ESPN NFL Insider Mike Sando went to Orlando, Fla., to watch Jon Gruden's QB Camp taping with Fresno State QB Derek Carr. Sando has written up Gruden's biggest takeaways from the interview and throwing sessions, in Gruden's voice.
1. Carr's arm talent is undeniable
Carr can drill it; he has a cannon. He can really throw accurately with tight spirals, with or without the laces, in 20 mph winds or no wind. He has a quick release. When you can make Santonio Holmes open his eyes like, "Wow," that is the best way to judge a man who can throw the football. The veterans, they want to jump to the front of the line and run routes for the guy because they know there is a good chance he is going to put it right in the breadbasket. Holmes was out here catching passes during our camps this year, and there were things Carr could do that other guys simply cannot.
2. Carr really knows his football
We have been running all the guys through 72 Dusty X Individual, a basic play that has been around the NFL forever. All these guys coming out of college have run it, and seeing how they think through the play helps in the evaluation. Carr was unbelievable. He threw a back-shoulder fade against Idaho and a corner route against New Mexico and tried to get too much done against USC. Sometimes there is a little abuse of the arm when you can throw the ball the way he throws it and when so much of the system is in his hands. Have you met a quarterback in the past 10 years -- at any level -- who has called 90 percent of his own plays? You are getting a guy who has done that in Carr, and he is further along than most players in college. He worked as a coach because he had his degree. I just feel like he loves the game, and I like him too.
3. The legacy of his brother could hurt
When people see him, they see a fifth-year senior at Fresno State who was recruited by Pat Hill. Derek is very much into his faith. He is married, has a child and has a lot of interests outside of football. And he did not do well in bowl games. It reminds people of David Carr, and that could be tough for some people to get past. His brother got sacked 249 times in five years. Derek wants to be better than his brother in terms of helping his team get into the best protection and execute it well. He did not get sacked a lot at Fresno State. A lot of it had to do with the offense and tempo, but a lot of it had to do with him. He changed protections and helped the offense tremendously with his background in slide protection specifically.
4. There is one big concern with Carr
He was hurt and had a sports hernia against SMU late in the 2012 season. He was hurt and didn't have practice or preparation for the USC game last season. He has to be more durable, and I worry about that. He has to be able to play his best at the end of the season or we're not getting to the Super Bowl, let alone winning it. That is the No. 1 challenge. But I don't have many concerns with guys who are 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, run a 4.64 on grass and can throw the ball the way he throws it.
5. The Texans should take Carr -- and Clowney
Drafting Jadeveon Clowney first overall and trading up to the back of the first round to get Carr would be magnificent for the Texans. First, though, you had better know what you're doing with Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles because the only reason you are picking that high is because your quarterback did not play well. I don't think they are going to go with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter. That won't be the plan. I think they are taking a quarterback early in this draft, and it will be one of these four guys: Manziel, Bortles, Carr or Teddy Bridgewater. How could you not want this kid, Carr?