Mock Drafts
 

Now I know I may be a bit early. However, I have been looking into mock drafts and it seems a Earl Thomas of Texas is the concensus pick. I'm not much of a college guy. So does anybody know why this guy is the right pick. It seemed last year that Taylor Mays was the pick. What has happened in a year?

Earl Thomas is a ball hawk center fielder type of safety, which is what the Texans need IMO. Some scouts even think he can play corner in the NFL. Mays to me looks like a better Bernard Pollard (his numbers will blow Pollard's away but I am talking about style of play), big hitter and more of a strong safety type. He is a physical specimen though.

He's exactly the kind of S we need; a centerfield, ballhawking type.

Also on our first round watchlist:

DT
Dan Williams, Tennessee
Brian Price, UCLA

RB
Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech
Ryan Matthews, Fresno State
CJ Spiller, Clemson
Jahvid Best, Cal

CB
Kyle Wilson, Boise State
Patrick Robinson, Florida State
Donovan Warren, Michigan

OG
Mike Iupati, Idaho

WR
Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State

Iliked everything except WR. We just don't need another one right now. Resign Walter. (Which we did.)

When our CBs play press coverage on Reggie Wayne, Anthony Gonzalez, and Austin Collie; it's likely that they are going to get beat at some point. Therefore, it's nice to have a FS who can make the back end a little bit safer and create the occasional turnover. When the Colts played the Ravens, Ed Reed was always a possible interception waiting to happen. That would be nice to have to put just a little bit of doubt in the back of Peyton Manning's mind. Now, Ed Reed does a much better job tackling than Thomas. Also, if you wonder why Bob Sanders is on the injured list more than the field, you may determine his size could be an issue.

Taylor Mays lacks the instincts and playmaking ability that his athleticism should allow him be a great player. Last year, everyone had an idea that he'd be the nest Sean Taylor, but after watching him closely during his Senior campaign, folks are wondering if he's closer to Roy Williams. I'm sure after the Combine, some team will fall in love with his measurables. I just don't know if it translates on the field.

I have to agree with that assesment. Wish we had a chance at Berry, but that is just a pipe dream.

Here is my new Texans mock 3-14-10:

1st Round (Pick #20) - Dan Williams DT Tennessee 6-2 327
how do you improve the pass defense and the run defense at the same time? A guy like Williams does this.

2nd Round (Pick#51) - Tyson Alualu DT California 6-3 295 Oops I did it again, if he is gone then Lamarr Houston DT Texas 6-3 305. Both are high motor guys who penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays.

3rd Round (Pick# 81) Amari Spievey CB Iowa 5-11 195 Solid against the run has a big upside, excellent special teamer.

4th Round (Pick# 118) - Mitch Petrus OG Arkansas 6-3 310 Great feet and solid upper body strength. Has the quickness to play LG in any system.

5th Round (Pick#149) - Marshall Newhouse OG TCU 6-4 319 Also has excellent feet, can play 4 position in a pinch, RG in our system.

6th Round (Pick #183) - Myron Lewis CB Vanderbilt 6-2 203 Has the size and speed to convert to Safety.

6th Round (Pick #193) - Lonyae Miller RB Fresno State 6-0 221 Played in one cut and go system in college

7th Round (Pick #223) - Andre Anderson RB Tulane 5-11 205 Solid back who is being over looked.

according to draftcountdown just 38 more days to the draft.
http://www.draftcountdown.com/

Anyways, I like the mock you just put up overall. time will tell what surprises we will get.

You guys definitely do lots of research which I do enjoy following.

1st Round (Pick #20) - Earl Thomas FS Texas 5-10 208 - I've been chirping for a FS since Matt Stevens suited up on Sundays. Not going to sing a different tune now.

2nd Round (Pick #51) - Brandon Ghee CB Wake Forest 6-0 191 - This is the best CB I see on the board in the 2nd round.

3rd Round (#81) - I like John Jerry OG Mississippi at this spot, but I don't think Smithiak want a big and powerful OL after signing Wade. So, I'll go with Geno Atkins DT 6-2 293 and have a guy who can get some pressure on the QB.

4th Round (#118) - I don't see how in the HELL Ben Tate lasts this long, but I still see him listed this late. Since I passed on Dan Williams in the first, I'll take Linval Joseph NT 6-5 328 here to improve the run and pass defense.

5th Round (#149) - All sorts of options here. I like LBs like Jamar Chaney and AJ Edds. Another CB like A.J. Jefferson would be a nice complement. However, I've yet to snag a RB. Anthony Dixon had a horrible 40 at the Combine, so he may slide. RB Joique Bell is a guy I could see Kubiak going after here. James Starks from tiny Buffalo is intriguing. However, I like what I've seen from Lonyae Miller RB 5-11 220. So, if Ben Tate isn't a Texan at this point, Lonyae Miller is.

6th Round (#183) - I've seen Newhouse this late, I just don't think it works out that way. Getting an OL would be nice though. Perhaps somebody with C experience like Eric Olsen OL 6-4 306, Ted Larson, or John Estes. I could see Kubiak wanting Shelley Smith from Colorado St. Joe Hawley or Jeff Myers are also possible. If QB John Skelton is still available, I might just go that route.

6th Round (#193) - Of the guys I mentioned above, I'll get another one if available. Otherwise, I go for a Special Teams contributor like Lindsey Witten or Kavell Conner. I may give myself a "free pass" and take Marcus Easely WR 6-3 210.

7th Round (#223) - I'll look around for more CB prospects. AJ Jefferson is probably long gone. Sam Shields, David Pender, Nolan Carroll, Donovan Warren after running 4.67? Trevard Lindley, Jamar Wall, Stephen Virgil, and Nick Polk are all possible. Patrick Stoudamire and Sherrick McManis should be available.

OK i may have cheated a little on the CBS Sports.com list I used. I know guys rated #16 as Dan Williams was, can drop to our pick at 20. I did this through out my mock. I am going to redo it as if the list is the real mock and any one ranked before our pick is off limits. Here is my new Texans mock 3-15-10:

1st Round (Pick #20) - Ryan Mathews RB Fresno State 6-0 218
BPA, has the look of a franchise back in our system.

2nd Round (Pick#51) - Lamarr Houston DT Texas 6-3 305. Plays with a high motor, will penetrate the backfield and disrupt plays.

3rd Round (Pick# 81) - Amari Spievey CB Iowa 5-11 195 Solid against the run has a big upside, excellent special teamer.

4th Round (Pick# 118) - Ben Tate RB Auburn 5-11 220 You never have to many solid RBs, and this is BPA

5th Round (Pick#149) - Marshall Newhouse OG TCU 6-4 319 Has excellent feet, can play 4 position in a pinch, RG in our system.

6th Round (Pick #183) - Myron Rolle SS Florida State 6-2 215 Solid character guy, smart, might become the QB of the defense we never had.

6th Round (Pick #193) - Lonyae Miller RB Fresno State 6-0 221 Played in one cut and go system in college

7th Round (Pick #223) - Shelley Smith OG Colorado State 6-3 300 Had to have someone from Colorado ST in the draft.

I know these are all preliminary mocks, but I just can't see Kubiak going for RB with the first pick. I think we take a RB, but not till the 3rd 4th , or 5th round. If Slaton can overcome his injury, I think it might cure his fumbling problem. Foster showed some sizzle in the last two games of the year, so I would like to see more of him.

My nose still says it will be defensive secondary (FS or CB), or DT with the first two picks. JMHO

It's very possible, no make that very likely the Texans aren't telling us all they know about Slatons condition but unless they think he's finished here that's just one more reason to think they wouldn't go first round for a back. If Slaton still has a future here in the eyes of the Texans, he atleast would be the member of a running-back-committee and not just a reserve back IMO.

I disagree for two reasons. First reason, we ranked 30th last year running the ball. Kubiak has stated he will look for a RB early to improve that stat.

Second reason, Slaton had season ending neck surgery which might complicate things for him next season. I wish him the very best, but playing RB again isn't a sure thing. If his numbness returns next season, he could be done. Having a C-5 fusion in his spine is nothing to take lightly, especially at his position.

I wouldn't be suprised if Kubiak goes RB early and often.



I could see Kubiak's draft go like this:

1. Ryan Mathews RB (If E. Thomas is gone Mathews is the guy)

2. Kareem Jackson CB (Another Crimson Tide player that fills a need)

3. Jonathan Dwyer RB (Has dropped considerably after the combine and his proday)

3. (Kubiak trades our 2011 3rd) Morgan Burnett FS (Great ballhawk that supports the run)

4. Mike Neal DT (Interior line help)

5. Walter McFadden CB (McCain, Bennett, and/or Molden might not make the team next year)

6a. Simoni Lawrence OLB(Solid weakside LB to challenge Diles)

6b. Best PK available

7. Alex Parsons OG/C/T (Versitile lineman with good mobility for our ZBS)

I like these guys. Houston is my guess at the best pro from the Horns this year. Kindle is very streaky and needs a lot of work to keep from running himself out of plays. Thomas...well I have him pretty much equal with Houston and he'll probably have a flashier career than Houston. McCoy...he could become a "Brady"....but most likely a guy that is a career backup/low tier starter. Houston is very good at picking up sacks when the DE forces a QB to step up.

Newhouse...I like him a lot. I think he is mobile for a big guy. I wouldn't have a problem if he was the third round pick. I think he would start for Texans by 2011.

Other guys, I haven't seen. I am very worried about CB. I had really hoped the Texans had gotten a CB in FA so they wouldn't have to worry about getting one in a CB wasn't BPA.

I always like trying to figure out what would Kubiak do.

1. CB Kyle Wilson - We didn't pay out crazy money to Free Agents because we could draft this guy.

2. OG Rodger Saffold - The running game went to crap when Pitts got hurt. We signed a RG, this is our LG.

3. RB Anybody. Tate, Hardesty, Gerhart, Dwyer, Dixon - ANYBODY who can replace Chris Brown on the goal line and be a short yardage back.

3. FS Anybody. I agree that Morgan Burnett matches the 'hybrid' philosophy. Maybe Major Wright or somebody that can make Busing a Special Teams guy.

4. DL Anybody. This is a deep draft and we could use some more bodies. Okam may have to make his living as a lawyer if he doesn't beat out this rookie.

5. RB Anybody. Slaton might not be healthy, so I'll take another RB to see who can run and NOT fumble. Maybe a guy who can pass protect.

6. CB Anybody. More competion may keep Molden out of the tub or allow him to stay in it.

6. QB somebody other than Orlovsky to train along with JD Booty.

7. K either Tiffin or the kid from Ohio State.

The General just had his online chat, and if you believe he is correct (this is not about is he correct) then the Texans draft might look like this.

1st Mathews RB Fresno St. McClain's scouts are telling him Thomas will be gone

2nd Lamarr Houston DT Texas The Texans need a pass rusher from the DT position, and he is what they thought they were getting in Okoye. Plus there is still depth at CB, not so much at DT.

3rd Amari Spievey CB Iowa I know i keep bring his name up, sub 4.5, solid play in zone and man.

4th Ben Tate RB Auburn Depth at a need position.

5th Donovan Warren FS/CB Michigan Ran at the combine on a bad ankle, rehurt it doing position drills. May need surgery on the ankle. Has the size to be a FS.

6th Marshall Newhouse OG TCU doubt he last this long so Shelley Smith OG Colorado State 6-3 300 remember this name, you may see it again, An honorable-mention all-conference selection, allowed only two QB hurries on the season, finishing with nearly 50 knockdown blocks in conference play alone, and 19 "outstanding efforts"

6th Lonyae Miller RB Fresno State or Nolan Carroll CB Maryland More Depth?

7th Jeff Byers C Southern California solid work ethic guy, can play 3 positions

John McClain said the position of need are RB, CB, DT, FS. He also said they would be trying to gather depth for these positions. He did not think they are looking at OL in the first 4 rounds.

Now I do not see them going with 2 RBs, much less 3, but the Cowboys did this a few years ago and hit a homerun by taking Choice late, so why not.

McClain thought the Texans do not take QB, or WR this season, even for depth. Might look TE is one of the hurt guys is behind schedule.

McClain said Pitts has had discussions with the Texans, he is not going to be cleared until June, so no teams are moving to sign him yet, but he would be signed by someone.

Brown Smith Myers Briesel Winston or LZs lineup (from one of the questioners) Brown Caldwell Smith Brisiel Winston. Dennison loves Smith.

How often has the general been right? Not very. He knows more about the Titans than he does the Texans.

At this point, before the draft almost every year, the speculation on the first pick is usually all over the lot. I respect PK's opinons, but Kubiak has almost never gone for RB in the first, so I don't see him doing it this year. And besides the need (as I have repeated ad naseum) is for DT CB/FS, so that is where I say we go.

I believe Earl Thomas will be gone too. With all of the RBs in the draft, I would be pleased if we just went with the BPA in the first round (Sean Weatherspoon). I'd even be willing to go for need (Kyle Wilson or Devin McCourty).

I disagree that there is more depth at CB than DT so I'd flip the two (2nd vs 3rd round). That's just me though.

If we can snag Ben Tate in the 4th round, that will be a shocker to me. Tate is a 2nd round talent, so the only reason I can see him being considered in the 4th is because of the other RBs, or because he's a serial killer.

Getting D. Warren in the 5th is a smart pick. His talent suggests that he's better than a 5th rounder, but that 40 time is hard to shake. He may just be a huge bargain.

I think Newhouse goes earlier, but I could definitely see Smith being a Texan. He's a light, agile, Colorado football player. If his name was Kubiak, I'd guarantee this pick.

Miller is just underrated right now. He'll be gone in the 4th where people are expecting Tate.

Byers is older, which might not be a bad thing. I saw him run downfield on a screen in the All-Star game and thought, that could be useful.

Not going after any OL in the first 4 rounds could be a painful mistake. No QB or WR is fine by me. Looking at TE though....Pitta, Dickerson, Moeaki.

That was McClain saying that he thought the Texans would not take an OL in the 1st four rounds.

I think this a great OL draft late and I would grab me some. But only one OG and one OC are rated in the top 50, so that makes going after a middle OL tough in the 1st or the 2nd without a trade down.

Saffold is #51 and will be a LG in the NFL. Asamoah wouldn't be a "reach" considering who is out there. John Jerry is #83 so, that's right at our 3rd round pick. Does anybody remember the last LT we had that was pretty good? A big body that wasn't a prototype ZBS guy. Spencer, I think?