The Houston Texans are searching for extra upgrades for a passing assault that’s on monitor to develop into among the best within the sport. Their pursuit might take all of them the best way to the NFL draft.
The possibilities of drafting one of many second-tier receivers on this yr's class have diminished with first-round trades, however there might be loads of alternatives so as to add a cross catcher on the second and third days of the draft.
One potential Texas goal is Rice receiver Luke McCaffrey.
December 26, 2023; Dallas, TX, USA; Rice Owls large receiver Luke McCaffrey (10) runs with the ball
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports activities
McCaffrey's brother, Christian, is an elite operating again recognized for his means to make performs as each a runner and a receiver. A lot of these expertise are evident within the youthful McCaffrey's sport.
In fact, it might be formidable (and unfair) to pin the lofty expectations of his Canton-bound brother on him, however he’ll discover a function in an NFL offense.
McCaffrey has fast toes and an athletic profile that lends itself to taking part in as a ball service. His 4.46-second 40-yard sprint is backed by elite agility metrics (6.7 seconds within the three-cone). He tasks as a slot receiver on the subsequent stage due to his lateral agility, toughness in the midst of the sector and talent to make performs after the catch.
The runway to develop it can be profitable. He spent the primary three seasons of his five-year school profession at quarterback — a historical past that reveals flashes of nuance past his receiving expertise.
Like many slot-bound targets, McCaffrey can battle with press protection and in addition nonetheless has work to do as a route runner. Nonetheless, there's cause to imagine he may see snaps early and discover success.
Permitting receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell to be explosive on the sting — whereas including a extra athletic possibility — may very well be the kind of acquisition essential to take Houston's offense to the following stage.
The Texans had a go to with native receiver Aaron Wilson on Monday.
As for his draft inventory, McCaffrey instructed Wilson he gained't spend an excessive amount of time worrying about it.
“I heard all the pieces,” McCaffrey mentioned. “I've heard actually each spherical from second to undrafted, so I don't like to take a position on that. I'm dwelling within the second proper now.”
