Aug 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans receiver Chandler Worthy (6) runs after a reception in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Chandler Worthy
Like Keshawn Martin earlier, rookie wide out Chandler Worthy needs to really turn heads to convince the team he is valuable enough to take up a sixth roster spot at the wide receiver position. Fellow rookie Keith Mumphery has looked serviceable as a return man, so the team would probably be content to go with five receivers, unless someone can show them something special.
For the undrafted kid from Troy, that’s something he could potentially provide. He’s an undersized receiver at 5’8″ and 176 pounds, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed.
Worthy posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.38 during his pro day. That kind of speed can turn the tide of a game in a heartbeat on special teams.
For Worthy though he has to prove he can be consistent. He has looked good at times during the preseason, while also struggling to field the ball at other times. Overall he averages 24 yards per return on kickoffs to lead the team, but trails Mumphery in punt return average, 12.7 yards to 8.4 yards.
As for playing receiver, Worthy needs a lot of work there. In the game against New Orleans he caught his first touchdown pass, but it was only his third reception during these three games, and he averages under ten yards per grab.
What that means is in order for him to make the roster, he has to show some explosiveness in the return game. Unless he can prove to be head and shoulders ahead of Mumphery in this area, Worthy may find himself on the chopping block come Saturday.
Next: Undersized, but full of drive