DESPITE TALENT, ALL EYES ON QB.
Youthful cast of receivers should add plenty of zip and firepower to offense
When the Texans’ revamped offense breaks the huddle Sunday afternoon against the Chicago Bears, it will unveil the youngest receiving corps in the NFL.
In the span of the last several months, the Texans have transformed their receiver position into a group that’s headlined by star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and is defined by youth, speed, quickness and talent.
It was a concerted effort to upgrade the explosiveness at the position and create a diversity of skill sets to try to kick-start a one-dimensional attack from a year ago that became overly reliant on Hopkins’ unique ability to make contested catches.
Although entering his fourth year in the NFL and coming off his first Pro Bowl season, Hopkins is just 24. He’s the second-oldest receiver — a day younger than Keith Mumphery — out of a group with an average age of 23 years, five months.
The hope is that the young receivers will continue to mature quickly and follow Hopkins’ lead.
“We’re definitely all on the same page,” said Will Fuller, the Texans’ first-round draft pick from Notre Dame. “We’re all comfortable with each other and are going to continue to grow together.”
The Texans have installed Fuller as the starter and deep outside threat opposite Hopkins.
They spent a third-round draft pick on converted former Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller and made him their slot receiver. And the Texans have big former third-round pick Jaelen Strong to operate as a backup outside receiver who excels in jump-ball situations.
“Seeing those guys improve from when they got drafted to what they are doing now, they have a long way to go, but they’re fighting,” Hopkins said. “That was a long time ago. This is a different offense, but then those guys go out there and do what they love to do. It gives me joy.”
The Texans are banking on a similar feeling after acquiring several new weap- ons for newly acquired starting quarterback Brock Osweiler to throw to.
With 28-year-old veteran wide receiver Cecil Shorts released during the final major roster cut and now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hopkins is providing counsel to the younger players while leading by example.
“There’s a lot of different ways to be a mentor,” Texans receivers coach Sean Ryan said. “DeAndre does it both ways. It’s good information and it comes from a guy who has credibility because of his production and his success.
“I think he does things by example — by making plays out there — but also by being vocal and trying to help those guys.”
Still ascending
Hopkins caught 111 passes for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns during a breakthrough season a year ago during which he established himself as one of the most dynamic receivers in the game.
The Texans targeted him 192 times and he dropped just three passes, displaying body control, hands and an ability to run after the catch.
After coaching New York Giants standout wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. the past few years, Ryan is excited about working with another top receiver in Hopkins who is eager to keep improving.
“I think every player is either ascending or descending,” Ryan said. “It’s rare that a guy stays right there. I think what you do with a guy like DeAndre Hopkins, who’s obviously an accomplished guy, you pick some things.
“I think there’s always things these guys can work at. I think DeAndre understands that, and he’s pretty dedicated to being as good as he can be.”
By adding Fuller, the Texans instantly upgraded the speed of their offense. He’s arguably the fastest player on the roster with 4.28 speed in the 40-yard dash.
“I can’t wait, it’s exciting,” Fuller said. “I’ve been waiting for it all my life.”
Meanwhile, the quarterback background of Miller is paying dividends.
A two-time Big Ten Conference Player of the Year and former Heisman Trophy candidate at Ohio State, Miller uses his understanding of spacing and reading defenses to create seams in defenses.
“Honestly, the speed of the game, I don’t think it’s that much different,” Miller said. “The only thing that’s different is pretty much the coverage schemes, the techniques they play in the league. (It’s) just different from college.
“When I step on the field, it’s just me against whomever is lining up in front of me. I’m just doing my job and showing my coaches and quarterbacks and teammates that I’m ready at any moment and am a reliable person.”
Former QB Miller a quick study
At 6-2, 210 pounds, Miller is unusually large for a slot receiver, who tend to be shorter and lighter than him.
“A 6-2 slot receiver doesn’t come too often,” Miller said. “I’m just doing my job every day and perfecting my craft.”
Miller said Hopkins already has taught him a lot about the NFL.
“I look at D-Hop, how he comes in as a pro every day,” Miller said. “I’m trying to learn how the vets do it, and I want to learn quickly and fast so I can contribute to the team.”
The Texans are finding Miller to be a determined, quick study as he learns on the job as a rookie.
“He wants to be good,” Ryan said. “I think he’s got a little chip on his shoulder understanding that there were some people out there that thought there would be this large learning curve for him and weren’t sure about him being a receiver.
“I think that helps to fuel him. He’s a competitive guy. He wants to learn and he’s smart enough to learn. Those are the two biggest factors to me.”
The Texans are feeling confident about their decision to entrust the wide receiver position to an unproven bunch with the exception of Hopkins.
They understand there will be some growing pains, though.
“There are going to be bumps in the road, just like there are with all our rookies, and with any player really, that they’re going to have to overcome and basically put in the rearview mirror,” Texans coach Bill O’Brien said. “But I expect those guys to go out there and play well.”