Houston Texans: 3 players with most to gain from the Randall Cobb trade

Prior to being sent to Green Bay, Randall Cobb’s spot as the Houston Texans slot wide receiver was at least written in ink, if not stone. With Cobb gone, there will be a few players looking to fill that role.

Nick Caserio’s mantra since taking over as general manager of the Houston Texans has been “competition.” While it sounds very football speak or like a nice thing to say, when it comes to who will get snaps at receiver to start the season it is definitely an open competition.

Sure, Brandin Cooks is WR1. Cooks has been consistent over his career and produced a 1,000 yards in five of seven seasons in his career. Expect to see him lined up outside regardless of what happens with the rest of the offense.

There’s a lot of unknown outside of Cooks, but it would be shocking if Nico Collins isn’t lining up outside opposite Cooks. Collins was one of the team’s third round picks in the draft, and they paid quite a price to grab him. The Texans brass thought Collins was worth a 2021 fourth, fifth and 2022 fourth round pick. The Michigan product will have to prove his worth to stay on the field, but it seems to be his spot to lose.

Where the competition really starts is for the chance to replace Cobb as slot receiver. There are a few players with a legitimate chance to take over Cobb’s snaps. The competition is likely something will work out in the Houston Texans favor.

Each of the players will be performing at their best at all times to try to earn the job, so let’s take a look at this group, starting with a new member of the roster.