This is a “companion piece” to an article I wrote over at SB Nation Houston. There, analysis of a six-round Texans mock draft by Walter of Walter Football. Here, a four-round mock by Greg Cox, also of Walter Football.
Here are my thoughts on each of Cox’s Texans selections, in addition to players left on the board that I would consider at the time of each selection. Please give both a read, and give a little reaction if you’re so inclined. Another 2011 Texans Mock Draft Tracker update is also coming soon. Hope you’re all enjoying your weekend.
Greg Cox’s (Walter Football) four-round mock draft, Texans selections:
1. Robert Quinn, LB, North Carolina
You guys know I love me some Quinn. He may be there, he may not be. Hopefully QBs Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton will both land in the top ten, along with WR Julio Jones (because the Texans won’t take him anyway, might as well make use of him being in the top ten). Having those offensive players go in the top ten would go a long way to having Quinn land in the team’s lap.
Still on the board: WR Julio Jones, DE Cameron Jordan
2. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
I would love Williams in this spot. Of course, he’s yet another guy who would look really great as a safety conversion – which is what many of us said when the Texans drafted Glover Quin. Unfortunately it took two years for the Texans to even admit it was a possibility to make that move.
Still on the board: DT Marvin Austin, G Danny Watkins
3. Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
I’m pretty solid in my stance that the last thing the Texans need is to get younger at cornerback. I see no reason for them to draft a corner in any round, really. All additions – starter and depth – could be made via free agency. I must admit, though, that this prospect intrigues me, though not enough to pull the trigger here. Injuries ruined his senior season, and hurt Dowling’s draft stock. It would be a gamble for the Texans to grab Dowling here in a draft where they need to hit on ALL their early defensive picks.
Still on the board: DT Kenrick Ellis, S Quinton Carter
4. Sione Fua, DT, Stanford
Fua is a fantastic run defender, but won’t get you much in the area of the pass rush. That’s not much of a problem in Wade’s 3-4. Fua can hold up at the point of attack, and it would be interesting to see who would come out on top in a depth chart battle between he and Earl Mitchell… and Shaun Cody? I didn’t make that up, right? Shaun Cody signed an extension and is thought to be the starting NT?
Still on the board: OT Lee Ziemba, DL Lawrence Guy
Apr 3, 2011 at 18:23:07
If this was our draft, with Williams as a safety, and assuming we sign a good veteran at corner, I would like our chances. Also assuming we get a couple more guys for depth on the front seven
Apr 3, 2011 at 23:25:38
Like Prince in round one Allen???
Apr 4, 2011 at 00:09:14
I kinda like this draft with Williams playing FS or bulking up a bit and going SS and still getting a free agent CB. I agree I don’t like the thought of getting younger in the DBs so Dowling while he’s a good value for his talent but he is too big of a risk like Chris said with the talent available. Fua while I know alot of people say they like him he just seems like depth and not someone who would challenge for the NT. As for the 1st pick Quinn is an excellent pick then again so is Julio Jones or Prince. I think we could have some people drop to us cause I actually expect 2 QBs in the first 5 picks then either someone trades up with Dallas or the Skins take one.
Apr 4, 2011 at 15:12:51
I like the first pick in quinn but the second pick in williams??
Really? is he the best corner at that time?
What about an actually safety like Rahim Moore?
Maybe even Ahmad Black? he has a knack for being around the ball.. i dont think we should draft a corner in any early rounds and focus on players who could make a difference early..Get the corners in free agency! (cough cough) blow as much money as it takes to get nnamdi!
Apr 5, 2011 at 09:57:10
Just when we start discussing it, Walter updated his mock. Now its JJ Watt
Apr 6, 2011 at 11:32:37
I don’t think Dowling will be there in the 3rd and I really don’t think Fua would be there in the 4th – probably not even the 3rd. I like both of those guys, but we’d have to get either of them in the second, and they may not even be available when we pick.
Just reading what the Texans have said so far about free agency, I don’t think they’re going after anyone – maybe one or two 2nd-3rd tier (cheap)players.
Apr 6, 2011 at 14:29:12
I dont understand sometimes..
Uh the only way to get better is to get better players..
Better players cost more money..
And in a multi-billion dollar industry i just dont know why they decide to go with cheap(not as good) players..
But thats why i am sitting at my house typing and not making executive decisions..
i will just shut up!
Apr 6, 2011 at 14:52:06
Dowling is injury prone he got hurt running 40yds in no pads nobodies gonna take a chance on him in the first 2 rounds and Fua isn’t better than the guys we already have on the roster we can’t afford to take a bench player in the 2nd.
Apr 6, 2011 at 17:41:22
I actually like the Williams pick in the 2nd round. @Josh, Rahim Moore will definitely be gone by the time we’re up again to draft a player. Moore is BY far the best pure safety in the draft so for that reason i dont see him slipping down to us. Black, in my opnion is too small to be playing safety. The smaller they are, the greater the chance of injuries, hence Bob Sanders. I actually would prefer moving Williams to Safety over Quinn. I dont like neither the Dowling and Fua picks. Dowling has so much potential, but the guy cant stay healthy to save his life.
Apr 6, 2011 at 21:45:38
We allready have dowling. His name is antwan molden
Apr 7, 2011 at 07:29:02
@ AllenOU
Exactly
Apr 7, 2011 at 09:06:54
I just hope whatever OLB we take at 11 is better than the last OLB taken at 11.
Apr 7, 2011 at 11:57:37
The problem with any of the all the DBs is outside of Patrick, prince, and Jimmy and maybe Williams at FS is the are all overated because it’s such a weak DB class yes I am including Raheem Moore he’s another 1yr wonder his talent says late 2nd early 3rd … I’ll take willis in the 2nd and let him and Quinn fight out over DB2 and FS and get the DB1 in FA … FYI 2nd and 3rd tear DBs would instantly be an upgrade … Props on the call out of dowling Allenou!
Apr 7, 2011 at 13:41:30
The difference between Molden and Dowling is that we finally found out that injuries weren’t the only thing keeping Molden off the field. He was healthy this year and he still couldn’t crack the rotation of the worst secondary in the league. Dowling is actually good when healthy.
Apr 7, 2011 at 17:16:47
A Name thats been very quiet lately has been Aldon Smith(with good reasons). Quinn and Prince could very well be gone (hope not) by the time the Texans pick. I’m curious how everyone feels about Texans selecting him maybe over Watt and Jordan because it COULD happen….Would yall be content with Texans selecting Smith?
Apr 7, 2011 at 18:41:26
Guys thanks for keeping the discussion going. Real life has been a KILLER lately and the blog is suffering. I’ll be back on soon with an update, promise.
Apr 8, 2011 at 08:42:35
Didnt Mike Mayock say Quinn is better suited for a 4-3 DE after his pro day? I’m surprised people havent jumped on those words.
Apr 8, 2011 at 21:25:58
still keepin my mouth closed..
Apr 17, 2011 at 17:49:02
not no more..
i take back what i said earlier about williams..
i like him..