Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Wide Receiver

Dec 7, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) carries the ball against the New York Giants during the second half at LP Field. The Giants beat the Titans 36-7. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Washington 6’1″, 183 Pounds, 31 Years Old

The Tennessee Titans saw one of their guys leave and come over to Houston this offseason, as the Texans brought in the veteran Nate Washington. He will be 32 before the season starts, and while he is a good receiver, this move seems to be in opposition of their current youth movement.

Some Background Info;

Washington has always been a little underrated in my opinion as he seemed to have always come up with big receptions for the Pittsburgh Steelers early in his career, even if his stats weren’t the type to fly off the page.

He has posted one 1,00 yard season, which he did in Tennessee in 2011 when he recorded his best year as a pro with 74 receptions for 1,023 yards and seven scores.

An undrafted free agent who now has 411 catches for 6,296 yards and 40 career touchdowns. Washington provides a savvy veteran who has a career average of more than 15 yards per catch.

What To Expect This Year;

I had a hard time understanding this move after the team had already brought in Cecil Shorts, but in all honesty, Washington may be a more reliable player than Shorts, even at his advanced age. While he only played one game his rookie year, he has suited up for all 16 games for both Pittsburgh and Tennessee since the 2006 season.

That is 144 straight games played for the Tiffin College product, compared to Shorts who has never played more than 13 games in a single season.

Nate slowed down last year with 40 catches for 647 yards and two scores, and may struggle to put up similar stats this year simply because of the players around him. While he is more durable than Shorts, the age may be a factor as well as the young additions the team made in the draft.

Making the roster may be an uphill battle for the veteran as he may be a victim of the numbers game for Houston, who most likely will keep only five receivers and they have added two draft picks this season.

Next: Possibly The Steal Of The Draft