2011?

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by Blitzwood

I know Kubiak is no Bill Bellichick, but
memba him? I saw a show on NFL network the other day
about the 2004 Patriots that gave me the idea.

http://www.patriotsgab.com/2007/11/2...own-activated/

The New England Patriots on Tuesday activated wide receiver Troy Brown from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, reviving the career of one of the most versatile players from the team’s three Super Bowl victories. He had been placed on the PUP list on August 28; he resumed practicing with the team on November 12, giving the Patriots until 4 PM EST Tuesday (today) to either activate, release or put him on injured reserve.

Brown, an 8th-round selection in the 1993 draft, has spent his entire career with the Patriots; as the longest-tenured member of the team, he has 557 career receptions (1st on franchise history) and 6,366 receiving yards (2nd all-time). He is also the team’s all-time leading punt returner with 246 returns for 2,570 yards; his 3 punt returns for touchdowns ties Irving Fryar for the team record.

During the 2004 season, Patriots head coach Bill Bellichick put Brown into a depleted secondary at cornerback; the move paid dividends as he responded with 14 tackles, 3 interceptions and 3 fumbles recovered. Brown also played defense in 2006, although on a more limited basis.

Thanks, I had forgotten this one. But I will also point out Brown was a seasoned veteran WR who understood route trees, offensive game plans and such, this is knowledge that Dickerson is still learning.

Brown was a solid contributor before the move and Dickerson is a bottom of the roster guy.

So I still say no way he is converted.

[Blitzwood]

11. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
42. Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
73. Jerrell Powe, NT, Ole Miss
104. Deunta Williams, FS, North Carolina
135. Joe Lefeged, S, Rutgers
173. Rick Elmore, DE/OLB, Arizona


my cherry


11. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina
42. Stephen Paea, DT/3-4DE, Oregon State
73. Jake Kirkpatrick, C, TCU
104. Shiloh Keo, SS, Idaho
135. J.T. Thomas, OLB, West Virginia
173. Chris L. Rucker, CB/FS, Michigan State
7th round- James Dockery, CB, Oregon State http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1AyCwj9qNU

[Warren]

Originally Posted by painekiller

Thanks, I had forgotten this one. But I will also point out Brown was a seasoned veteran WR who understood route trees, offensive game plans and such, this is knowledge that Dickerson is still learning.

Brown was a solid contributor before the move and Dickerson is a bottom of the roster guy.

So I still say no way he is converted.

Brown was also a band-aid for the Pats' secondary rather than a permanent conversion to the other side of the ball.

The most successful offense-to-defense convert that I can think of is Nolan Cromwell, who was a QB at Kansas and a Pro Bowl safety for the LA Rams in the 80s. Tony Dungy was a QB at Minnesota and a backup DB for the Steelers in the 70s. Former Nebraska QB Scott Frost hung around for a few years as a safety, but mainly as backup and special teamer. And speaking of Nebraska QBs, who could forget the Texans' Jammal Lord experiment? There was an Ohio State RB named Butler By'Not'e who the Broncos drafted in 1994 and converted to CB but he never did much. Former Texas A&M RB Sirr Parker tried to switch to CB in the NFL but wasn't able to catch on.

I don't think they should try to convert Dickerson, especially this year when there's going to be little or no offseason coaching. Even in a more normal year it would be tough to do this because there's no NFL-Europe where he could get offseason reps in game conditions and with free agency there's less incentive to make the extra effort to develop a guy who may leave by the time he's ready to really contribute.

[painekiller]

11 Robert Quinn North Carolina OLB34
For the 2nd consecutive week, the Mighty Quinn falls to Houston; the athletic Tar Heel pass-rusher is quite the specimen (should we say "Trophy Prospect") even if he did take last year off. He still has to prove he can make the conversion to an all-around OLB in Phillips' 3-4 alignment. He did move around quite a bit for North Carolina, most often rushing the passer - training in coverage responsibilities will be the next step in his progression. At 6'4" and 265 lbs, he immediately adds a presence to the flanks and if a team doesn't have OLB's, there is no point in running a 3-4. - Long Ball

42 Cameron Heyward Ohio State DE34
The front 7 conversion project of Wade's 3-4 continues - Cameron Heyward (son of "Iron-Head") has dropped in the rankings after receiving a pre-season 1st round grade based on his junior season. Although the Buckeye's senior year was not as dominant, he is good value in the 2nd round. After Quinn (OLB34) in the 1st round, this is the next building block in Houston's conversion to a 3-4 defense. The Texans' current roster only has 2 candidates to play DE in a 3-4: Mario Williams and Antonio Smith. Heyward compliments this duo nicely and provides an excellent rotation pattern for the 3-man line. - Long Ball

73 Jerrell Powe Mississippi DT34
104 Steven Friday Virginia Tech OLB34
141 DeMarcus Love Arkansas OG
172 Chris L. Rucker Michigan State CB
202 Nate Williams Washington SS

I like the start of this one but the DBs were ignored, and this is a deep draft for DBs.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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