Houston Texans Rookie Review: Vyncint Smith & Steve Mitchell

The Houston Texans were forced to rely on their undrafted free agent wide receivers down the stretch of the NFL season.

The Houston Texans signed Division II wide receiver Vyncint Smith from Limestone College after the 2018 NFL Draft concluded. At 6-foot-3, Smith was a raw prospect going into the NFL, but he offered intriguing at such physical position. Smith ran a 4.36 40 yard dash in his Pro Day, and it was evident to the coaches and fans throughout training camp and the preseason games.

Smith showed his potential in the preseason as a vertical threat, through four preseason games as he had four receptions for 94 receiving yards and a touchdown reception. Although a small sample size in the preseason, he averaged 23.5 yards a reception. His promising preseason allowed him to beat 2016 former third-rounder Braxton Miller.

Smith was in a reserve role throughout the majority of the regular season but injuries to Will Fuller and Demaryius Thomas opened up the opportunity for more playing time in the offense. Smith finished the season appearing in 7 games and starting the final game of the regular season. He had five receptions for 91 receiving yards, a touchdown, and averaging 18.2 receiving yards per reception.

His inexperience in the NFL kept him from making an impact in the playoffs, but his ability to be a vertical threat in the passing game is an important attribute to have in the NFL. Smith has the upside to be a good backup receiver for Fuller in the passing game.

Texans also promoted undrafted wide receiver from USC, Steven Mitchell, to the active roster after Thomas was lost for the season due to an Achilles injury. Mitchell only played in the final game in the regular season against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but had no big plays outside of a pass interference he drew deep in Jaguars territory.

Both players are currently under contract and will form part of the Texans 90 man roster as they head into the 2019 NFL offseason.