DENNIS HOUSTON WR WESTERN ILLINOIS | NFL DRAFT PROFILE & SCOUTING REPORT
40 TIME: 4.52 SECONDS
HEIGHT: 6-2 WEIGHT: 205
Strengths
- Does not possess top breakaway speed, though he's rarely caught from behind.
- Has long arms to stiff-arm defensive backs in the open field. Willing to lower his pads to run through tackles for extra yardage. Goes over the middle, can spin out of tackles and take the big hit.
- He catches the ball with his large, soft hands and is tough. Deceptive jets and a smooth route runner.
- Often used on deep routes, getting separation down the sideline or over the middle on crossing routes by extending his arms rather than pure speed.
- Very soft, natural hands to cleanly catch away from his frame. Concentration is excellent. Has the lateral agility and strength to get into and out of routes smoothly.
- Goes up high for jump balls. Good flexibility and reach to snatch back-shoulder throws.
- Has a knack for getting open and is a quarterback's best friend - passers just need to toss the ball in his area and he'll come down with it.
Weaknesses
- Does not own elite speed. Freezes at times when trying to juke defenders in space. Walls off his man as a blocker, allowing them to shed and make the play outside.
- Inconsistent high-pointing passes. Allows too many throws into his body when facing the quarterback.
- Hands are good, not great. Will drop some easy balls and sometimes will body catch. Occasionally fails to high point.
Dennis Houston, Wide Receiver, Western Illinois
A small school player to make this list is Western Illinois wide receiver Dennis Houston. Houston had his way against Ball State finishing the day with 12 receptions for 237 yards and two touchdowns. His 237 receiving yards were the most of any player in either the FCS or FBS and also was a career-high.
While most NFL Draft fans have not heard of Houston he has established himself as one of the better receivers in the FCS. Last season, he led the Leathernecks in receptions and yards which earned him a spot on All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first team. He also had a strong 2019 season leading Western Illinois in receiving yards with 539 yards.
Even with these impressive numbers, it is doubtful that Houston gets drafted due to his lack of speed and overall athletic ability.
However, he will likely be brought in as a free agent for a couple of reasons. One of these being his consistent hands. He has made numerous tough catches during his career and has even been highlighted on ESPN for his impressive catch vs.
Illinois in 2019.
Along with his reliable hands, Houston shows good body control. This ability allows him to maneuver around defensive backs and come away with the tough catch in traffic.
