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The full transcript will be up on NFL Draft Scout eventually, but for now you can enjoy the work of a handful of reporters feverishly clacking on their Blackberries while Rick Smith and Bill O'Brien spoke earlier today.
On Ryan Mallett and the QB position..
Rick Smith
Rick Smith won't divulge Week 1 QB starter when asked. Says #Texans need to get Ryan Mallett under contract first, since he's a free agent.
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
Smith was most impressed by Mallett's leadership traits that he picked up from playing behind Brady & how he incorporated into his style.
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
"We're going to look at them all."-Smith on QB's available in this Draft.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) February 19, 2015
"He had a better command of the offense,"-Smith on Ryan Fitzpatrick's play after being on bench for 2 games.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) February 19, 2015
Rick Smith said he doesn't know if QB situation is holding #Texans back but it's clearly a QB league.
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) February 19, 2015
Smith trying to build team with QB situation as-is, then find QB that fits new era. #Texans
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) February 19, 2015
Bill O'Brien
Bill O'Brien says Ryan Mallett is doing well in recovery: "We'd like to have him back in Houston." #Texans
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
O'Brien feels good about Clowney's progress. Says he couldn't put any weight on knee for 6 weeks post-op. Was "very disciplined" in rehab.
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
"His huddle command, his knowledge of our offense, ability to process what we were trying to do..."-O'Brien on Mallett learning from Brady.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) February 19, 2015
O'Brien says he wants his QBs to process info in 3-4 seconds. Calls that trait hard to find in quarterbacks. #Texans
— PDS (@PatDStat) February 19, 2015
On Jadeveon Clowney's recovery...
Rick Smith
Smith says Clowney's recovery process is going well, but it's a long one. He's doing well and #Texans hope for him to make a full recovery.
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
Rick Smith says Clowney sustained his injury while playing on the field, not detectable during draft process. #Texans
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
Bill O'Brien
O'Brien feels good about Clowney's progress. Says he couldn't put any weight on knee for 6 weeks post-op. Was "very disciplined" in rehab.
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
O'Brien: Clowney learned about being a pro, playing w/injury, watching veteran teammates, fellow rookies.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) February 19, 2015
On free agent-to-be Kareem Jackson...
Rick Smith
Smith says he has an affinity for Kareem Jackson and is very proud of where he's come in his career and as a man. #Texans
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
Smith says Kareem learned a lot from watching Johnathan Joseph in preparing and becoming a pro. "We'd love to have him around." #Texans
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
On each other...
Rick Smith
Rick Smith impressed with Bill O'Brien, who did well managing the team. Has set good foundation with a 9-7 record in first year. #Texans
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
Bill O'Brien
I couldn't find a reactionary tweet (below) on this, but O'Brien was asked about Chip Kelly getting full GM powers up in Philadelphia and how it compares to his situation in Houston. O'Brien affirmed that he and Smith work together "as partners."
oh, and that part about Chip Kelly and "our model" and how O'Brien collaborates with Rick Smith -- Chip once said same thing about Howie.
— Matt Hammond (@MattHammondShow) February 19, 2015
On specific position groups...
Bill O'Brien
"We'll see," O'Brien says when asked if #Texans will add an RB. It's something they'll consider "if the right guy comes along."
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
"You've gotta manage him."-O'Brien on Arian Foster getting so many carries/catches last season, and not putting too much wear on him.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) February 19, 2015
O'Brien says TEs have to be used more this year. Says coaches will have to do a better job incorporating them. #Texans
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
OB "We have to use our tight ends more. A lot of that is on us as coaches and some on them."
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) February 19, 2015
O'Brien on slot WRs: There are very few Wes Welkers out there. It's something that we're looking at. #Texans
— Deepi Sidhu (@DeepSlant) February 19, 2015
"He's basically like a guard in the backfield. And he did a good job."-O'Brien on fullback Jay Prosch in 2014.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) February 19, 2015
On Andre Johnson...
Rick Smith
#Texans GM Smith said Andre Johnson and several other players have contract situations that affect team cap-wise.
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) February 19, 2015
#Texans GM Rick Smith on Andre Johnson's contract and Larry Fitzgerald's deal: "Our hope is Andre gets to spend his entire career" here.
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) February 19, 2015
Bill O'Brien
"We don't want him to play anywhere else. He's a Houston Texan."-O'Brien on Andre Johnson.
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) February 19, 2015
"I have a ton of respect for him."-O'Brien on Andre Johnson, who he also termed a "Hall of Fame receiver".
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) February 19, 2015