Houston Texans Rumors: Zach Mettenberger, Louis Nix, Derek Carr
Derek Carr speaks to the media in a press conference during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Texans unsurprisingly decided to draft Jadeveon Clowney with the first overall pick, but they are still in need of a franchise quarterback. If they can find the right guy, then they could get back into the playoffs next season. Derek Carr is the top quarterback left on the board, and he would be a great value at 33 for the Texans. The NFL Network’s Albert Breer reports that while the Texans seem to genuinely like the strong-armed Fresno State quarterback as a passer, he adds that the stigma associated with the last name “Carr” in Houston could shy them away from drafting him.
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Breer adds that the Texans could target Zach Mettenbger in the third round of the draft, but I would honestly rather go for Carr despite the fear of backlash from the fans. Firstly, Derek and David are two totally different players, and the younger Carr won’t have a completely dysfunctional offensive line in the pros. Interestingly enough, he had a horrific line in college, but he was able to overcome that despite a low completion percentage under the pressure; the key is the fact that he rarely ever threw an interception despite playing in a pass-heavy, no-extra-blockers spread offense. Mettenbger also has a strong arm, but he’s far less mobile than Carr and is a much worse decision-maker who fails to locate the safety, thus throwing some easy interceptions.
Which player has the greatest chance of being selected by the Houston Texans with the 33rd pick, if the Texans don’t decide to trade down (which they’ve been trying to do)? Well, Breer predicts that the Texans will draft Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix, who is an excellent prospect and a prototype at the position. He made everyone around him better while with the Irish, consistently plugged up holes, and he is underrated when it comes to pushing the pocket. Breer stated in a separate tweet that while the Texans are definitely interested in trading down, Nix could be the pick if they stay at 33 due to his ability to fit into Romeo Crennel’s defense (Vince Wilfork flashes, huh?).