The Facts: GM Rick Smith said during his combine press conference on Thursday that the team must get Mallett under contract before they begin evaluating the quarterback position. "We're hopeful we get him back," Smith said.

Diehards Line: Smith noted that it's "apparent he picked up several leadership traits that were impressive" playing behind Tom Brady in New England, per the Boston Globe. Texans acquired Ryan Mallett from the Patriots for a 2015 sixth-round pick back before the start of the 2014 season. Mallett had his season cut short after he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in November. He completed 41 of 75 passes for 400 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions in two starts. The team's official web site recently projected Mallett as the 2015 Week 1 starter, obviously assuming he would be back.