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Leading up to the 2016 NFL draft, word on the street was the Houston Texans were all in on Baylor wideout Corey Coleman. The Texans had the 21st pick and as long as they played their cards right, they’d get their man.
Then, the Cleveland Browns stepped in and snatched up Coleman with the 15th selection. Coleman was injured in training camp, then suffered not one, but two broken bones in his hands during the season. He’s since bounced around the league and only started in 27 of the possible 48 games of his career.
With the 21st pick, the Texans turned to Notre Dame product Will Fuller V, a virtual unknown to Texans fans. While many bemoaned allowing the Cleveland Browns to get Coleman (sound familiar?) Fuller has been far more productive, albeit almost equally injured.
In the same span, Fuller has only started 30 games. However, that’s where the stats diverge greatly.
In his 27 games, Corey Coleman has put up 61 catches and gained 789 receiving yards, scoring 5 touchdowns through the air.
In his 30 games, Will Fuller V has 107 catches, 1561 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns - not including the electric punt return touchdown his rookie year.
WIll Fuller V Punt Return Touchdown
DeShaun Watson to WIll Fuller V for six!
There’s no doubt the Deshaun Watson to Will Fuller V connection is deadly to opposing defenses. While most can’t stop him, Fuller’s own body has become his worst enemy.
With the hiring of ex-Texan Brian Cushing into the strength and conditioning department, maybe Fuller’s off season conditioning can help prevent further injury this year. If so, the combo of Fuller and Deandre Hopkins, along with Houston’s revitalized Tight End group should make the offense exciting, electric and seemingly unstoppable.
Of the 46 players with 10 receiving TDs over the past two seasons, Will Fuller's 8.1 targets per touchdown is the second most efficient rate behind @PFF_Buccaneers' O.J. Howard's 7.5. pic.twitter.com/EjjcJ5n17n
— PFF HOU Texans (@PFF_Texans) June 28, 2019
That’s the big “if”, however, if Fuller can remain healthy. Should he be able to, you can expect him to put up over 1000 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns and a whole lot more amazing highlight reel plays.
What do you think? Is this the year Fuller finally breaks out? Still wish Houston had drafted Coleman (or someone else)? Expect another half season’s production from Fuller this year? Give us your take in the comments section.