Rookie Grades

September 16, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans players including center Ben Jones (60) congratulate running back Ben Tate (44) after he scored a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the third quarter at EverBank Field. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

We are a quarter of the way through the season and thus there is no better time to grade the Texans draft picks. Keep in mind that these grades aren’t compared to other players at their position in the NFL, they are related to what they have done for our team.

1st Round- Whitney Mercilus: C

Mercilus has been a victim of depth. For most teams they rotate linebackers regularly, however, the Texans haven’t had a need to as they tend to get off the field quickly so far this year. The C grade is certainly open for change but as we have seen very little of him it is impossible to fail him but he isn’t doing anything for us on the bench either.

3rd Round- DeVier Posey: C

DeVier Posey is another player that has been hurt by the depth of the Texans. He got to suit up for his first game this week thanks to an injury to Lestar Jean. After recording no catches today it is impossible to give him anything more than a C as we haven’t seen enough of him but you still can’t fail him yet.

3rd Round- Brandon Brooks: D

Brandon Brooks is just barely passing. I have a problem with the fact that the Texans are using a seven-man rotation on the offensive line and Brooks isn’t one of the seven. He was brought in to compete with Antoine Caldwell and couldn’t grasp the zone blocking offense. I would like to hope that Kubiak will have him coached up as soon as next year but I don’t expect to see much of him this year even with the injury to Caldwell.

4th Round- Ben Jones: A

Ben Jones has seen the field in all four games this year. Splitting time at right guard is something that Antoine Caldwell has become accustomed to and Jones has proven a worthy player to split with. If he continues to play like this it will make Texan fans comfortable with about the future without Wade Smith. Ben Jones is certainly the Texans Rookie of the Year so far.

4th Round- Keyshawn Martin: B

Keyshawn Martin has also received a lot of playing time this year. He has shown that he’s at least better in the running game than Jacoby Jones was but he is dropping the ball more than fans would like to see. If he can continue to grow and show better hands he could easily see his grade rise to an A.

4th Round- Jared Crick: C

Jared Crick hasn’t seen the field much this year. When he was drafted I made comparisons between him and Wade’s previous nose tackle, Jay Ratliff, as they are similar in size and motor. However, he has been made a backup defensive end and thus doesn’t look to see much playing time in the near future as he is behind J.J. Watt, Antonio Smith and the newly re-signed Tim Jamison.

5th Round- Randy Bullock: C

Randy Bullock was lost for the season after tearing a groin muscle in the preseason. He was locked up in a kicking battle and looked to have a slight edge based on upside so he could potentially be starting next season.

6th Round- Nick Mondek: F

Nick Mondek failed as a Texan as he was one of the players that didn’t make the 53-man roster.