Do the Texans Need to Find a WR This Offseason, and If So, What kind?

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

It's not that hard to figure, folks. WRs take less hits than RBs. I don't even know why you would compare the two. Hits lead to injuries and the WRs are out away from the scrum getting hit by the smallest guys on the field so they are going to be at their physical peak longer. If anything, age and complacency slow them down and reduce their effectiveness.

Speed is typically viewed as vitally important to be a successful wide receiver as well. Other physical attributes in an ideal wide receiver are quickness, and burst (acceleration). These three physical attributes will decline after the player passes his physical peak. Scouts Inc. (2006), however, ranks twoother attributes as most important when rating wide receivers. Scouts Inc. evaluates wide receivers initially on the following criteria,
“Hands: How is their overall concentration on easy and tough catches? Do they have soft hands? Do they body catch too often? Can they snatch the ball when thrown outside their frame?”, and “Patterns: Are their cuts sharp and crisp? Do they show good body control or do they look awkward?” These two vital attributes in a wide receiver can be maintained longer than the purely physical aspects, so wide receivers should be able to maintain their peak for a longer period of time.
http://thesportdigest.com/archive/ar...player-get-old
I compared the two positions because long-speed or pure sprinting speed, quickness, and burst/acceleration are highly valued qualities for both positions. And as this article goes on to state, there is a distinct diminution of those physical abilities when players pass their "physical peak", often defined as 30 years of age. So fortunately for the Andre Johnsons of the NFL, there are other skills they can fall back on that running-backs cannot that will sustain their effectiveness, even though their innate physical skills have most likely declined to a reduced level after entering their 30s. OK ?
Oh BTW, "hits" or amount of physical contact is irrelevant in the context of this discussion.