2008 SB Nation Mock Draft Starts Tomorrow!

by Tim on Mar 30, 2008 10:46 PM CDT in News Comment 34 comments

Fresh off the roaring success that was last year's SB Nation Mock Draft, it's time to tee it up again. This year's version will be slightly different:

The entire mock draft will be hosted by SB Nation's official NFL Draft blog, Mocking The Draft.
Unlike last year, we're only pretending to draft the first two (2) rounds.
Unlike last year, there will be no trading of picks.

Thus, BRB's role in this shindig will be fairly limited; we pick who we think the Texans should/would pick at No. 18, and that's it. The plan is to get three (3) picks per day posted, so that would mean we, as pseudo-Smithiak, would be on the proverbial clock on around Saturday (04/05/08) or Sunday (04/06/08).

Like last year, the opinions and insight of everyone in the BRB community will be vital to the decision-making process. So consider this the official open thread for who we should fake-draft for the Texans. Who do you want at No. 18? Who don't you want? Should we target a specific position? Take best available? Who do you expect to be there? How many open-ended questions in a single post is too much?

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Comments

First Round Pick

Well, if any of the top ten players falls to 18, that should be the pick, regardless of need.

Barring that, I think that Chris Williams will probably be who we pick. I'd rather take Derrick Harvey, but I don't think he'll be available. I like McKelvin and Cromartie here as well.

If all of these players were available, I'd say Harvey, Cromartie, McKelvin, Williams, in that order. If none of them are available, I'd take the BPA that's not a linebacker or quarterback.

AKA Andy / Tailgate Andy

by Gryften on Mar 31, 2008 7:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BPA is highly variable

What positional ranking list would you use to determine that? I haven't found one I totally agree with yet.

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

Look, I know I went on a semi-coherent tirade about drafting a RB in the first round. I am now officially out of that camp. In my defense, we didn't have the services of Chris Brown - who I think is going to be a diamond in the rough for us. True he's dealt with injuries, but I have a hunch that he's going to find a way to play through the pain of a 16 game season. It's his last shot -- he'll be damned if he f's it up. (Damn that's some good Kool-Aid. What is that? Grape?) Anyway...

The defense is a few key pieces away from being a dominant force in this league. Put playmakers in our spots of need, and add another year of experience for Mario, DeMeco, and Amobi... and we have the makings of a top ten defense.

So with that I put my bid in for a top tier CB. If either Mike Jenkins/Rogers-Cromartie is available at 18, I don't see any reason we don't go DB.

To DE or not to DE... that is the question.

by SOLIS on Mar 31, 2008 9:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I am really excited about this defense

However, I see a run on top-line CB/DB talent in the first 17 picks. I think the RB draft is so deep you can probably get a better RB at 18 than DB, comparatively, i.e., the difference between a first round or second round DB is smaller than the difference between a first/second RB.

If MJ and DRC are not available do you go RB?

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So whats the, whats the, whats the scenario

If neither are there, I think we address LT or DE. If they are unimpressed with the talent remaining at those spots and they can't trade back, I think they start looking for the BPA in at either LB or RB... but there better be top tier talent - like a Keith Rivers or a Rashard Mendenhall respectively.

To DE or not to DE... that is the question.

by SOLIS on Mar 31, 2008 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ok I gotcha

CB / LT / DE / RB~LB

That sounds dead on for a needs break down. I just wanted clarification if you were going to reach on a dback just because we need one badly. Sounds good!

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

db

We absolutely need a DB...we're so thin here especially with Dunta expected to probably miss 8 games or so....Reeves, Faggins, Bennett, Fletcher, Wynn, Simmons, Brown, Demps, Ferguson, and Harrison just are not an elite bunch to compete with Jax, Indy, and the fighting vince youngs....Safety seems to have a little more depth with the signing of Ferguson and Simmons and Harrison back, but we are weak at corner...I would love either Cromartie, Jenkins, McKelvin, or even Talib here at #18 and if not how about we trade down? I am a Buckeye fan so I know big 10 country and I don't think Mendenhall is the right fit...Stewart's nagging injuries over the last 3 years and now his toe worry me....I say we either go best DB at 18 or trade down for two picks...we need at least one db, one rb, one OL, and then a DL, LB, and maybe WR throughout the draft....Are you guys really confident in Diles/Bently starting at LB?

by curtisdisco on Mar 31, 2008 11:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

CB is such a hot position right now

Between the cost and rarity of quality free agent CBs I think Cromartie, Jenkins, McElvin and Talib are probably going to be gone already. Maybe not..

I think Bentley has a real chance... I followed him in Seattle, he was pretty good they just have a $tar LB corp$ (lots of money in Tatupu & Peterson, Hill is best LB you've never heard of) so he couldn't break into more playing time.

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 7:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade Down

And I don't want to hear any lip about "It's not allowed". Make it happen. Or else.

We can be critical of the draft picks, but in the end we always support the new Texan.

by Shake on Mar 31, 2008 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Shifting Strategy

I really like the idea of taking non-QB, non-LB BPA with our first pick. Its really hard to go wrong with our team and this logic.

Another option would be pick our top three need areas (OT, DB, and DE) and if a steal falls to us, take BPA of these.

The way that free agency has gone has altered my picks virtually every week. Also if the Sage is traded for a 2nd or a third would change the strategy as well. Obviously if no steal falls to us in one of our need areas we should entertain all "trade down" options. But that is for the real draft, since there are no trades in this draft.

If Andre Dyson is signed before we pick, we have to think our secondary is stronger than the end of last season, and maybe solid enough to wait for Dunta. I think the emergence of a pass rush helped our corners and safeties, so I would place a great emphasis on DE (Harvey?) for the #18 pick.

We are pretty much done after that since we have no 2nd, but in the real draft I would be happy with 1st - DE, then 3rd - OT or the reverse. I see those two areas as our top two needs.

1- DE 3- CB 4- OT 5- CB

by texanphil on Mar 31, 2008 11:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Another stud, impact DE

Would probably make it the best D-line in the division, but would it take 'til next year like Mario? I know that pass rush enhances coverage and vice versa, so I see the symbiosis.

The Texans are a way better team than the Vikings, from cube play on through, except for the running game. Strong running games enhance the team's pass rush and defense in general by keeping them fresher. Running also helps finish out games, which we struggled with last year.

Would a rook DE make as much improvement to the defense as a solid running game?

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Potential franchise LT first

There are two positions in this draft that will have a run on them: OTs and CBs. Now if we have a chance to get a franchise left tackle, we have to get him. There are good CBs every year but there are not good OLTs every year. So with that, I would like Branden Albert first (he is moving up the scouts charts fast and has the potential) and Chris Williams second. I don't expect the other tackles to be available except for maybe Otah, who is a right tackle. If Albert or Williams is not available, then I would hope to get Harvey. No other DE would I want at 18. As for CBs, I don't like ARC as much as others because he combines better than he actually plays and I think the main reason he is mocked so high is because of his cousin. McKelvin would be a good fit but will be gone. Talib: NO. Potential Pacman Jones, both on field ability AND off field trouble. Now since I think there will be an OT run first and then a CB run, I suspect we have a shot at Jenkins and/or Harvey and I would have no problem with either. After them, then ARC. So, in order, Albert, Williams, Harvey, Jenkins, ARC.

by danger man on Mar 31, 2008 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Bingo

I have to say that, uh, danger man perfectly reflects my view on the #18 pick.

by knave64 on Mar 31, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT

I've said it before and haven't changed Left OT.
Protect the Schaub investment, especially since it looks like they're trading Sage again, and improve our running game, which Chris Brown and Taylor would appreciate a young hammer moving the line. I think this one move would make the most impact on the team as a whole. It would even impact our defense, by keeping them off the field to a greater extent.

by 1Texan on Mar 31, 2008 11:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What if the top ranked picks are gone though

Reach for an otherwise likely second rounder?

I think the LOT spot is going to get blown up in the first 17 picks, people trading up to get 'em and such. Good LTs never hit FA and success with early picks has been pretty consistent... meaning everyone's reading our minds! hehe

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Most of us in agreement. Lovely.

I say we make a list of the top 5 or 7 DBs, another of the top 3 LTs, and another of the top 3 DEs. Then we make a single list consisting of every player from the 3 lists, and this list will be our "Big Board." We then take the highest-ranked player on the list who is still available at #18.

This gets all the extraneous players out of our way, and it differentiates ahead of time who we want more between, say, Branden Albert, Derrick Harvey, and Mike Jenkins.

by BigTexBD on Mar 31, 2008 4:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Something like a need-based BPA?

I'd prefer a list of the best players period then we pick the best one available.

Putting need over talent has been a recurrent theme with prior draft failures like our old Yugo qb.

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Defensive Tackle

That is all.

by MDC on Mar 31, 2008 4:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Top 5 picks

Cornerback

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
Leodis McKelvin
Mike Jenkins
Aqib Talib
Justin King

Left Tackle

Jake Long
Ryan Clady
Chris Williams
Branden Albert
Jeff Otah

Defensive End

Chris Long
Vernon Gholston
Derrick Harvey
Phillip Merling
Quentin Groves

AKA Andy / Tailgate Andy

by Gryften on Mar 31, 2008 4:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Should we go to top 6?

That guarantees that there will be at least 1 player (if not more) left on the board regardless of the other 17 picks.

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 7:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This should be fine

If we want to make sure that a pick is there, we could just add the top three RB's.

AKA Andy / Tailgate Andy

by Gryften on Mar 31, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and

throw in a few top DTs to appease Matt

We can be critical of the draft picks, but in the end we always support the new Texan.

by Shake on Mar 31, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah that should work

I just get the impression every team wants CB, OT, or DE hehe. I'm sure some of first 17 picks will go to some other position.

It's awesome for the Texans to get what could be a real impact pick this year after having the best season yet for the team, without paying bogus gigantic guarantees for unproven players.

I think we're sitting pretty.. take a great player if they're there or better yet trade down for more high second round picks.

by clamslayer on Mar 31, 2008 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Groves

Unfortunately, Groves is projected as an OLB for the NFL due to his size and speed. But he could probably play both because the kid is loaded with talent.

by BigTexBD on Mar 31, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Thoughts

I would think we take the best player available, provided he's a LT, CB, or DE. I'd consider a DT too at No. 18, but I believe the other three positions are far more glaring areas of need.

Using Gryften's list as a launching point, my thoughts:

CB
1. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie--should be gone.
2. Leodis McKelvin--should be gone.
3. Mike Jenkins--may be available.
4. Aqib Talib--probably available.
5. Justin King--definitely available.

1. Jake Long--definitely gone.
2. Ryan Clady--definitely gone.
3. Chris Williams--likely gone.
4. Branden Albert--should be available, but isn't he more of a guard?
5. Jeff Otah--probably gone.

1. Chris Long--gone.
2. Vernon Gholston--gone.
3. Derrick Harvey--may be there; if he is, it'll mean Merling's gone.
4. Phillip Merling--may be there; if he is, it'll mean Harvey's gone.
5. Quentin Groves--should be available.

Who would you want most from that group?

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Mar 31, 2008 8:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

fluffing Matt

Not to get all philosophical on you, but wouldn't the #1 or #2 rated DT be more valuable to our Texans than the #5 CB or DE?

This question, of course, assumes that the 1-2 DT is still available at 18.

Seriously though, trade back. Screw their little 'rules'.

We can be critical of the draft picks, but in the end we always support the new Texan.

by Shake on Mar 31, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: DT

Dorsey and Ellis are clearly the top-ranked DTs, and they won't last past the first ten picks. Is there another DT worthy of No. 18, or even a first round grade?

Looking forward to a day when being a Texans fan doesn't mean that April is the highlight of my season...

by Tim on Apr 1, 2008 7:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Check

Just saying they should be on our Big Board, in case one of your fellow GMs gets retarded and one is available at 18.

We can be critical of the draft picks, but in the end we always support the new Texan.

by Shake on Apr 1, 2008 8:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kentwan Balmer

is slotted by most people to go 20-24. He's really the guy I am talking about when I say I want a DT at 18. If he's gone, I want a DE with that first pick and Ahtyba Rubin with the third.

by MDC on Apr 1, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Tim's thoughts

As far as CB's go, I'd be alright with Mike Jenkins, but that could change if I ever did any sort of research about him. I doubt the Texans will draft Aqib, and even barring the off-field attitude issues, I'm not sure he's worth the #18 pick. Justin King would be a huge stretch at 18.

With LT's, Williams or Clady are the best LT's available, I think. Branden Albert did play G in college, but he's one of those players that projects well to another position. He's a monster of a G, and should be better than Salaam at LT, with lots of room to grow. I put Otah up there at 5, because he's more of a RT from what I've read.

On to DE's. Harvey and Merling would be immediate 3 down contributors, but probably only for the first 6-8 weeks of the season. Quentin Groves is a little lighter, and would struggle to be a 3 down player. He's an awesome pass rusher, but I think the Texans want a DE that can rush and play the run as well.

Out of all of the guys who aren't stone cold locks to be gone, I like Williams. Of the guys who are likely to be there, I like Merling or Harvey, whichever is available.

AKA Andy / Tailgate Andy

by Gryften on Mar 31, 2008 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But seriously

We should probably just make a 20-25 player Big Board. Go ahead and factor in position (i.e. #4 CB may be worth more than #2 LB), and let's hash this thing out.

We have this week to develop something along these lines, and then just pick whomever the top # is when 18 roles around.

We can be critical of the draft picks, but in the end we always support the new Texan.

by Shake on Mar 31, 2008 8:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Google Spreadsheet

It seems like a Google Spreadsheet would be the easiest way to get a list up where a group of people can edit it. I've got one up at http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=pGMwxdqg00qHc0LoWiW8cSQ&hl=en

If someone has an easier idea, feel free to tell me I'm stupid. Otherwise, chime in on the list, which is in no particular order right now.

AKA Andy / Tailgate Andy

by Gryften on Mar 31, 2008 8:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs