5 Things To Watch For In Houston Texans OTA’s
Sep 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
2. Wide Receiver Depth Chart
With the departure of longtime starter Andre Johnson, the wide receiver position also becomes more interesting. DeAndre Hopkins is clearly the number 1 guy, but who will start on the other side?
One option is Cecil Shorts. The former Jacksonville Jaguar has been very solid in the past few seasons, and was highly underrated while being stuck in a miserable offense. He has veteran experience, but is still young enough to be explosive.
Number 2 on the depth chart isn’t the only position to watch. The Texans acquired another in-division player in former Tennessee Titan Nate Washington, and drafted Jaelen Strong in the third round. Plus, Damaris Johnson was resigned this offseason. All three are in the running for the slot position.
3. The Rookies
One of the things I am most excited to see in OTAs on Wednesday is how the rookies handle being there next to the veterans. They got a glimpse of what it’s like to be in an NFL camp a few weeks ago, but practicing with the whole team will be an entirely different experience.
Kevin Johnson is going to come in and compete at cornerback. The two starting outside positions may be locked down, but he should compete as the slot corner against A.J. Bouye.
Benardrick McKinney showed potential running defensive plays with the rookies, but how will he handle leading the vets as well? Watching him compete next to Brian Cushing should be a blast.
We already talked about WR Jaelen Strong, but how will 5th rounder Keith Mumphery fit in? Will he be returning punts, or playing in the slot? We should also finally get to see Reshard Cliett in action and figure out how he fits this Texans defense. Watching a thumping running back like Kenny Hilliard should also be intriguing.
And that’s only the ones that got drafted. Many other rookies will get the chance to prove that the belong and attempt to make the final roster for this season.