Nov 10, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals free safety
Rashad Johnson(26) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver DeVier Posey (11) during the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Arizona won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Texans have gone all offseason without veteran wide receiver Andre Johnson due to his resistance to wanting to be a part of the new-look Texans team.
With Johnson, a sure future Hall of Famer away from the team, and possibly likely to never play for the Texans again, it is time to start looking at what receivers on this team will step up or have the possibility to step up this season.
Including Johnson, there are 12 wide receivers currently on the Texans’ roster. There are seven receivers on this team who are either entering their second season in the NFL or are rookies.
Two receivers are beginning their third season, and one will be starting his sixth season in the NFL.
Mike Thomas is currently the elder statesman on the roster as he’ll be beginning his sixth season, followed by DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin starting year three of their stay in the NFL.
Two-year players will be Alan Bonner, DeAndre Hopkins, Alec Lemon and Uzoma Nwachukwu. Rookies are Kofi Hughes, Travis Labhart and Anthony McClung.
Besides Hopkins, which one of these receivers will step up and be the No. 2 if Johnson is either traded, released or sits out?
If Hopkins does become the No. 1 wide out on this club, I think next in line will be Posey, if he can stay healthy.
Posey (6-1, 210 pounds) played his college football at Ohio State (he was a third-round choice), but injuries have hampered his progression in the NFL this far, tearing his ACL last season. Last season, he had just 15 receptions for 155 yards, averaging 10.3 yards per reception and no touchdowns.
The Houston Chronicle’s Ultimate Texans blog quoted Posey talking about the opportunity:
"“As a young core, just to come in and learn the offense. And at the same time, to work on our individual skills to help the team win. It’s an opportunity for all of us.”"
The 24-year old has played in 25 regular-season games combined the past two seasons, with his rookie season seeing him have 11 games of action but just six receptions for 87 yards. That season, he did average 14.5 yards per reception.
Posey in 2013 saw his last reception come in Week 14, where he had one catch for nine yards. His best game was Week 7, where he had a 42-yard reception.
I honestly believe Posey does have the ability to become a better wide receiver than what he has shown thus far in the NFL, but he’s going to have to start reaching that potential for him to be a success for the Texans.
Posey does have talent, but this season, being year three, it is time for that talent to turn into results, especially with the potential absence of Johnson looming to be a permanent absence with the Texans.