National Football League

Houston GM Smith: Texans 'open to all possibilities' in draft

Published Mar. 26, 2014 1:32 a.m. ET

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Shawn Ramsey

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith is confident he will be able to find the team's answer at quarterback in the upcoming NFL Draft.  

"I can't say it any more clear. This group has some guys. I don't talk individuals," Smith told USA TODAY Sports. "It's a deep board at a number of positions and the quarterback position is one of them."

Smith and head coach Bill O'Brien have been busy visiting and interviewing potential quarterback picks and next up on the list is Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel at his pro day on Thursday. The Houston GM seems to be impressed with Manziel thus far.

"He's an exciting football player," Smith said. "And you see his style of play being employed in our league now."

While some reports have said O'Brien's offensive strategies wouldn't fit with Manziel's one-of-a-kind style, Smith says that just isn't the case, insisting that the former Heisman winner is still on their list.

"Bill O'Brien is a creative coach. He's an innovative coach and if he had a guy like Johnny Manziel, he'd figure out a way to utilize his skills," Smith said.

Smith also mentions that the Texans are still open to trading the No. 1 overall pick if any teams come forward with interest.

"If they did, I wouldn't tell you," Smith said. "But what I will tell you is we're going to be open to all possibilities."

With 11 picks in May's draft, the Texans are looking to jump right back into contention in '14 by drafting players that will have an immediate impact on the field.

"There's been a lot of talk about the first pick," Smith said. "But this is the opportunity to really improve our football team through this draft and build on the foundation that is already in place.

"It's not so much about the first pick. It's the first pick in each round. It's a valuable spot to be in because you either get the top player on your board three different times or you get the opportunity to move down and add more value to your team."

Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey

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