There were rumors before the 2020 NFL Draft that the Houston Texans could trade receiver Kenny Stills. Because the Texans’ post-DeAndre Hopkins receiving corps featured speed in Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller, and Randall Cobb, Stills was viewed by the media as a redundant piece.
The draft came, and Stills stayed. However, presuming that a world without COVID-19 involves the 101st NFL season, Stills could still be traded as part of teams constructing their 55-man rosters. Maybe a club would rather have a reliable veteran such as Stills and not rely on youngsters.
According to data presented by Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson, the Texans would be taking another risk by giving up Stills.
Monson gave the top-10 receivers in yards per route run, PFF’s receiving grade, passer rating when targeted, and catch rate. Stills showed up in the last two of those lists. The former New Orleans Saint and Miami Dolphin had a 126.4 passer rating when targeted, the sixth-best among qualifiers, and a 75.5% catch rate, fifth-best among qualifiers.
What those two placements reveals is Stills developed chemistry rather quickly with quarterback Deshaun Watson, despite being traded for on Aug. 31, nine days before the season opener against the Saints in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Stills was also a reliable enough target that he could haul in whatever Watson sent his way.
Stills’ skills may be redundant to Cobb, Cooks, and Fuller, but all three of those wideouts missed games last season. The Texans’ new receiving corps isn’t exactly known for its durability. If Stills were gone, Houston would have to elevate Keke Coutee, DeAndre Carter, Steven Mitchell, or rookie Isaiah Coulter into the starting lineup. It would behoove the Texans to keep around Stills in case one of the starting receivers misses time.
The Texans’ pro personnel scouting did an excellent job of identifying veterans who could help after the firing of general manager Brian Gaine. Stills is another one of those wise acquisitions, and the Texans still have utility for his talents.