Justin Houston vs Brooks Reed

[KDPPatsfan85]

If you had to pick one at #33, who would you choose and Why??

 

[patchick]

Those are my only options? Reed by default, I don't see Houston as a fit.

 

[sbpatfan]

Brooks Reed because I think his long blonde hair has a great chance of transitioning to dreads in the NFL. Not many teams have a blonde predator.

 

[serifyn]

Justin Houston is projected to slip because he tested positive for Marijuana. the patriots might be able to get him in the 3rd round after slipping like Hernandez did last year.

Go Reefer!

 

[dryheat44]

I see Reed as hopelessly one-dimensional. I see Houston as currently one-dimensional, but with a better chance to improve into a multi-tool player with time and coaching. Since I think that Houston is better at the one-dimension they both can currently do, I see no argument for Reed if we're considering them for the same draft slot.

That being said, I think they're both reaches before #60. I think Reed is a reach even there.

 

[Real World]

How about "C", none of the above. From everything I'm reading on these two guys, they're either going to be boom or bust types. Lots of scouts seem to think the latter. That Reed is too one dimensional. I read stuff like explosive first step in some write-ups, and Vernon Gholston one trick pony in the rest. Man, is Bowers' knee really that bad? Such a shame if it is.

 

[silenthuntr7]

Like dryheat said, I don't want either at 33. But Houston has the better measurables (indeed elite measurables), is more explosive, and thus (in my eyes) has better potential, say at 60 or with the first 3rd.

Then again, the Patriots may prefer someone like Sheard or Bailey over both, so we'll see. It's always an interesting draft with BB and co.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Reed is the better prospect and doesn't have the character issues. Houston failed a drug test. No thanks. I don' t think the Pats will take Reed at #33. They will trade down first. But any time after pick 40 I think is a good time to pick an OLB conversion. Jabaal Sheard is another guy to keep an eye out for but Houston is OFF my draft board.

 

[Urgent]

Justin Houston played OLB in a 3-4. Reed played straight hand-down rush ahead DE.
Justin Houston had 10 sacks last season. Reed had 6.5.

I think Houston has a little more versatility and productivity.

The marijuna? Stupid, probably. But if that equals bad character, I know a lot of bad characters. Historically, marijuana has not correlated highly with poor performance. Warren Sapp, Aaron Hernandez, etc.

If you pass on these two, another big drop. Back to the Ninkovitch's.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Justin Houston played OLB in a 3-4. Reed played straight hand-down rush ahead DE.
Justin Houston had 10 sacks last season. Reed had 6.5.

The only problems with this analysis are:
1. College productivity has little or no bearing on pro producitvity - see Matthews putting up only OK stats in college and turning into a monster at the next level.
2. Linebackers who play standing up have little bearing to whether they convert well to the Pats system. See Bruschi/Vrabel who were both defensive ends and only played linear style at the college level turning into two of the finest defenders in the Pats system.

 

[bucky]

I see Houston as currently one-dimensional, but with a better chance to improve into a multi-tool player with time and coaching.

It's funny you say that because I see Houston as a guy who completely doesn't hustle on the football field. So I have serious doubts about his ability to improve at the next level.

Personally, I would take either Sheard or Ayers above either of these 2 guys. But if I had to chose from the 2, I'd take Reed.