Houston Texans: 4 offensive players who need to improve this season

Will Fuller #15 of the Houston Texans (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Will Fuller #15 of the Houston Texans (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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Houston Texans, Will Fuller
Will Fuller #15 of the Houston Texans – (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Houston Texans who need to improve: No. 1: Will Fuller

The player who gains the most significant opportunity to be a star with the trade of Hopkins is Will Fuller. The 21st overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft has shown flashes of brilliance in his four seasons mixed in with a lot of games where he was barely a factor.

He has eight games with more than 100 yards receiving, including a 14-catch, 214-yard, three-touchdown game against the Falcons last year. He also has 16 games of two receptions or less. He has 16 career touchdowns, but only three came in 2019, and all of those were in that Falcons game.

His best outings reveal his unlimited potential:

  • 2019, week five – 14 catches, 214 yards, three touchdowns
  • 2019, week 11 – seven catches, 140 yards
  • 2018, week two – five catches, 113 yards, one touchdown
  • 2017, week seven – five catches, 125 yards, two touchdowns
  • 2018, week eight – five catches, one touchdown

It is clear; Fuller can impact a game in a big way. The question becomes if he can become THE GUY with Hopkins no longer around to take up all of the attention of opposing secondaries.

He also has to stay healthy. Over the last three seasons, he has played in only 26 games. If he wants to be Watson’s primary target, he needs to stay on the field.

It’s clear Fuller has all the tools to be a number one wide receiver. Now is his chance to prove it to his quarterback and his organization. He doesn’t necessarily have to match Hopkins’ production since that is a lot to ask, but he does need to move forward in his development.

Next. How losing DeAndre Hopkins hurts the Houston Texans in 2020. dark

If these four players can improve their skills and overall games, and make much more significant impacts than they have over past seasons, the Houston Texans and Deshaun Watson won’t have to worry about their offense.