2015 Texans Roster Preview

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) is unable to make a reception during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive skill players (Running Backs, Tight Ends, Receivers)

Let’s start with the running back situation. Alfred Blue is the de-facto starter due to Arian Foster‘s injury, but don’t expect him to have a 30 carry per game workload. I think that Chris Polk has caught the coaches eye, and not only did he easily make this roster, he will get his share of carries. Polk is an excellent receiver out of the backfield as well and don’t be surprised if his number is called upon in certain situations instead of Blue.

Jonathan Grimes is a steady performer who will probably see the bulk of his action in short yardage and goal line situations. Fullback Jay Prosch has been anything but impressive. I’m honestly shocked that he made this roster. He has fumbling issues and I’ve seen him fail to pick up blitzing linebackers on numerous occasions.

The Tight Ends are a surprisingly good bunch of players. Garrett Graham, C.J. Fiedorowicz and Ryan Griffin are a solid unit and will produce more than expected this season. All of these guys have various skill sets that fits well into the scheme of this offense. All are good pass blockers as well which will really help this struggling offensive line.

As for receivers, there really isn’t much to say about wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, besides that opposing defensive backs should consider benching themselves from their fantasy rosters when they are matched up against this guy. Hopkins is clearly ready to move into not only the number one receiver slot in this offense, I think that he is poised for a huge elite receiver type year.

Cecil Shorts will start the season as the 2nd receiver, and Nate Washington will be the slot receiver. The interesting story of this group however is Jaelen Strong. He will get his opportunities to show that he can catch and hold on to passes in traffic. Expect a season-long position battle for the 2nd wide receiver spot, and several line up changes in the process.

As for depth, I think that Keith Mumphrey has made a case to have his number called upon as well. He’s a steady possession receiver who seemed to get better with every rep in practice.

Last but not least, the Keyshawn Martin show is like the horror movie that refuses to end. Martin has dropped passes repeatedly, and if he were offered an endorsement deal then the logo of his products should be a silhouette of a player signaling for a fair catch.

I’m just going to be blunt here, Martin looks like he’s trying to catch lava rocks from a jugs machine when he’s out there. I thought Martin had better odds to land somewhere on the depth chart as a staff writer for Toro Times than he does for this team. I’m still scratching my head about seeing him on this roster.