Deontay Greenberry To The Houston Texans?

Should the Texans take a chance on former Houston Cougar wide receiver Deontay Greenberry?

In short, yes.

But before we provide an explanation, let us examine the circumstances surrounding the Texans organizational need for another wide receiver, along with Greenbury’s strengths and weaknesses.

Since the end of the 2014 season the Texans have cut ties with Andre Johnson, signed Cecil Shorts III, retained Damaris Johnson, and have been rumored to be interested in selecting a wide receiver early in the draft. But let’s face the fact that the boys on Kirby still have tons of work left to do at the wide receiver position even if the organization picks one early in the upcoming draft.

Texans wide receivers DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin found themselves in head coach Bill O’Brien’s doghouse on more than one occasion throughout last season, and have yet to significantly improve during their current stint with the Texans. There is also no guarantee that Posey or Martin will make the team out of training camp this season. And besides DeAndre Hopkins and Shorts, there seems to be a quality depth issue at the wide receiver position.

Enter the 6’3″, 198-pound Greenberry.

Let’s just make one matter clear though: while Greenberry is talented, he would be a project for any NFL team. He would most likely be buried on the bench or placed on a practice squad in his first pro season. It’s just that plain and simple.

Per a NFL.com report from SportsTalk 790’s, Lance Zierlein:

"Possesses the size, but lacks the speed, route sharpness and hands that are desired from the position. He has some ability, but might need to work his way up the ladder to get a legitimate shot."

As the excerpt above stated, there are numerous issues that Greenberry has to work through to receive an opportunity to impact an NFL franchise. He had 11 drops last season, according to the report, which was tied for second in the FBS. And he has a reputation of not being the best blocker and running lackluster routes, which may not help his cause in the eyes of many NFL coaches.

He would also need to add some bulk as his lean frame, which will not allow him to be as physical with opposing defenses like he was on the college level. There were also plays that he allowed opposing defenses to dictate his movements. In the end, the adjustment of playing in the more physical NFL will be a challenge for Greenberry, but one he will need to make in order to take that next step.

And the knock on any Cougar going into the NFL is the lack of quality competition compared to the power conferences on the Division I level. That is just the reality of any school not playing in a power conference.

But now let’s discuss about why Greenberry joining the Texans makes sense on the surface.

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The Texans are continually making the roster into O’Brien’s image, and adding the former Cougar would give the coaching staff someone to mold from day one. That is something that this current coaching regime has yet to do regarding their current group of wide receivers on the active roster as they were either signed as free-agents or brought in by the previous coaching staff.

Greenberry would also likely be a late round pick, or possibly could be signed as an undrafted free-agent. The Texans could theoretically afford to take a flier on him then if they so desire.

Just a reminder: the Texans do have ten draft picks in 2015, so it is not out of the question that general manager Rick Smith uses on the of the late round comp picks on Greenberry if the organization feels like there could be a fit. Placing him on the practice squad is not a farfetched proposition.

While raw, the physical tools are there as well, such as his 6’3″ frame along with his long wingspan. He is also known for making incredibly tough catches and will not be an easy tackle for opposing defenses.

According to a report from Dane Brugler of cbssports.com:

"Physical after the catch with the tough mentality to break tackles, using his stiff arm to never go down easy. Fearless over the middle and did most of his damage at Houston working inside zones. Athletic ballskills to make tough grabs look easy, including a number of one-handed catches or opposite shoulder receptions that most cannot finish."

And he has made a his own fair share of big plays for the Cougars when they needed it most, especially during the University of Houston’s come-from-behind, 35-34 victory over Pitt in the Armed Forces Bowl earlier this year. Greenberry for that game posted a stat line of four receptions, 85 yards, two touchdowns, and a successful two-point conversion. Quite impressive!

And while the majority of his numbers were compiled against Conference USA and American Athletic Conference opponents, he still posted impressive statistics for the Cougars nonetheless. And considering the quarterback debacle that the Cougars have experienced in recent seasons that makes his college numbers seem even more impressive.

2012 statistics: 47 receptions, 569 yards, 12.1 AVG, 3 touchdowns

2013 statistics: 82 receptions, 1,202 yards, 14.7 AVG, 11 touchdowns (Andre Ware‘s Offensive MVP award and AAC All-First Team Honors)

2014 statistics: 72 receptions, 841 yards, 11.1 AVG, 6 touchdowns (AAC All-Second Team Honors)

However, even with all of his accolades, Greenberry isn’t consider one of the top wide receivers in this year’s upcoming draft, and understandably so. But there is no denying that the tools and makeup are there for him to allow him to succeed at the pro level.