Position analysis: Wide receivers
With training camp approaching, we’re sizing up the Texans with a look at each position group.
No position received more attention during the offseason than wide receiver. It began with the controversial trade of All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona. To try to salve the wound, coach Bill O’Brien signed veteran Randall Cobb, traded for veteran Brandin Cooks and drafted Isaiah Coulter in the fifth round.
The top four receivers — Will Fuller, Cooks, Cobb and Kenny Stills — have experienced injury issues, so the success or failure of this group depends heavily on staying healthy.
The Texans may be the only team that can put three established receivers — Fuller, Cooks and Stills — who ran the 40-yard dash in the 4.3s at their combines on the field at the same time. That kind of speed should entice quarterback Deshaun Watson to take advantage of it by throwing more down the field.
That kind of speed also should call for second-year offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, who’s calling plays for the first time, to stretch the field with a lot of explosive plays.
Fuller and Cooks should line up outside and Cobb inside. Stills can play inside or outside. That’s a formidable group, although none has enjoyed the success Hopkins had in his seven seasons with the Texans.
The player who needs to step up the most is Fuller. This is the last year of his contract, and he’s never played 16 games. If he stays relatively healthy and contributes the way he’s capable, he can become Watson’s new go-to receiver with a lot of opportunities down the field.
Entering his fourth season, Watson hasn’t had as many weapons as he’ll have this season. Rather than focus on one receiver, as he wisely did with Hopkins, he should be able to spread the wealth.