Aug 31, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) tackles Toledo Rockets running back David Fluellen (22)during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Fansided site “With the First Pick” released their first 2014 Mock Draft of the year Tuesday morning.
The draft compiled by Peter Smith of “With the First Pick,” has the Houston Texans selecting Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater with the No. 1 overall selection and Dominique Easley, a defensive tackle from the Florida Gators, with the No. 33 overall pick, the first pick of the second round.
The site wrote about Bridgewater:
Nov 16, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) warms up before the first quarter of play against the Houston Cougars at Papa John
"“The Texans get their franchise quarterback, and while there are reports Bridgewater is considering going back to school for another year, it is that time of year.”"
Smith also wrote about the Louisville QB:
"“Ultimately, Bridgewater will likely decide as good as all of that sounds, he would probably like to go ahead and get paid.”"
Like I’ve written a few times already about Bridgewater … he’s my top choice (as of now) for the Texans to select. All I know is the Texans really need to go a different direction at the quarterback position, because Case Keenum isn’t the answer as the starting QB of the future for this team.
As for the second round selection in Easley from Florida, Smith wrote:
"“In Easley, they stash a player for a year who some would argue had top 10 talent. As a result, when Bridgewater enters year two, J.J. Watt will be playing on the same defensive line as the incredibly talented Easley.”"
The Fansided draft writer also wrote about the defensive tackle Easley:
"“The question will be whether that is in a four-man front where the two are next to each other or across from each other in a three-man front.”"
ESPN Insider Mel Kiper had Easley as the No. 1 defensive tackle in the draft, writing:
"“Probably won’t be a first-day pick after a midseason knee injury but could be a steal on Day 2.”"
The problem for me with Easley is he didn’t play much this season, tearing his right ACL at the start of the 2013 season. Easley also tore his left ACL in 2011.
So would the Texans use a second-round draft choice to select an injury-prone player with two torn ACLs in a three-year span? I highly doubt it.
Third round, we can talk. Maybe the Texans are willing to take a risk with him, but do they have that luxury after what we’ve watched this season?
I wouldn’t take him in the second round … too much of a risk for the second round with all the Texans need to fix for the 2014 season.
Thoughts?