Bill O'Brien on Xavier Su'a-Filo vs. Derek Carr: 'We're happy with who we chose'

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When the Texans were on the clock three years ago during the NFL draft, they opted for UCLA offensive lineman Xavier Su'a-Filo instead of Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr.

Since that day, Carr has emerged as a Pro Bowl selection as one of the top quarterbacks in the game. He's thrown for 17 touchdowns with just three interceptions heading into a Monday night game against the Texans in Mexico City.

Su'a-Filo is having his best season this year after struggling with injuries and conditioning issues during his first two NFL seasons. He's drawn high marks for his run blocking.

O'Brien insisted that he and general manager Rick Smith made a sound decision by picking Su'a-Filo and are happy with how everything turned out.

"We evaluated all the quarterbacks in that draft and we felt like he was definitely one of the better quarterbacks," O'Brien said of Carr, the younger brother of former Texans quarterback David Carr. "When it comes to the draft, Rick and I, we just try to make the decision for the team and that's what we did. We chose who we chose and we're happy with who we chose, but Derek is having a good year."

As for Su'a-Filo, he's started at left guard for all nine games this season. He's noticeably more aggressive. And the Texans are now 12-5 in the regular season over the past two seasons with Su'a-Filo running with the starting offense.

"He's gotten much better," O'Brien said. "He's one of the more improved guys on our team. Very good run blocker, comes off the ball and strikes you. In the passing game, he really worked hard on his pass protection and has gotten better.

"Sometimes, he's singled up against very good defensive tackles and he's held his own. That's not easy. That's the shortest distance to the quarterback. I think he's a much improved player and he's healthy. I think that's helped him. I think he's doing a good job."