Beerlover/Steel B's Consensus Trade Down Mock Draft

[steelbtexan]

Texans trade 1-25 to the Patriots for picks 2-38 and 4-106

2-38 Jayden Higgins WR Iowa St.- Big red zone target with great hands, consistently wins at the catch point, Can play X, Y, Z spots. Surprising speed for such a big man. Good blocker

2-58 Alfred Collins DT Texas- Powerful run stopper who has played all the way out to 5 tech. Rare movement skills for a 335 lbs man. Has to develop pass rush skills but the ability is there. Best football is ahead of him.

3-79 Terrance Ferguson TE Oregon- Athletic TE with great hands and is a willing blocker. Has speed to get down the seams. Underutilized in the Oregon offense going down the seams. Best ball is ahead of him. Think faster OD.

3-89 Jalen Travis OT Iowa St.- Mammoth Guy that's a great athlete and comes from a very athletic family. Has great feet that comes from his basketball background. Some think he's a developmental guy, but we think he will beat out Fisher at some point in his rookie yr. Rare movement skills for a man his size.

4-106 Brashard Smith RB SMU- Dynamic 3rd down RB, threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Runs hard for a smaller RB and is willing in pass pro. Is sure dangerous running wheel and Texas routes (Runs them like the former WR he was at Miami before transferring to SMU) impossible for a LB to cover. Has KR/PR ability. If Kirk/Collins/Higgins get injured Smith can step in and play the slot, Just a versatile weapon.

5-166 Jackson Slater OG Sacramento St.- Small school IOL with great movement skills. tough and built like a fire hydrant. People mover, smart guy and tested very well.

7-236 Zah Frazier CB Texas- San Antonio- Traits based CB that's tall 6'3 slender 189 lbs runs a 4.3 and tests very well in the cone/shuttle. Long arms 33 in. Developmental CB with all of the skills to become a starting CB one day. Needs experience and to put on weight. Same stage in his development as Riq Woolen and Zion McCollum. More of an athlete than a football player, but can be the gunner on ST's while his CB game grows.

7-241 Sammy Brown Jr. WR Miami- Former UH player that's long lanky and fast. Surprisingly good route runner.

We spent the last 2 weeks collaborating on this and would love to get some feedback.

 

[beerlover]

See about Fisher. If Texans don’t draft LT in first round & Cam Robinson doesn’t resign? Fisher kicks over to position and Jalen Travis develops into starting RT? Kill two birds with one stone/pick (excellent use of late day two selection).

 

[TheRealJoker V2]

Texans trade 1-25 to the Patriots for picks 2-38 and 4-106

2-38 Jayden Higgins WR Iowa St.- Big red zone target with great hands, consistently wins at the catch point, Can play X, Y, Z spots. Surprising speed for such a big man. Good blocker

2-58 Alfred Collins DT Texas- Powerful run stopper who has played all the way out to 5 tech. Rare movement skills for a 335 lbs man. Has to develop pass rush skills but the ability is there. Best football is ahead of him.

3-79 Terrance Ferguson TE Oregon- Athletic TE with great hands and is a willing blocker. Has speed to get down the seams. Underutilized in the Oregon offense going down the seams. Best ball is ahead of him. Think faster OD.

3-89 Jalen Travis OT Iowa St.- Mammoth Guy that's a great athlete and comes from a very athletic family. Has great feet that comes from his basketball background. Some think he's a developmental guy, but we think he will beat out Fisher at some point in his rookie yr. Rare movement skills for a man his size.

4-106 Brashard Smith RB SMU- Dynamic 3rd down RB, threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Runs hard for a smaller RB and is willing in pass pro. Is sure dangerous running wheel and Texas routes (Runs them like the former WR he was at Miami before transferring to SMU) impossible for a LB to cover. Has KR/PR ability. If Kirk/Collins/Higgins get injured Smith can step in and play the slot, Just a versatile weapon.

5-166 Jackson Slater OG Sacramento St.- Small school IOL with great movement skills. tough and built like a fire hydrant. People mover, smart guy and tested very well.

7-236 Zah Frazier CB Texas- San Antonio- Traits based CB that's tall 6'3 slender 189 lbs runs a 4.3 and tests very well in the cone/shuttle. Long arms 33 in. Developmental CB with all of the skills to become a starting CB one day. Needs experience and to put on weight. Same stage in his development as Riq Woolen and Zion McCollum. More of an athlete than a football player, but can be the gunner on ST's while his CB game grows.

7-241 Sammy Brown Jr. WR Miami- Former UH player that's long lanky and fast. Surprisingly good route runner.

We spent the last 2 weeks collaborating on this and would love to get some feedback.

Love getting Higgins. Don’t love the trade down return, should get a 3rd or 4th next year as well if moving down that far. Don’t expect them to leave this draft without a day 1 starter on the OL.

Good players/projects selected but no sure thing day 1 starters and lots of projection. I’d rather go DL in 3rd in this scenario and give Caley/Popovich a higher floor guy to work with…

Higgins obviously best bet to earn snaps early. Collins should be in the mix for snaps, but at that spot a guard with better chance at making early impact like Tate Ratledge or Jonah Savaiinaea better fit for this team if you go WR first.

 

[TheRealJoker V2]

See about Fisher. If Texans don’t draft LT in first round & Cam Robinson doesn’t resign? Fisher kicks over to position and Jalen Travis develops into starting RT? Kill two birds with one stone/pick (excellent use of late day two selection).

Like the idea and have played with Chase Lundt in that spot for a similar reason. But need a day 1 starter on the OL and Travis is not that guy. Can’t be your top OL selection. Hard sell to fanbase.

 

[KoolAid Sipper]

I would want better picks to move down that far, but I don't know what the out of date trade value chart says. I love Jalen Travis as a developmental prospect but I think 3-89 is much too soon for him. TBH, I like the Edge from Louisville at that spot. I think there are approx 4 contributors this season in your picks even if it's rotational. Good work.

 

[Texansphan]

Texans trade 1-25 to the Patriots for picks 2-38 and 4-106

2-38 Jayden Higgins WR Iowa St.- Big red zone target with great hands, consistently wins at the catch point, Can play X, Y, Z spots. Surprising speed for such a big man. Good blocker

2-58 Alfred Collins DT Texas- Powerful run stopper who has played all the way out to 5 tech. Rare movement skills for a 335 lbs man. Has to develop pass rush skills but the ability is there. Best football is ahead of him.

3-79 Terrance Ferguson TE Oregon- Athletic TE with great hands and is a willing blocker. Has speed to get down the seams. Underutilized in the Oregon offense going down the seams. Best ball is ahead of him. Think faster OD.

3-89 Jalen Travis OT Iowa St.- Mammoth Guy that's a great athlete and comes from a very athletic family. Has great feet that comes from his basketball background. Some think he's a developmental guy, but we think he will beat out Fisher at some point in his rookie yr. Rare movement skills for a man his size.

4-106 Brashard Smith RB SMU- Dynamic 3rd down RB, threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Runs hard for a smaller RB and is willing in pass pro. Is sure dangerous running wheel and Texas routes (Runs them like the former WR he was at Miami before transferring to SMU) impossible for a LB to cover. Has KR/PR ability. If Kirk/Collins/Higgins get injured Smith can step in and play the slot, Just a versatile weapon.

5-166 Jackson Slater OG Sacramento St.- Small school IOL with great movement skills. tough and built like a fire hydrant. People mover, smart guy and tested very well.

7-236 Zah Frazier CB Texas- San Antonio- Traits based CB that's tall 6'3 slender 189 lbs runs a 4.3 and tests very well in the cone/shuttle. Long arms 33 in. Developmental CB with all of the skills to become a starting CB one day. Needs experience and to put on weight. Same stage in his development as Riq Woolen and Zion McCollum. More of an athlete than a football player, but can be the gunner on ST's while his CB game grows.

7-241 Sammy Brown Jr. WR Miami- Former UH player that's long lanky and fast. Surprisingly good route runner.

We spent the last 2 weeks collaborating on this and would love to get some feedback.

Steel if Patriots want #25 it's gonna cost them more than their 4th.
Going by the trade value chart, Texans get #69 and send #166 back and still come out 20 trade points to the good!
But this trade is doable as Pats would be getting another 5 year rookie contract so that is fair.
Texans get #38, #69, #106
Pats get #25, #166.
Texans gain approximately 20 draft points but lose their 5 year rookie contract.
Pats gain a 5 year rookie contract.

 

[steelbtexan]

Steel if Patriots want #25 it's gonna cost them more than their 4th.
Going by the trade value chart, Texans get #69 and send #166 back and still come out 20 trade points to the good!
But this trade is doable as Pats would be getting another 5 year rookie contract so that is fair.
Texans get #38, #69, #106
Pats get #25, #166.
Texans gain approximately 20 draft points but lose their 5 year rookie contract.
Pats gain a 5 year rookie contract.

We decided to give the Pats the advantage on the trade to make sure the trade down was realistic. I don't think since the talent was pretty even from 1-20 to 2-40 that you will get full trade chart value in this draft.

 

[steelbtexan]

Love getting Higgins. Don’t love the trade down return, should get a 3rd or 4th next year as well if moving down that far. Don’t expect them to leave this draft without a day 1 starter on the OL.

Good players/projects selected but no sure thing day 1 starters and lots of projection. I’d rather go DL in 3rd in this scenario and give Caley/Popovich a higher floor guy to work with…

Higgins obviously best bet to earn snaps early. Collins should be in the mix for snaps, but at that spot a guard with better chance at making early impact like Tate Ratledge or Jonah Savaiinaea better fit for this team if you go WR first.

We were thinking value over needs Plyers over positions.

 

[Porky]

Who are the Pats targeting? For a mock I’m not that worried about the return on the trade. It’s Monopoly money, not real grrenbacks.

I like who you picked overall, but I’d 100% need a tier two guard at either 38 or 58. You might even get Donovan Jackson at 38. If not there may be several other choices like Ratledge or Millium at 58. For me…this is the major flaw in the mock.

I like Jalen Travis, but that’s overdrafting the guy. He is a developmental type. I doubt he starts at any point in 25 outside of injury. He’s a day 3 pick, probably 5th or 6th imho.

I did like your TE and RB picks - both in my final mock and I really like both guys and would love one or both.

All in all B- mostly on the lack of a plug and play guard which for me is absolutely the only must have in this draft.

 

[beerlover]

To both of us Higgins was our favorite WR in class. Remember last years draft, Texans made trade for Diggs, so Texans first pick was no longer #23. Luckily 2024 was deep draft class & Lassiter was still there #42. Didn’t think Brian Thomas would have been there #23, doubt Texans did either so made the trade. But next WR up for me was Ladd McConkey, he fell into 2nd rd. not complaining what so ever about Lassiter (missed on him) was still targeting WR & McConkey was the dude. Different type of WR, but pair him with Nico, would make high level #2.

We tried to keep DeMeco out of the war room but he’s quite intimidating up close and personal and he was adamant about addressing DT with size, length & swarm. Collins ceiling is borderline first round he just lacks consistency, but don’t worry DeMeco promised to get him right.

We both loved Ferguson and I pushed hard for a Duck since SB got a longhorn. Finally a dynamic red zone target @ the TE position for CJ. Big frame, athletic reminds me of Hunter Henry.

Jalen Travis is a worthwhile project, first as your swing then later, as he develops starting RT. I believe good College Coaching for OL is essential making jump next level. Also has true prototypical size for the NFL. Not BPA now agree, but can see enough size and athleticism to project becoming a starter. Let’s see what your made of Popvich?

Brashard Smith, receiver out of backfield, hands catcher, explosive. 1326 yards rushing, 41 receptions 331 yards & 14 TD’s. Don’t remember Texans ever having a back with same combination of speed, rushing & receiving, you add him to Joe Mixon gonna be hard to stop this Texans offense.

Slater is another sleeper pick, that’s two in this mock draft not your usual chalk. He has position versatility both Center (probably his true NFL position) and OG. Of course we have couple of those already on this roster, but both have extensive injury history in young career.

Zah Frazier, is a 6-3 CB to develop and in this room he’ll have the best teammates and coaching in the NFL, might take him 2 or 3 years but as he grows into his body, adopts the swarm mentality he could stick on this roster and replace Flowers.

Thought this reflected a more realistic trade down than what PFF exaggerates. Could Caserio get more return? Absolutely, but then it would just look to damn good to believe.

 

[beerlover]

You know since I started my passion for scouting, it’s rewarding to see some young men just stand out amongst the rest and Travis fits this to a tee. He’s massive yet moves like Jordan Mailata who is 6-8 365 lbs drafted in 7th rd and starts LT for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen Travis is also 6-8 weighs less than Jordan, but 339, 35” arm length & 10” hands

 

[Lucky]

I think you guys did get a starter in Higgins. WR3 from day 1.

I like Collins, the big body this d-line needs. He will get his share of snaps.

I like Ferguson. Just don't see the Texans drafting another pass catching TE when a blocker is needed.

Brashard Smith is listed at RB, but is more of a gadget player. No team is lining up Smith on 3rd and short and handing him the ball. Draws, jet sweeps, screens, playing out of the slot. A weapon. But not a RB2. That is still Pierce. I would look for a player that could handle 3rd down duties AND run between the tackles. And there are a lot of those guys in this draft.

I like the athleticism of the two O-linemen. But they'll need a redshirt year. Then, you still won't know for certain if you have something. I would like one guy that is more pro ready, then take an inexperienced guy.

Love the CB prospect. Will need a redshirt year, but that's OK. The Texans have depth in the secondary.

 

[cland]

Hmm...undervalued trade, and ah interesting...no OL before DT, WR, and TE...

Okay I think I've got it, let's get that feedback form filled out:

s.t.e.e.l.b.t.e.x.a.n
b.e.e.r.l.o.v.e.r

Okay let's go into this office room to discuss further (don't mind the HR sign)...

(I hear the Colts are really looking into "upgrading" their scouting staff.)

 

[steelbtexan]

You know since I started my passion for scouting, it’s rewarding to see some young men just stand out amongst the rest and Travis fits this to a tee. He’s massive yet moves like Jordan Mailata who is 6-8 365 lbs drafted in 7th rd and starts LT for the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen Travis is also 6-8 weighs less than Jordan, but 339, 35” arm length & 10” hands

Yeah give me some of this, He was going up against some good players doing this too, not a bunch of D II guys. A real talent that should be rated much higher by the pundits IMHO.

 

[steelbtexan]

I think you guys did get a starter in Higgins. WR3 from day 1.

I like Collins, the big body this d-line needs. He will get his share of snaps.

I like Ferguson. Just don't see the Texans drafting another pass catching TE when a blocker is needed.

Brashard Smith is listed at RB, but is more of a gadget player. No team is lining up Smith on 3rd and short and handing him the ball. Draws, jet sweeps, screens, playing out of the slot. A weapon. But not a RB2. That is still Pierce. I would look for a player that could handle 3rd down duties AND run between the tackles. And there are a lot of those guys in this draft.

I like the athleticism of the two O-linemen. But they'll need a redshirt year. Then, you still won't know for certain if you have something. I would like one guy that is more pro ready, then take an inexperienced guy.

Love the CB prospect. Will need a redshirt year, but that's OK. The Texans have depth in the secondary.

We think Ferguson can block as well as Warren/Loveland/Taylor.

You're right about Smith but they interviewed Blue yesterday and he said Ryans said they were looking for a RB with speed and we chose Smith. People were saying the same things you're saying about Achane before the Dolphins drafted him i the 3rd rd. I see a lot of Achane in Smith's game, except he's better at running pass routes/hands.

I dont see Travis as needing a yr. He's very underrated. When you realize how bad Fisher really was last yr then it wont be hard for an athletic specimen like Travis to beat him out. He went up against the great UT defense in 2023 and looked great. people are sleeping on Travis IMHO.

Great insight and thanks for your input.

 

[Porky]

No starting guard = fail.

But outside of that…you’ve got a good group of guys all in all. For the record, I’ve got Egbuka as the best WR for this team. For me on Thu night it’s Booker or Egbuka if both are available…unless Banks drops. Then I’ll be happy with any of those 3…Banks slight edge as he can kick to T. I don’t think he makes it to 25 imho.

I love seeing everyone’s ideas on what the Texans should do and I really appreciate the 411 details on some of the guys expected to fall on day 3. There will be a few gems found on Saturday….and beyond on Sunday/Monday next week when they sign UDFA’s.

 

[Lucky]

We think Ferguson can block as well as Warren/Loveland/Taylor.

Blocking is not his forte. I just can't see the Texans spending a day 2 pick on a TE. Unless they know Dalton is moving on, somehow. Day3 TE, possible.

You're right about Smith but they interviewed Blue yesterday and he said Ryans said they were looking for a RB with speed and we chose Smith.

I don't hate the player. He scores TDs and TDs are good. And maybe the Texans think Pierce can handle RB2. I forgot about the British guy. We know the team likes him.

I dont see Travis as needing a yr.

We're looking at different things. I don't care which team drafts Travis. He won't start a game this season unless that team faces a lot of injuries to the O-line.

 

[beerlover]

No starting guard = fail.

But outside of that…you’ve got a good group of guys all in all. For the record, I’ve got Egbuka as the best WR for this team. For me on Thu night it’s Booker or Egbuka if both are available…unless Banks drops. Then I’ll be happy with any of those 3…Banks slight edge as he can kick to T. I don’t think he makes it to 25 imho.

I love seeing everyone’s ideas on what the Texans should do and I really appreciate the 411 details on some of the guys expected to fall on day 3. There will be a few gems found on Saturday….and beyond on Sunday/Monday next week when they sign UDFA’s.

PTSD when it comes to OG position first round. Now if it’s for LT, Conerly I’m in pick #25 but this was trade down exercise. Not that long ago WR was priority #1. I mocked Higgins early on in 2nd but he won’t be there. Do like Egbuka next. Would make excellent #2 as well just not the physical specimen & catch point Higgins brings. Like OG trade up 2nd or late 3rd, again trading down out of first gives you more flexibility.

 

[beerlover]

Blocking is not his forte. I just can't see the Texans spending a day 2 pick on a TE. Unless they know Dalton is moving on, somehow. Day3 TE, possible.

I don't hate the player. He scores TDs and TDs are good. And maybe the Texans think Pierce can handle RB2. I forgot about the British guy. We know the team likes him.


We're looking at different things. I don't care which team drafts Travis. He won't start a game this season unless that team faces a lot of injuries to the O-line.

Never say never.

 

[steelbtexan]

The RZ issues were the biggest issue with this team IMHO.

Collins, Kirk, Higgins along with Ferguson, Smith help solve a lot of these issues. You have 6'3, 6'3 and 6'6 to use in the RZ. That should open things up for Mixon. Plus you've got a quick guy that's really hard to cover.

This really comes down to if you think the ol can be slightly above avg and my thinking is the athletic guys in this mock will be able to hold up. These are 2 of the most athletic lol in this draft and I'll bet one hits. That doesn't even bring into focus what a weapon Smith can be. The Texans need guys that can score touchdowns.

This mock does this.

 

[TheRealJoker V2]

The RZ issues were the biggest issue with this team IMHO.

Collins, Kirk, Higgins along with Ferguson, Smith help solve a lot of these issues. You have 6'3, 6'3 and 6'6 to use in the RZ. That should open things up for Mixon. Plus you've got a quick guy that's really hard to cover.

This really comes down to if you think the ol can be slightly above avg and my thinking is the athletic guys in this mock will be able to hold up. These are 2 of the most athletic lol in this draft and I'll bet one hits. That doesn't even bring into focus what a weapon Smith can be. The Texans need guys that can score touchdowns.

This mock does this.

Again, too much projection. We haven’t seen an OL develop since Kubiak was coach. And even then it took guys time. I’m not banking on a 3rd and 5th to fix this OL. And if I’m self-scouting my team like DeMeco and Nick surely did, they aren’t going to do so either. That’s just asking to be disappointed.

Higgins and Ferguson are nice to have, but there is a learning curve for them as well. Even Collns is going to have to prove he can do more than stuff the run to earn snaps ahead of Settle/Rankins/Autry/Edwards.

Too many cases of needing guys to hit their ceiling. Need more floor in the mock imo. More people ready to contribute day 1. Jackson Slater for example, i’m not sold he’d be active on game day if drafted year 1. Same with Jalen Travis if Trent Brown is healthy and able to assume swing tackle duties.

Then, and I know you hate it, there’s the Tytus Howard situation. Like it or not he’s on the team this season. And he’s another OL better than Travis/Slater year one. That’s two OL who don’t play year one if everyone is healthy… and if they do play they will have plenty of welcome to the NFL moments on the rookie learning curve.

That being said, Brashard Smith adds a new dimension to the team and is good value where you got him for what he can provide. I do think Higgins is the highest ceiling WR in the class, but there will be a learning curve to win the short/intermediate routes just like there was with Nico. I’ll assume Collins hits, just because that’s what DeMeco DL do.

 

[steelbtexan]

Again, too much projection. We haven’t seen an OL develop since Kubiak was coach. And even then it took guys time. I’m not banking on a 3rd and 5th to fix this OL. That’s just asking to be disappointed.

Higgins and Ferguson are nice to have, but there is a learning curve for them as well. Even Collns is going to have to prove he can do more than stuff the run to earn snaps ahead of Settle/Rankins/Autry/Edwards.

Too many cases of needing guys to hit their ceiling. Need more floor in the mock imo. Jackson Slater for example, i’m not sold he’d be active on game day if drafted year 1. Same with Jalen Travis if Trent Brown is healthy and able to assume swing tackle duties.

Then, and I know you hate it, there’s the Tytus Howard situation. Like it or not he’s on the team this season. And he’s another OL better than Travis year one. That’s two OL who don’t play year one if everyone is healthy… and if they do play they will have plenty of welcome to the NFL moments on the rookie learning curve.


That being said, Brashard Smith adds a new dimension to the team and is good value where you got him for what he can provide. I do think Higgins is the highest ceiling WR in the class, but there will be a learning curve to win the short/intermediate routes just like there was with Nico. I’ll assume Collins hits, just because that’s what DeMeco DL do.

I think more of Travis than most. A healthy Trent Brown would solve a lot of issues.

I also believe the new offensive coaching staff will be able to develop players. I get why you don't.

 

[TheRealJoker V2]

I think more of Travis than most. A healthy Trent Brown would solve a lot of issues.

I also believe the new offensive coaching staff will be able to develop players. I get why you don't.

Once bitten, twice shy. I want to give them a chance to succeed by loading them up with a blue chipper round 1. Plug and play guy then have coaches focus on reclamation projects like Ingram and Scruggs. Former 2nd round picks that should now have added strength that the rookies in this class will be lacking. Fix one of them and i’ll be more likely to take a leap of faith and believe a pipeline on the OL can be started if they can fix what Nick has already acquired. Get Fisher to make a year 2 leap. Make Robinson back into a league average starter.