David Carr was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, the first draft pick in the history of the Houston Texans, but never became the cornerstone of the franchise. Now, with the Texans in free fall and clearly in need of a new long-term answer at quarterback, could Carr's younger brother -- Fresno State senior Derek Carr -- be the answer?
One general manager told NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport on Wednesday he believes that Carr could be the first player selected in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Teddy Bridgewater of Louisville has long been the presumptive favorite to be the first quarterback off the board since demolishing Florida's talented defense in the 2013 Sugar Bowl.
But concerns will linger about whether Bridgewater's slender frame he's listed at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds), can handle the punishment NFL defenses deliver, in spite of his ability to deliver the miraculous.
From a physical standpoint, Carr (6-3, 218) is more of a finished product with his sturdy frame, top-flight arm strength, and underrated mobility. His production cannot be disputed. He threw for 4,866 yards and 48 touchdowns this season to lead the FBS in both categories while guiding the Bulldogs to an 11-1 record and Mountain West Conference championship. Carr will get one more chance to bolster those credentials in the Las Vegas Bowl on Dec. 21 against a ferocious USC pass rush.
But as Rapoport asked the GM, "What if (the) Texans have (the) No. 1 pick?" Would the organization be able to separate Derek Carr the prospect from David Carr the Houston Texan washout? What about the fans?
They should be able to distinguish between the two. The Texans aren't an expansion franchise anymore, instead possessing a roster with two top receivers in stalwart Andre Johnson and standout rookie DeAndre Hopkins, an offensive line that has actually surrendered fewer sacks than the New England Patriots this season, and a loaded defense anchored by superstar defensive end J.J. Watt.
The Texans have lost their last seven games by a total of 29 points, which reflects specific breakdowns and not a glaring lack of talent like David Carr encountered.
Add Derek Carr to that nucleus and he could easily be the catalyst for an immediate turnaround, similar to what Russell Wilson offered the Seattle Seahawks and Andrew Luck the Indianapolis Colts as rookies last season.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
