One position group that will be under the microscope for Houston Texans fans this summer is wide receiver.
The Texans have an overabundance of talent at the position, thanks to the trade for veteran Christian Kirk and the draft picks of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. With those three new receivers, plus Nico Collins, it doesn’t leave that many open spots on the 53-man roster.
Young wide receivers John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jared Wayne are competing with veterans Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios for those last two spots. Among that group, Watson likely has an inside track to spot as he was signed to a two-year contract this offseason.
While most Texans fans likely think Metchie is on the chopping block, and you can’t blame them, given his production last season.
Hutchinson could be the odd man out, as he hasn’t made many strides in his first two years in the league and isn’t doing much at OTAs. Jonathan M Alexander of the Houston Chronicle didn’t give a glowing endorsement for Hutchinson or Metchie.
"Among John Metchie, Justin Watson, Braxton Berrios, Jared Wayne and Xavier Hutchinson, some tough decisions will need to be made after training camp. But this week will be an opportunity for guys like Metchie and Hutchinson to make a good impression heading into the summer. Neither particularly stood out in OTA practices open to the media."
The fact that neither receiver has stood out in a practice setting isn’t good, as we are quickly approaching training camp.
Last season, the former Iowa State Cyclone had 12 receptions (26 targets) for 117 yards, which was an improvement from his rookie season.
Hutchinson also made three starts in 2024, but squandered the opportunity. The young wideout had four receptions (six targets) for 33 yards. Now, the 6-foot-3 pass catcher did step up in the AFC divisional round game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he had four (six targets) for 52 yards.
It's clear that Hutchinson has talent; he just needs to put it together, which should’ve started to manifest itself in OTAs. That said, if Hutchinson can’t find a way to stand out, the Texans could straight up cut him at the end of preseason later this summer. He doesn’t have much value as a trade commodity, given what we’ve seen to start his career.