Houston Texans May Draft 1st Round QB for First Time Since 2002
By Erik Lambert
David Carr might have put an insane fear into the Houston Texans franchise. At least that’s how it looks in hindsight these days.
What does that mean? Think about it. The Texans made Carr their first ever draft pick in 2002. He was a gifted talent whom they felt could be built around. Somebody who could take an expansion franchise to the top of the mountain quickly. It didn’t work out that way. Poor offensive line play and inconsistent coaching got Carr into trouble through his critical formative years. He struggled often, took some nasty beatings and never lived up to his billing.
Since then the Texans have not taken a quarterback in the 1st round of a draft. This despite having a shot at the likes of Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers and Derek Carr among others. Yet people wonder why the team has continued to struggle getting deep into the playoffs. A lack of commitment at quarterback would explain a lot.
Well it seems after the disastrous Brock Osweiler experiment, that’s about to change. According to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle the team is seriously considering a quarterback in the 1st round.
I believe if Watson, Trubisky or Mahomes is available when the Texans pick 25th, they'll definitely take one.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) April 7, 2017
I'd like to see the Texans draft Patrick Mahomes, but his stock is soaring, and I don't think he'll be available when they pick 25th.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) April 7, 2017
The right risk
There is no denying that taking a QB that high comes with certain expectations, even if it’s in the lower end of the 1st round. That means the franchise is finally committed fully to making a Super Bowl run in the near future. Indeed the Texans have built a roster capable of it. The fact they carried Osweiler to the divisional playoff round and gave the New England Patriots a good game is evidence enough. If they can figure out that critical position under center, this is a champion in waiting.
Bill O’Brien is a noted offensive specialist as head coach. Somebody who is good with quarterbacks. Giving him his choice from this draft is exactly the right decision to make if this is going to work. No question a pairing of him and Texas-native Patrick Mahomes would be something to watch. It might also at last break one of the most surprising streaks in the NFL, one of 15 years with no QB taken in the top 32 taken by a team from Texas.