Death to Google Ads! Texans Talk Tip Jar! 🍺😎👍
Thanks for your support!
5 receivers?
- Thread starter badboy
- Start date
barrett
All Pro
it's way too early to tell. so much will depend on how these guys perform in camp. it's their pre season perfomance that determines how many roster spots we'll keep.
remember Jacoby Jones' performance in the preseason gave Kubiak the confidence to keep one less receiver last year. if slaton has that kind of preseason i wouldn't be suprised at all for them to go with only 4. what if Jones has a bad TC? what if Mullins is a phenom? What if David Anderson out perfoms him?
it always scares me to have less depth but it's a testament to having more talent when you dont need those safety measures.
that being said, with our injury luck, i'd rather have the depth.
Porky
Hall of Fame
I would be very surprised if we only carry 4 WR's. Most teams carry 5, some 6, but 4 is very unusual indeed. To me, we carry 5, with the 5th guy needing to figure in ST somewhere. Right now, I give a slight edge to David Anderson, but Harry Williams or this Hawian kid might push for a spot too.
Hagar
Drink up yall, its the Texans!
Right now we're carrying 9 WR:
No. Name...................... Pos........ Ht........ Wt..... College......... Exp
89 Anderson, David...........WR....... 5-10.... 194.... Colorado State.. 3
11 Davis, André.............. WR....... 6-1...... 195.... Virginia Tech.... 6
82 Grice-Mullen, Ryan...... WR....... 5-10..... 187.... Hawaii............ R
84 Jenkins, Darnell........... WR....... 5-10.... 188.... Miami.............. R
80 Johnson, Andre.......... WR........ 6-3...... 219.... Miami............. 6
12 Jones, Jacoby............ WR........ 6-2..... 210..... Lane College... 1
17 McCoy, LeRon............ WR........ 6-1...... 219.... Indiana (Pa.)... 3
83 Walter, Kevin............. WR........ 6-3...... 214... Eastern Michigan 5
86 Williams, Harry........... WR......... 6-2...... 186.... Tuskegee........ 2
We'll probably put one of the two rookies on the practice squad. I figure we'll keep AJ, AD, and JJ for sure. The fourth & fifth spots will be a battle between Walters, Anderson, McCoy, and Williams.
What will be interesting is who will be the #2 receiver. KW has the spot right now according to the Texans web page. Personally, I could easily see AD in that spot. Then you have to ask yourself, who plays on special teams. AD did a great job last year but if he becomes the #2, do you still want him taking that risk? JJ also did a great job as a special teamer, but you don't know if he can take the beating. The player with the most to lose is KW. If he's beat out for the #2 by AD, then do you keep in on when you have JJ to fill the slot?
While I like our talent, there are a lot of questions that have to be answered in training camp. I'll have to admit, I'd rather have a lot of questions with plenty of talent, like we have now, versus wondering who will be our second receiver as in years past.
No. Name...................... Pos........ Ht........ Wt..... College......... Exp
89 Anderson, David...........WR....... 5-10.... 194.... Colorado State.. 3
11 Davis, André.............. WR....... 6-1...... 195.... Virginia Tech.... 6
82 Grice-Mullen, Ryan...... WR....... 5-10..... 187.... Hawaii............ R
84 Jenkins, Darnell........... WR....... 5-10.... 188.... Miami.............. R
80 Johnson, Andre.......... WR........ 6-3...... 219.... Miami............. 6
12 Jones, Jacoby............ WR........ 6-2..... 210..... Lane College... 1
17 McCoy, LeRon............ WR........ 6-1...... 219.... Indiana (Pa.)... 3
83 Walter, Kevin............. WR........ 6-3...... 214... Eastern Michigan 5
86 Williams, Harry........... WR......... 6-2...... 186.... Tuskegee........ 2
We'll probably put one of the two rookies on the practice squad. I figure we'll keep AJ, AD, and JJ for sure. The fourth & fifth spots will be a battle between Walters, Anderson, McCoy, and Williams.
What will be interesting is who will be the #2 receiver. KW has the spot right now according to the Texans web page. Personally, I could easily see AD in that spot. Then you have to ask yourself, who plays on special teams. AD did a great job last year but if he becomes the #2, do you still want him taking that risk? JJ also did a great job as a special teamer, but you don't know if he can take the beating. The player with the most to lose is KW. If he's beat out for the #2 by AD, then do you keep in on when you have JJ to fill the slot?
While I like our talent, there are a lot of questions that have to be answered in training camp. I'll have to admit, I'd rather have a lot of questions with plenty of talent, like we have now, versus wondering who will be our second receiver as in years past.
barrett
All Pro
it's kevin walter not walterS.
I don't see how walter is fighting for the last spot when he was the #2 last year. He has more experience and played well last season. Even with Johnson out. I don't know as much about the science behind it but I know he's a bigger receiver like Andre Johnson whereas Andre' Davis is a bit smaller and certainly faster. I see him as more of a deep threat in the texans offense than a strait up #2 but again, i don't know that much about what type of player is better suited for what.
It just seems to me that the top four Johnson, Walter, Davis, Jones are pretty much a given unless somebody slips/injured or a rookie is a phenom.
I don't see how walter is fighting for the last spot when he was the #2 last year. He has more experience and played well last season. Even with Johnson out. I don't know as much about the science behind it but I know he's a bigger receiver like Andre Johnson whereas Andre' Davis is a bit smaller and certainly faster. I see him as more of a deep threat in the texans offense than a strait up #2 but again, i don't know that much about what type of player is better suited for what.
It just seems to me that the top four Johnson, Walter, Davis, Jones are pretty much a given unless somebody slips/injured or a rookie is a phenom.
nero THE zero
All Pro
It's ridiculous to suggest that Kevil Walter is battling for one of the last WR spots. He got nothing but praise from Kubiak last year and held down the #2 spot all season. There's nothing that has changed since then and there is no reason to think that he is not our #2 WR.
That being said, I think we have 4 WR who have locked down spots; Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Andre Davis, and Jacoby Jones. Assuming we keep a 5th WR, which isn't certain, it would be a battle between Harry Williams, Darnell Jenkins, Ryan Grice-Mullen, and David Anderson. You'd have to think that the job is Anderson's to lose given his experience in the system and his relationship with Kubiak. But Williams has stuck around the team for a while and, as pointed out by LZ, has been looking good in mini-camp. Provided that Grice-Mullen or Jenkins don't stand out considerably over the course of the pre-season, you'd have to think they will eventually end up on the practice squad.
Ultimately, I think we carry a fifth reciever and it comes down to who shows up better in pre-season between Harry Williams and David Anderson.
That being said, I think we have 4 WR who have locked down spots; Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, Andre Davis, and Jacoby Jones. Assuming we keep a 5th WR, which isn't certain, it would be a battle between Harry Williams, Darnell Jenkins, Ryan Grice-Mullen, and David Anderson. You'd have to think that the job is Anderson's to lose given his experience in the system and his relationship with Kubiak. But Williams has stuck around the team for a while and, as pointed out by LZ, has been looking good in mini-camp. Provided that Grice-Mullen or Jenkins don't stand out considerably over the course of the pre-season, you'd have to think they will eventually end up on the practice squad.
Ultimately, I think we carry a fifth reciever and it comes down to who shows up better in pre-season between Harry Williams and David Anderson.
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
The battle I want to watch is Darnell Jenkins vs. Ryan Grice-Mullen. One of these guys is going to make it onto our practice squad. They both can make plays, especially Jenkins. The U was terrible on offense last year, but without Jenkins, they would have been completely shut out of some games.
Dexter Wynn has been filling the backup KR/PR role for the past two years. Perhaps this year one of the youngsters could beat him out of that job.
Also, usually veterans like Andre Davis, turn over KR duties to the youngsters at this point (5, 6, 7 years) in their careers.
So I see a couple of reasons that we could carry a fifth WR IF he contributes on special teams.
Of course, that leaves Grice-Mullen behind the power curve because I can't find any evidence that he returned kicks.
Also, usually veterans like Andre Davis, turn over KR duties to the youngsters at this point (5, 6, 7 years) in their careers.
So I see a couple of reasons that we could carry a fifth WR IF he contributes on special teams.
Of course, that leaves Grice-Mullen behind the power curve because I can't find any evidence that he returned kicks.
Mr teX
Hall of Fame
I don't know why people keep pimping David Anderson, this guy has absolutely zero chance to make this team at this point. I say this b/c we now have more depth/talent at this position than we've ever had before & if he couldn't make it when we had nothing, he damn sure can't make it now. He'll be released, Jenkins & McCoy will battle for the 5th spot/practice squad.
Second Honeymoon
Hall of Fame
AJ Walter Jones Davis Grice-Mullens...maybe a floater guy as a 6th if he can play ST well..the rest are practice squad or released
bah007
Hall of Fame
It's still really early, but my guess is we end up with something like this:
#1 - Johnson
#2 - Walter
#3 - Davis
#4 - Jones
#5 - Anderson
If Grice-Mullen looks good, then I think he makes the practice squad. Williams has a shot at making the roster if he can contribute on special teams.
McCoy & Jenkins are not gonna make it, IMO.
#1 - Johnson
#2 - Walter
#3 - Davis
#4 - Jones
#5 - Anderson
If Grice-Mullen looks good, then I think he makes the practice squad. Williams has a shot at making the roster if he can contribute on special teams.
McCoy & Jenkins are not gonna make it, IMO.
bah007
Hall of Fame
I don't see why you say Anderson couldn't make the team before.
He has played in 17 games over the past two years & collected 13 catches & 1 TD in those games.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
I don't think anyone's been "pimping" him, but I do think he stepped up to the plate when we needed him. I do agree that he's an "on the bubble" type of player at this time, but wouldn't count him as a "zero chance" player. There's still plenty of camp and pre-season for the depth chart to become relative. I'm not counting anybody out at this time except Ron Dayne
Texan_Bill
Hall of Fame
*Hopes Texans re-sign Dayne - to enjoy HOU-TEX's future rants*
************************************
1. AJ
2a. Walter 2b. Davis
4. Jones
5. Anderson
6. Rookie (Grice-Mullen / Darnell)
Practice Squad: Rookie (Grice-Mullen / Darnell)
************************************
1. AJ
2a. Walter 2b. Davis
4. Jones
5. Anderson
6. Rookie (Grice-Mullen / Darnell)
Practice Squad: Rookie (Grice-Mullen / Darnell)
badboy
Hall of Fame
Me too but depth at which position?
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
This is exactly how I see it, unless Williams, or McCoy really step up and impress Kubiak.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
Heh, heh, you think second honeymoon's Carr rants are bad.
AJ
Walter
Davis
JJ
After that...it's all up in the air. I think JJ might make a strong push for more time at WR than Davis.
badboy
Hall of Fame
I think our trench guys take more of a beating on every play than receivers. That is why I could see a speedy Slaton with good hands playing RB/5th WR unless of course he beats others for the starter roll at half back. Most of you know I was pushing Jamaal Charles for this role prior to draft not having any inkling that Slaton could be had in 3rd.
Going with 11 OL and 4 + Slaton @ WR makes a lot of sense to me. We usually used the big four unless someone was hurt last season. As someone mentioned our TE Daniels could play WR in some situations. Man it feels good to be talking about surplus at some positions this year. There is a rumor that Schaub is giddy at his prospects this year. Who ya going to throw to Matt?
Going with 11 OL and 4 + Slaton @ WR makes a lot of sense to me. We usually used the big four unless someone was hurt last season. As someone mentioned our TE Daniels could play WR in some situations. Man it feels good to be talking about surplus at some positions this year. There is a rumor that Schaub is giddy at his prospects this year. Who ya going to throw to Matt?
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
I think Slaton would be more dangerous coming out of the backfield catching the ball rather than in the slot as a rookie. Let's get him a couple years coming out of the backfield, get him comfortable with that, and THEN we can expand his role.
NitroGSXR
Super Sic #58
I would think that Juh-cuh-bee Jones would be on the bubble here. His season was terribly disappointing. Sure, I know he was injured but even when he wasn't... it was Davis/Walter/insert reciever here stealing the show. Jacoby was supposed to be our flashy player and he simply wasn't. Getting injured by a kicker has to fall on the bad side of Kubiak and what he demands out of a player. When I saw Jacoby get hit... I was like... Huh? He got hurt on that play? Wait a minute!!! INSTANT REPLAY INSTANT REPLAY!! After seeing it again... I still went huh? Okayyy. I guess it was a freakish hit at an awkward angle or something that the camera just didn't show.
I don't doubt he got hurt. I just... don't think that he should be getting hurt that easily on his way in the NFL. He has a lot ot prove to Kubiak especially since he brought in Grice-Mullins (who I'm a personal fan of but don't have much expectations for him in the NFL but am hoping that I'm proved wrong).
Basically, it seems that Jacoby Jones is quickly being overlooked when it comes to players who must earn their spot. Jones MUST earn his spot this season. Davis and Slaton are fine kick returners so that can't be the only asset that Jones has to bring to the table. He has to be able to pull off some outstanding catches and earn his spot.
I realize that I may not be in the majority here and all that but don't think I'm not a fan of Jones. I am. I was at the Dallas Cowboy preseason game and was ELATED with him after seeing him rip the Cowgirls up. A sight that still replays itself in my dreams. Him zagging through the field and getting that punt return TD.
I don't doubt he got hurt. I just... don't think that he should be getting hurt that easily on his way in the NFL. He has a lot ot prove to Kubiak especially since he brought in Grice-Mullins (who I'm a personal fan of but don't have much expectations for him in the NFL but am hoping that I'm proved wrong).
Basically, it seems that Jacoby Jones is quickly being overlooked when it comes to players who must earn their spot. Jones MUST earn his spot this season. Davis and Slaton are fine kick returners so that can't be the only asset that Jones has to bring to the table. He has to be able to pull off some outstanding catches and earn his spot.
I realize that I may not be in the majority here and all that but don't think I'm not a fan of Jones. I am. I was at the Dallas Cowboy preseason game and was ELATED with him after seeing him rip the Cowgirls up. A sight that still replays itself in my dreams. Him zagging through the field and getting that punt return TD.
nero THE zero
All Pro
What have you done for me lately?
He's a small school product, playing one of the tougher positions to transition to in the NFL, in his sophmore season, coming off a freshman season mired in injuries. He's not guaranteed a spot on the roster forever, but to suggest that his spot is in jeopardy this season is as absurd as saying KW is battling for one of the last spots. He has entirely too high of a ceiling to dump after one mediocre season in which he was constantly injured.
I agree that he shouldn't get a pass and could be pushed back to the 5th WR spot if he doesn't prove himself in camp, but I think you're harsh about the injury. He'll still make the roster this season; despite not being as electric in the regular season, he still finished 8th in the league in PR avg.
NitroGSXR
Super Sic #58
You know... I don't claim to know very much about the inner workings of the Houston Texans but to suggest that Jacoby's slot isn't in jeopardy is absurd in itself. That wasn't even what I was trying to get at either. Let me try again though... it appears that Jacoby is being given a free pass by the members of this message board in this thread by absolutely guaranteeing him a spot. It seems silly to me. Truth be told, I don't even think we'll even have five guys on the roster. Kubiak has talked about keeping three QBs, the board is talking about keeping an extra running back and now a fifth WR. Jacoby is getting a free pass here and he shouldn't be. I want Jacoby on my roster. Believe me, I do but I want him to earn it. I think he has to earn it.
Wali Lundy had to earn it and he was cut the following season after he was drafted. Why is it so unfathomable to think that this can't happen to Jacoby Jones? The thing is... you said... he had one mediocre season. Yeah, I agree with that but he's also only had just ONE season. On a team that was considered to be extremely light on the WR side going into the season last year, the man had an extremely mediocre season. Kubiak isn't McNair. He'll have no qualms cutting a man quickly that he personally selected such as he did with Lundy.
Maybe I'm being harsh on the injury. Fine. I can accept that but I will NOT be harsh on his play after the injury. He appeared to be extremely timid and just lost the spark that he had. You could say that he lost his innocence after that hit. This is the National Football League.
8th in the league really isn't saying too much for the Houston Texans. Is it Jacoby Jones? Or is it our outstanding special teams unit? I think it's the latter. Andre Davis had extreme success. Jerome Mathis had extreme success. Jacoby Jones had extreme success. Something had to help these guys make strides. It also helps to play the Indianapolis Colts special teams twice a season (they're bad although I can't factually support this).
Again, I don't claim to know or understand much about the innerworkings of a NFL football team but I'd like to believe that everybody has to earn their spot year in and year out. Especially someone who rode the pine the season before and lost (I believe he lost it? I could be wrong. Didn't he start off the season as our punt and kickoff return man?) his kickoff returning duties to Andre Davis. Andre Davis came in and stole Jacoby Jones' thunder and snagged a hefty payday from the Texans. This doesn't worry Jacoby Jones fans a little bit? It should.
I believe that Jacoby Jones will be on the roster when final cuts come. I do believe that. I'm just trying to stress that people shouldn't be so stunned if he weren't to make it. That's all. I believe it's a very realistic scenario.
I think with JJ he has a spot. As for last year and losing or not losing his spot as the PR. I think that was his injury. Kubes seemed pleased with him pre-injury and said on several occasions that he was tentative after the injury. He's had an off season off and will have a training camp to restore faith in his ability to take a hit and that's what it looked to me like he needed. Lets not forget that he was taken as a project. Most small school receivers are projects. Do we need to review the Mathis project?
Mike
nero THE zero
All Pro
It's pretty simply really.
Jacoby Jones will be ensured a spot because of his incredible potential. The fact that he was coming out of a small school, playing a position that traditionally takes a few years to transition in, and his injuries last year are all reasons why he gets a "pass" on his mediocre play. The coaches are not going to cut a third round pick who had an OK year, showed flashes, and has an incredible potential. That just wouldn't make any sense.
This isn't a Wali Lundy situation where you have a 6th round pick, from an ACC school, where you knew what you were getting. Lundy didn't have any untapped potential that we were looking for. He came in, played his role, and was cut. Totally different situation than Jacoby.
Jacoby Jones is the the Texans punt returner. He doesn't even have competition for the job. I don't know where Jones will stand at WR, but he's got a stranglehold on the punt returner job. For Jones not to make this roster is not only unrealistic, it's inconceivable.*
*assuming no future DUIs
painekiller
All Pro
I have a feeling that a certain 3rd round RB will get some reps at PR.
Vinny
shiny happy fan
the quick guys ALWAYS look good early in camp before the hitting goes live...so every year a fast noob like Grice-Mullen always excite the fans but if I had to put my money on it he just reeks of the practice squad. Once these guys start to take hits from NFL front 7 defenders is when you start to separate the wheat from the chaff.
to answer the early question...imo, yes, Slaton gives us the ability to carry one less WR since I believe he will be used in the slot and like Westbrook is used with the Eagles. This doesn't bode well for guys like Anderson, but he has a legit shot to make the team in my eyes.
to answer the early question...imo, yes, Slaton gives us the ability to carry one less WR since I believe he will be used in the slot and like Westbrook is used with the Eagles. This doesn't bode well for guys like Anderson, but he has a legit shot to make the team in my eyes.
Mr teX
Hall of Fame
Vinny is preaching right here. JJ's got a legit shot only b/c of what he showed last year in preseason.... that's pretty much it. His upside is higher than Lundy's ever was so comparing those 2 is not really accurate. I don't see Kubes going this route but he, like every major pro sports coach, tend to look for guys who can fill multiple roles & last year JJ only did OK in 1 of them. now you've got a guy in Slaton who could potentially do everything that JJ can do, except this guy is a little more used to taking hits. Add in the fact that for what he did at WR last year any 1 of these 3 new guys could basically do the same &.......well you get the picture.
Number19
Hall of Fame
I may be getting Anderson mixed up with Walter, but Anderson, I believe, partly won his position because of ST play, and I don't mean as returner. He was a standout on the kickoff and punt coverage teams. Kubiak called him a blue collar type of player who would cover, hit and tackle. If I'm remembering correctly, this gives him an edge many receivers don't have.
That's got to be Walter. The only thing I can remember David Anderson doing on special teams is muffing the punt in the Titans game at Reliant, last year.
HOU-TEX
Ah, Football!
I know you mentioned special teams, but I just want to point out a play that could've given the Phins their first win and our second loss in a row to a horrible team.
By no means am I saying he deserves a roster spot because of this, I'm just saying. I'm bored shitless
OD's THE MAN!
TexansSeminole
Hall of Fame
I think that the bottom line is that the receivers we have on our roster come opening day will most likely be the same receivers we had on the roster last year, unless one of these new young guys REALLY impresses the coaches. They may be in a different order come opening day, but they will most likely be the same players.
I see Grice-Mullen and Jenkins battling on the practice squad.
I see Grice-Mullen and Jenkins battling on the practice squad.
NitroGSXR
Super Sic #58
You guys would know better than me. I'm in no way an expert of any kind. I just personally wouldn't be surprised if he is being forced to earn his roster spot as opposed to it being given to him last season. I guess I just don't know much at all. Ha!
Just keep in mind that I didn't say nor think that he doesn't deserve a spot on this team. I just more of wanted to stress that I thought that he would have to at least earn his spot this time around, that's all.
Thanks for replying guys!! I really appreciated it!
I also agree with Vinny about Grice-Mullins. I stated why in the UDFA thread. It's hard not to get excited about him though! Even though deep down I know it's going to be very very difficult for him to make the roster but I can't help but dream of him tearing it up for the Texans this season.
Just keep in mind that I didn't say nor think that he doesn't deserve a spot on this team. I just more of wanted to stress that I thought that he would have to at least earn his spot this time around, that's all.
Thanks for replying guys!! I really appreciated it!
I also agree with Vinny about Grice-Mullins. I stated why in the UDFA thread. It's hard not to get excited about him though! Even though deep down I know it's going to be very very difficult for him to make the roster but I can't help but dream of him tearing it up for the Texans this season.
badboy
Hall of Fame
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/player/stats?playerId=174468Nothing to scream "Eureka" over but last two season were consistant.
Battle Red Flash
Waterboy
I'm thinking Slaton will be the 3rd tailback, or practice squad.
5 WR's we keep:
AJ, A.Davis, J.Jones, K.Walter, H.Williams
Ryan G-M to practice squad.
5 WR's we keep:
AJ, A.Davis, J.Jones, K.Walter, H.Williams
Ryan G-M to practice squad.
infantrycak
Hall of Fame
3rd rounders don't go to the practice squad. You'd just be giving him to another team.
badboy
Hall of Fame
If we can save almost $4million by cutting a player coming back from injury (Ahman Green), have a FA RB the coach is excited about and a rookie with the speed and potential of Slaton, imo Green better bring strawberries to the coach to keep him on roster. The prob with Green is we may not have a clear picture of how he will do and keep him as a fairly reasonable insurance policy. I see Brown as the starter now with Slaton getting reps and some option type plays. If Green will be on the roster, I want to make sure he is absolutely 100 % before he gets the ball. Actually, Green may be very productive as a short yard needed back who can surprise the D and catch a pass for a pretty good chunk. I'm no longer against him as Brown should be the featured back.