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NFL Mock Drafts: Where are Houston-area kids heading?
This year, there are a few Houston household names that are about to become the next hopeful superstar for an NFL franchise.
The NFL is standing pat with their plan to hold the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23-25. Unfortunately, not from the new home of the Las Vegas Raiders on an immaculate stage set up in front of the MGM Grand.
Instead, it will be done how most of us draft our fantasy football teams – from our homes.
So, which former Houston stars, VYPE cover kids will hear their names called in the first through third rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft? This is an update to Matt Malatesta's Mock Draft weeks ago.
VYPE scoured multiple NFL Mock Drafts to try and get a consistent answer.
CeeDee Lamb (WR), Oklahoma (Foster HS)
The Experts
Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 11 to Jets
Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 11 to Jets
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 12 to Raiders
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 12 to Raiders
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 13 to 49ers
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 13 to 49ers
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 13 to 49ers
CBSSports.com Bryan DeArdo – No. 13 overall to Eagles (via San Francisco)
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 15 overall to Broncos
VYPE Prediction: CeeDee Lamb is a freak. Just turn on the film of what he did to Texas during the Red River Shootout. He has done this since high school.
Pick: No. 13 to 49ers
Analysis: The consensus among the experts is that Jerry Jeudy is one of the best WRs in this class and a lot have him going to the Raiders. I think Lamb is a better prospect overall and the 49ers are really interesting. Remember, the 49ers played in the Super Bowl a year ago. That is not a bad team to join. Lamb would be one of the top targets for QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Last year, the 49ers top receiver was their tight end George Kittle. The 49ers need a young receiver in the corps and that's Lamb.
Josh Jones (OT), Houston (Fort Bend Bush HS)
The Experts
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 14 overall to Buccaneers
CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 18 overall to Dolphins
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 18 overall to Dolphins
Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 18 overall to Dolphins
Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 22 overall to Vikings
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 27 overall to Seahawks
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 27 overall to Seahawks
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 29 overall to Titans
VYPE Pick: No. 18 Dolphins
Analysis: The Dolphins are fully expected to go all-in taking a QB early. Many expect it to be Tua Tagovailoa. Remember the "Tank for Tua" campaign. Well we have arrived to judgement day to see if the Dolphins really do it. If they take him, they will definitely want to protect him. There is going to be an early run on offensive linemen. By the Dolphins' next pick at 18, Houston OT Josh Jones may be the the guy. He had a good showing at the senior bowl throwing people around. The Dolphins could also combo some picks to move up for a different OL but you figure with a rebuild you want to take as much talent in the first round as you can.
Kenneth Murray (LB), Oklahoma (Fort Bend Elkins HS)
The Experts
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 15 overall to Broncos
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 19 overall to Raiders
Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 21 overall to Jaguars
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 21 overall to Eagles
CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 23 overall to Patriots
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 24 overall to Saints
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 28 overall to Ravens
VYPE Pick: No. 21 overall to Jacksonville
Analysis: The Jaguars need desperate help in the run defense after giving up the fifth-most yards on the ground in 2019. Overall, the Jaguars ranked 21st in defense. There seems like there could be a lot of movement in the early 20s so Murray could end up anywhere. The Jaguars need help defensively, especially since the AFC South has bolstered up – Phillip Rivers to Indianapolis and, of course DeShaun Watson in Houston.
K'Lavon Chaisson (LB), LSU (North Shore HS)
The Experts
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 11 overall to Jets
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – No. 16 overall to Falcons
Sports Illustrated Matt De Lima – No. 16 overall to Falcons
Bleacher Report Alex Ballentine – No. 16 overall to Falcons
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 16 overall to Falcons
NFL.com Draft Analyst Cha Reuter – No. 16 overall to Jets
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 17 overall to Cowboys
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 23 overall to Patriots
CBSSports.com (Bryan DeArdo) – No. 28 overall to Ravens
VYPE Pick: No. 16 to Falcons
Analysis: Here comes the help the Falcons need. K'Lavon Chaisson ended up having the breakout season at LSU that Ed Ogeron thought he would. The former North Shore star ended up with 6.5 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, two pass deflections and 60 tackles. All career highs for a single season. Why do the Falcons take him? Well, Atlanta registered only 28 sacks in 2019, which ranked third-worst in the NFL. They also had a second-worst 109 QB pressures and only blitzed 24.5 percent of the time. These numbers have to change for a team that finished 7-9 overall and ranked 23rd in the NFL in points scored against. Chaisson is the help they need.
Jalen Hurts (QB), Oklahoma (Channelview HS)
The Experts
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 23 overall to Patriots
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Third Round) – No. 88 overall to Saints
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Third Round) – No. 102 overall to Steelers
VYPE: No. 88 to Saints
Analysis:Jalen Hurts is not going to be the hottest name at the NFL Draft. The former Alabama and Oklahoma QB showed he can play at the highest level. There's no doubt about that. But this is about fit. From the three mock drafts we found Hurts mentioned, the teams are not a surprise. The Patriots have no quarterback and will be drafting a few in this draft. The Saints and Steelers both have aging quarterbacks. I think the Saints is the best fit for Hurts for two reasons – Sean Payton and Drew Brees. First to be coached by Payton would be a big learning experience for Hurts and to learn from a future Hall of Famer in Brees, who has said he will come back for another year, would be a perfect mix. Teddy Bridgewater is off to Carolina and he would be behind Taysom Hill.
Ross Blacklock (DT), TCU (Fort Bend Elkins HS)
The Experts
NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund – No. 27 overall to Seahawks
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – No. 29 overall to Titans
NFL.com Analyst Maurice Jones-Drew – No. 31 overall to 49ers
Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager – No. 32 overall to Chiefs
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) – No. 62 overall to Packers
VYPE Pick: No. 28 to Ravens
Analysis: Pretty much from pick 27 to 32 are teams that are going to address the defensive line. The Ravens are in need of help on the DL. The loss of VYPE Hall of Famer Michael Brockers, who headed back to the Rams, and the trade of Chris Wormley, the Ravens are in need of help. Blacklock could be the best fit at No. 28.
OTHERS TO WATCH
Grant Delpit (S) – LSU (St. Thomas/IMG Academy)
NFL Media Analyst Charley Casserly – No. 19 overall to Raiders
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Second Round) – No. 43 overall to Bears
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) - No. 51 overall to Cowboys
Jordyn Brooks (LB) – Texas Tech (Stratford HS)
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Second Round) – No. 63 overall to Chiefs
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Third Round) – No. 84 overall to Rams
Antoine Winfield Jr. (S) – Minnesota (The Woodlands HS)
CBSSports.com Ryan Wilson – (Second Round) – No. 50 overall to Bears
NFL.com Draft Analyst Chad Reuter – (Third Round) – No. 78 overall to Jets
More Names to Watch: Tyrie Cleveland (Florida / Westfield HS), Darius Anderson (TCU/George Ranch HS), Quartney Davis (Texas A&M / Langham Creek HS)
District 21-6A Headlined by State Title Game Participants
This district is talented! Well, when you have two teams that played for state titles a year ago, one winning it all, that will result in a top heavy district like 21-6A. North Shore is one of the best in the state and should be again this year, while West Brook has to replace some players but will still contend. These two teams have so much Division I talent on them when they play against each other it 's going to be a lot of fun!
VYPE is offering fans the opportunity to purchase a copy of the magazine and have it delivered to you, instead of waiting to find it in stores.
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VYPE Preseason Rankings
North Shore
Beaumont West Brook
Channelview
C.E. King
La Porte
Deer Park
Beaumont United
Baytown Sterling
(Bold Denotes Playoff Teams)
VYPE Preseason Awards
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER Zach Evans, North Shore
OFFENSIVE MVP Dematrius Davis, North Shore
DEFENSIVE MVP Jay Bell, Beaumont West Brook
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR Alton Lott, Channelview
SLEEPER TEAM La Porte
North Shore Mustangs
Jon Kay guided the "Beasts of the East" to the program's second state crown in the previous three seasons in 2018 with a perfect 16-0 mark and an unforgettable win against Duncanville. But now the page has turned to the next season. But what is coming back is impressive. Dematrius Davis is back at quarterback for his junior season. Davis passed for 3,373 yards and 43 touchdowns, while his top target Shadrach Banks reeled in 60 grabs for 1,299 yards and 17 touchdowns. Zach Evans returns to anchor the backfield as the top recruit of the 2020 class. Evans rushed for 1,793 yards and 29 scores a year ago. The list goes on and on, including Alabama-commit Damieon George and the new additions of Jaeden Roberts and Edzavier Deblaw on the offensive line and Arkansas pledge John Gentry joining Evans in the backfield. Defensively, Kansas State-commit Jojo Wilson and Utah State-commit Upton Stout will hold down the secondary, while Miami commit Corey Flagg Jr. will anchor at linebacker.
Beaumont West Brook Bruins
West Brook reached the final game of the year and fell to Longview in an instant classic. The Bruins are back but will have to replace dual-threat quarterback La'Ravien Elia, who had 280 total yards (136 rushing, 144 passing) in the title game. Third-year coach Eric Peevey will look for Troy Yowman to take over his spot. Yowman went 4-0 as a starter last season and has a cannon of an arm, which can be a good and bad thing at times. His top target will be Thad Johnson (1,200 yards receiving). Others to watch on offense include running back Jakobi Holland (676 yards rushing), who Peevey thinks will have a breakout year. Offensive lineman Fred Jones started at center and left tackle a year ago to anchor the line. On defense, first-team, alldistrict selection Jay Bell will anchor the line along with second-teamer Markel Clark, who had 12 sacks a year ago. Peevey believes seniors Dekyrie Richard, Natea Coleman and super-sophomore Bryce Anderson could make names for themselves in the secondary. Other key returners for West Brook include linebackers Cole Maloy and Desmond Jackson.
Channelview Falcons
Channelview has punched its ticket to the big dance in three of the last four seasons. Expect the Falcons to be back there again. Averion Hurts enters his 14th season leading the program and will lean on second-team, all-district back Alton Lott to lead the offense. Lott rushed for 1,017 yards and eight scores a year ago and returns as the leading rusher in District 21-6A. Another key piece to the offense will be receiver Trevon Chandler. Making room for Lott up front will be first team, all-district lineman Paula Vaipulu. Defensively, the Falcons will be led by free safety Zion Webb, cornerback Isaiah Hamilton, linebacker Albert Garcia and defensive end Caleb Molina.
C.E. King Panthers
For the first time since being propelled into the UIL's highest classification in 2016, C.E. King made the playoffs last year. The Panthers are gaining steam on the east side, including opening its brand-new stadium for the 2019 season. Derek Fitzhenry enters his third season at the helm and has some big spots to fill, especially in the backfield. Rodrick Crummedy (1,523 yards, 15 TDs) and Ulysses Bentley (SMU-signee with 1,211 yards, 17 TDs) are both gone to graduation. So, who fills in their shoes? Look towards first-team, all-district running back Malique Harris and second-teamer Jeremy Gonzales. Also, back on offense will be Van Wells at tight end. Those are the three lone starters back on offense, but the good thing for the Panthers is six starters are back on defense. Included in that group is national free safety recruit Bryson Washington. Washington is a five-star recruit and an all-state selection. Also, back is DI defensive ends Jessie Evans and Jason Watson. Other key returners on defense include cornerback Josiah Ruano and linebacker Tyler Scyrus.
La Porte Bulldogs
La Porte was just on the outside looking in last season for the final playoff spot in District 21-6A. With what the Bulldogs have coming back, La Porte could potentially contend for it. La Porte, who is now under the direction of first-time coach Anthony Renfro from Clear Springs, brings back some key pieces including quarterback River Thompson. Last season, Thompson passed for 1,047 yards and five scores. He will have to take better care of the football in 2019 after throwing 11 interceptions in 2018. Other key returners include wide receivers Elijah George, Nathan Davila and tight end/defensive end Albert Regis, who was named the District 21-6A Sophomore of the Year. Also, back is linebackers Jordan Morales and Eric Bright and defensive lineman Agave Flores.
Deer Park Deer
Deer Park has a lot to replace off a team that just missed the playoffs last year. Broc Weidner is gone to graduation, so the Deer will have to find someone to replace his 1,176 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Marcus Molina will be a player to watch as he comes back after recording 437 receiving yards and five scores and 496 yards on the ground and six scores. The biggest improvement for Deer Park heading into 2019 will have to come on the defensive side of the ball after ranking last in the district, giving up 445.7 yards and 39.9 points per game.
Beaumont United Timberwolves
Beaumont United is a very intriguing program heading into this season, considering this is the second year since this school formed with students from Beaumont Ozen and Beaumont Central. The Timberwolves will have to get creative on offense this year after averaging a district-worst 191.7 yards per game. The good thing for United was that it boasted the third-best defensive unit behind North Shore and West Brook. Devin Hunt will be one to watch on offense after having 301 yards receiving and three scores last year. Another key returner includes Dezmond Spencer, who can do some damage in the kick return game.
Baytown Sterling Rangers
Finally, Baytown Sterling will be looking to notch a win inside district play this season. The Rangers will have to find a replacement for graduated running back Calvin Hill, who rushed for 987 yards and 10 scores a year ago. Players to watch this season include athlete EJ Hawkins (400 yards rushing, 200 yards passing, 170 yards receiving) and Tayvion Haggerty on defense. Jacob Landry at quarterback could be a surprise of the year in this district. Other players to watch include KJ Watch, Amari Jackson, Trinity Olive, Shawn Jackson and Micah Campbell. The Rangers will have to be "All Hands On Deck" – which is their season motto – with big pieces to replace.