Texans assistant Wes Welker strongly recommended Demaryius Thomas

14 December 2014: Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) [9028] celebrates scoring a touchdown with Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Wes Welker (83) [7452] during an NFL game between the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Chris Williams/Icon Sportswire/Corbis via Getty Images) less 14 December 2014: Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) [9028] celebrates scoring a touchdown with Denver Broncos Wide Receiver Wes Welker (83) [7452] during an NFL game between the Denver Broncos ... more Photo: Icon Sports Wire/Corbis Via Getty Images Photo: Icon Sports Wire/Corbis Via Getty Images Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close Texans assistant Wes Welker strongly recommended Demaryius Thomas 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

When Texans coach Bill O'Brien and general manager Brian Gaine were evaluating the merits of trading for Demaryius Thomas, they consulted with an expert on the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Offensive assistant Wes Welker, a retired former Pro Bowl wide receiver and teammate of Thomas' with the Denver Broncos, gave Thomas a glowing recommendation.

"Yeah, they just asked me what type of guy he was," Welker said. "Obviously, D.T.'s a great dude. He was like my little brother when we were there in Denver. He's done a great job with his career and hopefully we just keep it going here."

Welker reminded Thomas that they'll have a slightly different relationship now that he's coaching him.

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"Oh, I already told him," Welker said. "I was like, 'You call me "Coach Welker." I'm not Wes to you. I'm "Coach Welker."' So, we had some fun with that."

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Thomas caught three passes for 61 yards in his debut for the Texans during a 19-17 win over the Broncos.

"Demaryius is a sharp guy, is a real pro and has been around the league for a long time," Welker said. "He's actually been in this system – although things have changed a little bit – but some of the terminology was the same from his rookie year and some of his early years there in Denver. He's done a great job of staying on top of the game plan and hopefully that should get better as we go."

At 6-3, 229 pounds, Thomas is a big downfield target. He's caught 668 career passes for 9,116 yards and 60 touchdowns.

"Yeah, for his size, not only can he stretch the field a little bit, but he has very good feet and is very good in and out of cuts," Welker said. "Usually for a guy that's that big, you lose a little bit as far as the quickness and getting in and out of breaks, which he does a really good job of."