Rich Gannon (Sirius Radio, NFL on CBS): “I wouldn't be surprised (if the Texans did not draft a quarterback.) I think they'll look at every possible alternative whether it's free agency, with what they already have. They're doing something with Ryan Mallett. I think Bill likes Ryan Mallett, it's unfortunate he got hurt last year. He's got a lot of arm talent, we know about that.
“I don't think they'll leave any stone unturned including looking at this draft class very hard. And if he sees another quarterback he likes, maybe in the third or fourth round, maybe he'll pull the trigger again.”
Albert Breer (NFL Network): “I would expect it would be a lot like last year. Last year they went to the quarterback class, they didn't see a guy that stuck out and the worst thing you can do, worse than waiting a year or two for the right guy to come along is to gamble on the wrong guy because then you're tied to that guy and your job security becomes tied to somebody you're lukewarm about or you don't feel as great as you possibly could about.
“I think they'll continue to be patient and that may mean taking a quarterback later in the draft.”
Greg Cosell (NFL Films): “(Marcus) Mariota and (Jameis) Winston at the top- they're not in play for the Texans. I don't think Coach O'Brien would take either one, but then it comes down to who he may like as a fourth or a fifth-round pick. As I said, that's in the eye of the beholder; what you expect from the quarterback. What you want to see from that player in your system.
“I wouldn't be surprised if they took one late. They also still have Tom Savage, who is a player I liked coming out last year. I knew he needed work, and now he's had a year in the system. They just have young players who are unproven, and at some point in this league you have to play a young player who's unproven.”
Gannon: “I think a guy that has, obviously, arm talent, a guy that has some mobility; I think Bill likes that in the quarterback position. I think the big thing with Bill, he's looking for a guy with a great toughness, great leadership skills, and highly intelligent.
"It's not an easy system. A lot of responsibilities placed in the quarterback in that offense, change in place and protections and those type of things. So to me, that's what you're really looking for. I don't know they're going to find that in this draft class. I don't think it's a great quarterback class, from top to bottom; you can start looking at those intangibles.”
Cosell: "I'd like to see them bring back Ryan Mallett, if he's willing to come back. I was actually very disappointed that he got hurt, because I was really looking forward to seeing him play the last five or six games. I thought he had a chance. I still think he has a chance to be a pretty good player. He obviously knows Coach O'Brien's offense from his time in New England and then being in Houston. I would like to see Ryan Mallett come back and get the first opportunity as a starter."
much to work with come here...
