Houston Texans camp: who to watch on offense

Nov 9, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (84) breaks through the Dallas Cowboys defence during the second half of the game Dallas Cowboys and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts were both brought over from divisional rivals during the offseason. Both also have a chance to be on the field as the starting wide receiver opposite starting wide out DeAndre Hopkins.

Shorts seems to be the favorite due to being four years younger than Washington. Yet, despite his age, Shorts has seemed more like the beat up veteran as he has never played a full 16 game season.

What he has done is average over 13 yards per catch and score 12 touchdowns in four seasons on a very bad roster. Shorts has a chance to prove that he is still the player who burst onto the scene in 2012 with 979 yards and seven touchdowns on only 55 catches.

That 17.8 yard per reception season flashed some of the big play potential Shorts has. Many fans are now anxious to see what he can do with a true number one receiver opposite him and a quarterback who throws it near him (sorry Chad Henne).

Dec 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Brice McCain (21) breaks up a pass intended for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nate Washington (85) during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

As for Washington, the question is whether or not he can continue his great streak of durability, as he has never missed a game since becoming a regular contributor in 2006. With more than 15 yards per catch for his career, Washington should stretch the field more for the Texans than many would think.

The preseason should be a great time for the veteran player to showcase his skill set which includes deceptive speed and very sure hands. Most importantly keep an eye on how much his veteran presence could mean to such a young receiving corps looking for leaders on the field and in the locker room.

Next: An improved tight end could be huge for this offense