A lot has already been made about the Houston Texans wide receiver group and the perception this is one of the worst groups in the NFL. I get it too, limited experience and minimal productivity from the veterans of the group and know one really knows what the Texans have.
The Texans have three rookies on the squad, third-rounder Tank Dell, sixth-rounder Xavier Hutchinson, and undrafted rookie Jared Wayne. You could even throw John Metchie III into the "rookie" mix. I don't expect any of these four to rise up to be the Texans' number one receiver but so far throughout rookie mini-camp, OTAs, and most recently mandatory mini-camp, this group has turned some heads.
Brett Hawn of Toro Times recently wrote up his three observations from mandatory mini-camp which included a section about the wide receivers. Here is a quote from Brett.
"The most important characteristic shown by each receiver during these past couple of days was the work ethic and hunger to improve, traits that will serve them well as the offseason activities intensify. For Texans fans, having a group of motivated receivers is an exciting prospect."Brett Hawn (Toro Times)
As exciting as this group might be though, I think it would be wise to temper expectations. With likely a new quarterback running the show in C.J. Stroud, a new head coach and another new offensive scheme, it may take time for this offense to get rolling.
In addition, I don't expect new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik to put too much on Stroud's plate, particularly early, which means leaning on the run game, which should be a very good unit in 2023. I've repeatedly said I think the Texans run game will be a top-ten unit this season. Unfortunately, this will reduce these opportunities for the receivers. But let's take a closer look at the three 2023 Houston Texan wide receivers.
Nathaniel "Tank" Dell - third-round selection
The one thing everyone has consistently noticed with Dell is his on-field speed and quickness. It’s one thing to run a 4.2 40-yard dash but how many times do you see anyone running a straight line for 40 yards, unless they’ve already broken free or running a fly route?
Dell’s extreme quickness and agility will serve him well on the football field when it comes to running quick, crisp routes. Some might be worried about his size but this isn’t your grandfather’s NFL and he’ll be just fine. Coach Ryans was recently asked about the receiver group and as it relates to Dell, he said “has been open a lot".
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.
That open-field running ability will make him a stud in the return game as well. Dell is going to be a true weapon the Texans will be able to utilize on offense. That said, I’m still leery of putting any statistical projections or too many expectations on him given the style of offense and rookie quarterback.
Xavier Hutchinson – sixth-round selection
Hutchinson has a lot of fans out there who are rooting for him and at 6’3”, he could become a significant red zone target for the Texans. After Nico Collins, Hutchinson is the tallest of the receivers, technically it’s a tie with fellow rookie Jared Wayne.
I was a big fan of Hutchinson in the draft process and spent a lot time watching him and his film. What I saw was a player who despite being the focal point, he still found ways to make plays. He’s a great in-traffic receiver, who knows how to high-point the ball. I’m not the only one that shares this opinion.
"Was the obvious No. 1 at Iowa State this season and thrived despite the attention. Well-rounded more so than someone with a specialty. Rebounder type in the red zone and for being a bigger wideout, he’s fun after the catch."Chris Trapasso
Hutchinson has been making plays throughout the various camps, including a beautiful 45-yard bomb from Case Keenum. He also had this touchdown grab earlier in practice from rookie quarterback Stroud.
Rookies connect: C.J. Stroud to Xavier Hutchinson during Tuesday’s practice. pic.twitter.com/1TiYvaWZ1S
— Drew Dougherty (@DoughertyDrew) June 13, 2023
If Hutchinson can become another weapon, to go with veterans Robert Woods and Nico Collins, along with Dell in the slot, Stroud will have no shortage of targets in this Texans offense.
Jared Wayne - Rookie free-agent
Rookie free-agents don’t typically get a lot of publicity but he’s been making plays as well. The fans might not know too much about him but the Texans coaches have noticed.
"Jared, he’s doing a good job as well, 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
Jared Wayne was the Pittsburgh Panthers' number one receiver a season ago as a senior. In 2022, he recorded 60 receptions (more than any Texans' receiver in 2022), 1,063 yards, and five touchdowns. He was voted second-team All-ACC as well.
He was also a second-round pick of the Toronto Argonauts from the CFL but instead chose to give the NFL a shot, signing with the Houston Texans.
For Wayne to make the Texans roster, it’s a long shot, as it is for most undrafted rookies but so far, he’s done a good job and he has the physical skills to play at this level. The Texans have a lot of receivers in camp and he’s going to have to beat out a few of them to make the 53-man roster.
Jesse Mathews – Rookie free-agent
Matthews is smaller than most of the receivers vying for a spot on the Texans roster, standing at six-foot tall and weighing 190 pounds but he has a lot of fight in him, which was evident as a walk-on in college with San Diego State.
During his four-year collegiate career, Matthews recorded 174 receptions, 2,109 yards, and 15 touchdowns. He was also a two-time bowl game MVP with the Aztecs.
"Jesse is another young guy that we think has some promise to him. He’s doing a good job. He just has to continue just like everybody else just continue to be consistent, continue to try to improve daily. That’s all we’re looking for out of all our guys right now."Coach Ryans
Matthews is probably a longer shot than Wayne to make this roster but if he can, as Coach Ryans said, improve and be consistent, he might be able to find a spot on the Texans practice squad.
The Texans have some talent in their receiver room and 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.