Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Although Hopkins is often compared to Atlanta Falcons star Roddy White, Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak compared Hopkins to a former wide receiver in Rod Smith. Per the Texans official site, “ Kubiak said Hopkins reminds him a little bit of Johnson off the field and Denver Broncos great Rod Smith on the field.”

With the Denver Broncos, Rod Smith made three Pro Bowls and had eight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. Smith also snared 68 career touchdowns and had nine consecutive seasons with at least 70 receptions. He is one of the 25 greatest wide receivers in NFL history, and this is certainly high praise that Kubiak has lavished on Hopkins, even if he only said “a little bit”.

Hopkins was the second wide receiver to come off the board in the draft, and he has all the traits to be an impact No. 1 wide receiver in this league- he’s a great fit as a No. 2 for Houston. Hopkins has great body control, reliable hands, and he is a solid route-runner overall. He can do basically everything well and is a perfect fit for the Texans as the Z receiver. He had 1,405 receiving yards and 18 touchdown receptions for Clemson last season.

Kubiak saw what Rod Smith could do first hand in Denver, as Kubiak was the Broncos offensive coordinator. He said of Hopkins, “The thing that I like about him, he played big-time ball. I like his progression in his career, watching him get better each year as you go back and look at him statistically. Then, I like when the lights got really big, this guy got very competitive. LSU, the bowl game, stands out to me. He’s got a big, big upside; I think he’s still on the come. He really didn’t play in an offense that threw the ball a great deal.”

The Texans organization sounds excited to have DeAndre Hopkins, and head coach Gary Kubiak and General Manager Rick Smith certainly have good reasons to be happy to have Hopkins in Houston.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

According to Texans beat writer Nick Scurfield, Texans head coach Gary Kubiak has stated that Derek Newton will not be healthy until training camp. Kubiak also added that this is a “Great chance” for Brennan Williams to shine in OTAs and get valuable time to learn the offense and, possibly, get an edge over Newton. You would have to think that this would carry over very well for the rookie once we head into his training camp battle with Newton.

Newton’s knee injury costed him only two games last season, but he did need patellar tendon surgery last month and was never expected to make it to OTAs. He was, however, always expected to make it in time for training camp, and I think Newton will hold off Williams for the starting gig for now. However, Williams does offer considerably more upside than Newton and is more athletic and possesses at least a comparable frame. But, again, the third-rounder out of UNC still needs some polishing, and I think the Texans can count on Newton for another season. He isn’t as bad as I made him out to be in the first paragraph, because the rest of the Texans offensive line is exceptional. If Williams does impress the Texans staff enough, though, then it is certainly within the realm of possibility to see him usurp Newton.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans helmet on the sidelines against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Vikings 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

With the #27 pick in the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select DeAndre Hopkins out of Clemson.

Andre Johnson mentioned to the Houston Texans that he would have liked them to go after a wide receiver to give him, ask and you shall receive. A big receiver who could fight for the ball and snatch it out of the air, has speed to blow by defenders who are assigned to him. Could have a big rookie season with the Houston Texans. The Houston Texans will definitely spread the ball around a lot more when it comes to their passing game.

The Denver Broncos are on the lock.

September 16, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; A Houston Texans player holds up his helmet prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Texans defeated the Jaguars 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans got off to a fast start last season. To repeat that early season success in 2013 seems to be a tougher task. In week 3 they have to travel to face the Super Bowl Champion Ravens, before coming home to host the Seattle Seahawks, a team that nearly missed playing in the NFC Championship game. Then they travel to the bay area to take on the NFC Champion 49ers.

They face a tough divisional foe in Indianapolis but the rest of the division doesn’t seem as daunting. The Titans and the Jaguars don’t appear at the moment to be any real threat in the upcoming season.

• Sep. 9 at San Diego Chargers (Mon) 9:20p
• Sep. 15 Tennessee Titans 12:00p
• Sep. 22 at Baltimore Ravens 12:00p
• Sep. 29 Seattle Seahawks 12:00p
• Oct. 6 at San Francisco 49ers 7:30p
• Oct. 13 St. Louis Rams 12:00p
• Oct. 20 at Kansas City Chiefs 12:00p
• Oct. 27 BYE
• Nov. 3 Indianapolis Colts 7:30p
• Nov. 10 at Arizona Cardinals 3:25p
• Nov. 17 Oakland Raiders 12:00p
• Nov. 24 Jacksonville Jaguars 12:00p
• Dec. 1 New England Patriots 3:25p
• Dec. 5 at Jacksonville Jaguars (Thurs) 7:25p
• Dec. 15 at Indianapolis Colts 12:00p
• Dec. 22 Denver Broncos 12:00p
• Dec. 29 at Tennessee Titans 12:00p

Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs wide receiver Quinton Patton (4) catches a touchdown over Texas A

26. Green Bay Packers – Quinton Patton, WR, LA Tech – The Packers are pretty stacked at Wide receiver with Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Randall Cobb.  But with Aaron Rodgers’ huge contract they decide to add a true outside receiver.  Carrying LA Tech to a 9-3 season and putting up major numbers against the newest SEC powerhouse, Texas A&M; Patton has the potential to be one of the most underrated WRs in the draft. 

27. Houston Texans – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Clemson – The perfect fit for Houston at this point.  In college Hopkins orginally was Clemson’s #2.  When he got his opportunity with Watkins’ suspension, he proved that he could step it up and be the #1 threat.  This is the type of youngster the Texans should put next to Johnson to give this offense a much needed boost.

28. Denver Broncos – Kawann Short, DT, Purdue – Broncos build depth on their defensive line by taking Purdue’s Kawann Short.  In college Kawann was a team captain at Purdue and started for them since his freshman year, he’s shown great versatility in taking on different roles on the Boilermaker’s interior defensive line.  This makes for a great defensive player for a team who has the need like Denver to invest in for the long term.

29. New England Patriots – Terrence Williams, WR, Baylor – A great and very underrated WR in the draft this year, Williams proved to be productive even after Nick Florence came in to replace Griffin earning first team all american honors and leading the nation in receiving yards.  Also a great kick returner, Williams helps the Pats in multiple ways and impacts New England immediately.

30. Atlanta Falcons – Datone Jones, DE, UCLA - The Falcons take a defensive lineman with great potential to learn the pro game and eventually become a star with guidance from free agent signee Osi Umenyiora.  Datone has had his bumps in the road with injury but posted a spectacular senior season at UCLA making 19 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.  If you add his prototypical NFL size and versatility, he proves to be a very high ceiling project who has the chance to start and make an impact his rookie year in Atlanta.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Eric Reid, FS, LSU - The 49ers get their guy to replace Dashon Goldson in this super stout safety class.  Eric Reid is a former all-SEC free safety who since his freshmen year was a great contributor to the Bayou Bengals’ defense.  A player like this is the perfect guy for a coach like Harbaugh to take in and mold into a great pro.  Eric Reid goes from being a playmaker on one of the best college defenses to one on one of the best pro defenses.

32. Baltimore Ravens – Matt Elam, S, Florida – The Ravens are looking to replace either Lewis or Reed here and have a way better value at the safety position.  Matt Elam was a playmaker in the Gator defensive backfield making 76 tackles (11 TFLs), 1 forced fumble and 4 interceptions.  He is definitely a potential franchise defensive player who can help Baltimore renew their intimidation factor on defense and fill in for Ed Reed in the defensive backfield right away.

David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

According to the Houston Chronicle’s Tania Ganguli, the Houston Texans did indeed offer a contract to Massaquoi on his visit. He told reports that he simply chose to play for Jacksonville over Houston, so let’s just say that I’m sure the Jaguars offered more money than the Texans (either that, or he thinks he’s set to get more playing time in Jacksonville…or something else…so maybe I’m not “sure”). But it is telling that Massaquoi praised the Texans recent record.

Massaquoi said, “That’s another quality place. It’s no surprise as to why they’re winning, why they’re contenders year in and year out because that place is filled with good people.”

So he likes the people in both organizations.

It’s interesting to hear the the Texans offered Massaquoi a contract, because he isn’t the No. 2 receiver the Texans are gunning for. They released Kevin Walter in an expected move earlier this offseason, because the Texans realized that they need a true No. 2 wideout opposite of Andre Johnson to take the offense (and likewise Matt Schaub) to the next level. That No. 2 receiver is most likely coming from the draft, and two names that come to mind are Justin Hunter and DeAndre Hopkins in the first round.

But Massaquoi is like a No. 3 or 4 wide receiver type, and so it sounds like the Texans aren’t sold on those types of players they have on their roster; players like Lester Jean. DeVier Posey has an Achilles’ tear, so their best depth receiver won’t be able to start the season. It’s no wonder why the Texans offered Massaquoi, who is an inconsistent wideout but fits as a No. 4 option who can occasional stretch the field. To me, that’s the kind of player the Texans could use to throw into the mix at wide receiver, and it’s good to hear the Texans are actively pursuing more players and depth at the position. You can never have too much talented depth at WR, and I have a feeling the Texans will invest in another wide receiver come draft day.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Greg Jones took a free agent visit to the Texans yesterday, and he will replace H-Back James Casey (signed with the Philadelphia Eagles) as the primary lead-blocker for the Texans. Former Houston Texans star fullback Vonta Leach has long set the standard for what it means to be a lead-blocking fullback in the league today, but Jones played so well last year that he has also placed himself among the elite three lead-bockers in the league today.

The Jaguars will surely be a bit bummed out by Jones’s decision to sign with Houston, because they were also vying to keep the 31-year-old Florida State product. In fact, Jones was expected to re-sign with the Jaguars earlier this month by a report from the Florida Times Union, because the new Jaguars regime (led by head coach Gus Bradley) likely appreciated Greg Jones’s contributions to the team last season and saw the viability in keeping a top fullback.

So while the Jaguars had interested in keeping Jones, it wasn’t enough, and it is to the loss of the Jaguars running game and to the gain of a rival’s rushing attack.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Anyway, it is especially interesting to hear new Houston Texans safety and future Hall of Famer Ed Reed talk about the business side of the game. Below is what he said to 105.7 The Fan CBS Baltimore.

“I didn’t expect this. Did I want it? No, I didn’t want it. But do I understand it? Yes I understand it. My heart really felt that we had an opportunity to do some special things because we had a core of people. I honestly didn’t know the true nitty-gritty of the business side of it. I didn’t know all the possibilities that would happen and transpired the last few weeks or so. I didn’t know all that would happen the way it did. That put things in perspective as well to let you know the team is kind of going in a different direction. Not rebuilding but in a sense rebuilding, to make different moves and it just wasn’t economically the best situation for me.”

Reed always maintained that he wanted to stay with the Baltimore Ravens and stay with the team for his career. There would have been something special in that- in the same way that Ray Lewis spent his entire career in Baltimore. But unfortunately, it was not to be. We can blame Joe Flacco for striving as hard as possible to become the highest-paid QB in the game, and we can blame the Ravens for allowing him to reach that. But is it right to blame the team or Flacco? Or is it just how the business goes?

It’s interesting to hear a veteran of the stature of Reed, especially keeping in mind how intelligent he is and how much of a leader he is. To hear Reed talk about how he didn’t know about the “true nitty-gritty of the business side” until now is a bit alarming, because this is a guy who seemingly understood that part of the game better than anyone. After all, Reed did represent himself as an agent up until hiring an agent this offseason. It’s telling, though, that he chose to hire an agent this offseason.

Pouring over that quote is a little bit sad, because I’m one of those fans who loves seeing a player stick with a team for his entire career. Ed Reed obviously wanted to do that, but it was not to be thanks to the business side of things. Hopefully, players like Tom Brady and Eli Manning can stay with their respective franchises for the entirety of their careers.

Ed Reed understood the business side of the game, but he didn’t understand the extent of how tough the NFL can be until he had to leave the Ravens this offseason.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) is pursued by New England Patriots defensive lineman Rob Ninkovich (50) and linebacker Jerod Mayo (51) in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

The NFL passed an unpopular rule to prevent running backs from leading with the crown of their helmet when initiating contact with a defender outside the tackle box. The rule has received backlash from players and fans who disapprove. Coaches and league executives, as well as medical personnel, say the rule is necessary to protect the health of the players.

Houston Texans All-Pro running back Arian Foster said on ESPN Radio New York, via Sports Radio Interviews, it could take a few years to adapt to the rule changes.

“They implement new rules every single year. I like the game the way it was. I understand they’re trying to make a statement, but this is one of those things where they’re trying to put their stamp on this league. Like I said, I liked the way it was, but you can’t really argue with the people that want to change the rules.”

“That play doesn’t come into play a lot with my running style, but you have guys like Adrian Peterson, guys that really are hard runners and try to create that contact. This is gonna affect them more than it will myself. But I find myself sometimes lowering my head and lowering my shoulders. It’s just, you’re not gonna think about the rule changes. We’ve been running like this since we were kids. … They want us to change that mentality in one offseason, it’s gonna be tough. I was never a fan of all the defensive rule changes also — where you can’t lead with your helmet or the facemask — because guys have been tackling like this for years. I was never a fan of that, and I’m definitely not a fan of this.”

“I would have to think a couple years. (to change styles) Because like I said, running styles, especially as a running back, it’s more instinctive than it is strategic. And we’ve been doing it for so long that you have to train your body to run a certain way. So after a while it just becomes second-nature. So a lot of these guys are gonna have to snap out of their second-nature reactions and think before they run into guys. … I’m not a fan of this.”

“I think if you say, ‘I’m gonna do what I gotta do,’ I think you’re being selfish and I think you’re gonna hurt your team like that, because you could have a 20-yard run and you get a 15-yard penalty because you led with the crown of your head and that brings your team back. … And I think that’s how my coaching staff and my organization’s gonna approach it. We’re professionals and these are the rules and the guidelines we have to play under. We all signed up for this thing together and they implement new rules and rule changes all the time. This is the way we have to do it. It’s just part of the game. Rule changes are part of the game. So I’m not one to take a stance on anything if it’s gonna hurt my team. So if it’s all for the betterment of my team I’m gonna do it, but if you ask me my personal opinion about it, I think it’s weak.”

Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN’s excellent AFC South blogger Paul Kuharsky brought up an interesting argument, and that is whether or not long-time Texans No. 2 wideout Kevin Walter should be released. Walter is one of the best blocking wide receivers in the NFL and does a decent job of moving the chains, but he offers up very little in terms of playmaking ability and has never shown that he should be a No. 2 wide receiver in this league. I mean, why else would the Texans owner repeatedly state that the Texans will be looking for a No. 2 guy?

Walter, 31, caught at least 40 passes for the first time since 2010 this past season, and that’s simply not getting it done as a No. 2 wideout. Even though Walter is known for his hands and possession skills, 41 receptions isn’t getting it done. While the increased use of the more proficient tight ends in guys like Owen Daniels is a reason for this, Kevin Walter has seen his receptions drop each year from 2007-2011 with 65 catches in 2007. Since then, Walter’s reception totals have fallen to 60, 53, 51, 39, and 38 before slightly climbing up to 41 last year.

Kuharsky notes that by cutting Walter, the Houston Texans would save $2.5 million in cap space which is a solid chunk of coin. Walter has two years left on his contract and is slated to make $3.5 million next season.

But the question is, are the Texans better off keeping that money and releasing somebody who would be a quality No. 3 wide receiver? The Texans will still most likely take a wide receiver in the first-round of the draft to replace Walter, and drafting a receiver like DeAndre Hopkins, Justin Hunter, or the three stars listed above has little bearing on the Texans available cap space. In order to release Walter, the Texans need to feel good about their depth at the wide receiver position on the depth chart, and that’s not something I feel good about.

However, the Texans have an excellent trio of tight ends in Daniels, James Casey, and Garrett Graham, so that depth at TE alleviates concerns about depth at wide receiver. Releasing Kevin Walter would free up some cap space for the Texans to make upgrades at other positions, and I don’t see the problem with releasing Walter if the Texans feel like they can use that money somewhere else.

Whether or not the Houston Texans choose to release Kevin Walter, this team still needs an upgrade at the No. 2 slot. There are several great options available in this draft class, and the real question on Walter is whether or not he is worth keeping around as a No. 3 receiver. In all honesty, it’s all up to the Texans, and cutting Walter would make sense if the Texans are able to find some better use for that money. If they can’t, then I don’t see the problem with keeping Walter around as the No. 3 wideout. But again, the Texans really need to draft one of those talented wide receivers and give Matt Schaub some more options in the passing game besides Johnson and the tight ends. He has good weapons, but a playmaking receiver could be a real game-changer for the Texans in 2013 and beyond.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.