The 2023 NFL season witnessed the emergence of Houston Texans wide receiver, Nico Collins, as a dominant force. A third-round pick from Michigan in 2021, Collins elevated his game significantly in his third year, largely thanks to the arrival of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the second overall pick from Ohio State.
Collins’ statistical leap was undeniable. After totaling just 70 receptions for 927 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons, he exploded in 2023, amassing 80 catches for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games. This remarkable improvement wasn’t just a product of increased volume; Collins showcased a significant jump in efficiency.
A key metric highlighting Collins’ dominance is yards per route run (YPRR). According to Pro Football Focus analyst Gordon McGuinness, Collins ranked second in the NFL with an impressive 3.11 YPRR, trailing only the Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill, who posted an otherworldly 3.72. This statistic underscores Collins’ ability to consistently generate significant yardage every time he ran a pass route.
McGuinness noted the stark contrast between Collins’ 2023 performance and his previous two seasons: “After averaging less than 1.70 yards per route run in 2021 (1.24) and 2022 (1.68), the former Michigan wide receiver was one of just two players at the position to average at least 3.00 yards per route run last year.” This dramatic increase solidified Collins’ place among the league’s elite receivers.
Collins’ breakout performance coincided with the arrival of Stroud, who quickly established a strong connection with the young receiver. With Stroud at the helm, Collins became a focal point of the Texans’ passing attack, demonstrating his ability to consistently win against opposing defensive backs.
Looking ahead, the Texans’ offense boasts a wealth of talent at the skill positions, making them a formidable unit. Alongside Collins, the receiving corps features a healthy Tank Dell returning from injury, veteran acquisition Stefon Diggs, experienced players like Robert Woods and Noah Brown, and promising young talents such as John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson.
The tight end position is equally well-stocked, with Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan leading the way, and the addition of rookie Cade Stover from Ohio State further bolstering the group. This impressive array of weapons provides Stroud with numerous options in the passing game.
While the Texans’ offense is loaded with talent, Collins is poised to remain a key figure in their passing attack. His impressive 2023 season served as a testament to his potential, and with continued development, he is expected to solidify his role as a true number one receiver in the NFL.