The Houston Texans made a point of emphasis to upgrade the wide receiver room in the 2025 NFL Draft after the unit's play dropped off late in the 2024 season.
The Texans traded for veteran Christian Kirk, but then took former Iowa State receivers Jayden Higgins in the second round and Jaylin Noel in the fourth round.
Both rookie receivers have a chance to make an immediate impact in 2025, which isn’t great news for vets like John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson, who could be on the roster bubble this summer.
Metchie III, who was taken in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, had a better statistical season in 2024 than he did in 2023, which was technically his rookie year as he battled leukemia in 2022.
However, the former Alabama star wide receiver didn’t make a significant impact in the passing game, especially after Tank Dell went down with a devastating leg injury late last season. That said, Metchie needs to have a strong showing at OTAs, as he’s in fierce competition for possibly the last few spots on the 53-man roster.
According to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, the former second-round pick was running with the second team offense in 7-on-7 drills. Metchie reportedly caught a pass from backup QB Davis Mills in between two defenders.
If you are a Texans fan, you are not exactly enthusiastic about Metchie running with the second team offense, given his experience and talent. However, with Houston having Nico Collins, Kirk, and two rookie wide receivers, this is his starting point on the road to the 2025 season.
That said, it is shocking Metchie didn’t start with the first-team offense, especially with Houston having two rookie receivers who are just learning the offense.
But the former Alabama receiver has to go out and show that he’s better than the competition he’s competing against, which is Hutchinson, Braxton Berrios, and Justin Watson. If Metchie does that, he'll be on the 53-man roster. However, if he can't, the Texans could consider moving him during the summer.