Kevin Walter vs. Andre Davis

[AirForce1]

Sooo I see that our depth chart has Kevin Walter slated as our #2 receiver and it seems like all the analysts have forgotten about how Andre Davis lead the league in yards per catch last year. I'm curious to hear about what you guys think about this matchup. Me personally I think Kevin Walter is a better slot receiver with his soft hands and good route running. I watched highlights from him and he seems to have no problem catching the ball consistently and in traffic but I don't ever really see him able to seperate and create big plays for us. Andre Davis on the other hand like I said earlier is a big play threat just like Andre Johnson. His ability to stretch the field with his speed (track star in college) and his overall athletic ability seemed to really help fill the gap left by Andre Johnson's injury. If I were the Texans on passing downs I would put the Andre's on the outside let them stretch out the defenders and let Kevin Walter and Owen Daniels catch the short routes and try to make a play after the catch. The idea of that would put fear into defensive coordinators hearts. I really see KW as a slot receiver much like Wes Welker and the Andre's are like Randy Moss and Donte Stallworth. A near perfect match to the Patriots outstanding receiving corps. What do you guys think?

[jvaldez1984]

i could be wrong about this but im pretty sure when we were in a three rec set, KW was lined up in the slot except when that third rec was jacoby...

[Super Texans fan]

KW is the #2 but they 3 WR he move to the slot

[RichieVar]

Andre Davis is going to be our special teams guy most likely and I don't want him getting tired from being our number 2 receiver. Being number 3 lets him be able to rest a good portion of the time while Walter is out there.

I will say if we go out in a 3 receiver formation THEN you can switch Walter to slot and move Davis to the number 2 wideout for that play.

Also I don't think you can compare Welker to Walter. Welker to me seems faster and more agile.

[Texan Naija]

I pretty much agree with you exactly, especially the comparisons to the Patriots.

I mean when you have AJ, Kevin Walter, Davis and Owen Daniels on the field at the same time, along with a healthy running back, our offense will have plenty of options to make things happen. Provided the O-Line stays strong.

[South Texan]

Once you get past AJ on the chart, the chart is basically meaningless because it's all situational.

[BMT TEXAN]

I think we already have established the fact that Walter plays the slot with 3-reciever packages, even Jones at the slot sometimes.Basically, im tired of hearing who you would choose out of the 2. Kubiak knows which one excells in certain situations & which one doesn't, so whomever he puts out there @ slot, #1, #2 or even water-boy, I'll trust his judgement cuz its the best decision for the TEAM. Remember AF1, Davis is our primary KO returner & our luck with injuries has been down-rite ugly the last 2 yrs, so im thinking Davis's role might shrink alil as a reciever just to make sure he's healthy for a full 16-weeks!!! (Wrote this last sentence with my fingers crossed, so injury bug, keepa stepping!!!

[AirForce1]

What I'm really hoping for this year if they keep Andre on KO returns mainly is that JJ can step up because he too can stretch the field pretty well.

[Whiskeyrbl]

I think we already have established the fact that Walter plays the slot with 3-reciever packages, even Jones at the slot sometimes.Basically, im tired of hearing who you would choose out of the 2. Kubiak knows which one excells in certain situations & which one doesn't, so whomever he puts out there @ slot, #1, #2 or even water-boy, I'll trust his judgement cuz its the best decision for the TEAM. Remember AF1, Davis is our primary KO returner & our luck with injuries has been down-rite ugly the last 2 yrs, so im thinking Davis's role might shrink alil as a reciever just to make sure he's healthy for a full 16-weeks!!! (Wrote this last sentence with my fingers crossed, so injury bug, keepa stepping!!!

AMEN!!!! No more injuries PLEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAA****SSSSSEEEEEEEE

[BornOrange]

Andre Johnson 6-3, 223
Kevin Walter 6-3, 214
Jacoby Jones 6-2, 207
Andre Davis, 6-1, 195

Kubiak and Gibbs like to use bigger WR's who can help block on running plays and can break tackles to get more yards after receptions. Expect to see a lot more running plays to the outside this year now that we have runners more athletic than Ron Dayne. This requires WR's who can block. Also, WR's who can block downfield are an often overlooked factor on long running plays.

Look for Davis to be used as a change-of-pace this year. After being beat up by our bigger WR's, corners are going to have to deal with Davis coming in fresh and running them downfield for a few plays before getting beat on some more. Something to look for this season might be how many big plays we get after Davis runs some gassers with a corner.

[bobizzle]

It really doesn't matter. Either way Davis is gonna return all kickoffs and Jones is gonna return all punts. Walter is gonna get more time as the number 2 because he has better hands and like Johnson, he's a big body receiver who can block and break tackles. I imagine they'll put Davis in as the number 2 in the 4th quarter, whenever the team needs fast guys to score easier TDs if they're behind. If they are way behind, you could even see them replace Johnson with Jones, because AJ is fast but Jones is slightly faster.

[dbruder44]

It really doesn't matter. Either way Davis is gonna return all kickoffs and Jones is gonna return all punts. Walter is gonna get more time as the number 2 because he has better hands and like Johnson, he's a big body receiver who can block and break tackles. I imagine they'll put Davis in as the number 2 in the 4th quarter, whenever the team needs fast guys to score easier TDs if they're behind. If they are way behind, you could even see them replace Johnson with Jones, because AJ is fast but Jones is slightly faster.

Hey Bob no offense BUT the thought of Taking Aj out in the fourth quarter is the dumbest thing I have ever heard on this board. Well besides the Vince and Reggie crap.

[bobizzle]

Hey Bob no offense BUT the thought of Taking Aj out in the fourth quarter is the dumbest thing I have ever heaerd on this board. Well besides the Vince and Reggie crap.

none taken, but thats why i said if they are WAAAY BEHIND. They may have to do that this season, especially if they wanna insure AJ's health

[headsplint]

Hey Bob no offense BUT the thought of Taking Aj out in the fourth quarter is the dumbest thing I have ever heaerd on this board. Well besides the Vince and Reggie crap.

LMAO, sorry BOB but I gotta agree on this one.

[headsplint]

none taken, but thats why i said if they are WAAAY BEHIND. They may have to do that this season, especially if they wanna insure AJ's health

I think it would be the exact opposite. If we were way ahead then you would pull your starters.

[infantrycak]

It really doesn't matter. Either way Davis is gonna return all kickoffs and Jones is gonna return all punts. Walter is gonna get more time as the number 2 because he has better hands and like Johnson, he's a big body receiver who can block and break tackles. I imagine they'll put Davis in as the number 2 in the 4th quarter, whenever the team needs fast guys to score easier TDs if they're behind. If they are way behind, you could even see them replace Johnson with Jones, because AJ is fast but Jones is slightly faster.

Number 1, you don't take a top 5 WR out of the game unless your plan is to lose. Number 2, AJ is faster--he ran in the 4.3's while JJ ran a 4.49.

AJ came in 2nd in the fastest man competition at the pro-bowl and would have been 1st if it was a 45 yard competition.

[doodyps]

I believe it was the first two games of last season, walter juked the cb so bad he fell down both times. The first game shaub overthrew him and the second game he caught it. Am i just imagining that? I could swear that happend. I dont see any need to take walter out of the games, although i do like him lining up at slot with 3 wrs in. he seems to be a heck of a route runner

[3andOUT]

I believe it was the first two games of last season, walter juked the cb so bad he fell down both times. The first game shaub overthrew him and the second game he caught it. Am i just imagining that? I could swear that happend. I dont see any need to take walter out of the games, although i do like him lining up at slot with 3 wrs in. he seems to be a heck of a route runner

I agree. I think Walter does a lot more than people give him credit for. He blocks, he runs great routes, he's a lot faster than people think and can get separation from some pretty good corners.....and he has great hands.

I like AD also, but for different reasons. He's simply a deep threat...a field stretcher, but that's valuable.

I think KW has to be your #2 from just a versatility standpoint. He doesn't necessarily give you the same deep threat, but he brings more to conventional sets than AD.

I've said it a hundred times though, #2, #3 or #4, it doesn't matter. These guys are all going to get their time on the field.

I think JJ has to be the guy that has the ability to step up and give the offense some serious assets.

[NBT]

Walter is not the fastest receiver, that's for sure, but whoever above said he couldn't get separation just has not seen him play. He has that deceptive stride that kind of lulls the DB into taking the wrong angles, then he just puts on the jets, and before the DB knows it, he has been had. Davis will just run right by you. They have a different approach. AJ will get his TD's, but I look for AD & KW to put more points on the board this year, too.

[jmitch121]

Is that depth chart even updated?

[bobizzle]

LMAO saw how everybody got on my case! I actually did think Jones may have been faster. People, i was not hating on AJ, cause i think he is THE BEST receiver in the league, not just in the top five. But anyway, Davis should only replace Walter in the 4th quarter

[ReliantTexan]

LMAO saw how everybody got on my case! I actually did think Jones may have been faster. People, i was not hating on AJ, cause i think he is THE BEST receiver in the league, not just in the top five. But anyway, Davis should only replace Walter in the 4th quarterYou may be right about him being faster, but that doesn't mean he's more prone to make big plays. AJ knows how to get open, he has a rare combination of strength and speed which allows him to be a mismatch with most corners and beat them. Aj(when healthy) has been and still is the best deep threat on this team.

[ReliantTexan]

Number 1, you don't take a top 5 WR out of the game unless your plan is to lose. Number 2, AJ is faster--he ran in the 4.3's while JJ ran a 4.49.

AJ came in 2nd in the fastest man competition at the pro-bowl and would have been 1st if it was a 45 yard competition.I remember the fastest man competition, but I didn't know he ran in the 4.3's. I thought i remember him running a 4.5 flat or something.

[Se7en]

AJ and Walter both add a different flavor to the position that compliments the other nicely. If is redundant to have to WRs stretching the field for big plays when you really need to cover the entire field in nearly every situation in order to find the proper holes.

AJ and Davis seem to have similar styles, but Davis is not going to beat out AJ and have all his reps as well as special teams to handle.

I think we will see something very similar to last season and I hope Davis continues his special team success. Jacoby could also turn out to be a huge playmaker this season if he can get back to his earlier form from last season. I would still look to him as being the explosive punt returner that we needed him to be last season.

[HydrOshocK]

Number 1, you don't take a top 5 WR out of the game unless your plan is to lose. Number 2, AJ is faster--he ran in the 4.3's while JJ ran a 4.49.

AJ came in 2nd in the fastest man competition at the pro-bowl and would have been 1st if it was a 45 yard competition.

THIS

[GT]

Walter stands for possession.;)

[HydrOshocK]

I remember the fastest man competition, but I didn't know he ran in the 4.3's. I thought i remember him running a 4.5 flat or something.

negative, AJ has elite speed for a WR his size

[TEXANBRONCO]

kevin is gona be the #2 and andre will be 3 or 4....plus he is special team returner......which i really feel should be his only job, only because he does it soooooo well. i predict he has a gr8 return season with at least 6 returns for TD,s.....plus every other time he crosses the 50....hehe....:D

[TransplantTexan1]

Isn't Walter around 4.48 / 4.50? That isn't lightning fast but it will sure leave a few CBs in their shoes. A few times last year, he demonstrated that.

I like his toughness and his hands. You like to have those things, especially on third down. I expect some good things out of KW (and the rest of the receivers) if AJ is healthy for most of the season.

[HydrOshocK]

This same time last year we were having the same debate about who should beat Walter out for the #2 spot and the result was Walter beating everyone out to keep it. Then he went on to prove why Kubiak put so much faith in him by having a very solid season and making some tough catches when it mattered. Kubiak continues to talk highly about him so don't expect there to be any change, but do expect to see more 3 wide sets with AD and JJ on the field more.

[Vambo Marble]

This same time last year we were having the same debate about who should beat Walter out for the #2 spot and the result was Walter beating everyone out to keep it. Then he went on to prove why Kubiak put so much faith in him by having a very solid season and making some tough catches when it mattered. Kubiak continues to talk highly about him so don't expect there to be any change, but do expect to see more 3 wide sets with AD and JJ on the field more.

Out of Johnson, Walter, Davis and Jones... how would you rank their downfield blocking ability?

At the end of the day, I bet you a beer or two that this ranking is now a critical criterion that didn't matter last year "BG" (before Gibbs). Your thoughts?

[HydrOshocK]

Out of Johnson, Walter, Davis and Jones... how would you rank their downfield blocking ability?

At the end of the day, I bet you a beer or two that this ranking is now a critical criterion that didn't matter last year "BG" (before Gibbs). Your thoughts?

Well I don't live in Houston any more so I haven't been able to attend camp to watch for myself, so I can only really go by speculation and past comments from Kubiak. Johnson has the size and strength to be an effective down field blocker against any DB, and Kubiak has complimented on Walter's blocking ability in the past (sorry, I'm not digging for a link). IMO Davis is a light speedy guy and Jones is still learning the every day ins and outs of being a complete receiver at the pro level.

Again I can't really rank any of them since I don't have the opportunity to watch them every day so anyone feel free to follow up on that.

[GT]

Out of Johnson, Walter, Davis and Jones... how would you rank their downfield blocking ability?

At the end of the day, I bet you a beer or two that this ranking is now a critical criterion that didn't matter last year "BG" (before Gibbs). Your thoughts?From watching them in the past I would have to give it AJ and Kevin.AJ for his size and Kevin for his mental toughness.

[bobizzle]

You may be right about him being faster, but that doesn't mean he's more prone to make big plays. AJ knows how to get open, he has a rare combination of strength and speed which allows him to be a mismatch with most corners and beat them. Aj(when healthy) has been and still is the best deep threat on this team.

I know, but no matter what AJ must stay HEALTHY. Teams know how good he is, so they are gonna do everything to bring him down hard, and JJ could be somebody that could replace him should teams look to destroy AJ.

[Vambo Marble]

From watching them in the past I would have to give it AJ and Kevin.AJ for his size and Kevin for his mental toughness.

Your ranking and Hydroshocks' are the correct ranking when it comes to value in 08 and the Texans ZBS... and perhaps why I feel that Kevin Walters is at the right spot at #2 (Kevin Walter vs. Andre Davis).

Having Walters in just makes more sense than Davis (or Jacoby Jones) in any set that is two wideouts and a single tight end.

[taxman]

Isn't Walter around 4.48 / 4.50? That isn't lightning fast but it will sure leave a few CBs in their shoes. A few times last year, he demonstrated that.

I like his toughness and his hands. You like to have those things, especially on third down. I expect some good things out of KW (and the rest of the receivers) if AJ is healthy for most of the season.

Walter didn't go to the combine, however, his pro day, they had timed him at 231 lbs running 4.47, 4.43, & 4.39

So, he is not that slow, it is that he has a big frame and doesn't show quickness like a smaller receiver would.

[Vambo Marble]

Walter didn't go to the combine, however, his pro day, they had timed him at 231 lbs running 4.47, 4.43, & 4.39

So, he is not that slow, it is that he has a big frame and doesn't show quickness like a smaller receiver would.

4.4 or 4.5 is fast. For a number 2 WR at 230+ pounds that is lighting.

[Whiskeyrbl]

4.4 or 4.5 is fast. For a number 2 WR at 230+ pounds that is lighting.

Add to that he runs excellent routes and has good hands.