NEW YORK — The only two quarterbacks chosen on the second day of the NFL draft Friday have a lot to emulate. ADVERTISING NEW YORK — The only two quarterbacks chosen on the second day of the NFL draft Friday
NEW YORK — The only two quarterbacks chosen on the second day of the NFL draft Friday have a lot to emulate.
Derek Carr’s guiding light has been older brother David, the top overall pick in the 2002 draft. Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite player has been Tom Brady, the 199th selection in 2000.
The problem for Carr, taken fourth in the second round by Oakland, is that David was only mediocre as a pro. The issue for Garoppolo, chosen 62nd overall by New England, is, well, can anyone really live up to Brady’s career?
“I learned everything that he did right and everything that he did wrong,” Derek Carr said of David, 11 years his elder. “He told me that if he could do anything, he hopes he made the path smoother for me as I transition into the NFL.”
The two were among dozens of picks made Friday as the NFL draft wrapped up Rounds 2 and 3 at Radio City Music Hall. The first day shattered all-time television viewership records and fed a roaring crowd, but the second day was more subdued.
Carr’s older brother, David, was the first player ever taken by the Houston Texans. Derek, who also went to Fresno State and, like his elder brother enters the league with a wife and child, went 36th overall.
Derek Carr must hope he gets better protection with the Raiders than David did with Houston. David Carr never reached the expectations of a No. 1 pick, in part because he was sacked so often during his time with the Texans.
Derek Carr rewrote the Bulldogs’ record book, throwing for more than 10,000 yards and 100 touchdown passes. He led Fresno State to consecutive Mountain West Conference titles in his final two seasons and passed for 5,082 yards and 50 touchdowns in 2013. He guided a spread offense that relied on his quick decision making, fast release and ability to move in the pocket. All in a season where his son was born with a serious problem with his intestines a month before he stepped on the field.
Oakland acquired veteran Matt Schaub to be its starter, but he will get a push from Carr.
“They want me to come in, work hard, compete,” Carr said. “Whenever I’m the quarterback, great. To me, it doesn’t matter what the situation is — if I’m a starter, if I’m a backup, there to learn.”
Garoppolo couldn’t have said it any better. The star on the FCS level at Eastern Illinois, which produced Tony Romo, went to New England near the end of the second round. Could he be the heir to Tom Brady?
“It’s a fun offense, lot of different variables. It’s an offense that fits me,” Garoppolo said. “This is a picture-perfect fit for me.”
“I feel good about it. Whether I was coming in as the starter or as the backup, I’m going to go in and approach it the same way. I’m going to go out there and try to get better each and every day. That’s what good football players do.”
In other picks Friday:
The Texans selected UCLA guard Xavier Su’a-Filo, who joins the first overall pick, defensive disrupter Jadeveon Clowney of South Carolina, in Houston. The two of them can have fun colliding against each other in minicamps and training camp. The 6-foot-4, 307-pound Su’a-Filo, who went on a Mormon mission while in college, also has played tackle.
The Cowboys took Boise State defensive end Demarcus Lawrence, who they hope will emulate their departed sacks leader with the same first name, DeMarcus Ware, now with Denver. “I’m my own Demarcus,” Lawrence said. “I don’t like to try to be nobody else. I’m going to be me, and I’m going to do it well.”
Cleveland, more active than any team in the first round, added a protector for Johnny Manziel by grabbing guard Joel Bitonio of Nevada, who also can play tackle or center. The Browns caused the biggest stir on opening night when they traded up to No. 22 to get Johnny Football. Cleveland did not choose any receivers even though Josh Gordon is reportedly facing suspension by the NFL for violating the league’s drug policy again. Gordon was suspended for the first two games of 2013, but still led the league with 1,646 yards receiving in 14 games.
After Washington selected Virginia tackle Morgan Moses, who was on hand at the draft, with the 66th pick, Moses joked: “I thought my phone was broken.” Several mock drafts had Moses going in the first round.
It took 54 selections, a draft record, for a running back to go. Bishop Sankey of Washington was chosen by the Titans, who cut Chris Johnson this spring. Two more went in the next three selections: Jeremy Hill of LSU to Cincinnati, and Carlos Hyde of Ohio State to San Francisco. Heisman Trophy finalist Tre Mason went 75th overall to St. Louis.
A total of 39 early entrants have been selected so far, 25 on Friday. Altogether, there were a record 102 early entrants this year. College powerhouses Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia did not have anyone chosen in the first three rounds.
