2016 NFL Draft: Quarterback Needy Teams
By Jon Dove
Oct 25, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer (7) yells out from the line of scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 44-26. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans (2-5)
The Houston Texans obviously realize that their quarterback of the future isn’t on the roster. Brian Hoyer has been the most consistent between he and Ryan Mallett but neither has impressed. Both players have been given a chance to take charge of the position but have faltered.
Hoyer is a serviceable player whose best role would be as a career backup. This team needs a young stud with a much higher ceiling. Bill O’Brien is thought of as a strong quarterback coach but at this point he doesn’t have a good piece of clay to mold.
The first quarterback prospect that will jump to mind is Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg who O’Brien coached while with the Nittany Lions. It might be tough for this scenario to play out because Hackenberg isn’t having a strong season and the Texans are on pace to land a pick in the top 5.
Hackenberg has the natural talent to succeed in the NFL, but has struggled dealing with pressure and making sound decisions. It would be a major reach if the Texans decided to pull the trigger on Hackenberg early in the first round.
This leaves them with two options—they could target a higher rated quarterback such as California’s Jared Goff or considering waiting till the 2nd round to grab Hackenberg.
Next: Cleveland Browns