Can Tom Savage QB Talented Texans to Contender Status?

It took nearly all of four rounds in the 2014 NFL draft, but quarterback Tom Savage finally heard his name called on Day 3.

Savage was the first quarterback the Houston Texans drafted in this year's draft, a position many considered their biggest position of need. He'll compete instantly with Case Keenum, Ryan Fitzpatrick and T.J. Yates for the starting job.

So now the question is whether Savage can step in right away and be the face of the franchise. Can Savage lead the Texans to contender status?

While John McClain of the Houston Chronicle doesn't believe Savage will be rushed, he still liked the pick:

There are a handful of qualities that make you believe that Savage has the mentality to be a successful NFL quarterback. Dane Brugler from CBS Sports pointed out these characteristics in his scouting report on Savage:

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Tough as nails and durable, brushing off contact and playing through pain. Intelligent, mature and grounded with good leadership traits. Well-traveled and experienced. Productive senior season as a team captain, finishing with 61.2 percent completions and 24 total touchdowns (21 passing, 3 rushing).

"

Traits like "tough," "experienced" and "productive" are never bad things to have in a potential franchise quarterback. Does he sometimes make poor decisions and throws? Sure, but how he bounces back from those throws is often even more important.

What's so unique about the Texans heading into the 2014 season is that they are really only a quality quarterback away from being legitimate contenders. Unfortunately, neither Keenum, Fitzpatrick nor Yates appeared to be that quarterback last year.

That'll open the door for Savage to be the starter in Week 1. He certainly has the size and arm strength that a team like the Texans are looking for in a quarterback.

Heather Ainsworth/Associated Press

The good news for Savage, and Houston, is that he'll potentially enter an offense with plenty of talent around him. From wide receivers Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins to running back Arian Foster, Houston has the pieces in place to have a talented offense. They also have an extremely solid offensive line anchored by tackle Duane Brown and center Chris Myers.

What they lacked last year was consistent production at quarterback. That's what ultimately led them to going 2-14 during the 2013 season and landing No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney.

Clowney will combine with All-Pro J.J. Watt to form the most dangerous and frightening defensive duo in the league. They'll be joined by linebacker Brian Cushing and cornerback Johnathan Joseph to form a talented overall defense.

So the Texans already have the pieces in place on both sides of the ball to compete in 2014. They play in a soft division where their only real competition is the Indianapolis Colts.

The key, just like for any franchise, will be the quarterback position. And while Savage certainly has his shortcomings, he's got more than enough potential to lead the Texans back to the playoffs.

He landed in an ideal place where head coach Bill O'Brien will almost certainly get the most out of his talents. Don't be surprised if the Texans find themselves in the thick of the playoff race next year with Savage leading the way.