Kevin Walter

It’s hard to think of a starting receiver in a good offense with less upside than Walter. Even with Andre Johnson out for much of last season, Walter managed just 59 targets in 15 games. Walter is big (6-3, 217) and has good hands, but he’s not fast, and the Texans don’t use him much in the red zone as they’re so effective running the ball from in close. In Walter’s defense, quarterback Matt Schaub also missed six games, and Jacoby Jones – now in Baltimore – was also getting targets. But even with Jones gone, Schaub presumed healthy and Johnson back to draw double teams, it’s hard to see Walter’s path to big plays, red-zone looks or big-target numbers. Walter’s one big season in 2008 is looking more and more like an outlier with each passing year.

Walter's stellar 2008 is looking more and more like an outlier, while last year's pedestrian numbers (7.8 YPT, 12.2 YPC) seem like the norm. Part of the problem is playing second fiddle to a dominant No. 1 in Andre Johnson, but Gary Kubiak's run-heavy philosophy, especially from in close, also limits Walter's ceiling. At 6-3, 217, Walter is big and strong, and he's got good hands. But he saw just 13 red-zone targets in 16 games, and since he's not going to do any damage from deep (zero catches of 40-plus), it's hard to see how he moves the needle.

After a career year in 2008, Walter took a big step back last season both in efficiency and overall production. His per-catch average dropped from 15.0 to 11.5, and his per-target average went from a stellar 9.5 to an unremarkable 7.9. Moreover, he dropped from 24 red-zone targets to 14 and four catches of 40- plus to one. As a result he scored just two touchdowns on 77 targets, despite playing in the league’s top-ranked passing offense. At 6-3, 217, Walter has excellent size, above average strength and good hands. He’s not particularly fast, but has been able to make plays down the field in previous seasons thanks to his big frame and the attention paid to teammate Andre Johnson. Walter signed a multi-year deal with the team in March, so he’ll return as the team’s No. 2 wideout. Expect something between last season’s disappointment and 2008’s career year.

As good as Andre Johnson was last year, Walter was more efficient, scored just as many touchdowns and averaged more yards per catch. Of course, Johnson's the one who draws the opposing team's best corner and also the double teams, but Walter's 9.5 yards per looks was fifth best among all wideouts with 90 targets or more. Of Walter's 95 targets, a whopping 23 were in the red zone (tied for 7th), and nine were from inside the 10 (tied for 10th). In other words, when the Texans get close to the goal line, Walter's number is as likely to get called as Johnson's. Outside of the red zone, it's only about half as likely. But the 6-3, 217-pound Walter isn't merely a red-zone specialist -- he was also effective down the field with 15 catches of 20 yards or more and four catches of 40-plus. Walter's not particularly fast, but he runs good routes, and he's big enough to go over smaller defenders down the field. Not much has changed for the Texans' offense during the offseason (besides swapping out the backup quarterback), so Walter should continue to see favorable match-ups and plenty of single coverage in 2009.

Walter took advantage of an injury to Andre Johnson last season and proved himself to be a quality NFL receiver. At 6-2, 219, Walters possesses decent size and should continue to receive a plenty of looks from Matt Schaub. Walters caught 65 balls for 800 yards with four TDs. As the Texans' No. 2 option, he should continue to receive lots of looks, but could take a hit in value if Johnson stays healthy.

Entering training camp, Walter is the leading candidate for the No. 2 wideout opposite Andre Johnson. He was rarely used last season behind Johnson and Eric Moulds, but will get the opportunity in 2007 that he's never had in first four seasons. Head coach Gary Kubiak likes his work ethic and will give him a shot -- unless the team adds a veteran wideout during the summer.

Walter, who is coming off his best professional season in 2005, is expected to be the Texans' No. 3 wideout and will be part of Houston's multi-receiver sets. His value depends on how easily David Carr picks up the changes in Houston's offensive scheme. Last season, Carr would abandon the play whenever the primary target was covered. This year, he'll be required to make three or four reads before dumping it off. We expect Walter will exceed last season's highs of 19 catches and 211 yards, but the Texans' value wideouts are Andre Johnson and Eric Moulds.

Reserve wide receiver and special teams contributor. Walter will get some time as the fourth wideout, and the same quickness that makes him a good return man gives him some big-play potential as a receiver.

Following the acquisition of Pat Johnson in the offseason, Walter will have to shine in training camp to make the team.

Walter was the 255th overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft.