2014 NFL Draft: Blake Bortles Makes Sense for Houston Texans
By Joe Wedra
Jan 1, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Central Florida Knights quarterback Blake Bortles celebrates after defeating the Baylor Bears during the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Central Florida defeated Baylor 52-42. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Texans and Blake Bortles have been linked with the number-one overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but the amount of mock drafts that have other players listed as Houston’s selection is rather shocking.
Among the different players, Khalil Mack has been listed as a potential option for Bill O’Brien’s team at the top of the draft. While Mack might be talented enough to go high this year, the logic isn’t there.
Houston needs a leader…
They need somebody under center who gives them a chance at the playoffs…
Enter Blake Bortles.
With weapons like DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson on the roster, Bortles has the chance – with good decisions – to use his skills in a way that would lead the Texans to a deep 2014 run. You’ve seen the scouting reports, you’ve seen the projections – it’s time to see why it simply makes sense.
While Mack or Jadeveon Clowney would be a huge addition to the defense, it won’t help the team’s Super Bowl chances immediately. After all, many believe that a strong quarterback is all Houston needs to make a deep playoff run. Bortles on the roster would give the team a better chance at a deep run than Clowney or Mack.
Team need is often spotlighted as a “risky” draft strategy, but tell me who needs to be replaced more: Tim Jamison, an average defensive lineman or Case Keenum/Ryan Fitzpatrick, options that have no chance at leading a team to the Super Bowl.
Exactly.
The issue isn’t the talent of the prospect, the issue is the Texans’ desperate need for a leader. Will they have a better chance at the playoffs with Case Keenum under center and Khalil Mack at pass-rusher, or Blake Bortles under center with someone like Dee Ford (second round option) rushing the passer?
It seems to make sense from an outsider’s point of view. Will the Texans organization feel the same way?