The Houston Texans are the winners of the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2014. The team wrapped up their 2013 season with a loss to the Tennessee Titans, securing their spot as the worst team in the league this year. Gary Kubiak has been fired and the team will enter a new rebuilding phase in hopes of avoiding a follow up to their disappointing season. With quarterback play being a large issue in 2013, will the team target a rookie in the draft?
It is expected Matt Schaub will be released this year. The quarterback is well-aware that his time with the franchise is up after he produced just 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions this season while missing time due to injuries. The quarterback signed an extension in 2012 worth $62 million and $24.75 million in guaranteed. However, Houston owes him nothing after this year. The Texans tried three different options at quarterback this year and no one worked out meaning all signs point to a rookie taking over the spot next season.
Unless he shocks the world, Teddy Bridgewater is expected to leave Louisville early and enter the NFL. If he does forgo his final year of eligibility, the quarterback is a heavy favorite to get taken No. 1 by the Texans. Bridgewater is on top of every mock draft board. Despite missing out on the Heisman and a BCS bowl game, the quarterback has done all he can with the Cardinals.
Another heavy favorite to get drafted on top is Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel. Head coach Kevin Sumlin endorsed the former Heisman trophy winner's NFL potential noting he is the best dual quarterback in the game. He certainly is not wrong about that. This season Manziel threw for 3,732 yards and 33 touchdowns while rushing for 686 yards and eight touchdowns. Last season he rushed for 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns. He would bring new life to the struggles Texans' offense.
All signs point to a quarterback being taken No. 1 overall and either rookie would be inheriting some pretty decent weapons. DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson have the making to be one of the best wide receiving tandems in the league. Running back Arian Foster is expected to be back and healthy and the offensive line did a decent job this year. If they do not trade the pick, expect Houston to bring in a rookie to go along with their new head coach.