Bill O'Brien, Rick Smith High On Ryan Mallett; So Am I!

Wow, time flies!

I can’t believe it’s already time for the Houston Texans to take part of the NFL Draft scheduled to take place within the next two months.

The NFL Combine is already underway in Indianapolis and the Texans’ brass accompanied by the coaching staff are making preparations to see some of college football’s most talented prospects this past season showcase their talents.

But I continue to wonder if NFL coaches ever get a break.

It seems like it was just yesterday the season ended for us.

Hell, the Super Bowl was just a couple of a weeks ago and we’re seeing New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick strutting his way through the concourses of Lucas Oil Stadium eager to get back to work.

But I’m positive this is something that they adore and have a laborious passion for.

It’s not even work for them, it’s fun!

As the Texans charge their way through the off season, it’s early but fans would really like to know who will be the starter that will be tapped under center for the 2015 season.

This past Thursday at their press conference at the combine, Bill O’Brien and Rick Smith clearly signaled that they want him back.

“We’d like to have him back in Houston.” –Texans Head Coach Bill O’Brien

O’Brien said that “we’re hopeful to get him back” and that “we’d like to have him back in Houston.”

He even delved deeper into the connection that he has with up-and-coming gunslinger.

"“I’ve known Ryan since his rookie year,” O’Brien said. “I have a really good connection with Ryan … he enjoys playing in our system. We enjoy coaching him.”"

Smith praised his leadership attributes.

"“He had picked up several leadership traits that were impressive, playing behind such a great player, Smith said. “And he was able to incorporate that in his stuff, in his style.”"

Wow!

Those quotes sound more of like an endorsement for Mallett.

They said everything except just short of naming him the starter for Week 1!

With all things considered, it’s going to happen and O’Brien and Smith are going ensure that it does.

Mallett is a unrestricted free agent this off season so they’ll have to get to work to signing him to deal.

Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback

Ryan Fitzpatrick

(14) and quarterback

Ryan Mallett

(right) before a game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With Andre Johnson‘s status with the Texans continuing to be up in the air and the free agency of Kareem Jackson looming, the Texans will have some tough decisions to make.

But I can sure as hell guarantee that re-signing Mallett will be the easiest to get done and will amongst the top of priorities.

After seeing his stellar 211-yard, two touchdowns, one pick performance in a 23-7 win over the Cleveland Browns Nov. 16, I want to see more!

It was too bad his season was cut short after just two games when he sustained a right pectoral muscle injury, the same side as his throwing arm.

Bill O’Brien, Rick Smith High On Ryan Mallett; So Am I!

By Brian K. Patterson | Feb 21, 2015