Houston Texans: Fighting for a roster spot

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Keshawn Martin (82) during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Keshawn Martin

The talk all offseason was about how the Texans would replace the production of wide receiver Andre Johnson, who is now a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

At the time, Keshawn Martin was one of the better receivers still on the roster. Fast forward a few months and he now finds himself behind DeAndre Hopkins, Nate Washington, Cecil Shorts III, Jaelen Strong and Keith Mumphery.

Those five are a sure bet to make the roster, meaning anyone else to crack the lineup has to prove they are worth going deep at receiver for. With most NFL teams sticking with five wide outs, a sixth player here needs to serve multiple roles.

Fortunately for the 4th round selection in 2012, that is what has kept him in Houston this long as he has been a good special teams player for the Texans.

However, the team struggled mightily in special teams during the 2014 season, meaning Martin now has to prove he can be better than he was during the previous campaign.

His biggest challengers as far as the return game goes would be undrafted rookie Chandler Worhty and recently re-signed Damaris Johnson.

Next: Can he ride the momentum