Rang's First Mock. At #27, We Pick...

[chuck]

I'm with barrett in that I don't think the team sees CB as a need, or at least they aren't ready to admit that it is. I guess we'll see by their actions in the draft.

Where I differ from barrett is that I generally don't like to take OL very high, certainly not OL in a zone scheme. My reasoning is that an OL works together as a unit and you can find productive guys to fit the unit all over the draft board. With high picks I like to take guys with individual skills that operate individually, mainly cover corners and pass rushers. I would be good with a safety with exceptional speed and coverage abilities, and I suppose I would be good with the big WR I've been saying I want.

Of course Duane Brown worked out pretty well.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by chuck

I'm with barrett in that I don't think the team sees CB as a need, or at least they aren't ready to admit that it is. I guess we'll see by their actions in the draft.

Where I differ from barrett is that I generally don't like to take OL very high, certainly not OL in a zone scheme. My reasoning is that an OL works together as a unit and you can find productive guys to fit the unit all over the draft board. With high picks I like to take guys with individual skills that operate individually, mainly cover corners and pass rushers. I would be good with a safety with exceptional speed and coverage abilities, and I suppose I would be good with the big WR I've been saying I want.

Of course Duane Brown worked out pretty well.

I agree about OL in general. I think two things make me think OL. (1) RG is one of the only places on are team that needs a clear upgrade. #2CB is one but will not likely be addressed. #2 WR, #2 MLB, and NT are others but are part-time players in our schemes. And (2) I think OTs fit more in your individual skills category. Our offense still struggles when they are forced to pass in straight drop back situations. Eric Winston is about the best RT in the league when it is not a straight drop, and one of the worst when it is because of his short arms and cement shoes.

If we could move him inside to RG and put a tackle who could pass protect on the outside, I think it would be worth the pick more than any defensive position (other than CB which I think we ignore), and any other offensive postion (unless we can get a difference making return man with our #2 WR).

[HPF Bob]

I'd love to see a playmaking safety along the lines of Polamalu or Dawkins - one that creates turnovers. I realize there probably won't be some superstar type picking from #27 but very good OGs and safeties are always available in the low-first, upper-second because those aren't glamor positions like pass rushers and pass receivers.

If, as Rang believes, good NTs are available, that's another good direction. I'm happy to take a CB but it appears we did much better fixing that with an FA that has a proven record instead of unproven draft choices with questionable learning curves.

2011 was an unsexy draft and we got great results. I think (hope) that our 2012 selections inspire the same grumbling but produces the same results.

[NBT]

I think the first pick should be a #2WR. We badly need one that can get separation from the DB.

If not WR then then ORT. Move Winston in to RG.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by NBT

I think the first pick should be a #2WR. We badly need one that can get separation from the DB.

#2 WR is a need, just skeptical to use a 1st rounder to get one. I at least hope the Texans don't give away their draft to get one like the Falcons did with Julio Jones. Jones may turn out to be a great player, but that's too expensive of a way to go for my tastes.

Hopefully there is a good CB available. If not then maybe WR. Or maybe a RT, NT. Team needs a good safety to develop, too. Quin and Manning have been great, but I'm not crazy about the depth there.

[popanot]

I think WR is a fairly big need. 1) We have no one who can step up when AJ goes down with an injury (which seems to be occurring with increasing frequency and length), 2) AJ isn't getting any younger and we need to groom a decent WR, and 3) what's wrong with upgrading that position with a better starter or depth? The Steelers and Packers - just to name 2 - don't seem to have a problem with multiple threats at WR. I don't buy the "oh we throw to the TE or run multiple TE sets" argument for ignoring a weakness at WR. We saw how this team struggles without AJ as proof there's a gaping weakness there.

As for the draft, I'm hoping like all get out that Kendall Wright drops down to us. I think he'd be a great return guy and could develop into a player like Victor Cruz or Antonio Brown. Alshon Jeffery has talent, but I'm concerned about his character and his motivation considering his weight problems. He doesn't fit that return role either.

Now, I wouldn't have a problem if the Texans went and got a FA like Robert Meachem and looked to the later rounds for a sleeper WR and return guy. I think the Saints are going to lose either Meachem or Colston since they have to sign Brees. Meachem would be the most likely to leave and he's probably within budget. I think he'd fit in nicely with this offense. I know, Meachem has never broken out, but I still think he's better than JJ as a WR.

If we're going to trade down, I'd like for us to find a team who thinks they're close and try to give up our #1 (and maybe another later pick) for their 2012 #2 and their 2013 #1. Sort of like how NE and Philadelphia work the draft every year. Of course, there's the Mario Williams factor that might come into play with our picks as well.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by popanot

Now, I wouldn't have a problem if the Texans went and got a FA like Robert Meachem and looked to the later rounds for a sleeper WR and return guy. I think the Saints are going to lose either Meachem or Colston since they have to sign Brees. Meachem would be the most likely to leave and he's probably within budget. I think he'd fit in nicely with this offense. I know, Meachem has never broken out, but I still think he's better than JJ as a WR.

If we go the FA path, then I am hoping we go after a former teammate of Dre from the U, Reggie Wayne. Why not ?