Houston Texans Positional Breakdown: Wide Receiver
By Randy Gurzi
Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin (82) during the game against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Keshawn Martin 5’11”, 194 Pounds, 25 Years Old
There will be several guys on the bubble this year, as there are several new additions to this position to go along with incumbent starter DeAndre Hopkins. Keshawn Martin is one of the most tenured guys who finds himself on the bottom of the numbers game.
Some Background Info;
Maritn was a fourth round selection in 2012 by the Texans and has recorded only 38 receptions in his three seasons for the team. He has really made his mark on the team as a return specialist. In his career he has an average of 8.9 yards per punt return with one touchdown and 25.1 yards on kickoff returns with four touchdowns.
The problem for Martin is that 2014 was a down year for him in both areas as he had career low averages on both returns with 6.2 on punt returns and 19.0 on kickoff returns.
What To Expect This Year;
Martin’s key to making the roster is by regaining the form that saw him net 947 yards and a touchdown on punt returns and 1,545 on kick run backs with two scores in 2013. Perhaps his biggest competition is Damaris Johnson, or maybe there will be a dark horse to come in and make both men replaceable.
If Martin makes it to the opening day roster, expect it to be as a return man only, and not someone who contributes to the passing game on Sundays.
There are also other receivers vying to make the team, but they have even higher hills to climb to do so. Players such as 5’9″ 183 pound Travis Labhart who is entering his second season, but has yet to record an NFL catch as he spent all season on the practice squad after being undrafted in 2014 out of Texas A&M.
Also undrafted from Texas A&M, entering his third season is Uzoma Nwachukwu. With one year left of practice squad eligibility, his time to make an impression on the coaches is winding down.