The Houston Texans will leave the draft with arguably the fastest wide receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft after selecting Notre Dame’s Will Fuller 21st, and perhaps one of the best big-time playmakers.
After initially deciding against declaring for the draft during the 2015 season, Will Fuller reversed his decision after a 44-28 loss to Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl to end the season. Fuller was the second Notre Dame player selected in the first round Thursday night.
The 6-foot, 182-pounder from Philadelphia was a force to be reckoned with in the Irish uniform. His collegiate career included 144 receptions for 2,512 receiving yards and 30 touchdowns. A third of those receptions, 43, were for 20 yards or more.
In 2015, Fuller had 13 touchdowns and 1,145 yards with an average of 20.5 yards per reception. Between 2014 and 2015, Fuller tallied 29 touchdowns to become the most of any receiver in back-to-back seasons. We’ve seen the speedy wideout make big plays and create separation from coverage like no other. He was a candidate for the 2015 All-American team.
During the NFL Combine, Fuller broke the record on the 40-yard dash with a 4.32 second mark. A big knock against the receiver was his catching ability. Fuller liked to catch the ball with his body more than his hands, which led to many dropped or missed passes.
Regardless, Fuller will become a big-time playmaker for the Texans. Notre Dame Head Coach Brian Kelly wished Fuller luck on Twitter, but mentioned he’d miss having the receiver in his arsenal.
The Texans got a ridiculous talent in Will Fuller!
Going to miss having this guy in our arsenal.#NDinTheNFL pic.twitter.com/AURrWYYk62
— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) April 29, 2016
Will Fuller was the second Irish player to be taken in the first round, after Ronnie Stanley was selected sixth overall by Baltimore earlier in the night.
