Post Draft Analysis

[Roy P]

Now that the draft is over, I get to see who I would've taken instead of the guys who were chosen. I am fine with Kevin Johnson, I just wanted a OLB and would have gone with Eli Harold, who somehow went all the way to #79. I would have considered Bud Dupree who also "slipped" to #22. Considering now that I saw what we traded to get Bernardick McKinney, I believe that it might have been better to simply take Stephone Anthony who was selected at #31. Or an even better idea, trade down, get extra picks, and then select your favorite ILB.

At #43, Eric Rowe was My Guy. He was selected by the Eagles at #47. In comparison, Rowe ran a 4.45 vs. 4.52 of Kevin Johnson. Rowe's 6.7 vs. 6.79 (Cone), Johnson had a better Shuttle 3.89 vs. 3.97. KJ also had a better vertical 41.5 vs. 39. Rowe is 3/4" taller and 17lbs heavier. I like taking Rowe in the 2nd so I can take Anthony in the first without trading up.

At #70 I also select Jaelen Strong. I am not a big fan of trading up for a player, but in this case it was worth it.

We had no 4th round picks - it would've been nice to take Bryce Petty here.

175 - I would have run up to the podium to select Anthony Chickillo. Apparently the Texans don't share my enthusiasm. They drafted someone I have never heard of at #211 and the Steelers take Chickillo at #212. We shall see. The Steelers take Bud Dupree and Chickillo, I found that interesting.

At #211 I have to go with WR Tre McBride. Couldn't believe that he was still available.

#216 Derrick Lott

#235 Zach Zenner. Lott & Zenner are UDFA, but I would have selected them.

I am also calling Mike Hull, Justin Coleman, and Antwan Goodley to sign them.

I would also inquire about the services of Kurtis Drummond, Cody Prewitt, Tyler Varga, Xavier Williams, Alani Fua, Shane Carden, Wes Saxton, and Marcus Rush.

[HPF Bob]

While scanning, I read one comment about Chickillo, for what it's worth. "When I watch him, he's always around the ball. He never actually makes the tackle, but he's always in the frame."

[HPF Bob]

My blueprint was to trade down in the first and take Jaelen Strong. Parlay the extra second day picks to take (in no particular order) OLB, ILB, TE and C with a CB/S like Rowe a possibility if he was there.

I would have parlayed my 4th, 5th and 6th for a low 3rd but that's hypothetical since trading up is harder to execute than trading down.

Still, sitting at #16 and knowing both top RBs were taken means that nobody was probably going to trade up unless they had a hard on for Cam Erving or Landon Collins - the only two projected first rounders without a "just as good" player behind him.

So I would have taken Bud Dupree as my OLB at #16.

At #51, I'm probably thankful I can still take Jaelen Strong and would do, not knowing he'd still be there in the third. I'd also be tempted to go after Maxx Williams as the best TE on the board.

Ironically, the OLB I really wanted, Lorenzo Mauldin, went to the Jets with the pick we gave up to get Jaelen Strong. But I already have Dupree. If I wanted to do that trade with the Jets, I probably would take Alex Carter of Stanford. But if I stayed at #82, I probably would have grabbed Carl Davis as the sort of college DT that fits as a 3-4 DE.

This would mean I'd still have my 4th, 5th and 6th so I would have used my 4th on Jesse James, 5th on Andy Gallik, 5a (comp) on Antwan Goodley, 6th on Quandre Diggs, 6a (comp) on Taiwan Jones, 6b (comp) on Cody Prewitt and 7 on Deion Barnes.

I realize four of my last five didn't get drafted at all but, as we'll see, some guys will be UDFAs and still make the team. In the last three rounds, all you are looking for are guys who can make the team.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

While scanning, I read one comment about Chickillo, for what it's worth. "When I watch him, he's always around the ball. He never actually makes the tackle, but he's always in the frame."

Brooks Reed 2.0.

[Roy P]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...pick-breakdown

Still, this isn’t a great pick for the Texans who could’ve drafted a tight end or safety, and since it was made purely for depth and insurance, it’s likely Cliett winds up on the special teams squad.

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...015&genpos=OLB

At 6'2" 222lbs, he seems to be more of a 4-3 Will Linebacker who could chase and tackle. Maybe a "NickleLinebacker" who can cover in the middle of the field. Most likely, he covers kicks on Special Teams. Even though he was 45lbs heavier, Chickillo had some interesting comparable measurables.

Cliett - 6'2" 222 1.58 4.51 7.23 4.53 38.5 21
Chickillo - 6'3" 267 1.59 4.77 7.17 4.25 34.5 27

For the last time, Anthony played the 5-Tech in the 3-4 at Miami. He was undersized to play a 2-Gap position on the Line. I think if you stand him up at OLB, he is explosive at the snap and is in the backfield. We shall see how the Steelers use him. At OLB I'd guess 5 sacks as a Rookie 7th rounder. At DE, probably 0.

https://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt...shard%20cliett

#16

[Arky]

This draft might have some "reverse karma" going for it. Some past drafts have looked outstanding initially only to become meh or mediocre. This draft, IMO, is already meh but might have a chance of becoming pretty good.... Jaelen Strong, for one, has been described as a "Colston-like" and I'll take that....

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Minor and non contributors from last year's draft, Clowney, Nix and Ballentine, might be able to contribute to this year's team... Seems like there were some other guys (whose names escape me) on IR last year that could contribute to this year's team....

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What they say about the Texans draft on NFL.com:

Round 1, Pick 16 (16) Kevin Johnson CB 6'0" 188 Wake Forest 6.0
Pick Analysis: "Some coaches have told me that Johnson is the cleanest defensive back in this draft. He can play inside and outside, press or off coverage. All the defensive back coaches I talk to talk about his feet ... so quick. The only concern is his frame and durability, but this is a really good football player." -- Mike Mayock

Round 2, Pick 11 (43) (from Browns) Benardrick McKinney ILB 6'4" 246 Mississippi St. 5.7
Pick Analysis: "This is a prototype inside linebacker, and you don't get many of those coming out of the college game any more. He's a downhill thumper, but he also lined up on the edge, so there's some versatility there." -- Mike Mayock

Round 3, Pick 6 (70) (from Jets) Jaelen Strong WR 6'2" 217 Arizona State 5.9
Pick Analysis: "He has extremely strong hands. He reminds me of Larry Fitzgerald in body frame only. When the ball is in his hands, he's a horse. He high points the ball as good as anybody in the country." -- Mike Mayock

Round 5, Pick 39 (175) (compensatory selection) Keith Mumphery WR 6'0" 215 Michigan St. 4.8
Pick Analysis: Houston values physicality from its receiver position. Mumphrey fits that mold and shows toughness to work the middle of the field. However, he's limited athletically and will need to fight hard to earn a roster spot. --Mark Dulgerian

Round 6, Pick 35 (211) (compensatory selection) Reshard Cliett OLB 6'2" 235 South Florida --
Pick Analysis: Houston's front 7 is riddled with health issues, so it makes sense to take a flyer on this athletic outside backer. Cliett is an athletic run and chase linebacker who can contribute on 3rd downs. --Mark Dulgerian

Round 6, Pick 40 (216) (compensatory selection) Christian Covington DT 6'2" 289 Rice 5.3
Pick Analysis: Another addition to Houston's front 7, the Texans stay local with this selection and nab an excellent value pick. He missed much of 2014 with a knee injury but his power jumps off the screen and he also has the quickness to compliment it. --Mark Dulgerian

Round 7, Pick 18 (235) Kenny Hilliard RB 6'0" 226 LSU 4.8
Pick Analysis: Houston selects another part of LSU's recent RB-by-committee (selected Alfred Blue in 6th round last year) with this pick. Hilliard isn't as talented as Blue, but he's a no-nonsense downhill back suited for their blocking scheme. --Mark Dulgerian

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Roy P

#235 Zach Zenner. Lott & Zenner are UDFA, but I would have selected them.

I am also calling Mike Hull, Justin Coleman, and Antwan Goodley to sign them.

I would also inquire about the services of Kurtis Drummond, Cody Prewitt, Tyler Varga, Xavier Williams, Alani Fua, Shane Carden, Wes Saxton, and Marcus Rush.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300...2015-nfl-draft

Zach Zenner - Detroit Lions
Derrick Lott - Tennessee Titans
Mike Hull - Miami Dolphins
Antwan Goodley - Dallas Cowboys
Kurtis Drummond - Houston Texans
Cody Prewitt - Tennessee Titans
Tyler Varga - Indianapolis Colts
Shane Carden - Chicago Bears
Wes Saxton - New York Jets

[HPF Bob]

I'm surprised Joey Mbu was not drafted and, as far as I know, has not been signed. I would have taken him over the kid from Rice.

[popanot]

If they can get 3 starters - or at least good productivity - out of their first 3 picks then this draft will be a massive success. I'm actually more excited about their UDFAs than I am about their Day3 picks.

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by popanot

I'm actually more excited about their UDFAs than I am about their Day3 picks.

You're not alone.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

You're not alone.

I third that

[Roy P]

I am starting to warm up to Reshard Cliett. I see them using him like D.Swagg or Kam Chancellor. The in-the-box Nickle-Linebacker. He is only 222lbs, which is light for a 3-4 Linebacker, but if the OG is in pass protection, then he can cover RBs or TEs, much better than Cushing. He needs to learn how to tackle better and perhaps that will come with some added bulk. He tends to grab and pull the ball carrier to the ground. We shall see. It's forward -thinking, and a bit innovative, so I like the theory.

I also like the idea of Bernardick McKinney playing OLB and having him pass rush on 3rd down. Versatility.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by Roy P

I am starting to warm up to Reshard Cliett. I see them using him like D.Swagg or Kam Chancellor. The in-the-box Nickle-Linebacker. He is only 222lbs, which is light for a 3-4 Linebacker, but if the OG is in pass protection, then he can cover RBs or TEs, much better than Cushing. He needs to learn how to tackle better and perhaps that will come with some added bulk. He tends to grab and pull the ball carrier to the ground. We shall see. It's forward -thinking, and a bit innovative, so I like the theory.

I also like the idea of Bernardick McKinney playing OLB and having him pass rush on 3rd down. Versatility.

Maybe his poor takling technique has something to do with injuries, disloations to a shoulder ?

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Maybe his poor takling technique has something to do with injuries, disloations to a shoulder ?

Potentially. I saw a interview on YouTube where he was asked about his rehabilitation and he told the interviewer that he was stronger than ever 105 or 110%. I am unaware of the severity of the injury, if he was lying, or perhaps he was simply protecting himself by not wrapping up on his tackles. It will be interesting to see how he looks in the NFL.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by Roy P

Potentially. I saw a interview on YouTube where he was asked about his rehabilitation and he told the interviewer that he was stronger than ever 105 or 110%. I am unaware of the severity of the injury, if he was lying, or perhaps he was simply protecting himself by not wrapping up on his tackles. It will be interesting to see how he looks in the NFL.

Long, long time ago when I was playing high school football I suffered an elbow dislocation and remember when coming back how they told the odds of suffering another were greater than those who'd never had one in the first place. But that would have to weigh on the mind of a young man playing ball in college with a potential pro career thinking about his Draft status so that he might pull some punchs so to speak, and not execute picture book tackles to get his man on the ground.
This guy looks like a good prospect to me and given the uncertainty about Clowneys return and his contribution to the team this year, I'm glad that they drafted somebody who's got some experience and production as a pass-rusher.

[WMH]

Bucky liked our draft, for whatever that's worth.
http://at.nfl.com/PkTbTUU

HOUSTON TEXANS: The Texans deserve kudos for executing a draft strategy that allowed them to land three players who carried first-round grades on various boards across the league. Kevin Johnson and linebacker Benardrick McKinney are pegged as immediate starters. Both guys bring solid skills and impressive football IQs to the table, and the Texans' highly regarded defense shouldn't skip a beat with a pair of youngsters occupying key roles in 2015. Jaelen Strong gives the team a big-bodied pass catcher to line up opposite DeAndre Hopkins. He should blossom into a red-zone threat for the Texans and give Ryan Mallett or Brian Hoyer a nice target to pinpoint in critical moments. Overall, the Texans' draft haul puts them in position to overtake the Colts as the top team in the AFC South. GRADE: A