RAC has a history of being interested in guys who have a higher talent ceiling, but aren't quite as polished. He wants measurables over production. The most notable example of this was Dontari Poe, where half the NFL thought he was a great pick, and the other half though he was drafted about 3 rounds before he should have been. But also, guys like Clowney here in Houston in the early rounds, or guys like Lonnie Ballentine in the later rounds. RAC likes the best athletes that he can then mold into players. Its an old school coaching perspective. Also, keep in mind he was a D-line coach first, so the desire to coach guys up at that position is stronger. I say this because I think he will gravitate to guys like A'Shawn Robinson or Chris Jones who have a world of talent but haven't put it all together. I'm sure he probably likes Nkemdiche as much as anybody, though I assume the higher-ups will veto that.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoiseState?src=hash">#BoiseState</a> WR Shane Williams-Rhodes told me he's got a meeting with the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash">#Texans</a> in Houston set up. <a href="https://t.co/clXLYiBayJ">pic.twitter.com/clXLYiBayJ</a></p>— Jay Tust (@KTVBSportsGuy) <a href="https://twitter.com/KTVBSportsGuy/status/715650643063480320">March 31, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Spoiler [rquoter]Round 1 (22): DL Vernon Butler, Louisiana Tech - Practically every mock has the Texans selecting a receiver or defensive lineman in the first round. Doubt anyone argues with me about choosing the latter. Obviously a receiver is possible. Butler would be an awesome fit, however. He can win anywhere from next to the guard to inside shading the center. He reminds me so much of Mo Wilkerson. Round 2 (52): WR Will Fuller, Notre Dame - Many have Fuller mocked in round one. That would be unexpected. Personally, I love Fuller’s big play ability and the role he can fill for NFL teams. Clubs, however, will have plenty of parts to question. Size (and play size) to stay on the field in two receiver sets and drops (8 ¼” hands might play a factor). Personally, I believe he is worthy of a top 40 selection, but teams might not. Round 3 (85): S Darian Thompson, Boise State - Thompson will be selected at some point on the second day. The second day safeties include Keanu Neal, T.J. Green, Vonn Bell, Justin Simmons and others. Thompson likely projects best as a split safety for teams. Round 4 (119): TE Nick Vannett, Ohio State - Vannett was used all over the formation at Ohio State. He has the size (6’6”/257 lbs), the willingness to block and the receiving skills to potentially grow into an every-down tight end. Round 5 (159): DT Vincent Valentine, Nebraska - A run-stuffing role player who offers depth along the defensive line, the position Evan mentioned as need No. 1. Round 5 (166): G Fahn Cooper, Ole Miss - Played both tackle spots at Ole Miss last season. Could stick at tackle or move inside to guard, depending on the team. Round 6 (195): WR KJ Maye, Minnesota - A slot receiver projection. A lesser version of Jamison Crowder. http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/61623/71/nfl-draft-needs-texans[/rquoter]
One thing to remember is that the Texans usually slot their first round picks to start from day one. That is why I am doubtful about them drafting s receiver. Shorts and Strong are your likely day one starter. I think DLine (to replace Crick), Center (to replace Jones), or Safety (Demps is still a free agent) are more likely positions. They look for depth on the later rounds.
I'm always biased toward picking any player/position that can take advantage of Watt commanding double/triple teams.
I still think we are going to have Cliett come in on passing downs and cover the TE. I say go for the best available D-linemen (DT, NT, or DE) at first pick.. its what we usually do anyways. Or, do you guys think there is any way we move Clowney into DE?
best defensive lineman available in Rd 1 is always a smart pick although it's hard to say if Mercilus proved to be 1st round worthy
Stanley seems like he's going to fall: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Report: ND T Stanley's stock is dropping <a href="https://t.co/EvdycBe6r8">https://t.co/EvdycBe6r8</a></p>— Rotoworld NFL Draft (@Rotoworld_Draft) <a href="https://twitter.com/Rotoworld_Draft/status/717041052339847168">April 4, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"Several" scouts questioning his athleticism. Testing numbers were slightly below average. <a href="https://t.co/rZDDc7NEg1">https://t.co/rZDDc7NEg1</a></p>— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoshNorris/status/717041622802759680">April 4, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">There's an opinion around the league that Ronnie Stanley no longer goes top 10 in the draft, per <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyPauline">@TonyPauline</a>.</p>— Gym Shorts (@IgglesCoverage) <a href="https://twitter.com/IgglesCoverage/status/716965547829698560">April 4, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ronnie Stanley may be in free fall mode come the draft. A lot of scouts and teams wonder about his killer instinct. He seems too passive.</p>— 2016 NFL Draft (@DraftRT) <a href="https://twitter.com/DraftRT/status/717012973756092416">April 4, 2016</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Think you still have to see what a healthy (hopefully) Clowney can do rushing from the edge. His stats, adjusted for a full season, were a little better than Mercilus' first full season as a starter so here's hoping he can have a breakout season like he had last season.
