BY DAVID HEIM
For the Houston Texans, the upcoming draft may very well be all about finding their franchise quarterback.
Their new signal-caller, however -- at least for the short-term -- could already be in the league. New England Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett's name is undoubtedly a prospect of multiple quarterback-needy teams, and for the Texans, it makes enough sense.
"Anticipate [the Texans] looking into Ryan Mallett (size, arm, familiar with system)," former Cleveland Browns general manager-turned analyst Phil Savage tweeted Sunday, "would free them up to take a non-QB."
Mallett could be the wildcard for new Texans coach Bill O'Brien, who was the Patriots' offensive coordinator in 2011 when the team drafted Mallett out of Arkansas. For New England, trading Mallett could provide ample reward, as the team is believed to be looking for a second round pick for its backup quarterback.
With that, plenty of questions remain regarding Mallett and a potential suitor -- especially with the Texans, who own the very first pick in the first two rounds. Mallett has only four career pass attempts for a total of 17 yards and did not play a single snap in 2013.
The O'Brien connection makes sense, but he has tons of buying power at No. 1 overall, whether it's taking one of the top QB prospects or trading down/out.
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