4 lesser-known UDFAs who could make the jump to the NFL
By Darral Nail
Marlon Williams, Wide Receiver, Houston Texans
With a projected started lineup that includes the likes of Donte Moncrief and an aging Randall Cobb, the Houston Texans’ wide receiver group is seemingly crying out for a young playmaker. While the team added an outside receiver in the draft by way of third-rounder Nico Collins, former UCF receiver Marlon Williams has the potential to provide a dynamic, field-stretching option for the Houston offense.
While a subpar 40-yard dash (4.59 seconds at UCF’s pro day) likely precluded his name from being called during this year’s draft, Williams nonetheless offers a unique value proposition as an NFL slot receiver. With a build more akin to a running back at 6-foot and 215 pounds, Williams is a tough player who employs a physical approach to the position, taking the fight to the opponent as a blocker. Most remarkable is Williams’ ability to absorb contact, treating would-be tacklers as a minor inconvenience and frequently dragging college defenders along after making the catch.
While top receiver Brandin Cooks continues to thrive in relative obscurity, it is fair to question the effectiveness of his brand of deep crossing routes in the event that Tyrod Taylor is the one throwing to him. To that end, any influx of quick screens, slants and curls that might accompany a new QB would play right into Williams’ strengths as a receiver.
Cobb and fourth-year pro, Keke Coutee, combined to account for nearly two-thirds of the Texans’ slot snaps in the 2020 season, with each contributing near-identical stat lines. Over the course of each’s abbreviated season (10 games for Cobb, 8 for Coutee), the Texans’ top slot receivers each accounted for approximately 400 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 12 yards per reception and 20 first down receptions. With both players oft-injured and neither seizing the opportunity to become the team’s go-to option in the slot, a player as unique as Williams could find the competitive landscape to his liking in Houston.
All told, it is perhaps not that hard to envision a player like Williams making his presence known in camp and emerging as a top slot option for the 2021 Texans team.