2011?

[painekiller]

Well it looks like we get the #253 pick, not many last picks of the draft have an impact on the team, so I say draft a punter, preferably Chas Henry Florida if he is not already gone.

My 2nd choice is Derek Epperson, Baylor a big kid with a big leg 6-3 235. Averaged over 44 yds each of the last two years.

[painekiller]

Updated with the supplemental picks.

11 Aldon Smith** DE Missouri 6' 4.2" 263
42 Brandon Burton* CB Utah 5' 11.5" 190
73 Chris Conte S Cal 6' 0.3" 197
105 Sione Fua DT Stanford 6' 1.4" 308
138 Ross Homan OLB Ohio State 6' 0.6" 240
178 Jason Kelce OC Cincinnati 6' 2.5" 280
213 Josh Nesbitt QB Georgia Tech 6' 1" 217
253 Taiwan Jones* RB Eastern Washington 6' 0" 194

Not my favorite mock, but possible.

11 Phil Taylor DT Baylor 6' 3.2" 334
42 Brooks Reed OLB Arizona 6' 2.4" 263
73 Stefen Wisniewski OC Penn State 6' 3" 313
105 Joe Lefeged S Rutgers 5' 11.5" 210
138 Chimdi Chekwa CB Ohio State 5' 11.6" 191
178 Mark LeGree S Appalachian State 5' 11.4" 210
213 Chas Henry Punter Florida
253 Stephen Burton WR West Texas A&M Sr 6-1 221

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by painekiller

Updated with the supplemental picks.

11 Aldon Smith** DE Missouri 6' 4.2" 263
42 Brandon Burton* CB Utah 5' 11.5" 190
73 Chris Conte S Cal 6' 0.3" 197
105 Sione Fua DT Stanford 6' 1.4" 308
138 Ross Homan OLB Ohio State 6' 0.6" 240
178 Jason Kelce OC Cincinnati 6' 2.5" 280
213 Josh Nesbitt QB Georgia Tech 6' 1" 217
253 Taiwan Jones* RB Eastern Washington 6' 0" 194

Not my favorite mock, but possible.

11 Phil Taylor DT Baylor 6' 3.2" 334
42 Brooks Reed OLB Arizona 6' 2.4" 263
73 Stefen Wisniewski OC Penn State 6' 3" 313
105 Joe Lefeged S Rutgers 5' 11.5" 210
138 Chimdi Chekwa CB Ohio State 5' 11.6" 191
178 Mark LeGree S Appalachian State 5' 11.4" 210
213 Chas Henry Punter Florida
253 Stephen Burton WR West Texas A&M Sr 6-1 221

What would I do? In the above mock, I would trade down to grab Taylor.

If I could I would trade with NE and drop to 28 and get #33 for the drop.

Now:
28 Phil Taylor DT Baylor 6' 3.2" 334
32 Dontay Moch OLB Nevada 6' 1.3" 248
42 Quinton Carter S Oklahoma 6' 0.5" 208

[NBT]

That is the trouble with the trade down/up scenarios we see and hear of at this time of year. It is all a crapshoot because we really don't know what the other teams are thinking.

[painekiller]

11 Aldon Smith** DE Missouri 6' 4.2" 263
42 Marvin Austin DT UNC 6' 1.5" 309
73 Chris Conte S Cal 6' 0.3" 197
105 Casey Matthews ILB Oregon 6' 2" 231
138 Greg Salas WR Hawaii 6' 1.1" 210
178 Jason Kelce OC Cincinnati 6' 2.5" 280
214 Taylor Potts QB Texas Tech 6' 5" 218
254 Malcolm Smith OLB USC 6' 1" 225


I think a few of these guys just don't fit. I know Wade says he tailors to his players, but ....

11 Robert Quinn* DE UNC 6' 4" 265
**33 Phil Taylor DT Baylor 6' 3.2" 334
42 Quinton Carter S Oklahoma 6' 0.5" 208
73 Colin McCarthy ILB Miami 6' 1.3" 238
105 Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia 6' 1.3" 198
138 Greg Salas WR Hawaii 6' 1.1" 210
178 Chimdi Chekwa CB Ohio State 5' 11.6" 191
214 Taylor Potts QB Texas Tech 6' 5" 218
254 Derek Epperson PT Baylor 6'3" 240

** Trade with New England involving future 1st round pick.

[painekiller]

11 Houston Texans: Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
With the shift to Wade Phillips' 3-4, Houston will need a nose tackle to pair with ends Mario Williams and Antonio Smith. DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing would play inside linebacker, while the outside pass rushers would be Connor Barwin and... umm... Robert Quinn.

Quinn missed the 2010 season because the NCAA is ridiculously stupid, hypocritical and tyrannical. If he had played, he'd probably be a consensus top-five prospect, so Houston is getting major value with this selection.

Other 2011 NFL Draft Possibilities:

1. Cameron Jordan or J.J. Watt, DE/DT - The Texans want an upgrade at five-technique, and either Cameron Jordan or J.J. Watt could be the best player on Houston's board.

2. Aldon Smith, DE/OLB - Another rush linebacker option. If Robert Quinn is off the board, Aldon Smith could be Houston's new pass-rusher.

3. Prince Amukamara, CB - Prince Amukamara could be the pick if he's available. The Texans are looking for a top-flight cornerback to pair with Kareem Jackson.

42 Houston Texans: Stephen Paea, NT, Oregon State
With Amobi Okoye as their only option, the Texans are in the market for a nose tackle.

Stephen Paea isn't as big as some 3-4 teams would like, but he's the prototypical nose tackle for a Wade Phillips defense. The Texans are getting a steal with Paea; the Combine bench press record-holder would be a first-round pick if it weren't for his knee injury.

Pick change; previously Allen Bailey, DE/DT

73 Houston Texans: Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville
Despite taking Kareem Jackson in the first round of last year's draft, Houston still must address the cornerback position. Jackson has to improve, while Glover Quin would be better served as the nickel or free safety.

Pick change; previously Jerrell Powe, NT

105 Houston Texans: Jaiquawn Jarrett, FS, Temple
The Texans will be moving Glover Quin to free safety. They'll need an alternative option just in case that doesn't pan out.

Pick change; previously Marcus Gilchrist, CB

Houston Texans: Ahmad Black, SS, Florida
Bernard Pollard is great in run support, but he's a huge liability in coverage. That's not a good thing if you're trying to beat Peyton Manning twice a year.

Pick change; previously Joe Lefeged, S

178 Houston Texans: Rick Elmore, DE/OLB, Arizona
I'd be pretty surprised if the Texans didn't draft multiple rush linebackers this April for their new 3-4 defense.

Cherry picking this one is harder to do cause I like this mock. So how about this one?

11 Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor
42 Tyler Sash, SS, Iowa
73 Dontay Moch, DE/OLB, Nevada
105 Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
138 Chimdi Chekwa, CB, Ohio State
178 Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin

Just kidding on #178 Justin Trattou, DE/OLB, Florida

[Blitzwood]

11. Da'Quan Bowers* DE Clemson 6' 3.3" 280
42. Titus Young WR Boise State 5' 11.3" 174
73. Tyler Sash S Iowa 6' 0" 211
105. Kelvin Sheppard ILB LSU 6' 1.7" 250
138. Martin Parker DT Richmond 6' 2.1" 303
178. Justin Boren OG Ohio State 6' 2.7" 309
215. Brandon Bair DT Oregon 6' 5.7" 283
256. Brandyn Thompson CB Boise State 5' 9.1" 189

My take.

11. Cameron Jordan DE Cal 6' 4.1" 287
42. Jabaal Sheard DE/OLB Pittsburgh 6' 2.7" 264
73. Marcus Gilchrist CB/S Clemson 5' 10" 195
105. Nate Irving ILB/OLB North Carolina State 6' 1" 240
138. Cliff Matthews DE/OLB South Carolina 6' 3.4" 257
164(*acquired from Baltimore*). Mark LeGree S Appalachian State 5' 11.4" 210
178. Terrance Toliver WR LSU 6' 3.4" 211
215. J.T. Thomas OLB West Virginia 6' 1" 241
256. Loyce Means CB Houston 5'10" 177

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by Blitzwood

11. Da'Quan Bowers* DE Clemson 6' 3.3" 280
42. Titus Young WR Boise State 5' 11.3" 174
73. Tyler Sash S Iowa 6' 0" 211
105. Kelvin Sheppard ILB LSU 6' 1.7" 250
138. Martin Parker DT Richmond 6' 2.1" 303
178. Justin Boren OG Ohio State 6' 2.7" 309
215. Brandon Bair DT Oregon 6' 5.7" 283
256. Brandyn Thompson CB Boise State 5' 9.1" 189

My take.

11. Cameron Jordan DE Cal 6' 4.1" 287
42. Jabaal Sheard DE/OLB Pittsburgh 6' 2.7" 264
73. Marcus Gilchrist CB/S Clemson 5' 10" 195
105. Nate Irving ILB/OLB North Carolina State 6' 1" 240
138. Cliff Matthews DE/OLB South Carolina 6' 3.4" 257
164(*acquired from Baltimore*). Mark LeGree S Appalachian State 5' 11.4" 210
178. Terrance Toliver WR LSU 6' 3.4" 211
215. J.T. Thomas OLB West Virginia 6' 1" 241
256. Loyce Means CB Houston 5'10" 177

My take: no trades

11 Robert Quinn* DE UNC 6' 4" 265
42 DeAndre McDaniel S Clemson 6' 0.1" 217
73 Devon House CB New Mexico State 6' 0" 180
105 Sione Fua DT Stanford 6' 1.4" 308
138 Chimdi Chekwa CB Ohio State 5' 11.6" 191
178 Tyrod Taylor QB Virginia Tech 6' 0.6" 217
215 Chas Henry PT Florida 6' 3" 215
256 Eddie Jones OLB Texas 6'3" 265

[painekiller]

#11

Houston Texans: Aldon Smith, DE/OLB, Missouri
The Texans will spend a ton of 2011 NFL Draft picks on personnel for Wade Phillips' new 3-4 defense. Their top three needs are rush linebacker, defensive end (five-technique) and nose tackle. Cornerback also will be addressed, but from what I'm told, Houston has "some concerns" about using this selection on Prince Aumukamara.

The best player available of those three aforementioned positions could arguably be Aldon Smith. Some may think this is a bit too early for Smith, but I couldn't disagree more. It's never too early to draft a potential double-digit sack artist. Pass-rushing defensive ends often go earlier than projected.

Smith missed some action this year, which would explain why he had only 10 TFL and 4.5 sacks. However, he's a freak of nature and pretty much a lock for the top 15. He has drawn comparisons to Jason Pierre-Paul in terms of raw athleticism. The Cowboys have shown interest in him, likening him to DeMarcus Ware. Coincidentally, Ware was chosen with the 11th pick six years ago.

Other 2011 NFL Draft Possibilities:

1. J.J. Watt or Cameron Jordan, DE/DT - The Texans want another five-technique, and they'll consider J.J. Watt and Cameron Jordan.

2. Prince Amukamara, CB - Prince Amukamara could be the pick if he's available. As I said though, the Texans have "some concerns" about spending back-to-back first-round picks on cornerbacks. They appear focused on upgrading the front seven.

Pick change; previously J.J. Watt, DE/DT

#42

Houston Texans: Stephen Paea, NT, Oregon State
With Amobi Okoye as their only option, the Texans are in the market for a nose tackle.

Stephen Paea isn't as big as some 3-4 teams would like, but he's the prototypical nose tackle for a Wade Phillips defense. The Texans are getting a steal with Paea; the Combine bench press record-holder would be a first-round pick if it weren't for his knee injury.

#73

Houston Texans: Jarvis Jenkins, DE/DT, Clemson
As mentioned in Round 1, the Texans are looking for numerous 3-4 personnel upgrades, including five-technique. Jarvis Jenkins is a second-round prospect who falls here out of circumstance.

Pick change; previously Chris Carter, DE/OLB

#105

Houston Texans: Rashad Carmichael, CB, Virginia Tech
Despite taking Kareem Jackson in the first round of last year's draft, Houston still must address the cornerback position. Jackson has to improve, while Glover Quin would be better served as the nickel or free safety.

#138

Houston Texans: Ahmad Black, SS, Florida
Bernard Pollard is great in run support, but he's a huge liability in coverage. That's not a good thing if you're trying to beat Peyton Manning twice a year.

#178

Houston Texans: Jerrard Tarrant, S, Georgia Tech
The Texans will be moving Glover Quin to free safety. They'll need an alternative option just in case that doesn't pan out.

Pick change; previously Eric Hagg, S

Not a lot of changes but some. I wish someone would tell this guys that Okoye is not being considered the NT. But I do like Paea in Wade's system.

[NBT]

They want to move Quin to FS and they have cut Pollard. So a glaring need is going to be SS as well as CB.

Right now I like OLB Aldon Smith or NT Phil Taylor for our #1 pick. The 11th pick would be too early for either of them, I think. So we trade down........?

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by NBT

They want to move Quin to FS and they have cut Pollard. So a glaring need is going to be SS as well as CB.

I think the plan is to move Nolan to SS. Quin may or may not move to FS, guess we'll have to wait and see, but I know Wade wants his safety's to be able to cover if need be.

[Blitzwood]

11 Robert Quinn DE UNC 6' 4" 265
42 Torrey Smith WR Maryland 6' 0.7" 204
73 Drake Nevis DT LSU 6' 0.5" 294
105 Ahmad Black S Florida 5' 9" 190
138 Shareece Wright CB USC 5' 10.7" 185
178 Josh Bynes ILB Auburn 6' 2" 239
215 Jake Kirkpatrick OC TCU 6' 3" 305
256 Josh Nesbitt QB Georgia Tech 6' 1" 217



11 Robert Quinn DE UNC 6' 4" 265
42 Ras-I Dowling CB Virginia 6' 1.3" 198
73 Nate Irving OLB North Carolina State 6' 1" 240
105 Martin Parker DT/NT Richmond 6' 2.1" 303
138 Joseph Barksdale OT LSU 6' 4.6" 325
178 Brandon Bair DT/DE3-4 Oregon 6' 5.7" 283
215 Alex Henery K Nebraska 6' 2" 175
256 Thomas Keiser OLB Stanford 6' 5" 258

[Roy P]

I was taking a look and seeing who might be available when and came up with this...

CB The Prince - Just because KJ wasn't very good means we SHOULD get another CB, not ignore the position.

NT Phil Taylor - Surprised he lasted until the 2nd round

OLB Chris "X-Files" Carter - A bargain pass-rusher.

WR Randall Cobb - I love this guy and he makes Jacoby expendable.

FS Mark LeGree - Don't understand why more scouts aren't talking this guy up. I want a FS with Ballskills.

DE Brandon Bair - Will need to add weight, but has the frame

C Kris O'Dowd - I will continue to try to replace our current OC.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Blitzwood

My take.

11. Cameron Jordan DE Cal 6' 4.1" 287
42. Jabaal Sheard DE/OLB Pittsburgh 6' 2.7" 264
73. Marcus Gilchrist CB/S Clemson 5' 10" 195
105. Nate Irving ILB/OLB North Carolina State 6' 1" 240
138. Cliff Matthews DE/OLB South Carolina 6' 3.4" 257
164(*acquired from Baltimore*). Mark LeGree S Appalachian State 5' 11.4" 210
178. Terrance Toliver WR LSU 6' 3.4" 211
215. J.T. Thomas OLB West Virginia 6' 1" 241
256. Loyce Means CB Houston 5'10" 177

Just another thought...
1. Da'Quan Bowers - DE
2. Sam Acho - OLB
3. Devon House - CB
4. Kenrick Ellis - NT
5. Mark LeGree - FS
6. Greg McElroy - QB
7.

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by Roy P

Just another thought...
1. Da'Quan Bowers - DE
2. Sam Acho - OLB
3. Devon House - CB
4. Kenrick Ellis - NT
5. Mark LeGree - FS
6. Greg McElroy - QB
7.

I've been wavering alot on Prince lately, and this is why:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVeWn3bwWTg

I really like the kid and wouldn't mind at all if we took him at 11, but I hope he doesn't have many games for us like he did against Blackmon. But I know Blackmon is a top 3 player next year. There's also alot of good tape out there on Prince. With that said, I think Prince is still getting better and don't see much of a drop off between him and Peterson. I'm a LSU fan and there was plenty of times I scratched my head on some of the gambles and plays Peterson made. FWIW, I actually think there's a better chance of having Quinn fall to us than Prince because of the medical on Quinn.

I liked the Bowers-Acho combo, but with all the reports about his knee and him projecting better in a 4-3, I lean towards Cameron Jordan as my end and Acho/Sheard are are toss ups in my book. I took Sheard because he's got a nastiness about him when he plays. I prefer Burton over House, but I REALLY like Legree. Brandon Bair from Oregon is another player I'm really liking at end if we go CB early. Jaiquawn Jarrett is another player I like in the mid rounds as a safety that isn't afraid to light people up at center field. I read somewhere the Texans weren't too high on Aldon Smith, but I believe there just sending out smoke screens.



I'd be good with:
1. Aldon Smith OLB
2. Sam Acho OLB (Barwin will need to be brought back slowly)
3. Jaiquawn Jarrett S / Brandon Burton CB
4. Nate Irving ILB (Diddo for Demeco)
5. Brandon Bair DE
6. Mark LeGree S
7. Darvin Adams / DJ Davis WR's

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by Blitzwood

11 Robert Quinn DE UNC 6' 4" 265
42 Torrey Smith WR Maryland 6' 0.7" 204
73 Drake Nevis DT LSU 6' 0.5" 294
105 Ahmad Black S Florida 5' 9" 190
138 Shareece Wright CB USC 5' 10.7" 185
178 Josh Bynes ILB Auburn 6' 2" 239
215 Jake Kirkpatrick OC TCU 6' 3" 305
256 Josh Nesbitt QB Georgia Tech 6' 1" 217

My take:
11 Robert Quinn* DE UNC 6' 4" 265
42 Dontay Moch DE Nevada 6' 1.3" 248
73 Joe Lefeged S Rutgers 5' 11.5" 210
105 Niles Paul WR Nebraska 6' 0.7" 224
138 Chimdi Chekwa CB Ohio State 5' 11.6" 191
178 Tyrod Taylor QB Virginia Tech 6' 0.6" 217
215 Chas Henry PT Florida 6' 3" 215
254 Mark LeGree S Appalachian State 6'0" 210

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by painekiller

Updated with the supplemental picks.

11 Phil Taylor DT Baylor 6' 3.2" 334
42 Brooks Reed OLB Arizona 6' 2.4" 263
73 Stefen Wisniewski OC Penn State 6' 3" 313
105 Joe Lefeged S Rutgers 5' 11.5" 210
138 Chimdi Chekwa CB Ohio State 5' 11.6" 191
178 Mark LeGree S Appalachian State 5' 11.4" 210
213 Chas Henry Punter Florida
253 Stephen Burton WR West Texas A&M Sr 6-1 221

I just went through my draft board....

11. OLB Justin Houston Georgia 6'3" 270 4.62
42. OLB Jabaal Sheard Pittsburgh 6'3" 264 4.68
73. DT Kenrick Ellis Hampton 6'5" 346 5.19
105. CB Chimdi Chekwa Ohio St 6'0" 191 4.38
138. S Deunta Williams North Carolina 6'1" 215 4.53
178. CB Jalil Brown Colorado 6'1" 204 4.52
213. CB Chykie Brown Texas 6'0" 185 4.45
253. WR Stephen Burton West Texas A&M 6'1" 221 4.5

I have two pass-rushers in case Barwin doesn't come on strong after injury and learning a new position. I might have 'reached' for Ellis, but need the NT for the 3-4 to work. I was hoping Mark LeGree would drop and thought about taking him over Deunta Williams. Chekwa and Chykie have the speed required to play CB. Jalil Brown has the strength and could possible play FS. Burton could be better than our current #2 WR.

[Blitzwood]

Originally Posted by Roy P

11. OLB Justin Houston Georgia 6'3" 270 4.62

Fail............drug test

jk.

[NBT]

If you are going for pass rusher at #11 I think Aldon Smith is the best available player, hands down.

[Nconroe]

So, I am ready for the draft using RP's evaluations and a few estimates by a few others who study this more than I. I day to go to see what will happen.

I think they should keep everyone on offense for 2011-12 they had last year. They are good enough already, don't change it at all, keep it consistent.

Add some good backups via draft to defense, and get some Free Agents to help defense as starters, including maybe a couple of all-star, pro-bowler guys.

If they want to draft a punter in seventh round but all the rest defense is what I expect. Pass rushers in front seven and ball hawks in secondary, guys with good accomplishments during their college days.