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The One At 1: 2002 -- David Carr

Texans' choice to kickstart franchise didn't pan out

Houston Texans quarterback David Carr (8) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin (59) during the football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006 in Foxborough, Mass.
Houston Texans quarterback David Carr (8) is sacked by New England Patriots linebacker Rosevelt Colvin (59) during the football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006 in Foxborough, Mass.

The Cardinals hold the No. 1 overall pick for April's NFL draft for the first time since 1958. As the day for the Cards to make their selection draws closer, azcardinals.com will take a look at the last 30 No. 1 overall selections and each player's impact on the team and league.

NAME/YEAR: David Carr/2002

TEAM: Houston Texans

THE SITUATION: The Texans were an expansion team heading into the 2002 season and were given the No. 1 overall pick. Unsurprisingly, they searched for a quarterback to lead the franchise and zeroed in on Carr. He had an impressive senior season at Fresno State, finishing fifth in the Heisman voting.

THE CAREER: Carr was the starter in Houston for five seasons but never developed into the star the Texans envisioned. He ended up throwing more interceptions than touchdown passes with the team. Carr was hurt by subpar pass protection, as he was sacked more than any other quarterback in the NFL in three of his first four seasons, including an NFL-record 76 times as a rookie. Carr bounced around for five more years but never became a fulltime starter again.

THE OTHER OPTIONS IN TOP FIVE: The Texans would have been better off going with the No. 2 overall choice, Julius Peppers. The Panthers selected him and the star defensive end put together a Hall of Fame career that didn't end until after this past season, when Peppers announced his retirement. Another quarterback flop, Joey Harrington, went No. 3 to the Lions. Tackle Mike Williams was the Bills' pick at No. 4 and did not live up to the hype. Cornerback Quentin Jammer was chosen fifth by the Chargers and had a solid career.

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