Keep Texans Talk Google Ad Free!
Venmo Tip Jar | Paypal Tip Jar
Thanks for your support! 🍺😎👍

Texans Wide Receivers

This probably means no...


If a first is involved I am out if I am Nick. Not to mention the contract…so it’s a no for me. Draft Golden in the first round instead. Dude has wheels running a 4.29 at the combine. He also solves kic or punt returner, as he has plus potential there as well.
 
Wow, please identify what AJ brown or DK Metcalf is available in round 3. You might want to give Caserio a call and let him know.
It now looks like Metcalf could be worth a round three in a trade with Seattle. The following article mentions Texans. DJ just turned 27 this past december. If Nick could work out a Team friendly extension with a rework of this year's $18 million base, I would be interested. Metcalf ran a 4.33 40-yard dash and is 6 ft 4 225; 1.48 split with 40.5 vertical.
 
It now looks like Metcalf could be worth a round three in a trade with Seattle. The following article mentions Texans. DJ just turned 27 this past december. If Nick could work out a Team friendly extension with a rework of this year's $18 million base, I would be interested. Metcalf ran a 4.33 40-yard dash and is 6 ft 4 225; 1.48 split with 40.5 vertical.
Steelers get him
 
Tyler Lockett is still available, and I would like to see him on our team. I think he could be signed for very little compensation. Sure, he's 32 years old but I think he still has gas in the tank and is a seasoned pro.
 
Current Wide Receiver depth chart:




Nico is WR1. We can lock that thread now.

Kirk will be second in targets and yards this season filling Diggs’ role.

Dell will not play this season.

I am not considering guys like Jared Wayne and the Johnsons (camp bodies).

Berrios more a ST only Steven Sims player if he makes the team.

That leaves Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie and Justin Watson.

Hutchinson played 47% of snaps and had 12 catches in the regular season. Metchie played 45% of snaps and had 24 catches in the regular season. That’s just not good enough. The staff trusted them to be on the field nearly half the snaps but they are not difference makers.

Robert Woods got into the game 37% of snaps and had 20 catches. He wont be back. His roster spot will be taken by Watson.


Justin Watson played 60% of snaps for the Chiefs and had 22 catches to show for it.

This team needs a 3rd target that is more than a space eater on the field. Metchie, Hutchinson and Watson all fit the profile of a “glue guy”. Hard workers who will be where the coaches want them to be… decent blockers even. But when it comes time to separate and make a play you can’t count on them. WR will be taken with one of the first two picks imo.

That being said, the JAGs are serviceable enough to hold at least 2 of their 3 roster spots. Something to be said for being where the coach wants them to be and a hard worker. I don’t see a day 3 WR taking their spot. So we can forget about throwing a dart and expecting a difference maker. Point of emphasis for team, take one you can have a reasonable expectation of production from early.
 
Current Wide Receiver depth chart:




Nico is WR1. We can lock that thread now.

Kirk will be second in targets and yards this season filling Diggs’ role.

Dell will not play this season.

I am not considering guys like Jared Wayne and the Johnsons (camp bodies).

Berrios more a ST only Steven Sims player if he makes the team.

That leaves Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie and Justin Watson.

Hutchinson played 47% of snaps and had 12 catches in the regular season. Metchie played 45% of snaps and had 24 catches in the regular season. That’s just not good enough. The staff trusted them to be on the field nearly half the snaps but they are not difference makers.

Robert Woods got into the game 37% of snaps and had 20 catches. He wont be back. His roster spot will be taken by Watson.


Justin Watson played 60% of snaps for the Chiefs and had 22 catches to show for it.

This team needs a 3rd target that is more than a space eater on the field. Metchie, Hutchinson and Watson all fit the profile of a “glue guy”. Hard workers who will be where the coaches want them to be… decent blockers even. But when it comes time to separate and make a play you can’t count on them. WR will be taken with one of the first two picks imo.

That being said, the JAGs are serviceable enough to hold at least 2 of their 3 roster spots. Something to be said for being where the coach wants them to be and a hard worker. I don’t see a day 3 WR taking their spot. So we can forget about throwing a dart and expecting a difference maker. Point of emphasis for team, take one you can have a reasonable expectation of production from early.
Agreed, look at the type of wr they brought in for visits and that's the type of wr they're looking for. The wr that's drafted may not be on the visits list. For instance I think a guy like Burden may be in play, maybe even after a trade down scenario.
 
Agreed, look at the type of wr they brought in for visits and that's the type of wr they're looking for. The wr that's drafted may not be on the visits list. For instance I think a guy like Burden may be in play, maybe even after a trade down scenario.
All the top WRs are on the menu. But I think of the ones available round 3 (a developmental guy like Nick Nash or Elic Ayomanor or slot only guy like Xavier Restrepo for example) I don’t see the round 3 guys earning playing time ahead of Hutch/Metchie/Watson… solely because they aren’t trusted to do what the coaches asked. Restrepo would be the exception but his playing time would be tied to Kirk’s availability. He would not get on the field unless Kirk is injured and wouldn’t contribute on ST.
 
Current Wide Receiver depth chart:




Nico is WR1. We can lock that thread now.

Kirk will be second in targets and yards this season filling Diggs’ role.

Dell will not play this season.

I am not considering guys like Jared Wayne and the Johnsons (camp bodies).

Berrios more a ST only Steven Sims player if he makes the team.

That leaves Xavier Hutchinson, John Metchie and Justin Watson.

Hutchinson played 47% of snaps and had 12 catches in the regular season. Metchie played 45% of snaps and had 24 catches in the regular season. That’s just not good enough. The staff trusted them to be on the field nearly half the snaps but they are not difference makers.

Robert Woods got into the game 37% of snaps and had 20 catches. He wont be back. His roster spot will be taken by Watson.


Justin Watson played 60% of snaps for the Chiefs and had 22 catches to show for it.

This team needs a 3rd target that is more than a space eater on the field. Metchie, Hutchinson and Watson all fit the profile of a “glue guy”. Hard workers who will be where the coaches want them to be… decent blockers even. But when it comes time to separate and make a play you can’t count on them. WR will be taken with one of the first two picks imo.

That being said, the JAGs are serviceable enough to hold at least 2 of their 3 roster spots. Something to be said for being where the coach wants them to be and a hard worker. I don’t see a day 3 WR taking their spot. So we can forget about throwing a dart and expecting a difference maker. Point of emphasis for team, take one you can have a reasonable expectation of production from early.

Jayden Higgins fits that WR2 need. This allows Kirk to work from the Slot. I’d still roll the dice on Dont’e Thornton Jr (Tennessee) later as a WR4 who could be utilized as a downfield weapon as he develops his route tree.
 
All the top WRs are on the menu. But I think of the ones available round 3 (a developmental guy like Nick Nash or Elic Ayomanor or slot only guy like Xavier Restrepo for example) I don’t see the round 3 guys earning playing time ahead of Hutch/Metchie/Watson… solely because they aren’t trusted to do what the coaches asked. Restrepo would be the exception but his playing time would be tied to Kirk’s availability. He would not get on the field unless Kirk is injured and wouldn’t contribute on ST.
I kind of like Royals and Horton in the 3rd if Caserio decides to wait on a WR. Depending on how the board looks I might even trade up a little bit for Royals if Caserio went sat OL/TE or DT in the 1st two rds. I'm higher on Royals than most. He's got speed, tackle breaking ability and can play in either the slot or outside. I think he would matchup well with CJ. Also Horton was a stud in 2023 before hurting his knee. He looks to be recovered and if he is he's well worth 3-89 IMHO.
 
All the top WRs are on the menu. But I think of the ones available round 3 (a developmental guy like Nick Nash or Elic Ayomanor or slot only guy like Xavier Restrepo for example) I don’t see the round 3 guys earning playing time ahead of Hutch/Metchie/Watson… solely because they aren’t trusted to do what the coaches asked. Restrepo would be the exception but his playing time would be tied to Kirk’s availability. He would not get on the field unless Kirk is injured and wouldn’t contribute on ST.
Yes, as much as I like Restrepo, the signing of Kirk pretty much moved him off my board. Good news it opened a draft pick.
 
Even with the free agent moves, the Texans are still expected to add receivers in the draft, according to league sources. In the latest mock draft by ESPN draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates, the Texans ended up selecting Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan, who was a first-team All-American in 2024, with the No. 25 overall pick.

"The goal is to try to continue to add good football players," Caserio said. "There's a number of players at [wide receiver] that look like they're gonna have an opportunity to help their team. I would say that position in particular in the draft, it certainly looks like there's some players that are going to be able to help who ever drafts them."
 
Forgot Berrios. One thing sticks out in the WRs they’ve acquired. Size on the outside (Watson 6’2” 215, Higgins 6’4” 217). And all WRs acquired this offseason have 4.4 speed, except Noel who ran 4.39

Much needed speed and size added to the unit.

If WR- Dont’e Thornton Jr (Tennessee) is still on the board come RD7…..I’m running the pick up to make that 6-5 @ 209 lb, 4.30-40, 25.4 YPC WR a Texan. It makes one more WR expendable.
 
Forgot Berrios. One thing sticks out in the WRs they’ve acquired. Size on the outside (Watson 6’2” 215, Higgins 6’4” 217). And all WRs acquired this offseason have 4.4 speed, except Noel who ran 4.39

Much needed speed and size added to the unit.
Not going to come up short in the WR corps come playoff time this yr. Plus they're covered when Kirk walks.
 
We won’t have separation issues this season that’s for sure.
I prefer WRs who can separate quickly on their release. But, play design can scheme the separation and good route runners can attain separation with a QB who throws with anticipation. I haven't watched enough of Jayden Higgins to have an opinion on his separation.
 
The Jaylin Noel pick is smart.
He will fill in admirably for Tank until, or if, he comes back or can play to the ability we know he has.
When CJ has that slot option, the offense cooks and FO knows it.

Love the pick, he'll step in for Christian Kirk next year, and maybe some 4-wides this year. He provides some nice depth, and I'd get him a jugs machine as his roommate this year, he needs to keep working on his hands.
 
I like the video, but Stoots generally annoys me. He's this generations McClain without the entertaining personality.
I completely agree on Stoots yet I listened to John McClain for decades so I can put up with Cody.

John always replied to my emails.
 
Love the pick, he'll step in for Christian Kirk next year, and maybe some 4-wides this year. He provides some nice depth, and I'd get him a jugs machine as his roommate this year, he needs to keep working on his hands.
We may soon hear of Nick doing a very Team friendly extension to Christian Kirk.
 
Tank sends out a new message on injury rehab and return


I really want to see Dell take his time. Last seasons return showed an apprehensive Dell until near mid-season when he was returning a punt and I observed him finding that speed gear again….that’s when I knew Dell was back.

The Texans have the weapons to afford him a complete rehab period so when he’s ready to return for the 2026 season, the team will know if he’s the same Dell.
 
I like the video, but Stoots generally annoys me. He's this generations McClain without the entertaining personality.
Stoots is good at what he does.

McClain was tight with the Oilers scouts.

When Buschbaum passed away McClain lost credibility and became more infatuated with movies than football.
 
He's this generations McClain without the entertaining personality.
A18Zbr2L5LL._CLa%7C2140%2C2000%7CA1AEK-NhGHL.png%7C0%2C0%2C2140%2C2000%2B0.0%2C0.0%2C2140.0%2C2000.0_AC_SX342_SY445_.png
 
I really want to see Dell take his time. Last seasons return showed an apprehensive Dell until near mid-season when he was returning a punt and I observed him finding that speed gear again….that’s when I knew Dell was back.

The Texans have the weapons to afford him a complete rehab period so when he’s ready to return for the 2026 season, the team will know if he’s the same Dell.

I'm not sure if he will be the same again. This injury is going to be in his head along with his injury the year before. Not to mention he basically just had his full knee rebuilt. ACL, MCL, PCL, Patel tendons, and the bone itself. Estimates of 100% recovery are not great for typical people for an NFL player with all the science and doctors. It is about 70 to 80%. I got this from a friend who is an orthopedic surgeon.

Studies suggest a return-to-play rate of about 63-65% after ACL reconstruction in professional football. However, success depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the individual's rehabilitation efforts, and adherence to the recovery timeline. When you add in MCL,PCL, and everything Tank had. I would not go past 80%.
 
Last edited:
Last year’s opening day roster had 7 WRs:

Nico, Diggs, Dell, Woods, Hutchinson, Metchie and Sims (return specialist).

I’d say the projected top 7 this year would be:

Nico, Kirk, Higgins, Noel, Watson, Hutchinson, Berrios (return specialist).

I doubt they keep 7 this year, I think they went heavy last season because they were healthy at the position in camp and didn’t want to make a tough cut. Injuries and Sims’ muffed returns eventually sorted the “tough cuts” out.

Which WR group do you prefer heading into the season?

Last year had the better proven production with all pro Diggs and Dell showing promise as a rookie. This year, we have a vet WR who has shown he can perform to the level Diggs did when healthy last season (Kirk). And the team has two rookies (Higgins and Noel) who project to have promising upside, but they haven’t actually done it in the NFL like Tank.

I prefer this season’s due to more depth. Four players who are “non JAGs” instead of three. The team didn’t actually have their “big three” playing together for more than 2-3 games last season. Tank missed time early due to injury, then Nico went out for several weeks, then Diggs was done for the year.

Then there’s the optimistic kool aid drinking side of me that hopes Metchie finally gets it together and plays to his draft status, Tank gets Wolverine-like healing abilities and recovers fully, Xavier Hutchinson improves in year 3 past a back end depth piece JAG and Daniel Jackson is the next great UDFA gem, Yep, the Texans are carrying 11 WRs on the active roster this season! Lets goooo!!!!
 
Back
Top