Ask the Experts

Whom should the Houston Texans select with the No. 1 draft pick?

Feb. 11, 2002

Holbrook: I don’t think the Texans should pass on Fresno State’s David Carr, the only legitimate franchise quarterback available. He’s big and strong with a great arm, both in power and accuracy. He consistently put up mind-boggling numbers for the high-scoring Bulldogs this year and proved his leadership qualities by lifting Fresno to its best season in years. He apparently was quite impressive at the Senior Bowl and appears to be everything an NFL team would want from a starting quarterback. He does have an unorthodox release, but it’s a quick release reminiscent of Dan Marino. Remember, Bernie Kosar didn’t look like much throwing the ball, but he seemed to get the ball where it had to go and followed up a brilliant collegiate career by leading the Cleveland Browns to two AFC championship game berths.

Reynolds: With the talent available to the Houston Texans in the expansion draft, especially offensive linemen, it is almost a certainty the Miami (Fla.) OLT Bryant McKinnie will be available to the Carolina Panthers and those that follow. Where it becomes less clear is whether general manager Charley Casserly likes Fresno State QB David Carr or North Carolina DE Julius Peppers better. Peppers is too good of an athlete and football player not to become a major impact player in the NFL … and soon. He could certainly be like Jevon Kearse with Tennessee in 1999 when he was the first rookie defensive end in 12 years to be named, and start, in the Pro Bowl. Peppers has the ability and the drive to be among the NFL elite by 2004. However, if I'm Casserly, I make Carr the first pick in the 2002 draft April 20. It hasn't been easy for scouts to find a weakness in Carr other than his propensity to throw the ball three-quarters, almost sidearm, at times. That is a removable, if not temporary, flaw. Carr has a quick release, strong arm and decent mobility. Better yet, he is articulate, a student of the game, and is motivated to be at his best on a weekly basis. If not Carr, for reasons pertaining to salary or otherwise like Michael Vick and San Diego last season, don't be surprised to see the Texans trade the pick and move down should Casserly and head coach Dom Capers consider their QB situation to be in good hands after the expansion draft or to get Oregon's Joey Harrington. A trade down would have to bring yet another veteran to Houston, and the Texans would still get a player they covet.

Nawrocki: If I were Texans GM Charlie Casserly and had to select the first player in the NFL draft, I would be looking for character and leadership ability as much as talent. Fresno State QB David Carr has all three in abundance, with his intangibles pushing him slightly ahead of North Carolina DE Julius Peppers, Miami OT Bryant McKinnie and Texas OT Mike Williams. Carr is a workout warrior who his coaches say is exceptional at breaking down film. At 6-2 1/2, 220 pounds, he is athletic enough to move out of the pocket. He has a strong arm, makes smart decisions and is extremely accurate, completing 64 percent of his passes and finishing with 42 touchdowns and 4,308 yards. Carr's statistics are inflated because he plays in the WAC, a conference with many weak pass defenses. However, against Colorado, Oregon State and Wisconsin, he combined to complete 64-of-108 for 778 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception. While rising to celebrity status in Fresno with constant photograph and autograph request, Carr has remained grounded by his wife Melody and 1-year-old son Austin. He changes diapers and drives a 1960s Ford pickup given to him by his grandfather. He did not come into the season as heralded as many other prospects because he patiently waited three years for his turn to be a starter behind Fresno State QB Billy Volek (Tennessee Titans third-stringer). But even with limited experience, Carr was a much better college quarterback than former Fresno State and current Seattle Seahawks QB Trent Dilfer by Dilfer’s own admission. The two quarterbacks have actually become good friends, with Dilfer serving as a strong role model for Carr. Casserly spent an entire week in Fresno scouting Carr. I would be surprised if he doesn’t make him the building block for Houston’s new franchise.

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