Brother David smooths path as Raiders snap up Carr

NEW YORK — For once, Derek Carr didn’t emulate his older brother.

David Carr was the top overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft, 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 when Oakland selected him in the second round Friday night.

Eleven years younger than David, Derek Carr also 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 great part because he was sacked so often during his time with the Texans.

“I learned everything that he did right and everything that he did wrong,” Derek Carr said. “He told me that if he could do anything, he hopes he made the path smoother for me as I transition into the NFL.”

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 offence 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 serious push from Carr. In other early picks Friday: — Houston had 20 hours to think about the first pick of the second round, then went for a blocker. To barely a whimper of reaction from the Radio City Music Hall crowd, the Texans selected UCLA guard Xavier Su’aFilo. He joins the first overall pick, defensive disrupter Jadeveon Clowney of South Carolina, in Houston.

— 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.

— 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 centre. The Browns caused the biggest stir on opening night when they traded up to No. 22 to get “Johnny Football.”