Summer Sleeper: Dorin Dickerson

Jeff Haverlack

dickersonHouston’s 2010 seventh round draft selection, Dorin Dickerson, continues to turn heads in camp.

Once again, Dickerson is catching everything thrown his way and is said to have easily solidified no less than the fourth receiver position on the depth chart.  But with only veteran receivers Kevin Walter and Jacoby Jones ahead of him for the more coveted second receiver position across from uber-stud Andre Johnson, Dickerson may be primed to take another step up the ladder soon.

With the Texans recently agreeing to a three year contract with the similarly sized Jacoby Jones, Dickerson’s chances of making a big splash in 2011 would seem unlikely without injury playing a role, but we here at DLF love looking at talented fourth receivers that are one ACL or ankle away from seeing meaningful playing time.  Houston plays a lot of three-receiver sets and should Dickerson eventually climb into the third position, he has all the skill to make a lot of noise from it.

Originally drafted out of Pittsburgh as a somewhat undersized tight end, Dickerson made the jump to receiver after he failed to impress with his blocking ability.  At 6’2″ and 226 pounds, Dickerson brings the size and strength to be a presence on the outside.  But don’t think “slow” when looking at Dickerson’s size.  He ran a 4.40 40-time and leaped an amazing 43″ in the vertical at the 2010 combine.  Displaying great hands in both years now as a pro, receivers like this just need an opportunity before leaping onto the scene.

It’s been no secret that the Texans remain on the lookout for a more dynamic option across from Johnson and while the combination of Walter and Jones has been passable, if not even impressive for stretches of time, the situation is right for Dickerson to take advantage of any opening and make an impact within the next two years.  At just 23 years old (3/31/88), we feel that he has all the tools necessary to be a productive fantasy receiver for many years.

As has been stated in past articles, our summer sleepers are not players that you need rush out and add immediately.  Instead, they are players that have an opportunity that, if exploited, could lead to significant fantasy production in the future.  Should you have an open roster spot in need of a project player, they may make for a good addition.  But always keep in mind that as soon as you add an obscure player, he’s now on the radar of all other coaches as well.  Sometimes it’s better to lay in the weeds and wait for the best time before blowing the cover of your favorite sleepers.

Or, allow DLF to do that for you.

As an added bonus, Houston’s first preseason game of 2011 will be televised tonight (Monday) when they square off vs. the New York Jets.  Dickerson should get plenty of playing time and has an opportunity to raise his stock significantly.  With a good performance, Dickerson could begin to emerge from obscurity.

If nothing else, continue to monitor Dickerson’s growth and prospects as the season progresses.

 

jeff haverlack