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Dickerson Happy to Know What He Is

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Hall of Fame
Rookie Dickerson adjusts to new position
By KRISTIE RIEKEN (AP) – 3 hours ago

HOUSTON — Dorin Dickerson spent the last two seasons as a tight end at Pittsburgh after spending his sophomore year playing linebacker.

Now the rookie seventh-round pick is a receiver for the Houston Texans. At least he's returning to the position where he started his college career.

The transition hasn't been easy. Dickerson has been eating salads to shave 8-10 pounds off his 6-foot-2, 230-pound frame. Lunching on lettuce after sweating through hours of practice in the Houston heat and humidity has been difficult, but he's sticking to it to reach his goal.

Coach Gary Kubiak said the weight loss is necessary to increase his stamina so he can compete with Houston's other receivers.

"His conditioning level is not good enough to play at our level right now," Kubiak said. "I don't think that's his fault. We're trying to catch him up. He's got to lose about 10 pounds and just get to where he can run all day."

For now, Dickerson is adjusting to the change by shadowing star receiver Andre Johnson. He hopes learning from one of the best receivers in the NFL will help and said he's already picked up a lot from Johnson.

The Texans believe Dickerson's progress in college may have been hindered by playing so many positions. Along with tight end, linebacker and receiver, he also saw action at fullback and returned kicks. Last season he had a career-high 49 receptions for 529 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Kubiak suggested that Dickerson spend time with Johnson because he sees similarities in the two players.

"He's got that big body like Andre," Kubiak said. "He's got a little stiffness that we've got to work through and I think that comes from just not playing that position for a long time. It's been hard on the kid: linebacker, fullback, tight end, wide receiver. Hopefully we'll settle him down and now he can be the best he can be."

Dickerson said he was smaller when he arrived at Pittsburgh and as he got bigger coaches couldn't figure out where they wanted to use him. He seems relieved the Texans aren't planning to move him around.

"I'm a receiver now," he said. "That's where I'm going to be playing at this year. I don't know what the future holds but I'm working at receiver now and trying to mold myself into a receiver."

Moving around so much could have hurt more than just his development. Dickerson was projected to be drafted as high as the third round, but instead fell to the last round. He said he's using that as motivation.

"I was supposed to go pretty high in the draft and I ended up not," he said. "So that's life. But I still want to prove something. I have a chip on my shoulder now and I want to show everybody I wasn't a seventh-round pick and hopefully help this team win."

While the Texans hope to keep him at receiver, he will see some work on special teams. With nine other players vying for playing time at receiver, Kubiak said Dickerson will have to contribute on special teams to earn a spot on the team.

Dickerson's progress was halted on Tuesday when he tweaked a hamstring during practice. He'll likely miss Houston's last offseason workout on Wednesday because of the injury, but will be back on the field when the Texans start training camp later this summer.
 
I'm extremely excited about this player's potential. He can be our Marques Colston... but for now i'd love to see him at gunner. A big WR who can run and tackle like a LB? Joe Marciano is tickled pink by the idea!!!
 
I am excited about him as well. But I expect him to open the year on the PS.
 
I loved this pick, the moment I found out he was going to be a receiver (I was pissed at the idea of two 2 TE drafts back to back). Watching him catch the ball is beautiful. He will instantly become one of the better blocking receivers, and his time on D has taught him some nastiness. He will make the team based on special teams prowess alone. And by the end of his rookie deal (3-4 years) I predict he will be a starting caliber receiver.
 
"He's got a little stiffness that we've got to work through and I think that comes from just not playing that position for a long time. It's been hard on the kid: linebacker, fullback, tight end, wide receiver. Hopefully we'll settle him down and now he can be the best he can be." -- Kubiak
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Two things:

1. I'm surprised Kubiak didn't tear him a new bootie-hole for not knowing what's up, and for not being in condition. I mean, Holliday didn't know all the ins-and-outs at OTAs...so how does Dickerson get a free pass on not being in better condition--Something that is easily attainable at his age and for being in the NFL now. Very interesting. The old Arbitrary Gravy Train vs. Dog House system is still in effect for Kubiak. It's like that game on Price is Right, where you drop the big disc onto the board and hits those pegs on the way down--Will your disc end up in the Gravy Train section or the Dog House section? Oh well, who cares about just treatment.

2. Glad to see Dickerson is a "kid." Always good to see Kubiak keeping it very Pop Warner League with the boys and such.

LOL. I'm just not in the mood for some of the B.S. I'm seeing lately. It's like Groundhog Day. I need a truck, a groundhog, and a cliff. Tried the toaster oven and the bathtub already.
 
rmartin65 said:
I loved this pick, the moment I found out he was going to be a receiver (I was pissed at the idea of two 2 TE drafts back to back). Watching him catch the ball is beautiful. He will instantly become one of the better blocking receivers, and his time on D has taught him some nastiness. He will make the team based on special teams prowess alone. And by the end of his rookie deal (3-4 years) I predict he will be a starting caliber receiver.
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Exactly my thoughts. Stamina is something that can be worked on. It never ceases to amaze my how much poor coaching goes on in college. Sort of expect that in high school. Example in the opposite is Kareem Jackson whose excellent college coaching in a pro defensive style helped him land this gig with Texans. So many players are just glad to get a scolarship at any school they do not evaluate the coaching staff that is to prepare them to succeed in NFL. With the receivers on the roster ahead of Dickerson, time can be spent to develop him into a very good player. Probably a perfect team for him to be on.

I enjoyed the thread topic.
 
Interesting to note the AP writer chose to write on Texans lower round choice. I see that as a step in right direction.
 
rmartin65 said:
I loved this pick, the moment I found out he was going to be a receiver (I was pissed at the idea of two 2 TE drafts back to back). Watching him catch the ball is beautiful. He will instantly become one of the better blocking receivers, and his time on D has taught him some nastiness. He will make the team based on special teams prowess alone. And by the end of his rookie deal (3-4 years) I predict he will be a starting caliber receiver.
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Ive watched quite a few tapes on Dickerson myself - Its obvious he is physically gifted but I think he has a whole lot of work to do as a reciever.
Two things stand out , his routes arent real crisp and he seems to let the ball come to him rather than attacking it at its highest point.

It may take a couple years to for his play at WR to catch up to his ability physically.

I think if he makes the team out of camp its his ST play tht does it for him.

GP said:
1. I'm surprised Kubiak didn't tear him a new bootie-hole for not knowing what's up, and for not being in condition. I mean, Holliday didn't know all the ins-and-outs at OTAs...so how does Dickerson get a free pass on not being in better condition--Something that is easily attainable at his age and for being in the NFL now. Very interesting. The old Arbitrary Gravy Train vs. Dog House system is still in effect for Kubiak. It's like that game on Price is Right, where you drop the big disc onto the board and hits those pegs on the way down--Will your disc end up in the Gravy Train section or the Dog House section? Oh well, who cares about just treatment.
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I think what Kubiak was getting at as far as conditioning is the difference between playing LB and WR . A WR is running up and down the field on almost every play where a LB is reading a play and moving into position to make a play on the ball. There's a lot less running at LB than there is at WR.
 
badboy said:
Exactly my thoughts. Stamina is something that can be worked on. It never ceases to amaze my how much poor coaching goes on in college. Sort of expect that in high school. Example in the opposite is Kareem Jackson whose excellent college coaching in a pro defensive style helped him land this gig with Texans. So many players are just glad to get a scolarship at any school they do not evaluate the coaching staff that is to prepare them to succeed in NFL. With the receivers on the roster ahead of Dickerson, time can be spent to develop him into a very good player. Probably a perfect team for him to be on.

I enjoyed the thread topic.
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Yep. Let Dickerson sit behind AJ, learn from him and Walter, even JJ would be a good teacher. Dickerson has serious potential, and if receiver does not work out, he should be a good special teamer.

Good point on Jackson. I occasionally wonder if he has just about tapped out his potential, die to the fantastic coaching he received at 'Bama.

Corrosion said:
Ive watched quite a few tapes on Dickerson myself - Its obvious he is physically gifted but I think he has a whole lot of work to do as a reciever.
Two things stand out , his routes arent real crisp and he seems to let the ball come to him rather than attacking it at its highest point.

It may take a couple years to for his play at WR to catch up to his ability physically.

I think if he makes the team out of camp its his ST play tht does it for him.
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Thats why he was a 7th rounder, as opposed to the 3-5th people were predicting pre-draft. He is rough, but the skills are all there. Route running can be taught; guys like Walter and Anderson are excellent route runners for Dickerson to emulate. He does need to work on timing his jump better, that is true. But he has an outstanding vertical, something like 43 inches. That, coupled with the fact that he will be taller than the CBs he is going against make it a little more acceptable. He also has incredibly strong hands, something instrumental for catching.
 
rmartin65 said:
Yep. Let Dickerson sit behind AJ, learn from him and Walter, even JJ would be a good teacher. Dickerson has serious potential, and if receiver does not work out, he should be a good special teamer.

Good point on Jackson. I occasionally wonder if he has just about tapped out his potential, die to the fantastic coaching he received at 'Bama.


Thats why he was a 7th rounder, as opposed to the 3-5th people were predicting pre-draft. He is rough, but the skills are all there. Route running can be taught; guys like Walter and Anderson are excellent route runners for Dickerson to emulate. He does need to work on timing his jump better, that is true. But he has an outstanding vertical, something like 43 inches. That, coupled with the fact that he will be taller than the CBs he is going against make it a little more acceptable. He also has incredibly strong hands, something instrumental for catching.
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You hit the target as that is a concern for me. Hope we are wrong but do not need a DR type player that annually loses ground. I want my corners, QBs and WR to keep getting better in their first 3-4 seasons.
 
still amazing to me we missed on Kareem Jackson in our collective mocks, he is ready made to start & key to his selection along with prioity need which was necessitated with loss of Dunta in free agency.

Dickerson is a project, can he follow in Andre Johnsons shoes? probably not but a big physical WR in the 7th round in a very strong class depth wise is not such a bad move. I still would have grabbed Blair White in the 7th (went undrafted) now trying to stick in a talented Peyton Manning corps of WR's.
 
beerlover said:
still amazing to me we missed on Kareem Jackson in our collective mocks, he is ready made to start & key to his selection along with prioity need which was necessitated with loss of Dunta in free agency.

Dickerson is a project, can he follow in Andre Johnsons shoes? probably not but a big physical WR in the 7th round in a very strong class depth wise is not such a bad move. I still would have grabbed Blair White in the 7th (went undrafted) now trying to stick in a talented Peyton Manning corps of WR's.
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I don't think we missed on him BL. I had him rated, but late first and not the type CB Texans needed. I will think that way until Jackson proves me wrong. He will be good inside 15-20 yards and should earn his paycheck bumping the WR. If he can learn to turn and pursue and also when beat as all CBs are, to not take long to turn on his afterburners, he will be ok. I'm not sure he can do that but it is coachable. You are right that he will start but hopefully not too many TDs are given up before he gets the coverage down.
 
badboy said:
I don't think we missed on him BL. I had him rated, but late first and not the type CB Texans needed. I will think that way until Jackson proves me wrong. He will be good inside 15-20 yards and should earn his paycheck bumping the WR. If he can learn to turn and pursue and also when beat as all CBs are, to not take long to turn on his afterburners, he will be ok. I'm not sure he can do that but it is coachable. You are right that he will start but hopefully not too many TDs are given up before he gets the coverage down.
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I think the day he showed up , he was the best CB on the team .
 
badboy said:
Interesting to note the AP writer chose to write on Texans lower round choice. I see that as a step in right direction.
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The PR department of the Texans let the writers know who they will get to talk to after practice, then the writers ask the coach about the kid, and interview the kid. That is why all the different sources for Texans news has the same stuff (everyone has the same interviews) everyday.
 
Honoring Earl 34 said:
I think the day he showed up , he was the best CB on the team .
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I just don't agree with you. Reeves and Quin should be better just based on NFL experience. I think he will surpass Reeves by game one but will wait to see on beating Quin. I was flammed in my thread concerning drafting Jackson over Kyle Wilson or even McCourty. It is simply a taste test, you want a banger like DR that will often get beat on a deep route or a cover type CB? I like cover guy that mirrors WR like McCain, Texans and many on MB want a near the line banger.
 
painekiller said:
The PR department of the Texans let the writers know who they will get to talk to after practice, then the writers ask the coach about the kid, and interview the kid. That is why all the different sources for Texans news has the same stuff (everyone has the same interviews) everyday.
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Ah, did not know that. I was impressed that she did not go after the "show" dogs but a mutt that I hope makes it to the ribbon ceremony.
 
badboy said:
I just don't agree with you. Reeves and Quin should be better just based on NFL experience. I think he will surpass Reeves by game one but will wait to see on beating Quin. I was flammed in my thread concerning drafting Jackson over Kyle Wilson or even McCourty. It is simply a taste test, you want a banger like DR that will often get beat on a deep route or a cover type CB? I like cover guy that mirrors WR like McCain, Texans and many on MB want a near the line banger.
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Would Kyle Wilson or McCourty be the best CB on the team ?
 
Honoring Earl 34 said:
Would Kyle Wilson or McCourty be the best CB on the team ?
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No. The difference imo is Wilson would beat out Reeves and probably Quin by game one. McCourty would be a ?mark. I feel like I have to keep saying Jackson is not a bad player and may be able to correct the problem areas I've identified. If he can, he may turn out better than either of the other two draftees. As he is now a Texan, that is my true hope.
 
beerlover said:
still amazing to me we missed on Kareem Jackson in our collective mocks, he is ready made to start & key to his selection along with prioity need which was necessitated with loss of Dunta in free agency.

Dickerson is a project, can he follow in Andre Johnsons shoes? probably not but a big physical WR in the 7th round in a very strong class depth wise is not such a bad move. I still would have grabbed Blair White in the 7th (went undrafted) now trying to stick in a talented Peyton Manning corps of WR's.
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Yeah, he was not really on my Texans radar. I had him as an early second, possibly a late first. I dont think he will get worse, I just think that we wont see marked improvement in his game for the next 3 years. High floor, but low ceiling. He will be a good corner for the next 10 years, but in my opinion, wont be a lock down corner. I like the pick, just a little surprised.

I like the choice of Dickerson over Blair, personally. I think Dickerson has an unreal upside as a WR, and will be a great contributor on special teams. We did predict a receiver late in the draft though, in our first edition. So not bad.
 
badboy said:
I like cover guy that mirrors WR like McCain, Texans and many on MB want a near the line banger.
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I like cover guys too, but until last year, we weren't good enough upfront to let our CBs cover. If it weren't for Dunta Chris Brown would be able to turn the corner, when we played the Titans.

With Demeco, Cushing, & Diles... And Mario & Antonio playing the end like they are supposed to... I don't think it's as important to get that LOS corner.

Then again, If our ends would chip Dallas Clark on the way to the QB, I think it would go a long way for our pass defense.
 
thunderkyss said:
I like cover guys too, but until last year, we weren't good enough upfront to let our CBs cover. If it weren't for Dunta Chris Brown would be able to turn the corner, when we played the Titans.

With Demeco, Cushing, & Diles... And Mario & Antonio playing the end like they are supposed to... I don't think it's as important to get that LOS corner.

Then again, If our ends would chip Dallas Clark on the way to the QB, I think it would go a long way for our pass defense.
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Agreed...And it also depends on the type of defense you play...

Teams with penetrating D-linemen need people on the back end that are good at getting to ball carriers and bringing them down...
 
I read that Dickerson was listed at 6-4 238. If he gets down to 220, he's at Randy Moss size. HMMMMMMM.
 
DocBar said:
I read that Dickerson was listed at 6-4 238. If he gets down to 220, he's at Randy Moss size. HMMMMMMM.
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He is down to 230 lbs which is buy the way the weight AJ started out. The team wants him to get down to 220 lbs - the weight AJ is now.
 
JB said:
That is a pretty good article. Wth has gotten into Justice lately? He has written several good articles lately.

Must spread the rep... :pissed:
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I still won't click on justice's articles, but yes seems that he has written some decent articles (based on posts people have made) .. coincidence since the roundtable with anderson?
 
beerlover said:
still amazing to me we missed on Kareem Jackson in our collective mocks, he is ready made to start & key to his selection along with prioity need which was necessitated with loss of Dunta in free agency.

Dickerson is a project, can he follow in Andre Johnsons shoes? probably not but a big physical WR in the 7th round in a very strong class depth wise is not such a bad move. I still would have grabbed Blair White in the 7th (went undrafted) now trying to stick in a talented Peyton Manning corps of WR's.
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I had him as an early second rounder, but I still had him behind Haden, my boy McCourtey, and Wilson.
 
awtysst said:
I had him as an early second rounder, but I still had him behind Haden, my boy McCourtey, and Wilson.
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the thinking was we could trade down & still draft him or McCourtey.

Rutgers is a solid program they turn out solid prospects, well coached too but the Alabama program was probably as big of factor as any. I am one to agree increased playing exposure @ the highest level will only help increase the probablity for success going to the next level. upon reflection it makes perfect sense, just wish we had nailed it too :bubbles:
 
KJ is a much surer tackler than Haden, Thomas, Wilson, or McCourty.

I'm not sure I understand why he should not have a high ceiling.
The better a guy shows he can learn, the better (IMO) he can become in the NFL over the years.
(And KJ showed me that he improved quite a bit his senior season.)
 
painekiller said:
Ditto in my rankings of the CBs.
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I did not know a lot about him, and never saw him play except for the NCG. But some of the sites I follow had him as a first rounder. And some said he was the most NFL ready player at that position, just not quite as much upside.

I think he is the player the Texans needed, as they need help now. He may not be a pro bowler, but if he can cover a man for 3 seconds, he will be much better than what we had last year.
 
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