2011 NFL Draft: Prince Amukamara Or Aldon Smith?
by riversmccown on Apr 28, 2011 7:35 AM CDT
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PrintMike took care of the possibility of a trade up yesterday, so let me go over what happens if the Texans stay put.
Judging from the recent slew of mock drafts, it looks likely that the Texans will wind up with their two main options at No. 11 being Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara and Missouri LB Aldon Smith. California defensive end Cameron Jordan or Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt seem to be potential fallback or under the radar choices.
Lance Zierlein's Draft Twitter feed provided a wealth of knowledge yesterday, as we learned that Smith was probably in the drivers seat:
Texans said to be deciding between Quinn, Smith and Amukamara, but Quinn will be gone. Amukamara the safer player. If it is Amukamara, I still expect Texans to try and add a veteran CB and move Quin to safety. Was told by one Texans source "You'll hear Prince Amukamara's name with us, but I don't see it happening."
Later reports by Evan Silva of NBCSports and Rotoworld added more smoke to the Smith rumors by affirming that the Texans were "locked in" on the Missouri linebacker.
So here's my poll for you, Texans fans. I know there are people out there who would prefer Jordan or Watt. That's fine, and I respect you guys for that, but I want to put that aside for a bit. If it comes down to Prince Amukamara or Aldon Smith, which one do you want at 11? My quickie explanation behind the jump:
For me, it's Amukamara all the way. Not only because I really dislike Smith's chances of contributing right away, but also because should Zierlein's scenario unfold where the Texans added Prince AND a veteran corner, the Texans would actually be on their way to making defensive back a position of strength. If Kareem Jackson is terrible again next year, for instance, the Texans would have players with a chance to actually play well (i.e. Amukamara) behind him.
Should Brandon Harris not fall to the Texans second round pick, I don't think there are any corners of Amukamara's status that make it to 42. Whereas I count three or four different possible players who could be there at 42 who I think at least have a good chance of outproducing Smith right away.
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I see the reasoning
In taking that direction, but I may rather get Smith at 11, and hoping Harris or (doubtfully) AWilliams falls to 42. If not, get RasI and hopefully snag Moch in the 3rd as a fallback plan for ASmith… will Moch be there in the 3rd for us?
by Da babyfacedassassin Meco on Apr 28, 2011 7:54 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Im not a huge fan
of Aldon Smith either. But i’m not a huge fan of Prince either. I kind of see another mediocre NFL CB. We should just get Jimmy Smith if we are getting Prince, but we know that isnt happening because he stole a snickers bar in the 9th grade…
by Da babyfacedassassin Meco on Apr 28, 2011 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Ha
Yeah, I guess realistically, that is a perfect fit for us. Mediocre football player, but a GREAT guy off the field… Damn.
by Da babyfacedassassin Meco on Apr 28, 2011 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions
We could always move Prince to safety
Not much we could do with Smith
My ideal Texans draft board
1st Round – Trade #11 to Patriots for their #28, #60#, & #74.
@#28 – Stephen Paea, NT, Oregon State
2nd Round
@#42 – Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
@#60 – Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
3rd Round
@#73 – Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
@#74 – Tyler Sash – SS, Iowa
4th Round
@#105 – Demarcus Van Dyke – CB, Miami
5th Round
@#138 – Mark Herzlich – ILB, Boston College
6th Round
@#178 – Raymond Webber – WR, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
7th Round
@#214 – T.J. Yates, QB, UNC
@#250 – Chas Henry – P, Florida
Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
by The Night Owl on Apr 28, 2011 9:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Ok I gotta ask this...
Would you consider ANY of our current CBs to be “mediocre” NFL CBs? Right now, I consider them piles of horse crap who can’t cover my grandmother if she was going out for a pass route with her friggin walker…
So hell, let’s be honest, Prince is an upgrade, period. Even at mediocre that’s a hell of a lot more talent combined with a veteran DB than we have currently.
-- "...I was sick, napping, and then woke up and came to the computer to read a note from the Gingered Angel of Doom..." Martek - Dynamo Theory Blog
Sadly, advanced statistics would indicate that he's pretty far below average...
To the naked eye, though, he’s solid. And he has gotten noticeable better from the day he stepped onto the field up to the end of last season. I think he’s a solid #2 going forward.
by Nashmeister on Apr 28, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Well...
They indicated that Kareem and Eugene were among the worst starters in the league, so that lends it some validity.
by Nashmeister on Apr 28, 2011 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't say that.
PFF might, but I don’t think they’ve got a good lock on DB stats.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter | SB Nation Houston | Battle Red Blog
by riversmccown on Apr 28, 2011 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions
In this scenario it has to be Amukamara
which of course means it won’t be because this is smithiak
I am Sancho
by HoustonTransplant on Apr 28, 2011 7:55 AM CDT reply actions
Also if no Amukamara in the first
then I think the second round pick would have to be Moore and get a CB in FA. Keep GQ at CB.
I am Sancho
by HoustonTransplant on Apr 28, 2011 7:55 AM CDT up reply actions
So you saying there was a chance but now there is no chance.
but if we had another chance in 2007 draft this would really mean nothing right?
Not so sure...
I think (as was mentioned the other day) that Smithiak makes the pick, they’ll go with someone who can make an impact right away. The simple fact is that they’re jobs may depend on it. I don’t see them going Smith because I agree that he is a project player more of a project player than Prince.
But if Phillips makes the pick, which I seriously doubt will happen, it’s more likely to be a project player like Smith. He likely won’t be given that authority though by the FO… not in his first year anyways.
Until next year...
by DieHardTexan on Apr 28, 2011 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree on your reasoning, Riv
And I also think the statement “Don’t take a 1st round corner because Kareem failed last year” doesn’t make sense. SO I voted for Prince.
Although my disdain for Aldon Smith as a Texan played a large role in that choice. I’m still all in for Quinn.
I'm warming on Prince
after watching him on ‘Gamechangers’. I was impressed on how he carried himself, he was articulate, and didn’t come across as ‘ghetto’ or a guy who didn’t go to a single class. I felt comfortable that the kid was intelligent and a good learner. So I would prefer him over Smith.
I wish we could hire coaches without "having grown up in Houston" being a job requirement.
This is honestly a tough call for me.
We need Amukamara to move GQ to safety, but we need another rush OLB.
In the end, I give it to Smith, because he has such a high ceiling, and because there’s good depth at CB in the draft.
Smith 51%
Smukamara 49%
It’s that close for me.
"Hakeem couldn't kick your ass cuz you were too
close kissin his!"- Sir Charles to Kenny Smith.
The quality of DBs drops off after Harris
Yet everyone says this is a DEEP OLB AND DE draft.
On a side not in Prince is very smart and funny, we need more comedians.
Houston Texans:
1st Round: J.J. Watt (NT)
2nd Round: Ras-I Dowling/Brandon Harris (CB)
3rd Round: Mark Herzlich (ILB)
4th Round: Shiloh Keo (S)
5th Round: Chris Carter (OLB)
6th Round: Alex Henery (P/K)
7th Round: Stephen Burton (WR)
by CCBach on Apr 28, 2011 8:28 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
I've been saying all along
that you can draft Amukamara (or Harris) and still add a veteran #1 cornerback. The nickel back is such an important position in today’s NFL that you’ll get contributions from young Mr. Amukamara.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Your logic is totally out of whack, Rivers! The Texans have to take a pass rushing OLB if they want a first year contribution
How refined to you have to be to rush the passer? I think Aldon Smith can contribute RIGHT AWAY and without a lot of “coaching up.” Just point and go. It’s the CB position that needs coaching up and a rookie, no matter how physically gifted he is or what kind of system he comes from who needs time to contribute. You bring up the perfect example of evidence to this principle – Kareem Jackson!
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
I'm not wild on either of them
But I just am not sold in the slightest on Smith. If this is the scenario at 11, I’d happily trade down if possible If we’re stuck here, I’m taking Prince and hoping the long-term investment at DB pays off.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter | SB Nation Houston | Battle Red Blog
by riversmccown on Apr 28, 2011 8:32 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't prefer on over the other. I think they will both be excellent pros and would fit right in on the Texans
I will leave the judging to the coaches as to who they want more. It’s a difficult decision. But, if they are looking for immediate impact as you state above, it would have to by Aldon Smith. If you are looking for long-term developmental impact, it’s a toss-up, IMO. I can’t predict who will be better in the long-term.
I will say this about importance to the defense. A CB can only cover one-half of the field and is generally only effective to that purpose on passing downs. Furthermore, he only directly impacts the play when the offense throws to his man. An OLB can directly impact more plays, because he will be involved in most passing plays and running plays to his side of the field and with pursuit to the other side, also. I think the OLB is a more impactful position and one that the Texans may be needing in this draft. That is why I have voted for Aldon Smith.
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
And yet...
A bad CB has an impact on every play, because he immediately gives the opposing QB a safety valve before the pass rush can get there. Pretty sure we learned that last year. I don’t like either option, but I still think we’re playing for 2012… Take the better player: it’s Amukamara. Nothing on Aldon Smith’s college resume or physical attributes suggest that he should be a #11 pick. He’ll only go top-20 because there’s a premium on pass-rushers.
Are the Texans still running the Frank Bush Carpet Red Zone?
This argument flies right out the window….
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Oh, right.
I forgot, we don’t need any new players; the old ones were great, and just poorly coached.
Well then, what’s the point of the draft? Let’s just roll with what we’ve got.
No, I still think they're holding one
Why don’t we participate, then….
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
No, no, I insist.
Those new players won’t even make the roster because it’s already overflowing with talent. I’m already filling out my 2011 pro-bowl ballot: Kareem, Shaun Cody, and Troy Nolan are going to the beach!
Okay, Nashy
Go ahead and take your ball and go home….
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
I agree both will be excellent pros
so long as Aldon Smith ends up on a 4-3 defense. I just don’t see him making a smooth conversion to 3-4 OLB.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Prince
just don’t like Smith for us.
and the clouds opened up and God said "I Hate you Texans Fans."
Bunting
Is all over us trading up to get Peterson on his twitter this morning. Mayock said it on Mike & Mike as well.
Maybe they will be right and they can brag about it for the next year.
Most likely they are wrong, and everyone will forget about it tomorrow.
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Yes, I think they both mean Von Miller
They’ll get some mileage out of it anyways, if the Texans just trade up…
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Quick question..
Is Cleveland serious about exploring trading back? I find it hard to believe they would actually want leave that spot; but if Green isn’t there I could understand.
Good call on Amukamara
With serious pressure to produce this season, they need a db from the draft that can contribute right away AND a vet free agent to cover their bets. No way Kubiak gambles his job on the prospect that Kareem becomes a stud.
...DB to contribute right away? Who is that?
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Hmmmm
Clorox or off brand bleach? I really can’t choose. I’m holding hope for Quinn or trades
by AllenOU on Apr 28, 2011 9:16 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
Might as well buy the primo stuff
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot
It's the draft. Splurge!
There’s always the regular season for generic brand.
…I hope.
I am a visionary, I am a genius, and now I am angry! Now help me find my pants!
I have a plan, and it's so cunning you can brush your teeth with it!
by UprootedTexan on Apr 28, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm holding hope on trades...
which makes me sad…
I meant
Prince is the clorox and Aldon is the off brand!
by AllenOU on Apr 28, 2011 9:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Seriously..
As the draft time approaches, I’m almost at that point where I think not trading up would be considered a failure.
Unless Jones falls...
He’ll be gone by the time we pick. Washington will not pass on him if he gets that far.
YOU TAKE THAT BACK RIGHT NOW
Jones is gonna be there and we’re gonna draft him and it’s gonne be awesome when we score 50 BILLION points in the first game!
by DisplacedTexan on Apr 28, 2011 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Wish I could
but I can’t… It’s done, finished, set in stone, polished like a wood floor with pledge.
like a misspelled tattoo
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
by Rip Jersey on Apr 28, 2011 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
by Rip Jersey on Apr 28, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Only because he doesn't have 6 fingers :P
My name is Barry - I am from Texas
by Barryfromtexas on Apr 28, 2011 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
McShay
He just said on the radio he “expects” the Texans to trade up to 5 for Peterson…
by Da babyfacedassassin Meco on Apr 28, 2011 9:36 AM CDT reply actions
That plan will go great until the Eagles offer Kolb for the #5 pick
My ideal Texans draft board
1st Round – Trade #11 to Patriots for their #28, #60#, & #74.
@#28 – Stephen Paea, NT, Oregon State
2nd Round
@#42 – Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
@#60 – Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
3rd Round
@#73 – Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
@#74 – Tyler Sash – SS, Iowa
4th Round
@#105 – Demarcus Van Dyke – CB, Miami
5th Round
@#138 – Mark Herzlich – ILB, Boston College
6th Round
@#178 – Raymond Webber – WR, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
7th Round
@#214 – T.J. Yates, QB, UNC
@#250 – Chas Henry – P, Florida
Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
by The Night Owl on Apr 28, 2011 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Then they could get hit with collusion
My ideal Texans draft board
1st Round – Trade #11 to Patriots for their #28, #60#, & #74.
@#28 – Stephen Paea, NT, Oregon State
2nd Round
@#42 – Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA
@#60 – Bruce Carter, OLB, UNC
3rd Round
@#73 – Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada
@#74 – Tyler Sash – SS, Iowa
4th Round
@#105 – Demarcus Van Dyke – CB, Miami
5th Round
@#138 – Mark Herzlich – ILB, Boston College
6th Round
@#178 – Raymond Webber – WR, Arkansas Pine-Bluff
7th Round
@#214 – T.J. Yates, QB, UNC
@#250 – Chas Henry – P, Florida
Murphy’s 20th Military Law:
If it’s stupid, but it works, it ain’t stupid
by The Night Owl on Apr 28, 2011 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
By denying the work outs, they are doing illegal activity by trying to overrule a ruling.
They don’t care because they believe they are above the law, that’s why trades/FA signings will not happen. Maybe the next 2 weeks but not during the draft.
Not really
They just have to start the league year….but by no means do they have to make any personnel moves.
"Lord, beer me strength."
Looks like that's all changing right now.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot
by bigfatdrunk on Apr 28, 2011 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
From Schefter
NFL plans to announce timing for commencement of 2011 League Year, free agent signings and other player transactions tomorrow.
Lots of talk that this will start at 8am tomorrow. League has dictated that facilities are to open at that time, as well.
Also, if the 8th Circuit decides the appeal today, and I think the appeal is likely to fail, the NFL will have to tuck their tails.
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot
by bigfatdrunk on Apr 28, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
From LaCanfora
League notifies teams as of 8AM Fri: Players permitted to use club facilities for physical examinations, rehab, medical treatment …
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot
by bigfatdrunk on Apr 28, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Still screws over the first round though
Firday’s draft should be interesting.
Especially when the Texans draft Phil Taylor
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
thats funny
I usually expect McShay to be an idiot.
I wish we could hire coaches without "having grown up in Houston" being a job requirement.
Uhhh..
He just released his latest mock draft and he has patrick peterson falling to 11? Did he just say, screw conventional wisdom, let’s just start plugging in players?
Weird
It read: Houston TexansRecord: 6-10 | Needs: OLB, DE/NT, CB, FS, SSPatrick Peterson, CB, LSU
There has been talk about the Texans possibly trading up to get Peterson and significantly upgrade their secondary, but in this dream scenario they stay put and get one of the four elite players in this class.
I would jump for joy if this happens....
I consider that to be the STEAL of the draft if he ever fell to 11
I hate them both.
But I voted for Prince.
I don’t want to imagine this scenario.
It makes me wanna murder babies.
Capt. Nately: You're a shameful opportunist! What you don't understand is that it's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
Old man in whorehouse: You have it backwards. It's better to live on your feet than to die on your knees. I know.
-Catch 22-
I can't believe that you
would ever imagine this scenario….except for in about 9 1/2 hours. Wasn’t that a movie?
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Interesting
This poll is interesting when considering the poll from Monday. I did a poll just a few days ago asking what was the Texans biggest need and I I asked the question without any coaching on my part. The answer was overwhelmingly Pass Rushing OLB. Now here, faced with a choice of an OLB vs. a CB (which came in third on the former poll), with a little coaching on Rivers’ part slanted towards the CB, the fans are now voting for the CB! Very interesting. What does that say?
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Is it as simple as that?
Or is it, the voters are rebelling against the mock draft experts? Because Rivers’ reasoning is flawed. Is it that they take Rivers’ word as gospel? Are they sheep? Do they want to just deny that this is probably the best move and Risk Smith will be making it, therefore its more popular to go against The Man? What is it, really? Why don’t they like Aldon Smith?
Aldon Smith is going to be a star in the NFL. There are plenty of fine, coachupable CBs that will be available in the later rounds. The Texans need a pass rush and they need it now. Aldon Smith is instant pass rush.
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Plus the Texans simply need an OLB
Cushing is moving inside as they go to a 3-4, which also means they need more LBs, period.
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
here are our LBs
demeco – coming of MAJOR injury
Connor – coming off MAJOR injury
Brian – Coming off being pregnant, new position
Darryl – second year guy, fourth round pick, but looks promising
diles, adibi, bentley all gone.
NOT GOOD
mark anderson is the wild card in my eyes
That doesn't mean you have to reach for a questionable player at #11...
There’s just nothing in Aldon Smith’s physical attributes or college resume that warrants taking him that high.
by Nashmeister on Apr 28, 2011 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
but he's okay at #12
Thank you Mr. Draft Expert
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
No, actually.
I don’t think he warrants being top-20. I’d sooner take Kerrigan or Justin Houston. I don’t see elite potential with Aldon Smith, and if you’re gonna go for a player with a low ceiling, then I’d take one with a higher floor.
Fair enough
You’re entitled. I’m no more a Mr. Draft Expert than you.
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
I know, its just an opinion poll
I just like to look into all the psychological idiosyncrasies…
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
You know who rebels against mock draft experts?
NFL Teams. That’s why anything more than 5 picks correct is considering outstanding.
"Lord, beer me strength."
So, its a LB, then....
because the Texans are usually correct about 1 out of 5
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Boy, I like all this power you're giving me.
But I just think people wanted Robert Quinn and voiced that by voting OLB.
- Rivers McCown, From Mom's Basement | Twitter | SB Nation Houston | Battle Red Blog
by riversmccown on Apr 28, 2011 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Okay, so who is the S that beat out Amukamara?
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
That they realized that the Pass Rushing OLB doesn't need to be a 1st rounder
"Lord, beer me strength."
CB doesnt need to be a first rounder either
I picked Prince because less questions:
-not had an injury
-flexibility to move to safety
-larger body of work in college
-older (although age isnt a true indicator of maturity, it is a factor)
I would prefer to have prince anyways
It’s not like he is gonna be thrown in as the number 1 CB from day one like Kareem was. Didn’t Quinn play decent his rookie year as well? Hopefully we also sign a veteran CB and demote Kareem to nickel where he belongs.
by fgp on Apr 28, 2011 12:10 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
According to ESPN insider...
the Texans are trying to move up to get Peterson, which i dont think will happen, but..we still most likely to get Prince: There has been talk about the Texans possibly trading up to get Peterson and significantly upgrade their secondary, but in this dream scenario they stay put and get one of the four elite players in this class.
by Bee Deezy on Apr 28, 2011 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Newb?
I think so. Welcome, Bee Deezy!
A Texans fan. Really. No, I'm not kidding.
http://www.battleredblog.com
"Blind fandom is all I got left." - LoneSpot
Texans Rapid Reports Mock Draft: Houston won’t have picks in the third or fourth rounds if a projected trade with Cleveland is completed. In the projected trade, the Texans will receive the Browns’ first-round pick (No. 6 overall) for their first (No. 11), third (No. 73) and fourth (No. 105) round selections. Texans RapidReports
This would be catastrophic
No one player is worth it to give away all that.
I didn't do anything wrong!.... and, I won't do it again.
Prince
The drop off for CB is greater than the drop off for OLB after Prince and Smith. You can get someone closer to Smith in the 2nd round or trade up into the bottem of the 1st. After Prince the only close CB is Jimmy Smith and we all knowthe Texans wont take a thug. People worried about the secondary being toast like last yr have to take into account we have better D coaches this year. Smith is a project that will take 3or 4 yrs Prince will upgrade our secondary rightaway. By taking Prince we dont have to get a top teir FA CB, and whos to say they would come to the Texans anyways. We can get a 2nd teir to help provide vet leadership.
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