Wes Welker joins Houston Texans as assistant coach

The Houston Texans have hired former wide receiver Wes Welker as part of their staff.

Former NFL wide receiver Wes Welker was seen at the Senior Bowl with members of the Texans coaching staff. And now he is apart of that very same staff.

The Texans hired Welker to be an offensive and special teams assistant.

Welker was a five-time Pro-Bowler and a two-time first team All-Pro. He eclipsed 1,100 yards five times in his career, all with the Patriots and Tom Brady. Welker was known as the best slot receiver in football before a string of injuries made him hang up his cleats permanently.

So, what can a guy like Welker bring to Houston?

He can bring championship experience. Welker appeared in three Super Bowls. Even though he lost all three, he brings knowledge to a team that finished 9-7 each of the past three seasons.

Welker could be a factor in getting Brock Osweiler and star receiver DeAndre Hopkins on the same page. Osweiler threw for 2,957 yards while completing 59 percent of his passes in his first full year as a starter. He added 15 touchdowns and 16 interceptions.

Hopkins saw his production drop significantly from 2015 where he caught 111 passes for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns. This was done with a quarterback carousel that included Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, TJ Yates and Brandon Weeden. In 2016 with Osweiler, Hopkins caught 78 passes for 954 yards and only four touchdowns.

Osweiler targeted Hopkins 151 times but was only able to complete 78 passes to him. Many of Osweiler’s picks came while targeting Hopkins so it is safe to say that they were not on the same page the entire season.

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While the Texans play in one of the worst divisions in football, a 9-7 record is impressive with your star receiver on a down year. The new assistant Welker could help those two get on the same page and that could propel the Texans to double digit wins.