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An in Depth Look at our WRs and the WRs of the 2012 NFL Draft

The one position that lacks talent ( except for one player that has enough talent for an entire receiving corps) and depth is wide receiver. Kevin Walter has been a fine WR2 for this team, he has done everything that he has needed to do ( be open over the middle, block and most importantly, actually catch the ball) and has also made some very good plays over the years. However he is not the answer for the future. Andre Johnson is the only talented receiver on our roster and it seems the only position Gary Kubiak can't get a nobody and turn him into a player is wide receiver. Andre Johnson has been the only very good or better receiver in franchise history. I think Kubiak needs to have some actual talent at WR because it seems he hasn't molded WRs ( Dorin Dickerson, Jacoby Jones, ETC) like other positions on offense. So here is my take on the WR in the 2012 draft.

1. Justin Blackmon: Oklahoma State University, JR

Measurables: 6-1, 215 lbs, 40: 4.54

Strengths: Hands, Route Running, Work Ethic

Weaknesses: Blocking, Might be a System Player

Verdict: Blackmon is probably the safest WR in the draft. No off-field issues, good work ethic and talented. However he does not have the upside that even some of the other WRs in this draft have. He does not have blazing speed compared to other receivers and isn't even as fast as some receivers fifteen pounds heavier than him. He does run very good NFL routes and has a very good pair of hands but he isn't big, tall and fast ( Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson) and he isn't Big, Tall and a sick pair of hands ( AJ Green, Larry Fitzgerald). Justin Blackmon will be good and has a very high floor but just how tall is his ceiling?

Projected Round: Top 10 Pick

2. Michael Floyd: Notre Dame, SR

Measurables: 6-3, 224 lbs, 40: 4.54

Strengths: Hands, Size, Route Running

Weaknesses: Character, Drops

Verdict: The only thing holding Michael Floyd back right now is a couple DUIs and a slightly better 40 time. Floyd really is a bigger and taller Justin Blackmon. The difference is Blackmon is a very good member of the community and plays in a more pass-happy system. Floyd has a higher ceiling than Blackmon because of his height but he could really go the way of Adam " Pac-Man" Jones and be a complete bust.

Projected Round: Top 20 Pick

3. Alshon Jeffery: South Carolina, JR

COLUMBIA, SC - OCTOBER 08:  Alshon Jeffery #1 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates runs with the ball during their game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Williams-Brice Stadium on October 8, 2011 in Columbia, South Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)Measurables: 6-4, 229 lbs, 40: 4.5

Strengths: Size, Hands

Weaknesses: Slow Burst, Work Ethic, Route Running, Character Issues ( fight in his last collegiate game)

Verdict: To be honest I think their is more chance Jeffery busts than Floyd. When looking his name up on other scouting services I see the word fat, overweight, slow and poor route running far too often and the only consolation offered is tall and big. I do not want to see him holding a Texans jersey on the first day of the NFL Draft.

Projected Round: 1st

T4. Kendall Wright: Baylor University, SR

Measurables: 5-10, 190 lbs, 40: 4.42

Strengths: Speed, Burst

Weaknesses: Occasional Drops, Size

Verdict: I do like Wright as a prospect, especially if he turns in a better 40 at the combine ( I believe he will). However he is not what Houston needs at the moment so I won't delve deeper into the subject. Quite Frankly we don't need a slot receiver right now, we need someone who reminds us that the WR2 position isn't just an over glorified blocker or kick returner.

Projected Round: 1st

T4. Dwight Jones: North Carolina University, SR

Measurables: 6-4, 225 lbs, 40: 4.53

Strengths: Size, Burst, Route Running

Weaknesses: Occasional Drops

Verdict: I really like him. He is a quality receiver in an offense similar to our own. He is big, he is reportedly faster than his current 40 and he can run routes. He is the next best all around receiver after Michael Floyd but doesn't bring the off-field issues. He would definitely be worth a first round pick if it comes to that.

Projected Round: 1-2

T4. Mohamed Sanu: Rutgers, JR

Measurables: 6-2, 215 lbs, 40 4.5

Strengths: Hands, Route Running, Character, Work Ethic

Weaknesses: Lacks Elite Speed

Verdict: I really like Sanu too. His coach describes him as a selfless player with a good work ethic. He has good hands and is a good route runner. He is actually a receive and not just an athlete. I love the kind of value him and Jones bring.

Projected Round: 1-2

Comparisons: Height Weight 40 Time Projected Round

Justim Blackmon: 6-1, 215 lbs, 40: 4.54, Top 10

Michael Floyd: 6-3, 224 lbs, 40: 4.54, Top 20

Alshon Jeffery: 6-4, 229 lbs, 40: 4.50, 1st

Kendall Wright: 5-10, 190 lbs, 40: 4.42, 1st

Dwight Jones: 6-4, 225 lbs, 40:4.53, 1-2

Mohamed Sanu: 6-2, 215 lbs, 40 4.50, 1-2

So what should we do? My personal preference is our first round pick be traded or be used on BPA. Then we wait for Jones or Sanu to be drafted, then we take whichever is left. They are both phenomenally underrated. I personally like Sanu slightly more than Jones because of his work ethic and character and being an overall receiver but Jones looks like he could be the next Andre because of his size.