Official 2017 NFL Draft - Round 1 Thread

[Keith]

Finally here.

Now we just wait a few hours to see what commercial is played once the Texans are on the clock.

(I like to re-use this joke most every year.)

[chuck]

(I like to re-use this joke most every year.)

It's not a joke.

[chuck]

Finally here.

Now we just wait a few hours to see what commercial is played once the Texans are on the clock.

(I like to re-use this joke most every year.)

Maybe they'll play that Sprint one.

[HPF Bob]

With the 25th pick in the NFL draft, the Houston Texans select.....T.J. Watt, LB, Wisconsin. The Seahawks are on the clock.

Later, Rick Smith explains the choice was an obvious one because of the family ties, the great work ethic and because the Texans *have* to get to Peyton Manning.

[Keith]

Maybe they'll play that Sprint one.

In retrospect, there have been many Texans picks where I would have much preferred to watch the commercials.

[HPF Bob]

You mean like the year we picked the wrong Johnson? Derrick is still playing for the Chiefs. How many years has Travis been out of the NFL now?

[popanot]

Maybe they'll play that Sprint one.I'm hoping for that Toyota "You don't own me" commercial they played 10 million times every TNF/SNF/MNF game last year. Can never get enough of that commercial.

[chuck]

You mean like the year we picked the wrong Johnson? Derrick is still playing for the Chiefs. How many years has Travis been out of the NFL now?

That was a draft day boner so egregious that the organization was left with a terminal case of blue balls. Deep steel blue, surely.

[bikerack]

Totally out of left field but I am seeing rumblings that CLE might be trading up to #5 so they can spin it to NE for Jimmy G. NE has already said no to #12 so it would have to be someone they know would be gone by pick 11.

The first guy I thought of was McCaffrey. Can you imagine him in the Pats system?

[Blitzwood]

Wow, that would be a colossal steal for the pats. Even 12 would be too steep a price for me.


On a different topic, I'm hoping the Texans select a RB to groom for the future, Miller is decent, but really struggles in goal line work, as does Blue. The Foreman kid out of Texas would be a nice add in the 3rd, especially given our qb situation.

[popanot]

The first guy I thought of was McCaffrey. Can you imagine him in the Pats system?The Pats just signed two FA RBs so I can't see them going RB. Maybe for a top D player. I honestly can't remember the last O player the Pats drafted that wasn't OL. Bill usually goes D. Wouldn't rule out TE with Bennett leaving and Gronk showing signs of wear. Man, I hate these teams feeding the Pats players and picks. It's not like they're good and win Super Bowls or anything.

[Warren]

The Pats just signed two FA RBs so I can't see them going RB. Maybe for a top D player. I honestly can't remember the last O player the Pats drafted that wasn't OL. Bill usually goes D. Wouldn't rule out TE with Bennett leaving and Gronk showing signs of wear. Man, I hate these teams feeding the Pats players and picks. It's not like they're good and win Super Bowls or anything.
I don't know that you can rule out McCaffrey because of those signings, though, since they wouldn't just use him as the traditional RB. They love versatile players who let them give different looks without changing personnel, especially in the hurry up.

[popanot]

I don't know that you can rule out McCaffrey because of those signings, though, since they wouldn't just use him as the traditional RB. They love versatile players who let them give different looks without changing personnel, especially in the hurry up.True, but the way the Pats interchange RBs on any given Sunday, I can't see them expending a Top 5 pick on RB. I think they would be inclined to take a top D player.

[Roy P]

You mean like the year we picked the wrong Johnson? Derrick is still playing for the Chiefs. How many years has Travis been out of the NFL now?

I remember yelling at the TV. I also wanted Clay Matthews over Brian Cushing and complained we drafted the wrong Trojan.

[Roy P]

The first guy I thought of was McCaffrey. Can you imagine him in the Pats system?

Solomon Thomas for Jimmy G. Bill would do that.

[chuck]

Garrett will be Mario 2.0. Pretty good but not interested enough to be great.

[Roy P]

The first QB is off the board at #2. Da Bears not giving much faith in Mike Glennon. Should be interesting to see when Watson and Mahomes go now.

[Roy P]

Garrett will be Mario 2.0. Pretty good but not interested enough to be great.

I bet Derek Barnett has more sacks in the first 3 years.

[Roy P]

Solomon Thomas is gone. My top player on My draft board.

[chuck]

The first QB is off the board at #2. Da Bears not giving much faith in Mike Glennon. Should be interesting to see when Watson and Mahomes go now.

SF called Chicago and told them someone was offering them something interesting to move up to take Trubisky. I wonder who. I respect that the Bears love him. For all I know he'll be a star. But that seems an awful lot to give to swap spots.

[Roy P]

Fournette to the Jags......as a fan of the Colts and the Texans, I hope he pulls a hamstring during the weeks he plays against us.

[Roy P]

Corey Davis to the Titans.....I hope the Colts get a CB in the first 3 rounds this year to go with Vontae Davis. He's going to be a good one with Tajae Sharp.

[Warren]

Browns reportedly trying to trade for Cousins

[chuck]

Browns reportedly trying to trade for Cousins

I am fascinated by this.

[Roy P]

The 4.22 WR John Ross to Cincinatti. Can Dalton throw deep?

[nunusguy]

Chiefs moved up in trade with the Bills - probably for MaHomes, maybe for Watson.

[chuck]

Mahomes, 100%.

[chuck]

Mahomes, 100%.

BOOM. Told y'all necks.

Watson will be there at 25. In fact, there may be another quarterback taken before Watson.

[Roy P]

So happy Mahomes is off the board. Keeping my fingers crossed the somebody takes Watson so we take Davis Webb.

[Roy P]

Trading up to #12 for Watson?

[Warren]

They're all in

[Arky]

Keith called it!

What are they giving up?

[chuck]

Dumbasses.

[bikerack]

Keith called it!

What are they giving up?

next year's #1...and #25

[popanot]

WTF. Lets just give up all of next years picks. My gosh.

[chuck]

Everyone around the league is laughing saying lolololol Texans gonna Texan.

People have been saying that Ricky has been in total control over the draft and this makes that pretty clear.

This is how a frachise cements suckitude.

[chuck]

So in 2018 they're going to implement the veer. That's the good news. The bad news is they won't have any picks to draft the seven running backs they're going to need.

[Nconroe]

I love the Watson pick for QB. Super leader.

They likely have quite a few compensatory picks next year.

I think we gave up less than Chicago or KC gave for their trade up.

Coverage seems positive on NFL network to me.

And now I can go to bed early.

[Arky]

Wow, so including the Brock deal, Cleveland gets our next years #1 and #2. Texans won't pick till the 3rd round....

At any rate, Texans have taken their first 1st round QB since one D Carr.

[chuck]

This guy comes from a one read offense. I can't wait to see him in BOB's Stephen Hawking devised scheme.

[nunusguy]

I love the Watson pick for QB. Super leader.


Seems some others on the Board have a couple reservations about the pick Nconroe, but I really don't have any idea what kind of an NFL QB Watson will be ?

[bikerack]

From my friend....

"This pick was all OB. If he goes down, it will be swinging. Watson was the most mature kid I met this draft season."

[Nconroe]

Nobody know for sure. I heard earlier in evening of last 21 QB drafted in first round, 4 seem franchise good but haven't won SB. Eight are out of league already.

Got this analysis off Jets site.
PRO: He's a winner
There is no doubt about this. He led Clemson to a monumental win in the national championship game this past season against Alabama. Watson played with poise throughout the game, in which he completed 36 of 56 passes for 420 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. That is impressive, big-game stuff.

CON: Interceptions
He threw 17 of them last season and 13 in 2015. The Jets have experienced major problems in recent seasons with their quarterbacks throwing too many interceptions — from Mark Sanchez to Geno Smith to Ryan Fitzpatrick. If the Jets draft Watson, will they be able to cut down on his picks?

Deshaun Watson's scouting report
From NFL.com: "Teams will have to weigh the inconsistent field vision and decision-making against his size, athleticism, leadership and production. While not perfect, teams can add checks to both arm and accuracy boxes for Watson. However, discussions about whether or not his areas of improvement can be corrected will likely determine whether a team will view him as a high-upside prospect or a franchise quarterback. Watson's transition from Clemson's offense to a pro-style attack will obviously take time, but his combination of intangibles and athletic ability make him worth a first-round selection."

[popanot]

I would not be surprised to see the Texans trade a #3 or some combo to get a 2018 #2.

[Keith]

From my friend....

"This pick was all OB. If he goes down, it will be swinging. Watson was the most mature kid I met this draft season."

Thanks again for sharing. Virtual beer headed your way.

[Arky]

Yeah, the 17 INT's bother me.

They should sit him for entire year, IMO (or very, very limited real time). I don't think he should be thrown to the wolves. Let Savage take his shot this year....

[chuck]

From my friend....

"This pick was all OB. If he goes down, it will be swinging. Watson was the most mature kid I met this draft season."

I'm completely astounded by all of this. Watson seems to be light years away from what BOB would want from a quarterback. That's one thing. Another thing, if he thinks this is his last year I would think that he'd rather find someone who can make an impact right away, a corner or a tackle or whatever. That would help the 2017 team and thus presumably help his future chances elsewhere.

Also, if he's out at the end of the year why the hell would the organization pick a quarterback that BOB wants? That makes no sense. Why would they accept his input and then TRADE UP to do so?

I would have thought that BOB would have wanted to play the BO game all over again, you know, I never wanted this guy so it's not my fault that he sucks.

And if BOB has this sort of weight on draft day why the hell wouldn't he have taken a quarterback a year or two or three ago? He knew he needed one.

I appreciate the insight, br, I'm just befuddled by all of this.

[barrett]

From my friend....

"This pick was all OB. If he goes down, it will be swinging. Watson was the most mature kid I met this draft season."

That is great to hear. My biggest desire all along is that OB bet on a QB. This is certainly that.

I'm also happy to see Watson be genuinely excited to come here. If you think you're a top half of the draft QB, then being handed the job on a playoff team with historically bad QB play is like hitting the lottery.

[bikerack]

Apparently, at the end of his visit, Watson looked BOB in the eye and said something to the effect of "the most important thing for a champ team is the head coach - QB relationship". (That was from Chris Mortensen...not my friend.)

Must've made an impression....especially after what I have heard about Brock behind the scenes.

[chuck]

If this is what BOB winning against Ricky on draft day looks like then I don't know...

https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Nwgb5acY_aCHvm7zzJhAkEdCNlY=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8423719/HAPPYGM.jpg

[chuck]

Unless Watson turns into a better McNair in his prime the Browns are going to smoke the Texans in 2020.

Mostly thanks to the Texans, who effectively gave up two firsts and a second to get a guy who in a sane world would be a second.

[Arky]

Round 1 complete. (with NFL.com grade on the end)

1(1) Browns Garrett, Myles DE 6'4" 272 Texas A&M 7.6
2(2) Bears (From 49ers) Trubisky, Mitchell QB 6'2" 222 North Carolina 6.3
3(3) 49ers (From Bears) Thomas, Solomon DE 6'3" 273 Stanford 6.8
4(4) Jaguars Fournette, Leonard RB 6'0" 240 LSU 6.8
5(5) Titans (From Rams) Davis, Corey WR 6'3" 209 Western Michigan 6.2
6(6) Jets Adams, Jamal S 6'0" 214 LSU 6.6
7(7) Chargers Williams, Mike WR 6'4" 218 Clemson 6.2
8(8) Panthers McCaffrey, Christian RB 5'11" 202 Stanford 6.0
9(9) Bengals Ross, John WR 5'11" 188 Washington 6.1
10(10) Chiefs (From Bills) Mahomes, Patrick QB 6'2" 225 Texas Tech 5.8
11(11) Saints Lattimore, Marshon CB 6'0" 193 Ohio St. 6.5
12(12) Texans (From Browns through Eagles) Watson, Deshaun QB 6'2" 221 Clemson 5.9
13(13) Cardinals Reddick, Haason LB 6'1" 237 Temple 6.3
14(14) Eagles (From Vikings) Barnett, Derek DE 6'3" 259 Tennessee 6.1
15(15) Colts Hooker, Malik S 6'1" 206 Ohio St. 6.7
16(16) Ravens Humphrey, Marlon CB 6'0" 197 Alabama 6.1
17(17) Redskins Allen, Jonathan DE 6'3" 286 Alabama 6.8
18(18) Titans Jackson, Adoree' CB 5'10" 186 USC 5.9
19(19) Buccaneers Howard, O.J. TE 6'6" 251 Alabama 6.5
20(20) Broncos Bolles, Garett OT 6'5" 297 Utah 6.0
21(21) Lions Davis, Jarrad LB 6'1" 238 Florida 5.9
22(22) Dolphins Harris, Charles OLB 6'3" 253 Missouri 6.0
23(23) Giants Engram, Evan TE 6'3" 234 Mississippi 6.0
24(24) Raiders Conley, Gareon CB 6'0" 195 Ohio St. 6.0
25(25) Browns (From Texans) Peppers, Jabrill S 5'11" 213 Michigan 6.0
26(26) Falcons (From Seahawks) McKinley, Takkarist DE 6'2" 250 UCLA 6.2
27(27) Bills (From Chiefs) White, Tre'Davious CB 5'11" 192 LSU 6.0
28(28) Cowboys Charlton, Taco DE 6'6" 277 Michigan 6.3
29(29) Browns (From Packers) Njoku, David TE 6'4" 246 Miami 6.3
30(30) Steelers Watt, T.J. OLB 6'4" 252 Wisconsin 5.8
31(31) 49ers (From Seahawks through Falcons) Foster, Reuben LB 6'0" 229 Alabama 6.3
32(32) Saints (From Patriots) Ramczyk, Ryan OT 6'6" 310 Wisconsin 6.2

[Roy P]

Ramcyzk goes to the Saints. Lamp, Robinson, King, Melifonwu, McMillan, Webb, Feeney, Willis, Wormley, Cunningham, Awuzie, Rivers, Bowser, Moton, Hodges, Walker, Tankersley, Baker, Jones, and Moreau are on my radar tomorrow.

[barrett]

Unless Watson turns into a better McNair in his prime the Browns are going to smoke the Texans in 2020.

Mostly thanks to the Texans, who effectively gave up two firsts and a second to get a guy who in a sane world would be a second.

They gave away those picks for a guy you describe as a 2nd and the right to subtract Osweiller. I realize that the 2016 Texans payed large amounts of money to get Brock, but that doesn't mean it wasn't a great move for the 2017 Texans to get rid of him. They could have kept that 2nd and that first and floated stories about Brock's internal improvement all offseason. They could have lied about how year 2 in the offense would be great, but in the end it would have been surrendering 2017. So if they had to waste a draft class to maybe fix the QB problem instead of keeping future picks to have the QB position definitely broke, I'm glad we have no picks next year.

And the Browns now have a bunch of the same draft picks they've blown for years. I don't think that automatically makes them good in 3 years. Everyone fell into that trap when Jacksonville picked high and put a bunch of paper "talent" together. A year after you've been in the NFL, nobody cares where you were drafted (except the Colts who will give up a 1st round pick to get a 3 ypc RB who used to be drafted high). So until the Browns can put actual talent on the field I will pass on congratulating them for getting draft rights they will probably blow.

But the reverse is true that the Texans will be hurting in 3 years when they have a missing draft class from 2018. My guess is that we are going all in for JJ's remaining healthy years. If that is the case it would be a huge departure from how we've done things, and one I would applaud.

[HPF Bob]

Amazing off-season to be following the Texans and Broncos. Never did I expect the Broncos to paint themselves into a corner where they *needed* to draft a left tackle in the first round because they flat out had no other choice than to draft one. As fans screamed for this impact player or that one, the sensible ones knew all along Denver's first pick could not be anything else but a left tackle, no matter how much the Broncos tried to hide it. Left tackles don't exactly come out of the college box as plug-and-play, particularly with all the spread offenses in college, but the failure to address the issue for the first four months guaranteed today's pick.

In a very similar sense, the Texans painted themselves into a corner where they *needed* to draft a quarterback in the first two rounds. I felt Watson was the best choice of the bunch so I'm not unhappy they wound up with the National Champ QB and Heisman runner-up. When you looked at the other 5-6 top QBs in this draft, the one thing that Watson had over the rest of them is he's a proven winner. That means a lot in the fourth quarter when you have to suck it up and produce a W or just feel satisfied with some nice stats.

Dumping Osweiler and trading up for Watson means the Texans gave up a ton to make this happen and the pressure will be heavy on Watson to catch on quickly. Just like Bolles, it is a stretch to make a rookie into a top player in such a critical position but the Texans left themselves no other possible way.

I think Watson will sit half the season and be brought in for the second half if Savage is either too hurt or unproductive. As for the 17 interceptions, fear not. Scouts say he was lethargic the first half of the season, possibly hiding an injury or possibly wearing down from the short off-season but Watson turned it on the second half and cut down the turnovers. He's proven to be able to elevate his game in the clutch and that's just what Houston has needed. In this case, they left themselves no other choice.

[chuck]

...but in the end it would have been surrendering 2017.

I guess my problem is that the team's total incompetence means that they were going to surrender 2017 no matter what. I am very optimistic about Savage. What other choice do I have? (Especially since I'm an eternal optimist.) But if he leads the team to a Super Bowl I will eat John McCain's... I was going to say shorts but I'm not willing to go that far. I'll say I'll eat his lunch. For three days in a row.

They are not going to win a Super Bowl with a rookie Watson at quarterback. I don't know how the season will unfold (although I have an idea, more on that in a second) but I do know that the Texans aren't winning anything with a rookie quarterback.

The Texans have a brutal schedule next year, possibly the worst in the league looking at it from today. So at its sad end they will most likely find themselves with a rookie quarterback who was a college sensation but like so many others is simply not an NFL player, a poor record and what would be high draft picks but no first, no second, and no hope.

The team of course could have kept Brock and the draft pick and then cut him at the first reasonable opportunity, July or whenever. But then they probably wouldn't have had the cap space to resign an important piece like Bouye. Wait, what?

It's almost like the team is willing to waste what they have to save five million or whatever it is and not fire BOB now. They're going to fire him next year - or not renew his contract; we all know that. So they're decimating the team and making stupid draft day decisions.

I wonder, who the hell in their right mind is going to want to come in and coach this team next year with a shitstain owner, no quarterback and no draft picks until the fifth round? Someone that nobody else wants, that's who. And Gabe VanGoobersmooch is sure to be several long steps down from BOB, regardless of BOB's flaws.

And Buford, now that you mention it, congratulations on your team's draft pick! This idiot Mormon had better be a good player because with his Wonderlic of four or whatever it was he is obviously far too stupid for the exciting world of multi-level marketing. So it's either trying to keep Paxton Lynch upright, soldier of fortune for a Cliven Bundy-style band of outlaws who want exercise their Elohim-given right to graze their prize Coot ducks on federal land, join a crack archaeological team that is on the cusp of finding the lost city of Nephi, or pump gas at Uncle Hyrum's Samco in Kanab.

[Keith]

Watson seems to be light years away from what BOB would want from a quarterback.
Light years? I think the most questionable aspect to O'Brien's prototype would be Watson's accuracy. It's not terrible, but it has not been consistent enough.

Otherwise, I think Watson probably scored well in football IQ, in spite of any interception numbers. He will need time to learn reading NFL coverages. He has a very quick release though, which will translate to the pro game nicely. I like that it seems he is a player who really just loves playing the game. Brian Cushing is like that on defense. I want those guys. To have one at QB could be amazing. Texans QBs have too often taken on the personality of its owner and front office - too corporate.

As Warren mentioned in another post, it is all about accuracy, intelligence, leadership, toughness. Seems like Watson is a home run in those last three. And having Tom Savage is a benefit... no immediate pressure on Watson to absorb this offense on Day 1. I do think Savage will have this job in 2017 until he gets hurt... which sadly is more of a when than an if scenario.

[chuck]

Light years?

Maybe not light years. But Watson played in a one-look offense. He didn't read the defense and then stand there and scan the field. He had the place he was going to go and there he went. That's one reason for all the picks. Picks I can live with, by the way, in a lot of circumstances. His timing is nowhere near NFL ready. He throws to wide open guys. He doesn't throw anticipating a cut. His body of work is great in college but what he did there has nothing to do with the NFL.

BOB's offense is totally, totally different. The routes the receivers run are dictated by what the defense is doing. The quarterback has to read this and see this. And then make the correct throw. This is miles ahead of anything Watson ever did in college. Does that mean he absolutely cannot do it in the NFL? Of course not. But my level of confidence is low.

I didn't like any of these guys. Forgetting the fact that they should have dealt with this a long time ago, if I were in charge I would have tried to trade down from 25 Seattle-style to try to pick up OL, CB, S, ILB, freaking waterboy, you know, whoever, and then take the quarterback in the third or fourth that played (reasonably well) in the most NFL-ready offense I could find. I'd have him sit for a year behind Savage or Cutler or whoever and then see what's what.

But here we are with Watson and no early picks until 2027. I hope he's a Hall of Fame guy and that he leads the team to six Super Bowl wins and he is on every billboard you necks see as you drive around the picturesque local expressways. But I doubt any of that will come to pass. I don't know. Maybe he'll be on some billboards along 288.

[Nconroe]

Fwiw, I preferred Watson of the choices for QB draft this year. And Texans went and got him..

I also like Savage, so hoping they are both capable and healthy for many happy years of Texans watching.

If it works then GM and Coach can both stick around for a long time as well. That's the hope this time of year.

Here is a positive review of Watson, fairly detailed.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2696512.amp.html

[barrett]

Maybe not light years. But Watson played in a one-look offense. He didn't read the defense and then stand there and scan the field. He had the place he was going to go and there he went. That's one reason for all the picks. Picks I can live with, by the way, in a lot of circumstances. His timing is nowhere near NFL ready. He throws to wide open guys. He doesn't throw anticipating a cut. His body of work is great in college but what he did there has nothing to do with the NFL.

BOB's offense is totally, totally different. The routes the receivers run are dictated by what the defense is doing. The quarterback has to read this and see this. And then make the correct throw. This is miles ahead of anything Watson ever did in college. Does that mean he absolutely cannot do it in the NFL? Of course not. But my level of confidence is low.

I didn't like any of these guys. Forgetting the fact that they should have dealt with this a long time ago, if I were in charge I would have tried to trade down from 25 Seattle-style to try to pick up OL, CB, S, ILB, freaking waterboy, you know, whoever, and then take the quarterback in the third or fourth that played (reasonably well) in the most NFL-ready offense I could find. I'd have him sit for a year behind Savage or Cutler or whoever and then see what's what.

But here we are with Watson and no early picks until 2027. I hope he's a Hall of Fame guy and that he leads the team to six Super Bowl wins and he is on every billboard you necks see as you drive around the picturesque local expressways. But I doubt any of that will come to pass. I don't know. Maybe he'll be on some billboards along 288.

Who doesn't do this in modern college football? Which is basically played as HS football with better athletes?

The best recruits who are the most talented guys will go to the best schools where they run gimmick HS offenses. Even Alabama put their hopes on a raw true freshman from a Houston area cellar dweller.

Gone are the days of college QBs learning to play QB in college. You will have to coach them up. Andrew Luck isn't showing up on draft boards again. This doesn't mean keeping Brock for 2017 was a reasonable solution, and your willingness to even suggest it shows just how far you will go to complain about any and all outcomes.

[HPF Bob]

What a bunch of Debbie Downers! Heck, right up the road is a fourth-round QB who played his college ball at the Aggieland of Missi-friggin-sippi and he's able to dominate the NFL. Not that I expect such a perfect storm here but O'Brien can dumb down the offense for Watson in Year One and gradually add back in the playbook. BTW, how did we look with that QB from Hah-vuhd?

If someone told me you could rid yourself of Brock Osweiler and draft a Heisman runner-up QB, all it would cost you is two 1sts, a 2nd, a 6th and perhaps some self-respect, I would have asked what else was on the menu.

Would it have been better to keep Ozzie on the roster one more year and eat $17 million but keep all our picks?

Would it have made more sense to sign Kaepernick for a year and concentrate on rebuilding the OL while developing a QB like Davis Webb?

I'm just pointing out some options here. It's too late to change anything now but I'm okay with Watson at QB for our future. I just wish it hadn't cost so much to get there. At least it wasn't Mahomes.

So, all right, we've mortgaged the 2018 draft. Let's make the most of this one and move forward.

[Joshua]

I'm fine with it.

The price was steep but it is the going rate to move up that far. The last couple of years has shown that the overall team is good enough that we will likely be drafting somewhere in the 20s for the foreseeable future. Any QB that falls into the 20s will have considerable warts. Hell, between the current style of play in college and players leaving early, virtually every QB has significant questions about them. So, we had 2 choices- (1) stand pat and draft an extremely warty QB in the late 1st/2nd/etc. and hope you know something no one else does (read: get very lucky) or (2) move up for one of the better, yet still somewhat questionable, prospects. I just don't see any other realistic options for them drafting a QB in the next couple years. They chose path 2 and the cost for that is a 1st next year. Now we wait and hope Deshaun pans out.

[Keith]

Watson played in a one-look offense. He didn't read the defense and then stand there and scan the field. He had the place he was going to go and there he went.
I'm not sure what college doesn't do this crap anymore. Seems like you are waiting for an ideal that does not exist.

A difference in opinion, but I'd prefer the team do what they did (specifically, jettison Osweiler and invest in a good rookie while Savage babysits) than punt the problem ANOTHER year and go with Cutler/Kaepernick/Godknowswhat.

Is it a gamble? Hell yes. But your alternative is none better in 2017 (wait, unless you think Cutler is a Super Bowl QB) and only makes 2018 seem like another lost year. 2018 may still be lost if Watson doesn't make the transition, but at least there is hope in the meantime.

[Keith]

So, all right, we've mortgaged the 2018 draft. Let's make the most of this one and move forward.
I think this is what hurts the doubters. No first and second round picks in 2018. And if the Texans have done one thing well in the Rick Smith years, it has been their ability to nail first round picks. All of them are still on the roster, all the way back until his first one, Amobi Okoye.

But for all the first round success over the years, the Texans have zero hardware to show for it. It's now a QB league, a passing league. And all the extra #1s sitting on the roster that don't play QB will keep getting the Texans into the playoffs but not to the last game of the season. The Texans have tried long enough to win without a QB.

Another 9- or 10- (or 11...) win season in 2017 would mean a similar scenario for the Texans in the 2018 draft... picking in the back half of the round. So if this mystical college QB were available, the one that played in an NFL-style in offense while possessing impeccable accuracy, cannon-fire arm strength and natural-born leadership, then the team would have to mortgage three drafts to move up to #1 to get him, assuming a team sitting at #1 would even answer the phone call to talk about trading down 20+ picks.

[Arky]

Well, after doing some research, the 17 INTs went along with 41 TDs. I can live with the 41 TDs. (Reminds me of the old Mae West line: "6'7", huh? I don't care about the 6', let's talk about the 7").

41 TDs, 17 INTs is better than a 2:1 ratio. For his career, Watson was 90 TDs and 32 INT's and that is almost a 3:1 ratio. He's a passing fool. At the very least, he should be able to dink and dunk with the best of them (certainly better than Oz).

He's got much to learn. Obviously, the NFL is way different than college but he sounds like a baller so he should be able to adapt. Just hope that they develop him constructively....

[Arky]

As for the 2018 draft, teams have survived something like this before. Losing the 1st and 2nd picks hurt but that can be worked around by drafting well in the other rounds and free agency. If they do it right, it can be reduced to just a small blip on the long term radar....

[nunusguy]

Watching a presser on NFLNet with Watson's intro to the city and he's gonna be wearing jersey # 4 according to the report so I'm gonna count that as a good omen since it's not gonna be, whew, # 8.

[bikerack]

I was reminded of the old Bill Parcells rules for selecting a QB...


1. The quarterback must be a senior. . .because you need time and maturity to develop into a good professional quarterback
2. He must be a graduate. . .because you want somebody that takes their responsibilities seriously.
3. He must be a three-year starter. . .because you want to make sure his success wasn't a fluke and to know that he has been "the guy" for a significant period of time.
4. He must have 23 wins. . .because big numbers don't mean a whole lot if you don't win.

1. Watson was a junior.
2. He did graduate...
3. He was a 3-yr starter but his first yr was cut short by injury.
4. Clemson won 38 games in his 3 years...even when you take out the ones he was injured for, it is over 23.

[Joshua]

I was reminded of the old Bill Parcells rules for selecting a QB...



1. Watson was a junior.
2. He did graduate...
3. He was a 3-yr starter but his first yr was cut short by injury.
4. Clemson won 38 games in his 3 years...even when you take out the ones he was injured for, it is over 23.

That quote just shows how much the football landscape has changed in the last 20 years. I'm not sure we'll ever see a QB at a powerhouse school satisfy this criteria again.

[chuck]

I'm not sure what college doesn't do this crap anymore. Seems like you are waiting for an ideal that does not exist.

That's probably true. I don't watch nearly as much college football as most of you likely do, and if the number of schools running bs offenses has risen from some to virtually all of them, well, I guess I'm reminded of one reason I don't watch a lot of college football.

I never, ever, advocated keeping BO on the team next year, by the way. I wanted to cut him as soon as financially prudent and eat the twenty million or whatever it was to get his ass off the team and away from the building. I'm still puzzled at the FO's sending the Browns a valuable pick to clear cap space that they apparently aren't planning to use this year. (Yes, I know it carries over to next year but I'd kind of like to win now rather than at some vague point in an imaginary future.)

[barrett]

That's probably true. I don't watch nearly as much college football as most of you likely do, and if the number of schools running bs offenses has risen from some to virtually all of them, well, I guess I'm reminded of one reason I don't watch a lot of college football.


Yes, it is most. Like I said, even Nick Saban gave in. College football now looks like Friday night in Texas with bigger faster athletes. The overall talent is still low enough and disparate enough that putting your best athlete in space near the LOS is more reliable than trying to connect on a timing route downfield. Plus you don't have to worry about the long term health of your QB in college. So the few teams that resemble a pro style offense are the exception not the norm, and most of them aren't good enough to have a top talent at QB anyways.

I never, ever, advocated keeping BO on the team next year, by the way. I wanted to cut him as soon as financially prudent and eat the twenty million or whatever it was to get his ass off the team and away from the building. I'm still puzzled at the FO's sending the Browns a valuable pick to clear cap space that they apparently aren't planning to use this year. (Yes, I know it carries over to next year but I'd kind of like to win now rather than at some vague point in an imaginary future.)

This makes more sense. I agree the trade to CLE looks weird without the accompanying financial moves that trade should have allowed. I am assuming a deal for Hopkins is a big part of that.

[chuck]

I basically quit watching college football right around the time the zone read came into fashion. Another thing I love is the line up and pretend to run a play and then step back and wait for some asshole in a visor to signal in the call.

If that ever seeps its way into the NFL, well, you guys won't have me to kick around anymore.

Christ, reading back over this I sound like my grandfather. Minus the segregationist tendencies.

[barrett]

I basically quit watching college football right around the time the zone read came into fashion. Another thing I love is the line up and pretend to run a play and then step back and wait for some asshole in a visor to signal in the call.

If that ever seeps its way into the NFL, well, you guys won't have me to kick around anymore.

Christ, reading back over this I sound like my grandfather. Minus the segregationist tendencies.

What cracks me up is the teams that rush up to the line like that are usually bad at running the actual hurry up. All they know how to do is run to the line and stare at the sideline.

[Warren]

The stricter practice and meeting time limits in college definitely make a difference. When Mike Sherman moved from the Texans to A&M he talked about that being the biggest adjustment that he had to make. After his first season he consulted with one of the top Texas high school spread coaches (I think it was Chad Morris, then of Lake Travis, later Clemson (where he recruited Watson), and now SMU) about how to make his pro system easier to communicate and digest for the college game.

Here's (http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/05/04/deshaun-watson-houston-texans-nfl-draft-notebook) a story about what went into the Texans' pick of Watson. Nothing groundbreaking, although I was mildly surprised to read, given The deBrockle, that O'Brien wasn't at the team's dinner with Watson during his pre-draft visit to Houston. He may have spent the rest of the day with him, though.

[painekiller]

Here's (http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/05/04/deshaun-watson-houston-texans-nfl-draft-notebook) a story about what went into the Texans' pick of Watson. Nothing groundbreaking, although I was mildly surprised to read, given The deBrockle, that O'Brien wasn't at the team's dinner with Watson during his pre-draft visit to Houston. He may have spent the rest of the day with him, though.

O'Brien was with Watson all day, he only left when he left to go to his son's little league game. Which IMO is OK.

[chuck]

O'Brien was with Watson all day, he only left when he left to go to his son's little league game. Which IMO is OK.

Without even having read it I knew that if BOB wasn't there his absence had something to do with one of his sons. Most of you - all of you - probably know, but BOB has a son with special needs. From what little I have seen it appears that BOB is the best possible dad to that child. So every time he calls some dumbshit play or fks up clock management in a key situation or whatever, after I calm down I remind myself that he seems to have some of the more important stuff nailed. And that counts for something, at least to me.

I used to do a lot of snow skiing, downhill skiing. I'd lose my shit when they'd stop the lift. I imagined some dumbass who really should be skiing on the beginner's patch they have down by the parking lot falling off while trying to get on the lift or falling off while trying to slide off. And a lot of the time that's exactly what's happening. But once I happened to be within sight of what was going on during a lift stoppage. They loaded a disabled skier onto the lift. I'd seen plenty of skiers zipping around that don't have the use of their legs; they sit in this sort of mini-catamaran contraption and they get around just fine. But it had never occurred to me to wonder how they hell they get up the mountain. So now I knew. Anyway, from then on every time the lift lurched to a halt I'd just imagine the stoners below loading some guy and his catamaran onto the lift and I could sit there swinging contentedly.

[painekiller]

Without even having read it I knew that if BOB wasn't there his absence had something to do with one of his sons. Most of you - all of you - probably know, but BOB has a son with special needs. From what little I have seen it appears that BOB is the best possible dad to that child. So every time he calls some dumbshit play or fks up clock management in a key situation or whatever, after I calm down I remind myself that he seems to have some of the more important stuff nailed. And that counts for something, at least to me.


Thank you for sharing this entire post, nice to see another side.

[HPF Bob]

He better keep a swear jar around junior.

[barrett]

He better keep a swear jar around junior.

Great way to follow up a post about a guy being a good father to a special needs kid.

[HPF Bob]

Great way to follow up a post about a guy being a good father to a special needs kid.

Fair and balanced.;)