Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has emerged as one of the NFL’s best pass catchers over the last couple of seasons. He broke out in 2023 with 80 catches for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns and followed that up in ’24 with 68 catches, 1006 yards, and seven scores -in 12 games, earning a Pro Bowl nod.
The 2021 third-round pick spent last season playing alongside star wideout Stefon Diggs, who now calls New England home. He also ran routes with Tank Dell, though the third-year pro is expected to miss the season due to a knee injury. So, in terms of wide receivers, there isn’t much returning production, but talented rookies are entering the room.
Collins Ready To Lead the Next Generation of Texans WRs
The Texans spent their first pick of the draft, which was in the second round and No. 34 overall, on Iowa State star Jayden Higgins. A 6-foot-4 speedster, he caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine scores last season. They went back to Ames for one of their third-round picks, tabbing Higgens’ college teammate Jaylin Noel at No. 79 overall.
At 5-foot-11, Noel is not nearly as imposing, but he is coming off a season in which he caught 80 passes for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns. Adding the pair of productive Cyclones could pay off for Houston, especially if the rookies are ready to contribute right away. That’s where Collins, a veteran of just four NFL seasons at 26 years of age, comes in.
Speaking with Aaron Wilson of KPRC, Collins said it’s a blessing that he’s in a position to lead these young pros.
“It’s only right for me to lead by example,” he said. “I know they’re gonna push me, I’m gonna push them. That’s the only way we can get better, and we’re gonna shine on Sundays. So, push each other and let them boys know, let the DBs know what’s up. I can’t wait to join the guys, man. I’m excited to get back with them boys, for sure.”
The Texans made Higgens the first second-round pick in league history to sign a fully guaranteed contract and took Noel just one round later, so it’s clear the organization has confidence in their abilities.
Houston did sign veteran Christian Kirk in the offseason, and the team’s WR room also lists John Metchie III, while tight end Dalton Schultz and running back Joe Mixon are each quality targets for QB C.J. Stroud.
Them, along with Collins, may make targets tough to come by for the rookies. While it’s true rookie receivers can make an early impact — see Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Brian Thomas last season for examples — those three were all taken in the first round, and the first two were in the top six picks.
Still, nothing says second and third-round picks cannot emerge, especially when the team they’re on has an elite QB and little in the way of proven options ahead of them.