Yardbarker
x
Houston Texans Urged to Add WR with ‘Track Speed’ for C.J. Stroud
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans don’t have a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, following a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, but that doesn’t mean the franchise won’t be adding a possible game-changer to quarterback C.J. Stroud‘s supporting cast.

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has emerged as a game-changing talent, and Tank Dell was in the midst of an electrifying rookie campaign before suffering a season-ending injury.

But, given that rising star quarterback C.J. Stroud is still on his rookie contract, don’t expect the Houston Texans to stop adding weapons to his arsenal anytime soon.

According to Pro Football Focus, Michigan standout wide receiver Roman Wilson is the ‘perfect fit’ for the Texans in the upcoming NFL Draft.

“Wilson can be a flanker/slot who brings legitimate track speed to the Texans’ corps,” Brad Spielberger writes for PFF. “With his 12 receptions on passes 20-plus yards downfield in 2023 a top-25 mark in college football. This is despite playing in a run-first offense that often didn’t need to push the ball downfield thanks to early leads and a tenacious defense closing out games.

“An element of Wilson’s game that offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik will love is his clear emphasis on run blocking, never taking a rep off and making it a point of pride to clear rushing lanes for his running backs. Houston loaded up on defense this offseason after loading up on the offensive line last offseason, and while they could still stand to add talent to the secondary, another pass catcher to complement their current group wouldn’t hurt.”

If Wilson slides out of the first round and falls to the Texans at No. 42, he could be tailor-made to elevate Houston’s offense in 2024, and beyond.

Roman Wilson NFL Draft Scouting Report

Wilson emerged as a focal point of the Wolverine’s passing game, during Michigan’s march to the national championship in 2023.

Last season, Wilson pulled down 48 receptions for 789 yards and 12 touchdowns, while averaging 16.4 yards per reception, despite playing in Michigan’s run-heavy scheme.

“I don’t think most people realize what he would have done in a wide-open offense like Ohio State or Washington. He’s got rare speed and you will see it more in the NFL when he’s a bigger part of the passing game,” an NFC scout told NFL.com.

Ahead of this year’s draft, PFF credits Wilson with an elite 2-percent drop rate, while pointing out he averages a solid 4.6 yards after the catch per reception, which could make him an asset and a chains-mover for Stroud and the Texans.

“In a different receiver class, Wilson would be much higher on these rankings,” PFF points out. “He not only brings NFL-level speed but also NFL-level determination at the catch point and when blocking. His tape shows a player coaches would love to have.”

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.