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Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel, and Blake Bortles have all been discussed as possible first-round quarterback prospects. *
But what if the Texans go another route? What if they don't select a quarterback at No. 1? What if Houston trades down for more picks later in the draft? QB Watch is an ongoing series looking at early and mid-round quarterbacks that could be a possible fit for the Texans.
Could Tom Savage be a quarterback for the Texans?
Quarterback Tom Savage is high in demand for teams evaluating quarterback needs in the 2014 NFL draft. The former Pittsburgh Panther is so hot, his agent has to turn away teams who want to meet with the prospect, according to Peter King of TheMMQB.com.
While NFL teams finish up player visits before the April 27 deadline, Savage's draft stock has been rising in a draft loaded with quarterback talent. Many intrigued by the game film that shows a prospect with a big arm and quick release, even behind a sub-par offensive line at Pitt.
"Tom Savage does not have the illustrious career that a lot of these other quarterback prospects have but he's got the arm strength, the release which grades out as an 'A,' (and) the mental makeup," ESPN's Todd McShay said via ESPN.com. "I think if he gets with the right coordinator and right quarterback coach at the next level, I think he's got a chance to be a really good starter. I think that's why Savage has really risen more than any other quarterback late in this process. I think when it's all said and done, he's a top 40 pick in May's draft."
At 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds, Savage certainly has the build of a Bill O'Brien prototypical quarterback. In his 2013 season, Savage completed 61 percent of passes (238 of 389) for 2,958 yards, 21 touchdowns and nine interceptions despite being sacked an FBS-high 43 times. In fact, O'Brien made the trip to Savage's March 3 Pro Day and met with him afterwards.
Even so, Savage was happy with his Pro Day performance. Met with HCs Chip Kelly & Bill O'Brien after his workout. @SiriusXMNFL @GilBrandt — Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 4, 2014
Houston Texas coach Bill O'Brien at Pittsburgh pro-day for QB Tom Savage...requested Savage throw specific routes at the end of workout... — Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) March 3, 2014
Savage, a two-time transfer by way of Rutgers and Arizona, started just one season at quarterback for the Panthers. While he shows the ability to make pro-style decisions and throws, critics are still divided on where Savage gets drafted.
"I thought he was a fourth-round pick," NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah said in an interview with Texans Radio on Tuesday. "He's got a big arm; he's intriguing. When all this buzz started building, I went back and watched all the later tapes and I actually saw some examples of him getting out of trouble with a little more athletic ability than I gave him credit for so I moved him up a little bit. He's not my Top 50 but I wouldn't be shocked if he ended up going Top 50 with all the buzz out there."
Read more in this series:
