The Houston Texans reportedly are targeting quarterback Derek Carr on Friday when the second round of the 2014 NFL draft begins. Another report indicates the New England Patriots and the Texans are discussing a trade involving Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett.
After selecting defensive end Jadeveon Clowney first overall on Thursday, reports indicate the Texans plan to address their quarterback situation next. The Houston Chronicle predicts Houston to use their No. 33 pick on Carr, the signal caller out of Fresno State.
"And the leader in the clubhouse with the first round finished is, yep, Derek Carr," Dale Robertson of The Chronicle wrote Thursday night. "He's the consensus highest-rated QB left on the board."
Although Carr's older brother, David, was a bust after Houston drafted him first overall in 2002, many consider the younger Carr to be a promising NFL prospect.
"It's hard to find a weakness," former Giants quarter Phil Simms said, via The Chronicle. "You know what the weakness is? The last name. Because his brother didn't succeed ... it's unfair. The guy has size. He can make all the throws. And the guy can run. What's not to like?"
Rich Gannon, another former NFL quarterback, called Carr "the best pure passer" and praised him for his size, arm strength and toughness.
A report from CSNNE.com, however, has the Texans going in a different direction to solve their need at quarterback.
"A source tells me Ryan Mallett to the Texans may soon be done," Tom E. Curran of CSNNE.com tweeted on Thursday. "Not a done deal at all but the machinations have begun."
The trade wasn't completed on Thursday, but no reports have indicated the potential deal is dead.
