Bill O’Brien, the Houston Texans new Head Coach, provided one of a number of clues regarding what the Texans might do with the 2014 NFL Draft picks they have. (Zennie62Media NFL Draft coverage sponsored by Courtyard New York Manhattan Central Park.) O’Brien told a Texans Town Hall “we will draft a quarterback, no question about that.” What’s more, the quote was recorded by The Houston Texans, and put out via Twitter:
O'Brien says he brought Fitzpatrick in to compete with Keenum and Yates, and will "draft a QB, maybe two." #Texans
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) March 31, 2014
This plays special relevance in the news that Houston Texans Head Coach Bob McNair hinted at a trade down, and with the St. Louis Rams. Pay attention to the word “hinted” because the Rams have two picks in the 1st round. The best position for the Texans, and the one that has the most trade logic, is a switch with the Rams.
St. Louis gets to have the 1st pick, and all the trade advantages that go with it, whereas the Texans get to move down and pick up both a defender and a quarterback, thus achieving McNair’s goal of avoiding a situation where you’re betting on one first round pick to be the franchise QB, whereas a defender’s generally a safer pick.
All logical lines point to the St. Louis Rams. The Rams have no need for Clowney, given their pass-rush, and they have a need for a game-breaking wide receiver, and Sammy Watkins is just that. The idea that Watkins isn’t worth being the first pick is just down-right silly.
Of course, the Texans could end all of this speculation and make a deal for a player now, thus ridding us of all of this suspense. But the simple fact they’re not making a deal is a sure sign they’re entertaining trade offers.
Stay tuned.