Anthony? :

[painekiller]

Getting closer and I am thinking outside the box. The General is standing for the Texans taking OLB, which usually means we go somewhere else. Also BoB has been vocal for guys that are able to play multiple positions and are smart.
My Outside the box mock

16 Cameron Erving C Florida State rSr 6-5 313
51 *Devin Funchess WR Michigan Jr 6-4 232
82 Jaquiski Tartt SS Samford rSr 6-1 221
116 *Jesse James TE Penn State Jr 6-7 261
152 Taiwan Jones ILB Michigan State Sr 6-3 245
175 Malcolm Brown RB Texas Sr 5-11 224
195 Joey Mbu DT Houston Sr 6-3 313
211 *Deion Barnes OLB Penn State rJr 6-4 257
216 Quandre Diggs CB Texas Sr 5-9 196
235 Deshazor Everett CB Texas A&M Sr 5-11 188

Erving can play at OC or OT. Has also played defense. Funchess is a project with great height and speed. Has been a move TE and an outside WR. Tartt is a former basketball player who tracks the ball well, has the size to play up in the box in nickle. James has excellent size, and has played for BoB at Penn St. Jones is a 3-4 ILB who can thump.

I missed on OLB who could push to play today. Not my worse effort.

[Roy P]

Nice. I am also thinking outside the box. Devin Smith in the first and Stephone Anthony in the 2nd and Bryce Petty in the 3rd, then Anthony Chickillo in the 4th. Jesse James in the 5th.

[nunusguy]

If we drafted say, OLB Bud Dupree in the first, who would you rather have with the 2nd pick : WR Devin Smith or ILB Stephone Anthony? :

Unlike Clowney & Mercilus, from what I've read Dupree would be able to play strong side over the TE and cover him in passing situations which makes him an obvious choice for us if OLB is our top priority, but I doubt he's still on the Board at #16.

[Roy P]

Unlike Clowney & Mercilus, from what I've read Dupree would be able to play strong side over the TE and cover him in passing situations which makes him an obvious choice for us if OLB is our top priority, but I doubt he's still on the Board at #16.

The drafting of Dupree was the premise, the real question was who would you draft in the 2nd round, D. SMITH or S. ANTHONY?

[HPF Bob]

No question I'm drafting Anthony in that proposal because I don't think Devin Smith will be that great a player at the next level. Reminds me of Marquise Goodwin - terrific speed but that's all he has.

[HPF Bob]

1. Traded 1-16 to Carolina for 1-25, 2-25 and 4-25
2. Traded 4th, 5th and 6th to Green Bay for 3-30

25 - R1P25 WR KEVIN WHITE WEST VIRGINIA
51 - R2P19 CB ERIC ROWE UTAH
57 - R2P25 OLB LORENZO MAULDIN LOUISVILLE
82 - R3P18 C REESE DISMUKES AUBURN
94 - R3P30 TE JESSE JAMES PENN STATE
124 - R4P25 ILB TAIWAN JONES MICHIGAN STATE
175 - R5P39 DT DERRICK LOTT CHATTANOOGA
211 - R6P35 DE DEION BARNES PENN STATE
216 - R6P40 CB QUANDRE DIGGS TEXAS
235 - R7P18 WR ANTWAN GOODLEY BAYLOR

Yeah, no way White falls to 25 but - whatever.

[Blitzwood]

Downgrading him is not about how bad marijuana is. If I told a guy not to eat shell fish for a month before the draft because it was worth millions of dollars and would seriously impact his professional future, and then he ate some delicious bacon wrapped shrimp and tested positive for shell fish, I would downgrade him. Not because those shrimp were bad, but because knowing the situation and eating them anyways would show a huge lack of professionalism/poor decision making combo I would not be excited to invest a 1st round pick in.

Occasionally this results in the Randy Mosses of the world being undervalued and tumbling down draft boards, but the flip side is when character concerns are ignored (Lawerence Phillips is an old school example with a recent headline grabbing example that many leopards never change their spots).

I get it.
But IMO, his talent is worth his potential risk at 16. Again, some people wouldn't, but I'm not one of those.

[Roy P]

1. Traded 1-16 to Carolina for 1-25, 2-25 and 4-25
2. Traded 4th, 5th and 6th to Green Bay for 3-30

25 - R1P25 WR KEVIN WHITE WEST VIRGINIA
51 - R2P19 CB ERIC ROWE UTAH
57 - R2P25 OLB LORENZO MAULDIN LOUISVILLE
82 - R3P18 C REESE DISMUKES AUBURN
94 - R3P30 TE JESSE JAMES PENN STATE
124 - R4P25 ILB TAIWAN JONES MICHIGAN STATE
175 - R5P39 DT DERRICK LOTT CHATTANOOGA
211 - R6P35 DE DEION BARNES PENN STATE
216 - R6P40 CB QUANDRE DIGGS TEXAS
235 - R7P18 WR ANTWAN GOODLEY BAYLOR

Yeah, no way White falls to 25 but - whatever.

I did the Composite Board and came away with this :

#16 WR Kevin White (I did make sure it was the WR, not the CB)
#51 ILB Stephone Anthony
#82 RB Jay Ajayi (BPA)
#116 OLB Anthony Chickillo (I think he's a 2nd round talent) (Petty was drafted #111 by Cleveland)
152 WR Justin Hardy
#175 TE Blake Bell
#195 DT Derrick Lott
#211 FB Tyler Varga
#216 WR Ty Montgomery
#235 QB Shane Carden

[Roy P]

I did the Composite Board and came away with this :

#152 WR Justin Hardy

#235 QB Shane Carden

Just realized that this was the first time I was able to draft both of them at the same time.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drxxGVMn1Y0

[Arky]

If I'm the GM, I'm going to operate (under the illusion?) that the Texan defense is going to be OK. If you'll recall, they were really coming on at the end of last season. Added Moore and Wilfork..... But, I would still like to see a possible starting LB drafted within the 1st two rounds.

OTOH, the offense was downright inept at times last year. So, IMO, the offense needs lots of help. Is it possible to get the offense a couple of starters in the 1st three rounds? WR, TE, RB, C/G are probably the positions to go after....

So, in short, I'd like to see the Texans go heavy on offense in the draft but wouldn't mind seeing a good LB in the first two rounds...

[chuck]

The team needs an OLB in the worst way. I'll be very surprised if they don't go in that direction first.

[Roy P]

Is it possible to get the offense a couple of starters in the 1st three rounds? WR, TE, RB, C/G are probably the positions to go after....

So, in short, I'd like to see the Texans go heavy on offense in the draft but wouldn't mind seeing a good LB in the first two rounds...


OL Cameron Erving
WR Devin Smith
TE Clive Walford
OLB Anthony Chickillo
ILB Jake Ryan
RB Cameron Artis-Payne
WR Justin Hardy

[HPF Bob]

I'd love to see them upgrade at RT and CB but the front office decided to hand big contracts to the incumbents instead of letting them leave. Meanwhile, they jettisoned the best receiver in franchise history (probably a good decision despite him signing with Indy).

IMO, we need to replace AJ with a top WR, preferably Jaelen Strong if Cooper and White are gone as expected. The second guy on my must-get list is OLB Lorenzo Mauldin who would fit perfectly in a 3-4 since he has experience both as DE and OLB.

If we came away with those two, I'd feel the draft was a success. There are other holes to fill but those two could be critical.

I'd love to add help at KR, NT, ILB, C, S but those can come from later rounds.

[Blitzwood]

Bob, what do you think about best available OLB in the first and this WR in the second.

https://youtu.be/dVBfdOafAVs

[HPF Bob]

I could see it happening but I am optimistic that Clowney and Mercilus will hold down the OLB spots and whomever we get will be backups, not starters whereas a first-round WR ought to be starting by mid-season as we need to get rid of the guys we were using for depth at that position last year with the possible exception of Posey if he's healthy both physically and mentally.

The Texans don't strike me as a team that will bite on Gregory or Green-Beckham if they are available but I can see them choosing Shane Ray or Bud Dupree over Parker or Strong if they are available.

My issue is that I want the physical presence of the top 4 receivers (and Dorial G-B is also a physical presence to be honest) - somebody who can win jump balls in a crowd and most of the guys listed at WR in the second (Smith, Perriman, Dorsett) are there because of speed, not physical toughness. Sammie Coates would be my choice of the second-rounders. The wild card is Devin Funchess who some project moving to Tight End and becoming a Jimmy Graham type.

[HPF Bob]

I enjoy moving around a bit on the draft board so I can have more picks in the second day where the best bargains should be. But that's not true to Houston's track record so I disciplined myself to decline all the trades and just do a straight draft with our current picks. It meant missing out on some guys I wanted but I was able to get several guys I targeted including some of O'Brien's alumni.


16 - R1P16 WR JAELEN STRONG ARIZONA STATE
He's still there sometimes in trade downs but sometimes he's gone. Taller and faster than Devante Parker, he should be a great mirror for Hopkins.

51 - R2P19 ILB STEPHONE ANTHONY CLEMSON
Solid all-around LB who can finally stop the parade of flotsam lining up next to Brian Cushing.

82 - R3P18 TE JESSE JAMES PENN STATE
I wanted this to be Lorenzo Mauldin but he was taken. I'll settle for a huge 6-7 receiver who O'Brien knows well and makes a great end zone target.

116 - R4P17 OLB KWON ALEXANDER LSU
I could have nabbed a safety here but after missing out on Mauldin, I didn't want to miss on the next best OLB on the board.

152 - R5P16 G-C MILES DIEFFENBACH PENN STATE
A little early for this guy but he fills two back-up needs and O'Brien loves his toughness returning from knee surgery.

175 (comp) - R5P39 WR TY MONTGOMERY STANFORD
Now's the spot for a speed receiver with kick return skills and that's Montgomery or Antwan Goodley. I'd be happy with either.

195 - R6P19 CB DAMIAN SWANN GEORGIA
We can always use depth at corner.

211 (comp) - R6P35 S CHRIS HACKETT TCU
Ditto safeties. If I had more mid-round choices, I would target FS Adrian Amos of Penn State rather than Hackett.

216 (comp) - R6P40 DE DEION BARNES PENN STATE
Another Nittany Lion that is a classic tweener who could become an OLB at the next level.

235 - R7P18 RB MALCOLM BROWN TEXAS
A solid backup behind Foster and Blue. Doesn't make people miss but he's a dependable runner and receiver who can fight for tough yards.

What's missing in this draft? Help on the d-line, no true center to back up Jones, no development QB (not sure one is desired). Hopefully, Ryan Pickett is still in Romeo's contacts list. Otherwise, I'd be happy to come away with this.

[nunusguy]

NFL teams including the Texans run so much in nickel defensive schemes these days that a team practically has not just 2 but 3 starting corners and with Joseph coming into the last year of his current contract in 2015 I can see a real possibilty that The Texans go corner with their first pick especially if the edge-rushers and WRs they really like are off of their Board @ 16. And it' a deep draft for WRs,
better values may be in later rounds for teams this year.
Of course to really make an informed call on the Texans pick it all boils down to what the 15 teams drafting ahead of them Texans do, otherwise no way of knowing their options.

[Roy P]

Bob, what do you think about best available OLB in the first and this WR in the second.

https://youtu.be/dVBfdOafAVs

Funches reminds me of a guy from the 2005 draft, USC Mike Williams and the Lions took him in the first round. I believe that Williams was a little faster.

[popanot]

Here's mine using Fanspeak with no trades. I'm sure most won't like it (esp the Gurley pick), but I do. I feel I'd end up with at least 6 future starters with the potential for more with the late RD guys:

16: RB - TODD GURLEY
Yep, I went there. Foster most likely has 1yr left here, which could give Gurley some more time to fully heal if need be. I can hear it now... RB is the least of our needs, and we could probably find a guy in the later rounds... Those might be valid arguments, but if I'm GM, I'm not passing up on a guy I feel has AP type talent. Blue is a nice backup.

51: CB - BYRON JONES
Insane athlete that will either play CB of FS on my team.

83: WR - PHILLIP DORSETT
Speedster, slot guy, KR/PR, take the top off the D, it's all taken care of here.

116: TE - JESSE JAMES
My redzone/endzone go-to guy. Let JJ take a breather and focus on D. Do it before something stupid happens lining him up on O!!

152: WR - DEANDRE SMELTER
Got my burner. Now I get my big-body possession/zone-eating/blocking crusher. He will make losing AJ not as difficult to bear (at least until he reams us up the you-know-what in a Colts uniform for the next year or two).

175: C - MAX GARCIA
Anyone else confident in Jones at C? Not, I. This guy supposedly is a high motor guy. A team captain that players, coaches, fans all love. Oh, and he loves to workout. Sounds good to me...

195: DE - FRANK CLARK
Yep, I went there. I know he's a HUGE risk, but he also has HIGH potential and this a 6th RD pick so I'm willing to gamble with it. The Seahawks weren't made with choirboys.

211: DT- LETERRIUS WALTON
Big man, with big potential and has the motivation. The anti-Nix, if you will. I have no confidence at all that human slug Nix will ever see the field --- at least with the Texans...

216: ILB - BRYCE HAGER
High motor guy. I have to get some ST thumpers with potential at some point.

235: OLB - JAMES VAUGHTERS
See above. Might even be ILB worthy.

As you can see, no QB. I'm waiting until next year where it appears the QB talent pool will be much deeper. I'm going into 2015 with a hot mess at QB and hoping Mallett is way more than anyone ever expected. If not, I get a higher pick next year to grab my future QB to go with my future stud RB. This year, I use my late picks on potential and/or building my STs, depth and core.

[Blitzwood]

Funches reminds me of a guy from the 2005 draft, USC Mike Williams and the Lions took him in the first round. I believe that Williams was a little faster.

Yea, I somewhat remember him.

Chickillo reminds me of Brooks Reed. Maybe a poor man's Reed.

[Roy P]

Chickillo reminds me of Brooks Reed. Maybe a poor man's Reed.

I would be ecstatic with Brooks Reed with a Rookie salary. Or at least a guy who could make picking up Merciless's 5th year option, not a "need to do" scenario.

[Roy P]

Here's mine using Fanspeak with no trades. I'm sure most won't like it (esp the Gurley pick), but I do. I feel I'd end up with at least 6 future starters with the potential for more with the late RD guys:

16: RB - TODD GURLEY
Yep, I went there. Foster most likely has 1yr left here, which could give Gurley some more time to fully heal if need be. I can hear it now... RB is the least of our needs, and we could probably find a guy in the later rounds... Those might be valid arguments, but if I'm GM, I'm not passing up on a guy I feel has AP type talent. Blue is a nice backup.

51: CB - BYRON JONES
Insane athlete that will either play CB of FS on my team.

83: WR - PHILLIP DORSETT
Speedster, slot guy, KR/PR, take the top off the D, it's all taken care of here.

116: TE - JESSE JAMES
My redzone/endzone go-to guy. Let JJ take a breather and focus on D. Do it before something stupid happens lining him up on O!!

152: WR - DEANDRE SMELTER
Got my burner. Now I get my big-body possession/zone-eating/blocking crusher. He will make losing AJ not as difficult to bear (at least until he reams us up the you-know-what in a Colts uniform for the next year or two).

175: C - MAX GARCIA
Anyone else confident in Jones at C? Not, I. This guy supposedly is a high motor guy. A team captain that players, coaches, fans all love. Oh, and he loves to workout. Sounds good to me...

195: DE - FRANK CLARK
Yep, I went there. I know he's a HUGE risk, but he also has HIGH potential and this a 6th RD pick so I'm willing to gamble with it. The Seahawks weren't made with choirboys.

211: DT- LETERRIUS WALTON
Big man, with big potential and has the motivation. The anti-Nix, if you will. I have no confidence at all that human slug Nix will ever see the field --- at least with the Texans...

216: ILB - BRYCE HAGER
High motor guy. I have to get some ST thumpers with potential at some point.

235: OLB - JAMES VAUGHTERS
See above. Might even be ILB worthy.

As you can see, no QB. I'm waiting until next year where it appears the QB talent pool will be much deeper. I'm going into 2015 with a hot mess at QB and hoping Mallett is way more than anyone ever expected. If not, I get a higher pick next year to grab my future QB to go with my future stud RB. This year, I use my late picks on potential and/or building my STs, depth and core.

I went and did a similar draft :
#16 RB Melvin Gordon (WRs and OLBs were taken )
#51 WR Breshad Perriman
#82 DB Eric Rowe
#116 WR Tyler Lockett
#152 TE Mycole Pruitt (Fastest TE in the draft with college production )
#175 ILB Mike Hull (Penn State)
#195 OL Arie Kouandjio (People Mover)
#211 OL Mitch Morse (Swing Tackle)
#216 DL Derrick Lott
#235 OLB Alani Fua

[Nconroe]

From CBS board, here is a list of the top 20 speedsters we might consider

player pos rank school class ht wt 40/sec
Jamarcus Nelson WR 31 UAB rSr 5/10 156 4.21
*Trae Waynes CB 1 Michigan StrJr 6/1 186 4.23
*Breshad PerrimanWR 4 UCF rJr 6/2 212 4.26
Kevin White WR 2 West Virginia Sr 6/3 215 4.27
Mario Alford WR 29 West Virginia Sr 5/8 180 4.27
Damiere Byrd WR 84 South Carolina Sr 5/9 173 4.27
Phillip Dorsett WR 6 Miami (Fla.) Sr 5/10 185 4.28
Corey Grant RB 24 Auburn rSr 5/9 201 4.28
Justin Cox CB 21 Mississippi State Sr 6/1 191 4.3
Joe Hill RB 37 Utah State Sr 5/10 184 4.3
*Amari Cooper WR 1 Alabama Jr 6/1 211 4.31
Tyler Lockett WR 13 Kansas State Sr 5/10 182 4.31
*Charles Gaines CB 20 Louisville rJr 5/10 180 4.31
Chris Conley WR 19 Georgia Sr 6/2 213 4.33
Josh Shaw CB 11 Southern California rSr 6/1 201 4.34
Shane Wynn WR 70 Indiana Sr 5/6 167 4.34
Taurean Nixon CB 74 Tulane rSr 5/11 187 4.36
Eric Rowe CB 6 Utah Sr 6/1 205 4.37
*Nelson Agholor WR 8 So Cal iJr 6/1 198 4.37
*Ronald Darby CB 7 Fl State Jr 5/11 193 4.37
Devin Smith WR 9 Ohio State Sr 6/1 196 4.37
*Sammie Coates WR 10 Auburn rJr 6/1 212 4.37
D'Joun Smith CB 10 Fl Atlantic Sr 5/10 187 4.37
Doran Grant CB 12 Ohio State Sr 5/10 200 4.37
Kenny Bell WR 20 Nebraska rSr 6/1 197 4.37

[HPF Bob]

40 times are nice but can they catch the ball, can they hold onto the ball, can they tackle the guy with the ball, etc.?

At least with the combine, you have most of these guys on one equal track without wind. Back in the old days, it was more subjective.

[popanot]

Not as happy with this one. Made a trade w/PHL in RD3.

16: RB TODD GURLEY
51: WR BRESHAD PERRIMAN
82: Traded to PHL for Mychal Kendricks
116: OT DONOVAN SMITH
152: CB CHARLES GAINES
175: WR CHRIS CONLEY
195: C MAX GARCIA
211: DT LETERRIUS WALTON
216: DE FRANK CLARK
235: OLB JAMES VAUGHTERS

[HPF Bob]

I did one last night with four trades - traded down w/Cincy for 1-21 and 2-21.
Traded 4th, 5th and 6th to Seattle for 3-31 then was traded down from 2-21 with Dallas to 2-29 for a 4th and 5th then traded back up to 4-1 when I saw Hronnis Grassu was still available and I had not taken a center.

[Nconroe]

40 times are nice but can they catch the ball, can they hold onto the ball, can they tackle the guy with the ball, etc.?

At least with the combine, you have most of these guys on one equal track without wind. Back in the old days, it was more subjective.

Yeah, the speedsters are mostly WR and CB. for WR need to know a lot more for sure, like can they get open, break a tackle, ...,

The first number rank is their likely draft rank at the position, so top 10 can likely catch pretty good.

Hopefully a couple of these guys might also help on special teams returns and coverage.

[Arky]

Jeez, so what's the deal with WR Dorial Green-Beckham? 6'6", 225, 4.49 speed. A monster/beastly. 5-star athlete in high school. Projected by Rivals as the next Andre Johnson... Scores on the football field as well as on the street - likes his pot. Though the Texans dislike problem children, somebody's going to get a good athlete - the problem will be to keep him from screwing up.... It will be interesting to see who gives him a shot...

[HPF Bob]

Jeez, so what's the deal with WR Dorial Green-Beckham? 6'6", 225, 4.49 speed. A monster/beastly. 5-star athlete in high school. Projected by Rivals as the next Andre Johnson... Scores on the football field as well as on the street - likes his pot. Though the Texans dislike problem children, somebody's going to get a good athlete - the problem will be to keep him from screwing up.... It will be interesting to see who gives him a shot...

They'll be getting the next Randy Moss or the next Justin Blackmon. That's all.

[HPF Bob]

I think I would consider this my dream draft and, boy, was I working the trade phones to get what I wanted/needed. Other than getting a second o-lineman and addressing the safety position, this took care of every immediate need with players I really like (other than QB which needs another year to determine how to address).

Before the draft, the Lions wanted to trade up for our 1-16. I took it to get their 1-23 and 2-22. In case you're curious, they used 1-16 for Malcom Brown, DT, Texas.

I also traded my 4th, 5th and 6th to Seattle for 3-31.

Still, DTs and WRs were falling on the first-round board. I tapped into the Dallas Cowboys and they acquired 1-23 for 1-27, 4-28 and 5-27. They used 1-23 on Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska - who I didn't want.

At 1-27, my intended choice, WR Jaelen Strong, was still on the board but so was DT Danny Shelton from Washington who I decided was too great a value to pass up. Goodbye, Louis Nix.

That meant I still didn't have the WR I wanted so I dealt 2-19, 3-31 and 5-27 to Atlanta for 2-10 and hoped someone above that wanted Green-Beckham instead of Strong. Bingo. Strong was there at 2-10.

With the 2-22 I got from Detroit, I thought hard about Bernardrick McKinney before taking OLB Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville. This kid has both DE and OLB experience so he won't have the learning curve most converted DEs have to a 3-4 and he's solid insurance if Clowney can't come back. I love McKinney but the ILB role is decreasing in the game so I'm willing to chance a mid-round pick instead of a premium one for that position.

Now, I'm back to just one third-rounder but Baltimore knocked with another deal. I moved down from 3-18 to 3-26 and picked up 4-23. With 3-26, I took Jesse James, TE, Penn St. whom I think will make a great tandem with Fiedorowicz - two solid blockers with mid-range receiving skills.

I'm holding my breath that the two guys I'm really hoping for will still be there late in the fourth. Indeed, they are! I nab C B.J. Finney, C, Kansas St at 4-23 to back up Ben Jones and Taiwan Jones, ILB, Michigan St. at 4-28 to cover the hole next to Brian Cushing.

I fill other needs with my comp pick and finally take a corner in the 7th. I'd like to have done more in the secondary but I love the rest of what I've done here:

27 (from DAL) - R1P27 DT DANNY SHELTON WASHINGTON
42 (from ATL) - R2P10 WR JAELEN STRONG ARIZONA STATE
54 (from DET) - R2P22 OLB LORENZO MAULDIN LOUISVILLE
90 (from BAL) - R3P26 TE JESSE JAMES PENN STATE
122 (from BAL) - R4P23 C B.J. FINNEY KANSAS STATE
127 (from DAL) - R4P28 ILB TAIWAN JONES MICHIGAN STATE
175 (comp) - R5P39 WR-KR TY MONTGOMERY STANFORD
211 (comp) - R6P35 DE-OLB DEION BARNES PENN STATE
216 (comp) - R6P40 RB-KR KARLOS WILLIAMS FLORIDA STATE
236 - R7P19 CB JACOREY SHEPHERD KANSAS

[Roy P]

27 (from DAL) - R1P27 DT DANNY SHELTON WASHINGTON
42 (from ATL) - R2P10 WR JAELEN STRONG ARIZONA STATE
54 (from DET) - R2P22 OLB LORENZO MAULDIN LOUISVILLE
90 (from BAL) - R3P26 TE JESSE JAMES PENN STATE
122 (from BAL) - R4P23 C B.J. FINNEY KANSAS STATE
127 (from DAL) - R4P28 ILB TAIWAN JONES MICHIGAN STATE
175 (comp) - R5P39 WR-KR TY MONTGOMERY STANFORD
211 (comp) - R6P35 DE-OLB DEION BARNES PENN STATE
216 (comp) - R6P40 RB-KR KARLOS WILLIAMS FLORIDA STATE
236 - R7P19 CB JACOREY SHEPHERD KANSAS

I love it when you get all these draft picks. I ran a mock for the Colts and went back to see who I would've taken for the Texans. Was surprised to see Jalen Strong was selected before DeVante Parker.

#27 WR Devante Parker
#42 DB Eric Rowe
#54 QB Bryce Petty
#90 OLB Anthony Chickillo
#122 ILB Jake Ryan
#127 TE Mycole Pruitt
#175 RB Cameron Artis-Payne
#211 OL Mitch Morse
#216 CB Justin Coleman
#236 WR Ty Montgomery

I selected Rowe over Stephone Anthony because I figured I would get an athletic ILB later, but wouldn't be able to get a FS who could also play CB. Mike Mayock now believes Damarious Randall is the #1 prospect over Landon Collins, so go figure. I'm hoping that taking Petty with my 3rd pick doesn't mean that I have to start him right away but can sit him on the beach while he learnsthe Offense. I took Pruitt over James because he is better suited for being a pass-catching TE. Fedorowicz is already my blocking TE. Artis-Payne gives me depth, without spending a 1st round pick on Gordon or Gurley. I would be ecstatic with this.

[HPF Bob]

In my mind, I wrestle James vs. Pruitt as well. I think O'Brien wants to be a grind-it-out running coach which means he wants TEs who can be plus blockers on the line and willing to sacrifice the deep speed a Maxx Williams or Mycoll Pruitt offer. At 6-7, James is *always* going to be open against these 6-1, 6-2 safeties. Part of Gronk's success is that he's 6-7 so Brady can always find him.

I'm also weighing the fact that O'Brien is going to know what type of guy/player James is from Penn State and have his own opinion whereas Pruitt, from a smaller school, wasn't seeing top flight competition (as much as I joke about how the Big 14 sucks).

I wouldn't be sad to see us take Pruitt over James. He does mean we can take someone else good in the 3rd (although some mocks have Pruitt rising).

I agree about Rowe. He shows up in many of my mocks for the same reason - he can play FS. He can play CB. He'll be a top special teams guy while he learns the ropes and he's a solid tackler.

I'm starting to see Taiwan Jones as our best ILB option. His profile fits exactly what we want at the position and he won't cost us a second or third the way some other top LBs will. That allows me to fill the DE-OLB spot with someone more capable of playing right away.

IMO, replacing AJ is the top priority so I want Strong or Parker if possible. Most of the top DE-OLBs are gone by the time 2-19 rolls around. I think it's entirely possible that the Texans use 1-16 on Shane Ray or Bud Dupree and take a WR in the 2nd or 3rd but he probably won't be the total-package WR that I'm looking for to replace Andre and take pressure off Hopkins.

I could also be talked into a DT in the first if a good one falls to us which is what I did with Shelton but only after trading down twice to 27 and still finding him there.

I also run Denver Bronco mocks and I look to see who the computer drafted for the Texans. One time, Marcus Mariota fell to 1-16 and we took him. I might have posted it here but the rest of their picks were just terrible so I didn't.

[Roy P]

I could see us taking Jesse James for the reasons you cited. I am only stating why I selected Pruitt. He had a lot of catches against small school competition, but he is accustomed to having the ball thrown his way. Maybe a very poor man's Shannon Sharpe.

I was hoping that the rest of the league would be focusing on Trae Waynes, Kevin Johnson, Marcus Peters, Jalen Collins, and Byron Jones and Eric Rowe would slip under the radar. I mean, he is bigger than those guys, can tackle, has played Safety and CB, and will probably be the most successful of the group. The fact that Demarious Randall is "flying up draft boards" means people are realizing the importance of the position in a passing league and the dearth of talent to fulfill the need. I would simply assign him to cover the pass-catching TEs we face, like Fleener. Anyway, if I can see his highlights and compare his measurables, I am sure that NFL GMs can too. It won't surprise me if he's drafted in the first round.

Taiwan Jones is similar to Bernardick McKinney, but not as athletic. Good downhill thumpers who stop the run, but never on the field in passing downs because of the liability in coverage. We have Cushing already, so I want a complimentary ILB who can handle the RB in pass coverage. The guys like Alexander, Hicks, Heeney, or Ryan are "Nickle-Linebackers" sort of "bulked up Kam Chancellor - types.

I won't be surprised if Bud Dupree is our first pick and would be fine with it. Unless Amari Cooper or Kevin White is still on the board. If Parker is there, I might raise an eyebrow, but would understand. I'm higher on Chickillo than most and I sometimes try to wait until the 3rd round, and then miss out on him and have to settle for a Kyle Emanuel or Alani Fua. So, getting the OLB early relieved the stress of potential for missing out.

If we go OLB first and WR after, Devin Smith, Phillip Dorsett, Jalen Strong, Breshad Perriman, Tyler Lockett, those guys are going to add to the talent.

[Blitzwood]

I'm glad you brought up Fua. Call me crazy, but I really like Alani Fua as a SS/nickel LB. He's got the same measureables as Kam, 6'4" and 235, and his 3 cone and shuttle #'s are better than almost all the safeties. Worst case is he becomes a great ST player. I could see us taking a flier on him in the 5th or 6th.

[Roy P]

#42 DB Eric Rowe


I selected Rowe over Stephone Anthony because I figured I would get an athletic ILB later, but wouldn't be able to get a FS who could also play CB. Mike Mayock now believes Damarious Randall is the #1 prospect over Landon Collins, so go figure.

Just saw that Mayock has moved up Eric Rowe to a tie for 5th best CB with Byron Jones.

[Roy P]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000487985/article/2015-sevenround-mock-draft-teambyteam-projections

Houston Texans

Round 1 (16): Breshad Perriman, WR, UCF
Round 2 (51): Eric Rowe, CB, Utah
Round 3 (82): Jaquiski Tartt, S, Samford
Round 4 (116): Max Garcia, C, Florida
Round 5 (152): Bryce Hager, ILB, Baylor
Round 5 (175): Karlos Williams, RB, Florida State
Round 6 (195): Darrian Miller, G, Kentucky
Round 6 (211): Zach Wagenmann, OLB, Montana
Round 6 (216): Tray Walker, CB, Texas Southern
Round 7 (235): Tayo Fabuluje, G, TCU

I'm okay with Perriman, his hands aren't that bad. Andre used to frustrate me early in his career too, but if he makes enough plays, you live with it.

I love Eric Rowe, unfortunately QB Bryce Petty was selected at #41 by the Rams. I couldn't believe the Jaquiski Tartt pick. I would have taken Chickillo or even Marpet and it killed me that the Patriots selected both with #96 and #97.

I understand the Max Garcia pick, which is why I was looking for Marpet. Very pleased with Karlos Williams (good RB pick at about the right time).

Not having drafted an OLB earlier, I can understant the Zach Wagenmann selection. Pretty decent mock.

[Roy P]

Another Fanspeak.com mock draft without trading :

#16 OLB Eli Harold
#51 WR Breshad Perriman
#82 QB Bryce Petty
#116 ILB Jake Ryan
#152 TE Mycole Pruitt
#175 DL Derrick Lott
#195 CB Justin Coleman
#211 RB Zach Zenner
#216 OLB Kyle Emanuel
#235 OC Greg Mancz

Harold is a "reach" because I have seen mocks where he gets down to the Cardinals and Steelers, but I am comfortable with taking him at #16 if my top 7 players are off the board.

I have seen mocks where we select Perriman at #16 or he's off the board before our first pick, so excited to take him at #51.

Petty has a legitimate shot at starting in his 2nd season, and we don't have to draft a QB next year. I am not sure if Mallet or Hoyer are the answer, and want a guy waiting in the wings. A 3rd round pick is not too expensive for a potential Franchise QB who simply needs some seasoning as he transitions from the College Spread to something more complex at the NFL level.

I wondered if Ben Heeney would drop to #116, but he was selected at #115. I prefer Jake Ryan due to his size and versatility.

#152 Jesse James was gone, but I like Pruitt in the passing game and he is better at getting separation due to his quickness.

I continue to draft Lott because he has agility that is uncanny for someone his size. He impressed me at the Shrine game.

Coleman is my Nickel CB who can cover the slot.

Zenner rushed for 2K more than once. Is available here because he played at a small school. I'm okay with that.

Emanuel and Mancz are insurance and could be getting significant snaps in their 2nd season.

[HPF Bob]

I'm posting this only for the absurdity of the first pick and how it affects the rest of my drafting.

Somehow, someone I wasn't expecting fell to 16 and, I only made one trade after that - sending 2-19 to Baltimore for 2-26 and 4-23.

16 - R1P16 QB JAMEIS WINSTON FLORIDA STATE
58 (from BAL) - R2P26 WR SAMMIE COATES AUBURN
82 - R3P18 TE JESSE JAMES PENN STATE
116 - R4P17 DT GABE WRIGHT AUBURN
122 (from BAL) - R4P23 CB JOSH SHAW USC
152 - R5P16 WR-KR TY MONTGOMERY STANFORD
175 (comp) - R5P39 S ADRIAN AMOS PENN STATE
195 - R6P19 C GREG MANCZ TOLEDO
211 (comp) - R6P35 DE DEION BARNES PENN STATE
216 (comp) - R6P40 OLB ALANI FUA BYU
235 - R7P18 ILB JEFF LUC CINCINNATI

I'm sure some of you wouldn't want Winston, even at 16. The way I see it is this. The girl he may or may not have raped is now in civil court. What does that tell me? He's no longer likely to ever have a criminal case. He could be out some money, but he's not going to jail. If the consensus #1 QB is falling to us when we so desperately need a frontline QB, how can we pass him up.

Of course, NOW I haven't done 2 things I'm usually eager to do - 1) trade down and 2) use my first-rounder on a wide receiver. At 2-26, some top WRs are still there including DGB (no thanks) and Devin Smith (no thanks). The only WR I like in that spot is Sammie Coates.

3-18 offers a lot of good choices but my favorite OLB, Lorenzo Mauldin, got snagged by the Bears. My new QB needs weapons so here's Jesse James.

Gabe Wright and Josh Shaw are both value picks and positions with some need. Ty Montgomery and Adrian Amos are definite role players. The last four are positions I should have addressed sooner but the right guys never fell in the right spots.

[HPF Bob]

This pretty much nails what and who I want from this draft. Of course, it presumes these trades would be made and these players would be available but this pretty much sums up what I would do with the Texans' 2015 draft:

1. Traded 1-16 to Arizona for 1-24, 2-23 and 4-24.
2. Traded 4-17, 5-16 and 6-19 to Green Bay for 3-30.

24 - (from ARZ) R1P24 WR JAELEN STRONG ARIZONA STATE 6-2, 217
Dropping on some boards but still my pick as an AJ replacement. I think this makes a trade-down credible and sets up the rest of the draft.
51 - R2P19 ILB BENARDRICK MCKINNEY MISSISSIPPI STATE 6-4, 246
Would be okay here with Anthony or Perryman though McKinney is my guy.
55 - (from ARZ) R2P23 OLB LORENZO MAULDIN LOUISVILLE 6-4, 259
College DE with OLB experience. Can pass rush or play over the TE.
82 - R3P18 CB-FS ERIC ROWE UTAH 6-1, 205
Houston product who makes perfect safety/slot corner combo. Not likely to actually be available in the mid-3rd. Opinions vary.
94 (from GB) - R3P30 TE JESSE JAMES PENN STATE 6-7, 261
Huge target that O'Brien knows well. Ran 4.69 at Pro Day. Capable blocker.
123 (from ARZ) - R4P24 C ANDY GALLIK BOSTON COLLEGE 6-2, 306
We need to take a center here and several will work out ok. Finney, Dismukes, Mason, all could work here.
175 (comp) - R5P39 DT JOEY MBU HOUSTON 6-3, 313
Either Mbu or Derrick Lott works for me as Wilfork's backup. Flip a coin.
211 (comp) - R6P35 WR-KR TY MONTGOMERY STANFORD 6-0, 221
Either Montgomery or Antwan Goodley is my 4th WR/ KR. Flip a coin.
216 (comp) - R6P40 DE RAY DREW GEORGIA 6-4, 265
Raw but has potential to be effective DE or slim down to a 3-4 LB. Deion Barnes works here too.
235 - R7P18 G-C MILES DIEFFENBACH PENN STATE 6-4, 301
Bench depth for guard and center. Tough kid. O'Brien connection.

[Roy P]

This pretty much nails what and who I want from this draft. Of course, it presumes these trades would be made and these players would be available but this pretty much sums up what I would do with the Texans' 2015.

Thanks again for giving me something to work with. I took a look at my last mock draft and considered who would be available at these positions and where they ranked on my draft board.

At # 24 the 4 players I had left to consider were Melvin Gordon (6th on my board), Todd Gurley (7th), Preston Smith (10th) and Stephone Anthony (22). The RBs almost seems like I could get better "Value" later. I'm not sure what to do with Preston, I could have him play OLB like we did with Mario Williams or I could bulk him up to play DE. Taking Anthony here almost seems like a reach, but I would consider him due to his size and athletic ability to play at a position of need.

#51 WR Breshad Perriman (12th on my board and an "easy" pick)

#55 CB Eric Rowe (15th and the guy I consider at #51), Devin Smith (23rd), Bernardick McKinney (26 and a guy I thought I would get if I passed on Anthony), Phillip Dorsett (27), Nelson Agholor (33), Anthony Chickillo (36 I hoped would be there for me if I passed on Preston Smith)

#82 Bryce Petty (35 didn't believe he's available, but he is and I take him), David Johnson (38 glad I selected Melvin Gordon), Jay Ajayi (40), Alex Carter (45 my Eric Rowe fallback plan), Jake Ryan (48 and I still need an ILB), Za'Darius Smith (49), Ben Heeney (56), Jesse James (64)

#123 Tyler Lockett (42), Tevin Coleman (53), Donovan Smith (54), Chris Conley (57), Tre McBride (60), Mycole Pruitt (61), Jordan Hicks (62), Nick Oleary (78)

#175 Derrick Lott (58), Justin Coleman (74), Tyler Varga (77), Antwan Goodley (81), Ty Montgomery (85), Shane Carden (92), Damian Swann (98)

#211 ILB Bryce Hager (82), Zach Zenner (93)

#216 OLB Kyle Emanuel (79), Karlos Williams (83)

235 TE Blake Bell (73), Wes Saxton (95), Greg Mancz (103)

So, RB Melvin Gordon, WR Breshad Perriman, CB Eric Rowe, QB Bryce Petty, WR Tyler Lockett, DT Derrick Lott, ILB Bryce Hager, OLB Kyle Emanuel, and TE Blake Bell would be my "perfect draft"

Then again, if I had drafted Preston Smith in the first round I could have taken Karlos Williams at #216.

[Roy P]

I'm sure there will be some trades and the whole thing unravels, but this is how I see it 2 days before the real thing:

1 TB QB Marcus Mariota
2 Tenn DE Dante Fowler
3 Jax WR Amari Cooper
4 Oak WR Kevin White
5 Wash OLB Vic Beasley
6 NYJ QB Jameis Winston
7 Chi DT Leonard Williams
8 Atl DE Bud Dupree
9 NYG OG Brandon Scherff
10 StL CB Trae Waynes
11 Minn WR Devante Parker
12 Cle NT Danny Shelton
13 NO NT Malcolm Brown
14 Mia RB Todd Gurley
15 SF OLB Randy Gregory
16 Hou OLB Eli Harold
17 SD RB Melvin Gordon
18 KC DE Arik Armstead
19 Cle WR Breshad Perriman
20 Phi SS Landon Collins
21 Cin DE Shane Ray
22 Pitt OLB Preston Smith
23 Det CB Eric Rowe
24 Az OT Ereck Flowers
25 Car OT T.J. Clemmings
26 Bal CB Kevin Johnson
27 Dal OG La'el Collins
28 Den OT Jake Fisher
29 Ind ILB Stephone Anthony
30 GB ILB Bernardrick McKinney
31 NO CB Marcus Peters
32 NE DT Grady Jarrett

[Roy P]

16 OLB Eli Harold
51 ILB Stephone Anthony
82 DE Henry Anderson
116 RB David Johnson
152 TE Blake Bell
175 OL Mitch Morse
195 DT Derrick Lott
211 CB Justin Coleman
216 WR Ty Montgomery
235 WR Mario Alford

I like Harold more than most due to the fact that he has played OLB at Va and has pass-rush moves. Not certain about Clowney/Merciless and unsure that I will be able to select Chickillo later. Huge relief to have him in the fold. I winced at drafting him before Gordon or Gurley.

Thought/think Anthony goes in the first round, so pleasantly surprised to see him waiting for me at # 51.

At #82 my BPA is Anderson who will push Crick for playing time. Extremely undervalued in my opinion. Bryce Petty was selected right ahead of me at #81

#116 David Anderson impresses me as a RB and I took him here because he's my BPA. Should perhaps considered WR Chris Conley or perhaps TE Jesse James.

#152 When I got Blake Bell I really started second guessing not takings James At #116. The thought of double-dipping and getting two 6'7" Behemoths in the Red-Zone is intriguing.

#175 Mitch Morse played OT at Mizzou, but like many prospects could move inside to play C or G. Mayock has promoted him to his #5 prospect on the interior.

#195 I contemplated drafting at #152 but missed out on James and didn't want to miss on Bell. I have Anderson to play DE, but Lott could learn the NT position.

#211 Many of my WR prospects are gone so I am happy to not feel compelled to reach for one due to the FA signings. Taking my NickleBack here.

#216 & #235 Took the best WRs left on my board and hope they can develop.

[Blitzwood]

16 Rhane Ray
51 Damarious Randall
82 Chris Conley
116 Doran Grant
152 Marcus Hardison
175 Joey Mbu
195 Ray Drew
211 Antwan Goodley
216 Aamarlo Herrera
235 Daryl Baldwin

UFA Marcus Murphy

I wanted Gregory at 16, but with PLENTY more people coming out recently against taking him, like Jay Glazer, I deceided to take the "safer" OLB available. We can't afford to have another 2014 draft where we got next to nothing from the first three selections.

I liked Collins in the first, but beleive Randall is a much better value in the second. If anything, Randall may turn out to be the better pro.

Conley is a must have, imo, simply put a BPA at a position of need. Great character guy too.

Grant gives us much needed quality depth at the CB, while also able to play centerfield in a pinch.

Hardison, Mbu, and Drew finish solidifying our front seven.

Goodley is a terrific route runner and can line up in the the slot or outside.

Herrera bolsters our ILB and has a real chance at starting next to Cush.

Baldwin can play G or T.

[Roy P]

51 Damarious Randall
82 Chris Conley
211 Antwan Goodle

If anything, Randall may turn out to be the better pro.

Conley is a must have, imo, simply put a BPA at a position of need. Great character guy

Goodley is a terrific route runner and can line up in the the slot or outside.


Would you take Randall over Eric Rowe?

I love Conley as a sleeper and have moved him up on my final draft board.

I like the idea of getting Goodley later in the draft.

[Roy P]

16 OLB Eli Harold
51 ILB Stephone Anthony
82 DE Henry Anderson
116 RB David Johnson
152 TE Blake Bell
175 OL Mitch Morse
195 DT Derrick Lott
211 CB Justin Coleman
216 WR Ty Montgomery
235 WR Mario Alford .

After looking at it and making my final adjustments I came away with the following :

16 OLB Eli Harold
51 ILB Stephone Anthony
82 WR Rashad Greene
116 TE Jesse James
152 TE Blake Bell
175 RB Zach Zenner
195 OL Mitch Morse
211 DL Derrick Lott
216 WR Ty Montgomery
235 OLB Alani Fua

[Blitzwood]

Would you take Randall over Eric Rowe?



Yes, I would.

I don't usually rate players, but if I did, I would have Rowe as the fifth to sixth best S.

I know some are pretty high on him, but I just don't see a first or second round talent in what I have seen of him.

I would take Jalen Collins over him too as a Safety. J. Collins may be raw, but I think in a couple years he could be a great S.

I would have L. Collins and Randall as 1a and 1b.
2. Drummond
3. D. Smith
4. Tartt
5a. Amos
5b. Rowe

[WMH]

Another Fanspeak.com mock draft without trading :

#16 OLB Eli Harold
#51 WR Breshad Perriman
#82 QB Bryce Petty
#116 ILB Jake Ryan
#152 TE Mycole Pruitt
#175 DL Derrick Lott
#195 CB Justin Coleman
#211 RB Zach Zenner
#216 OLB Kyle Emanuel
#235 OC Greg Mancz

Petty has a legitimate shot at starting in his 2nd season, and we don't have to draft a QB next year. I am not sure if Mallet or Hoyer are the answer, and want a guy waiting in the wings. A 3rd round pick is not too expensive for a potential Franchise QB who simply needs some seasoning as he transitions from the College Spread to something more complex at the NFL level.


John McClain ‏@McClain_on_NFL 31s32 seconds ago
Wow! @RapSheet just said on NFL Network Saints might take Baylor QB Bryce Petty with 31st pick! Sic 'Em!