Less than a week before the 2017 NFL Draft kicks off in Philadelphia next Thursday, the Texans sit with Tom Savage as their starting quarterback. All the quotes emanating from Houston the past several weeks indicate the team is comfortable with this seemingly precarious situation.
Speaking on Friday, general manager Rick Smith said he doesn't feel the need to select a quarterback with the Texans' first-round pick.
"I don't feel pressure (to draft a quarterback)," Smith said, via the Houston Chronicle. "At some point, we're going to add a quarterback."
Said Smith: "We have two QBs on the roster and our intention is to go to camp with three QBs."
When Tony Romo announced his retirement, the buzz surrounding the Texans selecting a quarterback at No. 25 ratcheted up. Three of five NFL.com draft analysts recently mocked a quarterback to Houston in that spot.
If the Texans bypass drafting a signal-caller in the early rounds next week, they could bring back veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, who had his most efficient season under coach Bill O'Brien in 2014.
For now, the Texans will plow forward with Savage as their starter entering the season. The 26-year-old has dealt with several injuries during his three seasons, but has the most experience in O'Brien's system.
"I think he's proven that he understands this offense and can play at a high level. I'm comfortable with that," Smith said of Savage.
