Denver signs tender w/David Anderson [Texans Match Offer]

[Keith]

Originally Posted by NBT

The ultimate in this scenario is for DA to perform to the level laid down by Wes Welker. There are a lot of similarities. DA just hasn't had the chance to do it yet.

I think it's pretty easy for fans to look at both receivers and (passing first the skin color similarities) see some things that are comparable but just as easily dismiss them thinking there's NO way Anderson can achieve what Welker has accomplished.

To that I say, maybe. Welker has found himself a niche on a high-caliber team and exploited everything he's got. But I do think the comparisons for Anderson to Welker are valid.

To wit, the non-pads numbers first:
- Anderson's about 5'10" 194 (BMI around 27ish). He ran a 4.57 forty, has a 34" vertical, and ran a 6.88 cone drill.
- Welker's about 5'9" 185 (BMI around 27ish). He ran a 4.61 forty, has a 30" vertical, and ran a 7.06 cone drill.

The stats:
- A 7th round pick, Anderson was little used his first two years. In his third season, he caught 19 passes for 241 yards and 2 TDs.
- An undrafted player, Welker was little used (beyond returns) his first two years with the Dolphins. In his third season, he caught 29 passes for 434 yards and 0 TDs.

The comparisons are probably valid as much as they are eerily coincidental. But perhaps the biggest difference through three years was that the Dolphins used Welker's skills as a returner extensively whereas Anderson is rarely used as a returner. Welker is a nice returner, but is he special? He has only scored one TD in his entire career, spanning more than 350 kick and punt returns.

Welker played his 4th season in Miami and caught 67 balls for 687 yards and 1 TD. If everyone remains relatively healthy, there probably aren't enough passes to go around for Angry Dre, Walter, and Andre Davis for Anderson to catch that many in 2009.

But Welker persevered and found opportunity, and to date, Anderson has survived much longer than many (inluding myself) thought he would. Tough to bet against him continuing his ascent.