Top Five Impact Players For Texans In 2015

Sep 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (84) receives a pass while being covered by Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) during the first half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Number Four – Cecil Shorts III, Wide Receiver

Cecil Shorts III was another free agent acquisition that made little noise throughout the NFL, but could be a game-changer for the Houston Texans.

Shorts had 53 catches last season in Jacksonville and had 174 in his last three seasons (he only had two as a rookie in 2011). At 27 years old, Shorts is another player that has youth on his side and came in at a small price for the team, two years and $6 million.

Shorts discussed how he feels he can be used as both an inside and outside receiver for the Texans this season;

"“I think it fits in pretty well,” mentioned Shorts of how his abilities align with the Texans. “I love the scheme they have here and the system they have on the offensive side of the ball. It’s a lot more complex than what I’m used to, but just a little studying to get it down. I’m excited just to move around in the offense and get things going.”"

In the same article by P.D. Starr of Scout.com, he quotes head coach Bill O’Brien, who admits that this offseason wasn’t the first time he noticed the playmaking ability Shorts has.

"“Cecil is a very bright guy. I remember Cecil when he was coming out of Mount Union when I was in New England taking a looking at him. He’s a professional and he’s done a good job coming in here.”"

A very under-the-radar signing, that could net big gains. If Cecil can avoid the nagging injuries that slowed his progress in Jacksonville, he could be a huge threat for Houston as he takes pressure off star running back Arian Foster and top wide out DeAndre Hopkins.

Next: Number Three