BullRushTX
To'oTo'o A'go-go
I like him as a day 3 pick and imagine how good he'll be after learning a year in that secondary room.
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Late round gems - 2025
- Thread starter Texansphan
- Start date
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
I would kill to get Judkins...but his combine is amazing and I think he might be taken top 15. As his speed may make him jump over a few other RBs who "grade" higher.
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
Johnson isn't as fast but as my 2nd RB pick I would take him. We know Jenty and Hampton will be gone. Johnson has moved up to the #3 RB on the list since the combine.
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
RB list:
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
Quinshon Judkins Running Back Ohio State | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 85.5 Rank: #6 Forty: 4.48 Judkins projects as an immediate impact player in a gap-heavy run scheme where his vision and power running style will shine. His ability to create through...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
Johnson isn't as fast but as my 2nd RB pick I would take him. We know Jenty and Hampton will be gone. Johnson has moved up to the #3 RB on the list since the combine.
Kaleb Johnson Running Back Iowa | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 86.4 Rank: #3 Forty: 4.57 Johnson has legitimate feature back potential in a gap/power scheme where his combination of vision, decisive cuts, and finishing power will make him an im...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
RB list:
Running Back Rankings 2025 NFL Draft
Running Back s prospect rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft. Breakdowns of the best Running Back prospects and averages of other scouting reports.
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
McWilliams caught my attention at the Senior Bowl game. Not a big guy, but willing to come up and make a tackle. Has some SWARM in him.
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
I like his upside traits. But, read his weaknesses and you probably will have to think twice. Maybe he can be coached up...
Mac McWilliams Cornerback UCF | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 78.0 Rank: #44 Forty: 4.41 McWilliams fits best as a slot corner in a zone-heavy scheme where his processing speed and quick-trigger athleticism can shine. His combination of footbal...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
McWilliams role in the NFL would be nickel corner. He wouldn't bee asked to turn and run with speed receivers. So the weaknesses listed would be mostly mitigated. Were talking about the Texans maybe using pick #166 on Mac? There are no perfect players at that point. I focus on how they could help the team.I like his upside traits. But, read his weaknesses and you probably will have to think twice. Maybe he can be coached up...
Mac McWilliams Cornerback UCF | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 78.0 Rank: #44 Forty: 4.41 McWilliams fits best as a slot corner in a zone-heavy scheme where his processing speed and quick-trigger athleticism can shine. His combination of footbal...
Texansphan
Football connoisseur
Unless you take a punter or Kicker or LS or possibly a ST demon
Looks like a slot CB to me.I like his upside traits. But, read his weaknesses and you probably will have to think twice. Maybe he can be coached up...
Mac McWilliams Cornerback UCF | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 78.0 Rank: #44 Forty: 4.41 McWilliams fits best as a slot corner in a zone-heavy scheme where his processing speed and quick-trigger athleticism can shine. His combination of footbal...
I'm a late rd Longerbeam guy, but I like McWilliams a lot as a developmental slot CB and ST's guy.
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
I like RB- Donovan Edwards (Michigan) as a great upside swing in RD6 or RD7.
OG- Marcus Wehr (Montana State) would be another upside pick late.
OG- Marcus Wehr (Montana State) would be another upside pick late.
I've got Woody Marks and Edwards in this bucket.
If the 4th rd of the draft rolls around and Hunter/Brashard Smith/ Tuten/Blue etc... are there, do you spend 5-166/a 2026 4th/2025 7th to move up?
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
Texans have been linked to Smith multiple times throughout the predraft process. Multiple visits with him. Nflmockdraftdatabase currently has him in the 6th 161 overall with his best rank being 150.
Brashard Smith Draft Profile 2025 | NFL Mock Draft Database
Tracking where Brashard Smith could be drafted in the 2025 NFL mock draft.
www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com
Tahj Brooks just now on GMFB. Very intriguing. Had 100+ yards in every game last year for TT. Bowling ball type runner
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
Tahj Brooks Running Back Texas Tech | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 79.5 Rank: #23 Forty: 4.52 Watching Tahj Brooks' film reveals a Day 3 talent who makes up for average athletic traits with excellent running instincts and physicality. His natural fe...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
I think Edwards is going to surprise us. He is about the 24th ranked RB. But, tested off the charts at the combine and ran a 4.44 when many saw him running a 4.6 range or worse. Listed at 205lbs but if he played at that weight it was as a freshman or he dropped weight to run better at the combine. He played at about 215-225. Which is why as a weakness it's listed getting caught from behind on long runs. A 4.44 RB is not going to be caught often unless he takes awful angels. Playing at 215 I think he keeps his speed and power. Vertical, broad jump, 10 cone he scored well (very well). And bench, he might have been the top or top 3 in it with 22 reps I think. Huge hands and can catch. I would love to see him in Houston. Much like Nico did, I think he shocks people who don't take him.
Donovan Edwards Running Back Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 79.1 Rank: #24 Forty: 4.44 <p> Donovan Edwards showcases a dynamic blend of explosiveness and versatility, making him a high-upside NFL prospect. His dual-threat capability as a...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
He is kinda like James White. His injury history worries me. I guess that's why he would be 7th rd pick.I think Edwards is going to surprise us. He is about the 24th ranked RB. But, tested off the charts at the combine and ran a 4.44 when many saw him running a 4.6 range or worse. Listed at 205lbs but if he played at that weight it was as a freshman or he dropped weight to run better at the combine. He played at about 215-225. Which is why as a weakness it's listed getting caught from behind on long runs. A 4.44 RB is not going to be caught often unless he takes awful angels. Playing at 215 I think he keeps his speed and power. Vertical, broad jump, 10 cone he scored well (very well). And bench, he might have been the top or top 3 in it with 22 reps I think. Huge hands and can catch. I would love to see him in Houston. Much like Nico did, I think he shocks people who don't take him.
Donovan Edwards Running Back Michigan | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 79.1 Rank: #24 Forty: 4.44 <p> Donovan Edwards showcases a dynamic blend of explosiveness and versatility, making him a high-upside NFL prospect. His dual-threat capability as a...
I'll bet you money he goes in the late 3rd, early 4th. His skillset is exactly what NFL teams are looking for in a 3rd down RB that can also KR,PR he's kinda like Achane who went in the 3rd except he can run most of the pass routes coming out of the backfiel being a former WR.Texans have been linked to Smith multiple times throughout the predraft process. Multiple visits with him. Nflmockdraftdatabase currently has him in the 6th 161 overall with his best rank being 150.
Brashard Smith Draft Profile 2025 | NFL Mock Draft Database
Tracking where Brashard Smith could be drafted in the 2025 NFL mock draft.
If you draft Williams and Smith, if say Kirk gets hurt he can play in the slot. There's great value in that.
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
I have him in the late 4th - early 5th range as well. Not as good a prospect as Achane and better RB class brings his grade down. So many good backs this year .
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
Seeing he is in a huge class of DTs I see Jordan Phillips as a 2nd-ish round pick in a normal draft. This year he may slip into the late 4th or 5th. Power is the name of his game. As well as a wrestling background to be able to know how to use weight to his advantage as well as leverage.
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
Jordan Phillips Defensive Tackle Maryland | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 83.6 Rank: #29 Forty: 5.10 After hours of film study, one thing becomes crystal clear - Phillips has the raw tools to be a game-wrecking nose tackle in the NFL. The wrestling backgro...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
Love this guy and would spend 3-89 on him depending on how the draft falls.Seeing he is in a huge class of DTs I see Jordan Phillips as a 2nd-ish round pick in a normal draft. This year he may slip into the late 4th or 5th. Power is the name of his game. As well as a wrestling background to be able to know how to use weight to his advantage as well as leverage.
Jordan Phillips Defensive Tackle Maryland | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 83.6 Rank: #29 Forty: 5.10 After hours of film study, one thing becomes crystal clear - Phillips has the raw tools to be a game-wrecking nose tackle in the NFL. The wrestling backgro...
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
True, but remember Mixon is under contract till 2026 I think it is. And while I hope that this year he plays like last year. But, getting a bigger RB in the draft similar to Mixon in size is a great plan. Then you can give Mixon longer breaks if he needs it. As well as be set up if Mixon is not available or starts declining that runs a similar way and similar in size and strength. Instead of waiting on the contract or his body to start going south. If nobody is there that is similar...we will have to pay big for a FA or move up in the draft (2026) to secure the heir and hope he is ready for the season opener year 1. Instead of having them on the team and having learned behind Mixon.
I'm not against drafting a RB, but not until the 3rd at the earliest or 4th after trading up. Pierce can handle the role you want in this new gap scheme. The guys I'm looking at that kind of matches what you're looking for in the 4th are Hunter/Neal.
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
I don’t think the team knows which scheme they’ll be running until after the draft at minimum. Patriot way of using what you’ve got. Scarnecchia teams have run more gap vs outside zone and vice versa depending on their OL available season to season.
You dont think they will draft OL that fit the type of scheme they want to run?
TheRealJoker V2
Veteran
I think they are still figuring out what they want to do given who they have/who they end up getting.
Drafting a guy like Tyler Booker means you ask your OL to do something different than drafting Marcus Mbow for example. Depends who they get in the building.
Agreed, but I would think by now they would know whether they would prefer a Booker type OL or a Mbow type OL and draft accordingly.
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
Dont'e Thornton Jr. Wide Receiver Tennessee | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 80.2 Rank: #23 Forty: 4.30 Thornton projects as a high-ceiling developmental receiver who could dictate coverage as a field-stretcher in vertical offensive systems. His rare blend of...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
The issue with Thornton is a strange one. He could be a top 5 WR in this draft. But, nobody will know until he gets to the NFL. He has never caught a "decent" amount of passes in college. According to scouting reports he never topped say 30 a season. Due to that, you have to basically mock a 50 or so catch season with double the yards, YAC and at least 1/4th the TDs. And if you are lucky, that product is who he is. Still, I like what his size, speed, vert and IQ brings. I would love to take a flyer in the 5th (maybe) but 6th or 7th no question. Kid very well could be amazing
OptimisticTexan
2024 / Rebuilding Block 4 After Playoffs / Texans
Dont'e Thornton Jr. Wide Receiver Tennessee | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 80.2 Rank: #23 Forty: 4.30 Thornton projects as a high-ceiling developmental receiver who could dictate coverage as a field-stretcher in vertical offensive systems. His rare blend of...
The issue with Thornton is a strange one. He could be a top 5 WR in this draft. But, nobody will know until he gets to the NFL. He has never caught a "decent" amount of passes in college. According to scouting reports he never topped say 30 a season. Due to that, you have to basically mock a 50 or so catch season with double the yards, YAC and at least 1/4th the TDs. And if you are lucky, that product is who he is. Still, I like what his size, speed, vert and IQ brings. I would love to take a flyer in the 5th (maybe) but 6th or 7th no question. Kid very well could be amazing
His film shows a lot of promise. He’s also got the size to fight his way off the LOS. If DB’s get beat at the LOS, then they’ll start playing him off the ball…even in man.
His route tree is raw, so don’t complicate things from the get-go. Line him up as WR4 in 4 WR sets….someone is going to get loose and my bet may be Dont’e since DC’s won’t be setting their defensive coverages up to stop him until he burns a few teams.
The size, speed, and hands are there….just coach him up to the next level.
Hail Yea. If you watch him run a 4.3, ,you can watch DB Billy Boma, right after run a 4,47 a just catch everything .... a pair of gifted athletes .... but I've lost the damn page .... and I'm late for a appointment. They're gonna check my IQ .....
here's hopin' !
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
If he beats a DB off the line it's over. He has that speed and size. I don't see him getting tackled easily either. Nico v2?
House of Pain
Wild Speculator
Caley may be able to "fix" Pearce, but I know a large portion of the Texans fanbase is going to get the pitchforks out if they don't draft an RB, especially if one of the top of the position groups are available.
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
No question. I don’t know what happened to Peirce. He showed a ton of ability in year 1 and then he was nothing the past 2 years. It's not a little fix, that is for sure. He hesitates behind the line, stutter steps like no hole is there and then gets swallowed by the D. So, his body is not the issue It's his brain. My question is why. Holes are not always the size to drive a car through. All the other RBs seem to locate the spot they are supposed to be running through. It's kinda like a QB who gets hit so often that they are scared and they start playing like crap. Look at David Carr, he might have been good. However, he was killed on 3/4ths of the snaps he took. Even if it wasn't a sack. He started second guessing everything and look what happened. But, DP is a RB with good size and wasn't afraid of contact in year one. So, much as I thought "awesome we have a great young RB for 5+ years" Sadly we have seen a 3rd string RB who is only still here because IMO nobody has offered anything yet that would be any great deal.
Here is to hopefully Nick will draft a good RB in the draft who can be the heir to Mixon. With similar size and agility. Heck, give me 2 RBs a true 3 down guy like Mixon and a smaller faster guy like the Lions have in their Thunder and Lightning back field.
KoolAid Sipper
AFCEVET
Kam Chancellor's nephew, KeAndre Lambert-Smith, is a WR worth taking a flyer on late in the draft. He also ran a 4.37 forty at the combine.
I believe a lot of this was Pierce not getting many carries and bad blocking. I mean there was 4-5 games that Mixon didn't run for 50 yds. The one game Pierce started and got a lot of carries he ran for almost 200 yds. Plus with the new KO rules Pierce is going to bea real weapon in this part of the game. I still hope they draft a guy with homerun speed as the 3rd down RB.
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
We have a PR/KR now. DP wore out his welcome. No time to fix, we need results NOW
Agree to disagree,
Who's that?
If he has speed and hands, just have him run a go route. Randy Moss played his way into the HoF doing that. No need to get cute. If the defense starts keying in on that, it opens up every other receiver and the running game. Stroud throws as good a deep ball as any QB in the league.
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
Braxton Berrios is who I think they are going to use. 4.44 40, great burst and can also play WR. But, as a return man his agility and speed are great.
Imagine a healthy gap scheme OL that looks like this
LT Robinson
LG Hollin Pierce
C Patterson
RG Trent Brown
RT Ersery
Where's the beef? There's the beef
LT Robinson
LG Hollin Pierce
C Patterson
RG Trent Brown
RT Ersery
Where's the beef? There's the beef
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
He needs a ton of work. Read the negative points of his scouting report 1st. He has potential and he might be able to be coached up and get rid of some of his weaknesses. But, it would probably be a year or two before that happens
KeAndre Lambert-Smith Wide Receiver Auburn | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 79.6 Rank: #25 Forty: 4.37 Lambert-Smith projects as a high-upside developmental receiver who could provide immediate value as a deep threat while his route tree expands. His comb...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
Man, I know he's as raw as can be but if you drafted Thornton in the 4-5th and either Noel/Williams in the 2nd you wouldn't have to worry about defenses stacking the OL even when injuries strike. Dude's faster than the fastest and bigger than the biggest. Problem is it appear he only ran slants/posts and go's. I think a good McDaniels could teach him curls and back shoulder fades. After thinking about this, give me
1. Conerly
2. Noel or Williams
3. Best DT
3. Smith
4. Trade up for Thornton using a 2026 3rd. Weapons cost
5. Merritt Croskey
Trade both 7ths for a 6th and pick TE Conyers.
1. Conerly
2. Noel or Williams
3. Best DT
3. Smith
4. Trade up for Thornton using a 2026 3rd. Weapons cost
5. Merritt Croskey
Trade both 7ths for a 6th and pick TE Conyers.
SnakeEyes
Under NRG
Jalin Conyers Tight End Texas Tech | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 72.2 Rank: #23 Forty: 4.74 Conyers brings an intriguing skill set to the NFL as a receiving tight end with room for development. His size-speed combination and versatility make ...
www.nfldraftbuzz.com
Not bad, but he has some kinks to fix. I would rather take Ferguson in the 3rd late or 4th. Croskey should be around in the 6th or maybe 7th early
New mocks I have seen have us with Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo in the 2nd, Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State in the 3rd and Anthony Belton, OL, NC State in the 3rd.
I would love to draft Croskey-Merritt in the 6-7th. Dont think he will be there that late though.Jalin Conyers Tight End Texas Tech | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 72.2 Rank: #23 Forty: 4.74 Conyers brings an intriguing skill set to the NFL as a receiving tight end with room for development. His size-speed combination and versatility make ...
Not bad, but he has some kinks to fix. I would rather take Ferguson in the 3rd late or 4th. Croskey should be around in the 6th or maybe 7th early
New mocks I have seen have us with Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo in the 2nd, Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State in the 3rd and Anthony Belton, OL, NC State in the 3rd.
Porky
Hall of Fame
Can you use full names, especially with names like Williams and Smith. I have no idea who you are referring to.
Absolutely would love this. 3 of the most underrated players in this draft and 2 of them have been linked to the Texans.Jalin Conyers Tight End Texas Tech | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Rating: 72.2 Rank: #23 Forty: 4.74 Conyers brings an intriguing skill set to the NFL as a receiving tight end with room for development. His size-speed combination and versatility make ...
Not bad, but he has some kinks to fix. I would rather take Ferguson in the 3rd late or 4th. Croskey should be around in the 6th or maybe 7th early
New mocks I have seen have us with Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo in the 2nd, Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State in the 3rd and Anthony Belton, OL, NC State in the 3rd.
Kyle Williams and Brashard Smith.
Sorry about that, I put them in my mock, so that was my thought process.
Toro Bravo
Rookie
I think Thomas Fidone, Nebraska tight end, would be a good late round pick.
www.the33rdteam.com
This might be a good pick for Nick Caley to work with.
Thomas Fidone II 2025 NFL Draft: Scouting Report For Nebraska Cornhuskers TE
Get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft with a scouting report on Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone II. See Fidone II's stats, background, strengths..
www.the33rdteam.com
This might be a good pick for Nick Caley to work with.
BullRushTX
To'oTo'o A'go-go
Isaac Teslaa could be a good pick up. Good long speed, sure hands, and a good blocker. He'd just need to be developed, but he's got the tools.
Another of my sleeper picks.I think Thomas Fidone, Nebraska tight end, would be a good late round pick.
Thomas Fidone II 2025 NFL Draft: Scouting Report For Nebraska Cornhuskers TE
Get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft with a scouting report on Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone II. See Fidone II's stats, background, strengths..
This might be a good pick for Nick Caley to work with.
He could become a Jake Ferguson type TE IMHO.
TxnsJuggernaut1
All Pro
Mark my words the CU Buffaloes WR's not named Travis Hunter will be steals if they are drafted late or they go undrafted. Especially Jimmy Horn Jr. We likely won't draft any of them but some teams will take a chance on them, It will pay off for those teams!
I can get on board with this, Horn is very dynamic and would make a really good slot/KR/PR.