usually down to a couple days before the draft there is more crystallization as to who teams favor or likely to go with not as much this year. those of us who do this on a season long, continual basis are probably guilty of over analyzing process as well. Trying to break down a particular position of need like WR has been daunting to say the least. To me there are two principles in play, one the notion the difference between the top 6 or 7 receivers is not so great that you can still acquire similar talent even if you trade down & choose one later in the 2nd. The other is you take the BPA for position of greatest need which is another weapon for Schaub who can separate.
after thoroughly reviewing tape, potential, workouts, character on & off the field issues & best fit for system, Justin Hunter, to my surprise, easily emerged as the clear winner. In fact the gap between him & the next WR is greater & therefore warrants selecting him #27 instead of trading down because if you do trade down you pass on the best shot Texans have to upgrade position opposite Andre Johnson. Listening to Barry Warner when driving home from work tonight & he started talking about Terrance Williams, Quinton Patton as products of their system & not being ready, at least as rookies to impact immediately. Wheaten is just a more polished Keshawn Martin who at least has his rookie season under his belt so you can cross him off your list as well. Austin may be the first WR off the board in a battle with Patterson so don't expect those two to be hanging around mid to late 20's.
BIG THREE
Keenan Allen- does not have the speed Texans covet but uses all his supreme athletic talent to add yards after the catch. His recent injury & rehab aside it's difficult for me to sign off on him with Posey most likely starting season on PUP. Would be worth the wait if available.
DeAndre Hopkins- another big soft hands catcher like Keenan with good core strength. healthy no injury hampering him so has ability to impact early on in the NFL, plays bigger that size but of the three may be the biggest diva. Character concerns to Texans, maybe & also maybe the 3rd WR taken off the board in the first round before Texans select.
Justin Hunter- Best combination of size & speed in this whole class. Should be fully 100% after his acl two years ago expect his speed & confidence to climb. Will have adjustment period, but can develop into a red zone go to guy for Schaub & earn his reps, especially effective with his size & leaping ability on fade routes. He is a home run all around for Texans #27 both in terms of bpa, value & need.
DARK HORSE
Robert Woods- Consummate teammate who is accustomed to being a true #2 & probably always will be in the NFL so don't get hopes up as a #1 WR for the future. What you do get is immediate production has played in a pro style offense so is polished & can run entire pro route tree, has speed, decent size, some durability concerns with his shoulder but a willing blocker. Would come in & upgrade #2 WR over departed Kevin Walter.
All are worthy of the 27th selection, but clearly the best shot, most realistic too is Justin Hunter -
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-netwo...0000154393/2013-Combine-workout-Justin-Hunter
