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Jake Matthews, OT, Texas A&M

Many seem to be projecting the Texans to take a quarterback with their first pick, which is understandable, considering that the franchise is likely ready to move on from Matt Schaub. However, I believe the quarterback that new head coach Bill O’Brien wants to build his offense around isn’t in the 2014 draft class.

Instead, it’s his former New England Patriots pupil Ryan Mallett, a big, strong-armed pro-style passer who perfectly fits the mold of what O’Brien is looking for in a signal-caller.



If the Texans end up trading down a few spots as I projected, and if they do end up trading a Day-2 pick to New England in exchange for Mallett, then their attention will turn to a prospect such as Texas A&M Jake Matthews.



Matthews, the son of former legendary Houston Oilers tackle Bruce Matthews, has inherited many of the same traits that made his father such a great player in the pros.



The 6’5’’, 305-pound All-American showed that he could handle the all-important left tackle position during his senior season, when he stepped in for last year’s No. 2 overall pick Luke Joeckel. Still, Matthews seems like he would ultimately be suited to be a standout right tackle in the pros.



The Texans offensive line, which allowed the second-most quarterback hits in the NFL this season, needs a solid and stable presence on the outside, and Matthews could provide that. He would be an immediate upgrade over current right tackle Derek Newton.