Texans WR Robert Woods in New and Unfamiliar Role in Houston

Woods signed a two-year deal in March to play for the Texans, and he knew things would be different. No longer would he be playing behind stars like Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. in Los Angeles.

The career of new Houston Texans wideout Robert Woods has been an interesting one. He's served many roles on various rosters throughout his 10 year NFL tenure.

But now he's embracing an entirely new one. The role of a veteran NFL wide receiver who's also a leader in the room. And although Woods has only been in Houston a short time, his coaches and teammates are taking notice already.

Woods signed a two-year deal in March to play for the Texans, and he knew things would be different. No longer would he be playing behind stars like Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. in Los Angeles. Now, he's part of a wide receivers room that ranked in the bottom third of the NFL in terms of production last season. But Woods sees that as an opportunity. 

“Just trying to set the expectation for this offense and this team, show them how to work,” Woods said during organized team activities (OTAs) last week. “Just setting the standard of being in the right spot at the right time.”

Woods was exactly what new coach DeMeco Ryans and the Texans' staff were looking for when they signed him.

“For Robert, I think he just helps guys,” Ryans said. “When you’re a player and you have those questions that a coach may not be able to get to you right now, get that answer to you as quick as possible, Robert is that guy players can go lean on.”

A guy with the experience of Woods can be a huge boost for young players already on the Houston roster. John Metchie III, Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson — all of who are under 25 years old — can take advantage of Woods' time in the league. And he's more than willing to teach.

“Robert is a guy young players should try to lean on. Young players should try to pick his brain and just learn as much as they can,” Ryans said. “That’s what veteran leadership is about in the NFL.”

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