Toro Times
Fansided

Texans First Rounder–mixed signals

By Josh McSwain

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) drops back to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) drops back to pass against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second quarter in the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the Fansided Mock Draft, the Houston Texans made a selection with the 22nd pick that would produce an interesting reaction if it came true.

The Texans have needed a quarterback for years. Which one did the Texans get in this mock? Find out here: http://fansided.com/2016/01/25/nfl-mock-draft-2016-conference-championship/23/

It is no secret that the Texans need a quarterback. But would it be the most prudent measure to take a quarterback in the first round, basically putting the franchise in his hands? I don’t think so.

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For starters, there are other options at quarterback; meaning the Texans don’t have to draft one in the first round. There are some free agents out there (though their appeal is somewhat limited) in Sam Bradford ($25 million per year in your dreams), Johnny Manziel (headaches and all) and RG3 (you can also call him RG-no knee, RG3rdstring, the list goes on) among others.

If none of those guys come to Houston, then Tom Savage should get his shot. He might never be a great quarterback, but he could be what the Texans need him to be–an efficient starter behind a very good defense and running game (both of those need to be worked on) who can hit DeAndre Hopkins for some big plays. O’Brien drafted Savage, so I’d say let him have a chance to play after his injury this past season.

There will be some other quarterbacks out there in the later rounds instead of reaching on a guy like Connor Cook, Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch or even Jared Goff. Most if not all of them could be gone when the Texans select, so a trade might have to be worked. Later round targets could be Cody Kessler from USC, Kevin Hogan from Stanford or even Dak Prescott from Mississippi State. I think a lot can be determined about Christian Hackenberg from how the Texans view him. Bill O’Brien coached him while at Penn State and if the Texans stay away, then it might send a message to other teams who might do the same. That also could allow Houston to snatch him up in perhaps the second or third round.

With that first round pick, a running back like Ezekiel Elliot or Derrick Henry are certainly guys to look at. The team needs a bell cow running back and both of them look the part of being just that in the NFL. The knock on Elliot might be what happened this season when he had a falling out with the coaching staff. Make sure there won’t be any issues there. With Henry the reigning Heisman Trophy winner enters a line of Alabama running backs that are kind of shaky. Mark Ingram has been alright, Eddie Lacy performed well before looking like he wanted to move to defensive end and Trent Richardson just stunk. I’d go Elliot if he is on the board, assuming that what happened this past season is behind him. He’s a game breaker who physically looks ready for the next level.

I know the stigma about not taking running backs in the first round, but there are some guys that make it worth it. Todd Gurley had a good year with the Rams after being taken with the tenth overall pick and Doug Martin has been solid for the Buccaneers, Chris Johnson and Darren McFadden have also had some really good years. For the Texans, a playmaker out of the backfield is worth the roll of the dice in round one and there are guys on the board good enough to justify it.

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