3 questions for the Houston Texans wide receivers entering training camp

The Houston Texans have been fortunate to have one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for the better part of their history, starting with Andre Johnson, followed by DeAndre Hopkins. But since Hopkins was traded to the Arizona Cardinals, the Texans have been looking for a number-one receiver.

This season is no different; however, several other question marks are facing the Houston Texans receiver corps this year. We'll get into those here shortly, but a lot of the Texans' success will hinge on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and how quickly he can adapt to the speed of the NFL.

While I expect the Texans to be primarily a run-oriented offense, in today's game, you have to be good in the passing game too. An elite wide receiver can make a quarterback look better with precise routes and separation, but an accurate passer can help his receivers look good too and Stroud was considered the most accurate quarterback in this past draft.

The Texans spent some draft capital in 2023 on two new wide receivers in Nathaniel "Tank" Dell (Houston) and Xavier Hutchinson (Iowa State). They also signed rookie free agents Jared Wayne (Pittsburgh) and Jesse Matthews (San Diego State). Additionally, they signed Robert Woods and Noah Brown to free-agent deals.

Gone from the 2022 roster are Chris Moore and Phillip Dorsett. They combined for 66 receptions (18.8 percent) and 783 yards (21.5 percent of the team), with three touchdowns. Despite these player losses, I think the gains far outweigh the loss in this case. But with so many newcomers, comes several questions. Let this get into those questions and if we can answer them.

Who will step up to be the Houston Texans' number-one receiver?

Many Texans fans believe that Nico Collins will be that guy but other possible candidates could be Robert Woods or even rookie third-rounder Tank Dell.  Other possibilities would be Noah Brown or maybe Xavier Hutchinson shocks everyone and becoming that guy. Let's not forget John Metchie III too. He should be able to make his debut sometime this season as well.

Personally, I don’t see that guy being Brown or Hutchinson, but I could definitely see it being one of the other three previously mentioned.  Let’s take a look at those three and then I’ll let you know who I think will be the guy and if he is capable of becoming a true number one.

Nico Collins finished tied for third on the team last season with 37 receptions but played in only ten games, starting seven of them.  The other two he tied with were running back Rex Burkhead and tight end Jordan Akins, neither of whom are with the team heading into 2023.

Woods started 15 games last season but with a Titans team that severely struggled, especially in the passing game.  He finished the year with 53 receptions and 527 yards, with only two touchdowns.  Then there is Dell, who has a ton of hype and potential but is still a rookie.  Sure, there have been rookie sensations such as Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, but those types don’t come along often. For my money, I’m going with Nico Collins to step up and become the Texans’ number-one wide receiver.

Will Nathaniel "Tank" Dell answer the hype?

It’s been a while since the Houston Texans have had a receiver coming into town with as much hype as Dell.  The question is, will he answer the hype?  So far, in the limited practices from OTAs and minicamps, analysts and fans alike have been impressed.

We’ve discussed what Dell might be able to do in this offense and also on special teams.  His quickness will be a huge asset in the return game if the Texans elect to line him up in this role.  It will also help in running routes and creating separation.  The concern with him is his size but there are others in the NFL comparable that have done well in the NFL.

I expect the Texans will move him around the field, lining him up and getting him in motion to help keep the bigger corners from being able to jam him at the line.  He will also make a great weapon in the screen game with his open-field skills.

If Dell proves the hype to be real, he will provide Stroud with a great outlet from the slot position and Dell has phenomenal open-field abilities and should be able to rack up some nice after-the-catch yardage.

Will the Houston Texans wide receiver corps prove the national media wrong?

A lot has been made about the young receiving corps of the Houston Texans and where they stand when compared to the rest of the league.  Not only are they young but first-time Texans, Noah Brown, and Robert Woods could provide some veteran leadership, but they aren’t exactly considered top-flight receivers.

"...all the guys are working really hard working really well with what they’ve been doing. They’ve been adapting to what we ask them to do, and they’re competing each day."

Coach Ryans

The Texans have some talent in their receiver room, and I think they will surprise some fans and media.  But make no mistake, the Texans will be a run-first team but in the meantime, they have some guys that if they continue to develop and make plays, will give the Texans a solid, complimentary passing game.

If Stroud can be the uber-accurate quarterback he was in college, this receiving corps has the horses to make some plays.  Texans’ offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowik can help in this process too by designing plays that will take advantage of individual talents and strengths, to scheme guys open downfield.

The talent is there, the question will be whether that potential comes to fruition and provides a spark in the Texans’ offense.  If they can, this offense just might be better than a lot of folks think.

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