Bernie Wilson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 11:47 pm GMT
The Houston Texans have rapidly evolved since their establishment in 2002, now standing as the youngest team in the NFL. In just over two decades, they have produced remarkable talent, particularly among wide receivers. With the recent induction of Andre Johnson into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024, the Texans’ receiving corps is receiving renewed attention. Johnson’s legacy is complemented by other skilled players, creating a robust list of notable wide receivers.
Top 5 Houston Texans Wide Receivers of All Time
As the Texans continue to develop their team, ranking their top wide receivers invites discussions about past achievements and future potential. Here’s a look at the top five wide receivers in Texans history based on career statistics and impact on the team.
1. Andre Johnson
Arguably the best player in Texans history, Andre Johnson was drafted as the third overall pick in 2003. His achievements include:
- Career Stats: 1,012 receptions, 13,597 yards, 64 touchdowns
- Pro Bowls: Seven selections as a Texan
- First-Team All-Pro: Two times (2008 and 2009)
- Franchise Records: Still holds all Texans records in receptions, yards, and touchdowns
Johnson missed a 1,000-yard season as a rookie by just 24 yards. His prolific tenure spanned 12 seasons in Houston, including dominant performances in the late 2000s that propelled him to the top of the league’s receiving charts.
2. DeAndre Hopkins
Following in Johnson’s footsteps, DeAndre Hopkins was drafted 27th overall in 2013. His time with the Texans saw him break numerous records:
- Career Stats with Texans: 632 receptions, 8,602 yards, 54 touchdowns
- Pro Bowls: Four selections
- First-Team All-Pro: Three times
Hopkins made a significant impact in his rookie season playing alongside Johnson, setting the stage for his explosive breakout in subsequent years. He consistently led the team in receiving while establishing himself as one of the premier wide receivers in the league.
3. Kevin Walter
Walter may not have the same fame as Johnson or Hopkins, but he played a key role in the Texans’ early success. Some highlights of his career include:
- Career Stats: 326 receptions, 4,083 yards, 24 touchdowns
- Tenure: Seven seasons as a starter with the Texans
Walter was an integral part of the Texans offense, contributing significantly during his time. His numbers, while overshadowed by the stars around him, place him third among Texans wide receivers.
4. Will Fuller
Although his career with the Texans was riddled with injuries, Will Fuller showcased explosive playmaking ability. Key stats include:
- Career Stats: 209 receptions, 3,110 yards, 24 touchdowns
- Impact: Known for his big-play capability and deep-threat potential
Fuller’s ability to stretch defenses added a critical dimension to the Texans’ offense when he was healthy. His limited appearances highlight what could have been a more prominent standing on the list had he remained injury-free.
5. Brandin Cooks
Cooks made a substantial impact during his relatively short time with Houston. His achievements include:
- Career Stats with Texans: 228 receptions, 2,886 yards, 15 touchdowns
- Performance: Notable for consistent yardage and production during his tenure from 2020 to 2022
As a skilled receiver, Cooks provided the Texans with a strong offensive weapon and consistently ranked high in receptions and yardage.
Future Stars
The Texans are also cultivating a new generation of wide receivers, with players like Nico Collins and Tank Dell showing promise. Here are some statistics pointing to their potential:
- Nico Collins:
– After three seasons, he currently ranks eighth all-time in Texans’ receiving yards.
– A strong 2024 season could propel him into the top five.
- Tank Dell:
– Had an impressive rookie season with 709 yards, placing him in the top 25 for the franchise.
As the Texans develop these young talents, they may soon find themselves among the ranks of the all-time greats in team history.
Evolution of the Texans’ Receiving Corps
Since their inception in 2002, the Houston Texans have steadily built a competitive roster, and their wide receiver talent has been a key aspect of the team’s growth. What started as a young franchise with no legacy or veteran leadership quickly evolved into a team capable of producing elite receiving talent. A closer look at the evolution of the Texans’ passing game reflects how pivotal their wide receivers have been to the team’s progress.
Early on, the Texans struggled to establish an offensive identity, relying heavily on defense and the running game. However, the acquisition of Andre Johnson in 2003 marked a turning point. His consistent dominance, paired with his ability to make plays despite double teams, allowed the team to transition into a more balanced and dangerous offense.
How the Texans Built a Legacy Through Wide Receivers
The Texans have had a knack for drafting or trading for wide receivers with the ability to impact games. Beyond Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins, each receiver in the team’s history has contributed to building a culture of high-level performance.
Kevin Walter’s gritty play style embodied the workmanlike mentality the Texans have long embraced. Though Walter was never the top option, his reliability and toughness made him a fan favorite and helped the Texans develop a competitive offense. This kind of complementary player allowed the likes of Johnson and Hopkins to shine, and it illustrates the Texans’ commitment to balance within their receiving corps.
Will Fuller’s addition brought another dimension—speed and deep-threat potential. When healthy, Fuller’s ability to stretch defenses was unmatched, adding a dynamic layer to the Texans’ attack. His connection with quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson showcased how the Texans adapted their schemes to maximize their receivers’ strengths.
The Impact of Quarterbacks on Wide Receiver Success
The success of a wide receiver is closely tied to quarterback play, and the Texans have experienced various levels of consistency at that position. Despite enduring instability at quarterback over the years, with multiple players starting for the team, the wide receivers consistently put up impressive numbers. This is a testament not only to the individual talent of the players but also to the coaching staff’s ability to utilize these weapons effectively.
Matt Schaub’s tenure, for instance, was highlighted by the productive connection with Andre Johnson, making the duo one of the most formidable quarterback-receiver combinations in the league at the time. The arrival of Deshaun Watson in 2017 injected new life into the franchise, allowing receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller to thrive in a more explosive offensive system.
Key Moments in Texans Wide Receiver History
Several defining moments have shaped the Texans’ wide receiver legacy. One such instance was Andre Johnson’s iconic performance in a 2009 game against the Tennessee Titans, where he recorded over 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns, cementing his reputation as one of the best receivers in the league.
Another pivotal moment was DeAndre Hopkins’ legendary “Hail Mary” catch against the Buffalo Bills in 2020, a play that showcased his spectacular hands and body control. Though Hopkins eventually left the team, his time in Houston was filled with unforgettable highlights that added to the Texans’ lore.
The Next Generation: Building for the Future
As the Texans look to rebuild their roster and return to playoff contention, the development of young wide receivers will play a key role. Nico Collins, for instance, has shown glimpses of becoming a reliable target, with his size and physicality creating mismatches for defenders. His steady improvement suggests that he could become the next cornerstone of the Texans’ receiving corps, potentially emulating the legacy left by Johnson and Hopkins.
Similarly, rookie Tank Dell has already flashed his potential. His route-running precision and speed give him the tools to evolve into a game-changing player for Houston. Should he continue his upward trajectory, Dell could become a focal point of the Texans’ passing attack in the coming years.
The Role of Coaching in Wide Receiver Development
It’s not just about the talent on the field—the coaching staff’s ability to nurture and develop wide receivers is crucial to long-term success. Over the years, the Texans have had a range of offensive coordinators and wide receiver coaches who’ve played pivotal roles in maximizing the potential of their players. For example, the team’s commitment to designing plays that take advantage of their receivers’ strengths has been a consistent factor in their development.
As the Texans transition into a new era with head coach DeMeco Ryans, there is hope that the current coaching staff can continue the tradition of wide receiver excellence. With a new focus on rebuilding through youth, the organization aims to blend experienced veterans with promising rookies, creating a balanced attack that can compete with the league’s best.
Conclusion
The Houston Texans have made their mark in NFL history with some amazing wide receivers. They’ve had great players like Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins. As the team moves forward, new players like Nico Collins and Tank Dell bring excitement and promise for the future. With good coaching and strong quarterback play, the Texans’ wide receivers are set to stay an important part of the team’s success for a long time.
