Houston Texans Need To Take From Loaded Receiving Class
By Zack Walker
“I wish I had him earlier in my career” – Andre Johnson on DeAndre Hopkins.
He’s exactly right. Every Texans fan needs to thank the football gods for Hopkins, because without him, the Texans offensive future would look depressing. But what’s better than having one great young receiver? That’s right, five. But five is a little unrealistic so let’s just go with two.
Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
With AJ’s career winding down, it’s about time for the team to look to pair Hopkins up with a stud. And no, not an average “Kevin Walter” type that barely fills the 2nd WR position. I mean someone who could be even better than Hopkins.
Having two receiving threats on the field is not only going to help the receivers but also the guy throwing it. Now, last time I checked, the Texans are in a pickle with their current QB situation. We know who’s next in line (Ryan Mallett), so why not make his job a little bit easier?
A few mock’s I’ve seen actually have the Texans missing out on the consensus “top 3” receiver’s in the draft (Cooper, White, Parker). The Raiders, Jets, Vikings, Rams, 49ers, Browns, and the Dolphins are all teams that could draft a receiver ahead of the Texans.
So what should they do if there isn’t one of the top guys at pick 16? My opinion: Dorial Green-Beckham.
For those that don’t know Green-Beckham, he was Rival’s #1 prospect out of high school and had two solid years at Mizzou, including 5 TD’s as a true freshman. He is considered by most to be the most talented receiver in this year’s draft (ahead of Cooper) and has the potential to be the league’s best.
However, in 2014, he was kicked out of Missouri’s program a few days after he allegedly pushed a woman down a flight of stairs during a burglary. Green-Beckham has also had two marijuana-related arrests, the second that led to a one game suspension back in 2012.
The good news for Green-Beckham is that he’s kept his nose clean since the incident while sitting out at OU (ineligible last year by NCAA).
The bad news for Green-Beckham is, well, Josh Gordon.
Now just typing all of this out gives me doubts that Texans head coach Bill O’Brien would take the chance on this guy. But at the end of the day, no one knows for sure. O’Brien could look at his recently clean record and decide he’s willing to take the risk for a very high reward. After all, the NFL is all about 2nd chances (and 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th).
Personally, I would have no problem with the Texans taking a chance on this guy with their first pick. The fact that he’s remained under the radar this past year is comforting and shows some maturity unlike some prospects. But with everything that has gone down off the field in the NFL, it wouldn’t be surprising at all if they decided not to touch Green-Beckham with a ten-foot pole.
Jan 20, 2015; Fairhope, AL, USA; South squad wide receiver Phillip Dorsett of Miami (4) carries the ball during practice at Fairhope Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Even if the top three guys are off the board and they avoid Green-Beckham, there are a lot of names that have generated some buzz as a potential 2nd round pick. Miami’s Phillip Dorsett told Walter Football’s Charlie Campbell that the Texans were one of three teams that showed the most interest in him at the Senior Bowl. Dorsett, described by Campbell as a better version of Mike Wallace, could be a great deep threat and has been projected as a 2nd-3rd round pick.
Either way, receiver is a must in this draft and should be taken with the first or second pick. If they have Cooper, White, or Parker within a few picks reach, I would hope they traded up to lock them up. Last year’s receiving class was unbelievable, and has me (and others) high on rookie receivers. If there’s a chance to take the next Odell Beckham, Mike Evans, or Sammy Watkins, you take it.
Great receivers make quarterbacks better and vice-versa. The Texans don’t have a great quarterback, so they need the receivers to help. Having one solid receiver is all fine and dandy, but two? Advantage: Texans.