The 5 & 5 - 2010 Draft Prospects

Last time I did this kind of article, I looked at the 5 players who provided the best value and the 5 who stole Bob McNair's money. This time, I intend to look at the 5 players who should be on the Texans (and BRBs) draft board and the 5 names that shouldn't be uttered in Houston but are being mocked to Houston.

Since we're beating it to death, there will be no mention of any legitimate first round pick. We all also know that I would love to see Montario Hardesty in deep steel blue so he won't appear here. All information comes from watching YouTube clips (or real college games), watching/reading interviews, and reading as many scouting reports as possible. Now check it out below the jump.

Bottom 5 - Avoid them, Rick

5. Any QB, WR, DE

I won't get specific here, but there are mocks out there where the Texans taking one of these positions in the first half of the draft. Honestly, unless it's the sixth and seventh round then Rick's got more pressing holes to fill. At QB the Texans have a top-ten starter, a back-up they like, and a third guy they signed. The top four WRs go Andre, KW, Jacoby, and DA, and no rookie can really crack that list. Houston also has two high-salary DEs and a project guy. There's just not a lot roster space or playing time for any of these guys. I know Rick knows that, but this is just to any mocker in general. Pass on the stacked positions when you can find guys who can contribute at need positions in rounds one through five.

4. Toby Gerhart, Stanford, RB

Of course, he's that bigger back that people like to give the Texans, but here's the thing. Houston lost by one-yard last season. Who is to say that the Texans see that situation occur again (and again and again)? Don't judge 2010 off of 2009. It's a new season. No one's roster is the same, players have different years, games have different outcomes. Smithiak needs to focus on improving the overall roster rather than plugging a high pick at a short-yardage specialist. Gerhart's short-yardage running is great, but the Texans needed that in 2009. Toby ran a surprising 4.5 40, but watching him leads me to believe that he doesn't work in Houston's zone-blocking scheme. He really can't change direction or make a quick cut, he runs upright, and really doesn't seem to have any upside (I think this is as good as he gets). Think about Chris Brown, how easy is it for people to tackle him around the legs because he runs upright. I think Gerhart's going to have the same problem. NFL pros are more disciplined than Pac-10 defenses. Is Gerhart an impressive athlete? Yes. However, is he worth the third-round draft pick? No. Just say no, Houston.

3. Arthur Jones, Syracuse, DT

Once upon a time, Arthur Jones was a All-Big East first-teamer. He wreaked havoc in the backfield and had 30.5 combined TFL in his sophomore and junior seasons. However, he had knee surgery after injuring his knee in late-2009 (where he had a low 6.5 TFL in 9 games). Knee surgery is one thing, but a big 300+ pounder with a bad knee? Well, that could really slow him down. He hasn't played on it since. Call me cautious, but Arthur's not worth the fourth round grade he carries when there are questions about his legs.

2. Jonathan Dwyer, Georgia Tech, RB

A lot of places have Dwyer going in round one or round two to the Houston Texans. He honestly carries a round two grade, but he should be avoided. I'll repeat the mantra: Don't judge 2010 on 2009. Dwyer, while a bigger back, is often said to look overweight, and his conditioning may be a concern. He's got no real speed (4.59 40 yard dash) and is strictly short-yardage guy - is that worth a second round pick? Are we so talented that we can burn high-round picks on specialists? Oh, and he has to learn how to work a pro style system since GT ran a gimmicky triple option.

1. Patrick Robinson, Florida State, CB

This is another guy I've seen frequently mocked to the Texans - in the second or third round. Rick should back away from this one. Sure, Robinson has good size (5'11', 190 pounds), looks very natural in his footwork and has a good skill set. Here's what's wrong: Rumors that he didn't play hard during his senior year to avoid injury and get his NFL payday, he doesn't like to get hit or deliver hits, and he is inconsistent and doesn't always play up to his physical gifts. That just doesn't sound like a Houston Texan. That sounds like a guy BRB rips. In fact, the inconsistent coverage and poor run support sound similar to Antonio Cromartie.

Top 5 - Draftees that should be on the radar

5. Linval Joseph, East Carolina, DT

I know a lot of us would like a defensive tackle. The names tossed around are Cam Thomas or Dan Williams, but what if the Texans don't get one of those guys? Is there another name? Based on how the boards go, Linval Joseph could be ours in round three or four. Joseph is physically imposing at 6'4'' and 328 pounds. Is he a tub of lard? Well, he ran a 5.09 40 and benched 39 reps of 225 pounds at the combine. That's kind of freakish (I know bfd just took note). Perhaps he could be the large space-eater that many of us dream of.

4. Dennis Landolt, Penn State, OT

The 6'4'', 310 pound lineman has been among the best of Penn State's line for the past three seasons. He was an AP All-America third-teamer (All-Big Ten first team), often described as athletic (a zone-blocking scheme plus), plays RT, and is projected as a sixth or seventh rounder. From what I can tell, Landolt has played briefly at LT. I know the question that arises: "If he's so good, TDC, then why is he projected so late?" Well, the best answer I can provide is this: He plays RT which is less valuable than a LT, and he is a great fit for a zone-blocking team but maybe not for a traditional scheme. The Texans run a ZBS, and Landolt could be a very good sleeper pick in the ending rounds especially for a team that could really improve OL depth.

3. Jeff Byers, USC, C

Byers comes from USC. If Pete Carroll is implementing a zone-blocking scheme in Seattle and Charles Brown is oft-described as the #1 ZBS OT then you know that Byers should get a look from those who use a ZBS. Byers plays center and was an AP All-America Third Teamer. We all know we could use someone at center in case the coaches actually watch Chris Myers play. Byers had an impressive week at the Senior Bowl and could be a shrewd pick in round five or six.

2. Mike Johnson, Alabama, OG

6'6'' and 312 pounds is how imposing guard Mike Johnson stands. What kind of honors does he carry? Well, he was part of a line for the Heisman Trophy winning RB, a national champion, and an AP First-team All-American. That's nearly perfect. Mike's been described by numerous sites as the #1 guard for zone-blocking teams because he moves very well. There's a lot of footage of Big Mike moving great in Alabama's screens and running game. He's also more than big enough to hold his own in the passing game. Johnson carries a fourth to fifth round grade and could be a big help to the interior offensive line while also allowing Smith to start at center and Caldwell to be at RG.

1. Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt, CB/FS

BFD definitely scooped me on Lewis, but no worries. We'll just grow the mancrush on Myron. Rarely do we see good players coming from Vandy, but Myron Lewis is definitely a sleeper as a fifth round prospect. In 2010, he was a second-team All-SEC CB with four interceptions and eight passes defensed, but I think he would be great at FS for the Texans. Why not at CB? Well, I think his speed (4.45 40) and size (6'2'', 205 pounds) work better to make him a fantastic FS prospect. Not only that, but he's also able to do more than just cover. In 2009, he had 76 tackles, five sacks, five interceptions, and six passes defensed. In the cover-2 shell, it's important to have a well-rounded playmaker at FS. Eventually, Eugene Wilson will go down, and I'd be happy with Lewis waiting in the wings. It's important for the Texans to get some talent into a secondary that has to deal with Peighton Fivehead.