Houston Texans Draft Series: WR Josh Doctson
Our draft series takes a look at another wide receiver. Could the former Horned Frog Josh Doctson benefit the Houston Texans?
With a 6-foot-4-inch frame, 32 inch arms and massive hands, former TCU wide receiver Josh Doctson has everything NFL scouts dreams about.
The 2015 Biletnikoff Award finalist is one of the least talked about players at his position in the 2016 NFL Draft Class. He has late first round talent as ESPN’s Todd McShay has him going to the Minnesota Vikings with the No. 23 pick. The Texans currently hold the No. 22 overall pick so the possibility of Doctson still being available is really high. With the availability of Doctson, the question arises – would Doctson be a good fit with the Houston Texans?
Doctson, 23, is known for being a deep threat and he has the numbers to prove it. During his time at Texas Christian University, Doctson finished his four year collegiate career with a school record 2,785 receiving yards and 29 touchdown catches, shattering former Horned Frog Josh Boyce’s previous record of 22. He also compiled 180 receptions, which ranks second in the school’s record books.
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Including his freshman season at Wyoming, Doctson finished his college career with a total of 3,178 receiving yards, 215 receptions and 34 touchdowns in 47 games.
When looking at Doctson, people have to keep two serious red flags in mind… his ability to beat press coverage and his strength. In college, Doctson played in an offense that created plenty of space for him to work in, he rarely saw press coverage, and with cornerbacks slowly evolving into a taller and stronger position, Doctson will have to prove he has what it takes to beat the press. As for his physique, Doctson has great height, but is lacking the necessary muscle to play at the next level. He is also recovering from a broken wrist he suffered in early November.
Weaknesses: Tall but needs to add more muscle in order to prepare for physical cornerbacks, needs a greater commitment as a blocker, out-breaking routes are rounded and obvious.
Strengths: Consistent in play speed, excellent explosion off the ball, can make plays after the catch, shifty with his vertical routs, has the ability to climb the ladder and catch the ball at the highest point.
"“I think he’ll be a receiver that people start to find problems with and then he’ll get 65-70 catches by Year two or three. He can really go get it when the ball is in the air. Those guys aren’t easy to find.” — NFC area scout"
Doctson’s highlight reel is filled with plays that closely resemble the likes of a certain pro bowl wide receiver – Cincinnati Bengals’ very own A.J. Green.
Combine Results
Josh Doctson’s 2016 combine was stellar as he made the most out of his drills. Although some scouts questioned his 40 yard dash time and bench press, (4.50 sec/14 reps), he was the combine’s top performer in four out of the seven drills. He was the top performer in the vertical jump (41.0 inches), the broad jump (131.0 inches) and both the 20 yard shuttle (4.08 sec) and the 60 yard shuttle (11.06 sec). Doctson is an athletic monster which is a major plus at the wide receiver position.
Where he fits with the Texans
Houston is in desperate need of a No. 2 wide receiver. Nate Washington signed with the New England Patriots over the offseason, Cecil Shorts III is trending downward in his productivity and is entering a contract year, Jaelen Strong is still working out some kinks in his game and questions are surrounding Keith Mumphery and his ability to play at the NFL level. Drafting Doctson would add youth and athleticism to the Texans’ wide receiving core, and his deep threat ability could ease some pressure and attention off of No. 1 wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.
Is he worth a pick?
Josh Doctson would be a great fit with the Houston Texans. He has the potential to be a highly productive receiver with good height and his ability to take the top off the defense is unprecedented. Doctson, like every other rookie, just needs some work. If given the chance, he would be a solid No. 2 wide receiver in any offense. If players such as: Notre Dame’s Will Fuller, Baylor’s Corey Coleman and Ole Miss’ Laquon Treadwill are already off the board when it comes time for the Texans to pick at No. 22, Doctson would be a wise choice and should be considered.
Just imagine Doctson lining up opposite of Hopkins… now that’s a scary duo.