Bleacher Report Mock Draft - Playoffs Edition Breakdown

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 1:24 PM CST

It's been a busy last couple of weeks for the Texans, what with the almost unilateral firing of every defensive coach -- save one Kubillips buddy, Bill Kollar, Texans defensive line coach. With any new defensive coordinator taking over the worst defense in the NFL, and arguably the worst ever, there will be some changes in player personnel as well. Some of those changes come in Free Agency, and some come in the NFL Draft in April 2011.

While we're barely even knocking on the door of the NFL playoffs for this season, Bleacher Report has begun their umpteen billion mock draft tradition with their Playoffs Edition, ie: the Early Edition, of the mock drafts for April '11. Following the jump see who Bleacher Report picked for the Texans, and why I actually can't hate the picks for a change.

via cdn.bleacherreport.net

Round One, Pick 11. Houston Texans select Stephen Paea, Defensive Tackle, out of Oregon State.

Let's be honest for a moment. Wade Phillips might say Earl Mitchell could be his Nose Tackle, and while Mitchell might fill that role for a little while I don't believe Wade is going to waste a chance to pick up a pretty good fit for his defensive line. I definitely believe Paea is a future NFL star, and if Phillips is wise he will snatch him here and finally discontinue the Texans lack of aggressiveness in the draft by NOT trying to trade down.

Gap-clogging hog? Check. bfd's newest mancrush? Check.

via cdn.bleacherreport.net

Round Two, Pick 42. Houston Texans select Rahim Moore, Free Safety, out of UCLA.

There's no doubt I absolutely love this kid at this spot. He's a tail-end first round talent (some would give him middle first round talent) and an immediate upgrade at a position the Texans have never had true talent. Say what you will about Eugene Wilson and his one season of somewhere between mediocrity and barely above average, but he still can't catch a ball...EVER. This is a huge upgrade at a position we have all long said needed to be upgraded, and a nice gentle slap in the face of those who continue to pander (as I had not so long ago) that upgrading the pass rush on the line would help the secondary tremendously. You can't have one and hope the other is good enough to survive. For a change, I'm going to say you need both, and with Rahim Moore we finally have a kid to groom who is truly a top-flight talent and a future star (with the right coaching).

via cdn.bleacherreport.net

Round Three, Pick 73. Houston Texans select DeAndre McDaniel, Safety, out of Clemson.

I could go either way on this pick. It's not a must have for me, especially not in the third round, but it is looking to the future on defense. McDaniel has talent, has hands, and has speed. He can also hit...hard. If Pollard isn't retained as a Free Agent then this pick makes a lot of sense. Even if Pollard is retained, it makes some sense because you could have Pollard moving into a hybrid OLB and SS role. I'm just not sold either way, but there's still a long time to go until the draft so by then who knows how I'll feel about it.

Feel free to post your ideal selections at each spot (within reason -- ie: no Fairley at number 11 please), or discuss the possibility of these three kids in Training Camp under the new defensive regime of Kubillips. Full Bleacher Report Mock located here.

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- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter | SB Nation Houston | Battle Red Blog

by riversmccown on Jan 7, 2011 2:21 PM CST reply actions 2 recs

Hey...

They didn’t fail epically this time!

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 2:40 PM CST up reply actions

Bleacher Report is a SportsSpamBlog

just sayin’

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Jan 7, 2011 11:00 PM CST up reply actions

If we could get those three guys,

I would be ecstatic. That would be amazing. I’ve coveted McDaniel for a very long time and I would love for us to get him, but he’s not falling to the third round. He’s a first round talent, but he’s got a bad attitude.

I’ve watched Paea play for a couple of years and I think he is going to be a stud. Very quick, strong, and comes off the ball with a motor.

As for Moore, I’ve never seen him play. The thing that gets me scratching my head is how he falls to the second round. I thought he was a top 20 pick. If he by some chance falls, we have to pick him, immediately. Same goes for McDaniel in the third(or if we trade up in second).

"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.

by bone31crusher on Jan 7, 2011 3:10 PM CST reply actions

I would gladly trade later picks for 2 2nd rounders...

If we could get both McDaniel and Moore there. I mean…the safety position would be complete for years to come. Have we EVER been able to say that?!

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 3:39 PM CST up reply actions

Last year moore was asked to cover deep

he finished with 10 picks. this year they asked him to play close to the line to help him in tackling so his picks dropped down big to only 1 this year.

and the clouds opened up and God said "I Hate you Texans Fans."

by Joe25 on Jan 8, 2011 1:30 PM CST up reply actions

"bfd's newest mancrush?"

Truth. Really, I just want a NT who’s actually an NT, not Shaun Cody. Not “run-stopper” Amobi Okoye. A true, honest to goodness NT who needs at least three meals a day at Double Dave’s to stay svelte.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Jan 7, 2011 3:22 PM CST reply actions

And Paea is close enough to that desired mold to fit the bill.

Be honest…the thought of Paea makes for a happier bfd.

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 3:37 PM CST up reply actions

Did ya notice I kept it PG there?

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

Haven't been able to keep up with college this year

At “only” 312, I worry about his size, I admit.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Jan 7, 2011 4:43 PM CST up reply actions

That just means he has plenty of room for some good ol' Texans Tailgate BBQ

Amirite?

He better know if he is the Texans draftpick that there will plenty of free BBQ offered his way.

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 4:55 PM CST up reply actions

Too bad Rahul Moore is returning to school for senior year.

I think mocking the draft had an article about it

by fgp on Jan 7, 2011 4:07 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Too bad he's declaring for the draft...

http://www.mockingthedraft.com/2011/1/7/1920580/rahim-moore-opts-for-2011-nfl-draft

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 4:36 PM CST up reply actions

Caught me by surprise

All I read is that he was going to return to school for his senior year and this. I guess he didn’t want his stock to drop anymore.

and the clouds opened up and God said "I Hate you Texans Fans."

by Joe25 on Jan 8, 2011 12:08 AM CST up reply actions

I'm

by fgp on Jan 7, 2011 4:59 PM CST via mobile reply actions

I'm a dumbass, thought it was 2010 and he was returning for next years draft lol

My bad. I doubt he falls that far to us. If he did I would be all for it.

by fgp on Jan 7, 2011 5:00 PM CST via mobile up reply actions

AllenOU approves this message

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid

by The Night Owl on Jan 8, 2011 1:04 AM CST up reply actions

But if we did get both of them.

Who’s the veteran corner we bring in or trade for? We would have the youngest secondary again and ALL rookies make mistakes.

by fgp on Jan 7, 2011 5:01 PM CST via mobile reply actions

Champ Bailey still available?

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 5:24 PM CST up reply actions

Champ wants to leave Denver drama land and move to FS to extend his career

We need to be all over that like four 55 gallon drums of maple syrup on pancakes!

(this picture left blank for health reasons)

Uncomfortably numb......thanks to the Texans

by MeMongo on Jan 7, 2011 10:51 PM CST up reply actions

(our mental health reasons)

Uncomfortably numb......thanks to the Texans

by MeMongo on Jan 7, 2011 10:52 PM CST up reply actions

Great, thanks, Mongo

Now I have the image of John McClain swimming in a pool of syrup. You know those horrifying kinds of thoughts can’t be blocked out right? I have to wait for that part of the brain to die.

Now I’M uncomfortably numb!

I am a visionary, I am a genius, and now I am angry! Now help me find my pants!

by UprootedTexan on Jan 8, 2011 12:42 AM CST up reply actions

Texans apparently looking at Cowboys LB coach

Who coached LBs under Dom, too.

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 5:26 PM CST reply actions

Does anybody know any thing about these guys

Phil Taylor at baylor
and jerrell poll from ole miss

by southpaw70 on Jan 7, 2011 5:31 PM CST reply actions

^ powe

by southpaw70 on Jan 7, 2011 5:32 PM CST up reply actions

Well, I can tell you...

According to Yahoo Sports, Phil Taylor did not play any games for the Baylor Bears in 2010. Perhaps they are just incorrect, but I wasn’t able to drum much else up.

by Fuzion on Jan 7, 2011 6:31 PM CST up reply actions

Phil Taylor, 340 lb, NG, projected 2nd round, stock is rising ^^^^^

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Jan 7, 2011 11:04 PM CST up reply actions

BFD is intrigued

Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid

by The Night Owl on Jan 8, 2011 1:06 AM CST up reply actions

We all should be

There’s some possibilities here….

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Jan 8, 2011 1:35 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks RIP.

is taylor worth getting? i mean if he makes it to second round then we could look at moving up to get patrick peterson huh?

by southpaw70 on Jan 9, 2011 1:59 PM CST up reply actions

FS quinton Carter !!!!!!

by AllenOU on Jan 7, 2011 8:44 PM CST via mobile reply actions 1 recs

Fuck yes.

"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.

by bone31crusher on Jan 8, 2011 12:06 AM CST up reply actions

I prefer Moore

and the clouds opened up and God said "I Hate you Texans Fans."

by Joe25 on Jan 8, 2011 12:09 AM CST up reply actions

So would I.

I’m an OU fan along with Allen.

"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.

by bone31crusher on Jan 8, 2011 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

I. Love. This. Draft.

If I were responsible for the draft for the Texans they would be my picks. Moores stats had dropped but go to Mocking the Draft and it will explain that.

and the clouds opened up and God said "I Hate you Texans Fans."

by Joe25 on Jan 8, 2011 12:06 AM CST reply actions

This draft is the dumbest shit i've ever read. in my life.

you want proof? 2 safeties? an artery clogging NT? all in the first half of the draft where the talent is? this bullshit sounds like some conjectured horse shit that orgasmed out of a Texans fan’s brain while cranking one off on the john.

let good ol’ BRH set you children right.
the first 4 picks for the Texans will be (in order) LB, DE, OL, TE.
because lets be serious, we all know the Texans won’t get a safety or NT in the top half of the draft.

Maybe we should draft some Miller Light instead. it wont play, but it WILL contribute.

My body has built a tolerance to bleach. My favorite flavor is Lemon.

by BattleRedHusker on Jan 8, 2011 8:39 AM CST reply actions 1 recs

Okay, are you mindmelding with Rick Smith and Gary Kubiak?

channeling maybe…

I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.

by Rip Jersey on Jan 8, 2011 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

VON MILLER!!!!!

mwahahahaha that is all

I heard Brian Cushing like to do it with girls in a really uncomfortable place and i am not talking about the back seat of a Volkswagen
Go Texans!

by Taco Joe on Jan 8, 2011 2:20 PM CST reply actions

Draft 2 safeties in the first 3 rounds??? Unthinkable for Smithiak

If we draft for these 2 needs, that would indicate that Smithiak is no longer steering the ship yet McNair did not fire them. What can you conclude from that – confusion? It would be refreshing if McNair would let us all know the roles and responsibilities in the organization. I’ve listened to much recent speculation on the local talk shows about who is responsible for what. Bottom line is that nobody outside the Texans’ organization knows. I suspect that it is as Kubiak likes to say …“It’s all on him”. He handpicked his GM and the coaching staff. He probably had the majority voice in shaping the roster as well.

I would like to see that change. I’m all in favor of letting Wade hire the LB and DB coaches autonomously, and letting him have the majority voice in deciding how to proceed with this draft and free agency (absent a lockout).

We already have enough TE’s for 2011 even if we can’t get OD back in the fold.

It took the Astros 44 years to get to the Series, the Oilers-Texans are due to get to the big dance...Go Texans!!!!!

by oiler-texan diehard on Jan 8, 2011 2:24 PM CST reply actions

so wait

you wan to trot out another all rookie secondary next year? Instead of putting in vets you want MORE rookies? no thanks. I say we address the secondaryin FA and address DL ,and OLB in the draft

by theSpaceCityKid on Jan 10, 2011 9:08 AM CST reply actions

No...

I’m saying you keep Polly and give McDaniel time to grow into the position and responsibility. I do think you really have very little choice to bring in a rookie to replace Wilson. And let’s be honest, with the shitastic failure that Wilson was on the field, no rookie could be any worse. Bad habits die hard, and Wilson picked up too many this season to be of any use next season.

And you still need to grab a FA CB veteran, like a Champ Bailey or Scrabble (or both? head scratcher) to ensure at least the primary target is covered. You draft one LB in the draft as your primary coverage guy, and let Barwin be the primary rushing OLB.

With all that said, I’d go with a rookie safety team since it’s no longer an all-rookie secondary. Most of the CBs are going into their third season, save one KJax. To call a junior in the NFL a rookie is not acceptable. They may play like rookies, but they are far from it now.

by Fuzion on Jan 10, 2011 10:11 AM CST up reply actions

It seems like we thought rookies couldnt do a worse job

than guys like Reeves and Bennett going into this year and we got proved wrong. Keeping Pollard does nothing for improving our coverage and if we get Scrabble or Bailey then that would be addressing the secondary in FA and I dont thnk we should waste any of our top 3 picks on more DBs if thats the case.

by theSpaceCityKid on Jan 10, 2011 12:12 PM CST reply actions

reply fail

shouldve been to Fuzions last comment

by theSpaceCityKid on Jan 10, 2011 12:12 PM CST up reply actions

They aren't rookies anymore.

If you add one CB to help the young’ins learn the true ins and outs in the offseason, and you actually have them playing in a “real” NFL defense then your chances of success are exponentially higher. Nobody can argue a LARGE part of the problems this past season were coaching. Not all of them, mind you, but a large portion of them.

Some of the out of position, or lack of understanding what to do on a given play, can be fixed THROUGH good coaching. I would say even if we kept all the same players and drafted a ballhawking safety, we’d be lightyears ahead of our current position.

The players CAN play, ala game one of last season. The defense can man up, at times. But it requires good coaching to truly get the right personnel in the right spots, and to also support them in the right ways. Bush was never that guy.

We’ve taken a huge step forward, and I do trust in Wade Phillips because his record as a DC speaks damn well for itself.

by Fuzion on Jan 10, 2011 1:35 PM CST up reply actions

I agree. In Wade's presser today

he talked a lot about teaching solid fundamentals and technique and not adding more schemes until the primary one is well established. Without slamming or mincing words, it was obvious he feels our defensive unit was not well prepared, well coached on individual technique and unit cooperation in the vanilla schemes used last season.

Give me Nnamdi or give me boobs! SOMETHING has to keep us going in the off season.

by MeMongo on Jan 10, 2011 1:51 PM CST up reply actions

Exxxxxxactly.

by Fuzion on Jan 10, 2011 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

And, really, did anybody else get genuinely excited about this?

The fact that not a single of our DBs has improved over the past five years is more an indictment of the coaching than the players.

A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot

by bigfatdrunk on Jan 10, 2011 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

Yes.

I am. Like highly HIGHLY. Seriously, a real DC. It’s like Christmas…for real.

by Fuzion on Jan 10, 2011 2:52 PM CST up reply actions

Call me crazy

but I want a LT in the first round. The next 7 picks can be on defense.

"this team has no chance whatsoever of winning a World Championship said the writer of a Giant blog in Jan of 2010"

by nolander on Jan 10, 2011 7:00 PM CST reply actions

You're crazy!

Currently searching for a better signature.

by einman77 on Jan 11, 2011 12:56 AM CST up reply actions

You're crazy

(And I’m one of Duane Brown’s biggest detractors)

- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter | SB Nation Houston | Battle Red Blog

by riversmccown on Jan 11, 2011 7:44 AM CST up reply actions

You're crazy

“teh Schaub” wasn’t sacked as much this year, so “Duhwhaine Brown” did an average job based on stats (despite my frustration at how often he was standing around watching the play unfold with his rusher zooming by), and Butler actually was good enough at backup. This position is not our highest priority for the draft.

by MeMongo on Jan 11, 2011 9:31 AM CST up reply actions