Houston Texans Still Need To Address Wide Receiver Early In The Draft
By Travis Oquin
Nov 1, 2014; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) makes a catch during a 48-14 win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Lockett (2nd – 3rd round) 5’10”, 182 – Kansas State
The Texans clearly are looking hard at all slot receivers/kick returners as they have spoken to and/or worked out Duke’s Jamison Crowder, Miami’s Phillip Dorsett and Stanford’s Ty Montgomery. Tyler Lockett has also met with the Texans twice.
Lockett is the more polished receiver of the bunch, although Dorsett and his world class sprinter speed will likely be drafted first. However, Tyler Lockett is a player that could be available at the Texans pick in the 3rd round if not slightly before.
Oct 25, 2014; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) runs after a catch during a 23-0 win against the Texas Longhorns at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports
Lockett is the son of a former NFL wide receiver Kevin Lockett (who’s best years were with the Chiefs) and is known to study defenders and film and uses his quickness, outstanding route running and wit to get separation. Lockett also has outstanding hands and catches everything thrown his way.
While small in stature, he’s not as tiny as some of the other slot receiver types and though he can get pushed around by larger defenders, Lockett never stops competing and was the #1 wide out target at Kansas State.
Lockett also has extensive experience as a return man at K-State with over 2,500 return yards and 6 touchdowns in 42 collegiate games.
Lockett seen here against Baylor, ran a 4.40 40-yard dash at the combine, but also showed a 35-inch vertical, 10-foot broad jump and a very quick 6.89 3-cone drill time.
Drafting Lockett would likely spell the end for Damaris Johnson, as it’s had to image the Texans carrying two smallish wide receivers when they can also use Cecil Shorts in the slot and Nate Washington and Shorts can also play on the outside as well.
Although we’d prefer to see the Texans go with a Devin Smith or Nelson Agholor, somewhat bigger receivers that also add speed and ability to play in the slot, it would not be a shock to us to see the Texans going into the season with Hopkins, Shorts, Washington and rookie slot receiver and not go after a big bodied receiver to replace Andre Johnson.
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