NFL Draft: Ranking the last 20 No. 1 overall draft picks
By Kyle Edmond
No. 19 – David Carr, Quarterback, Houston Texans, 2002 NFL Draft
The older of the Carr brothers, David Carr was put in a bad opportunity, much like Tim Couch was in 1999, taking the helm of building a new franchise. Entering the 2002 NFL Draft, Carr was on fire after throwing 46 touchdowns for Fresno State in 2001 against having just nine interceptions.
Over 14 games, Carr tossed for 4,839 yards, making him the obvious candidate to try and build around.
Joey Harrington, Patrick Ramsey, Josh McCown, and David Garrard were also in the 2002 draft, but statistically, Carr was the clear answer.
Over five seasons in Houston, Carr started all 16 games in each season from 2002-2006, except for the 2003 season. Carr performed with what he had, but he led the league in times sacked three times in Houston and had a career-high 16 touchdowns passes in 2004. Overall, Carr totaled 13,391 passing yards for the Texans with 65 touchdowns and 71 interceptions before moving on to play an additional five seasons, split between the Panthers, Giants, and 49ers.
Although Carr was the best option to build around in Houston, they didn’t prepare the offensive line nearly well enough to give Carr a chance. The potential was there, but with little time in the pocket, Carr struggled and is now regarded as a true bust.