When the Houston Texans open up training camp next month, all eyes will be on the wide receiver position. At least five players are vying for 1 or 2 spots on the 53-man roster and the Texans added five new faces to the receiver room — Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Braxton Berrios, and Justin Watson.
Kirk and the rookies' (Higgins and Noel) spots are locked in as they should play a huge role in the passing game with Tank Dell banged up. Meanwhile, Watson and Berrios are competing with John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, and Jared Wayne for the final spots.
Most fans are wondering if Metchie III and Hutchinson will step up to the plate, given that they are recent draft picks. However, Berrios could be the odd man out as we head into training camp.
Braxton Berrios Could Be on the Outside Looking Into the Texans' Receiver Room
Berrios signed a one-year, $2 million deal this offseason after spending the last two years with the Miami Dolphins. The veteran wide receiver only appeared in six games last season as he was sidelined by a torn ACL, which he suffered in Week 7. Before going down with the season-ending injury, the 29-year-old return specialist averaged 25.3 yards per kick return and 14.7 yards per punt return, which was a notable improvement from his first season in Miami.
With the Texans, Berrios won’t need to play wide receiver, given the depth of talent at the position. Therefore, it leaves special teams as Berrios’ only path to making the 53-man roster later this summer.
Given his experience, the veteran receiver should have the advantage in that department. But he has some competition. According to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, Metchie has played special teams this offseason, which included returning kicks in practice. In addition to Metchie, the Texans could use Noel on punt returns and veteran running back Dameon Pierce on kick returns.
Pierce is also fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, thanks to the Texans recent signing of Nick Chubb and arrival of fourth-round rookie Woody Marks. When you consider all those factors, it's clear that the veteran receiver has a tough road to make the 53-man roster.
If Berrios signed a two-year deal like Watson, he would have some security. But he does not have that luxury, making him potentially expendable as training camp looms.