Advanced stat shows surge for Texans WR Nico Collins was no fluke

Tim Weaver

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Advanced stat shows surge for Texans WR Nico Collins was no fluke image

Stefon Diggs might now be the crown jewel of Houston's wide receiver room. However, the Texans already had a couple of pretty bright gems at this position in Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Collins in particular is a treasure, especially since his breakout 2023 season was so unexpected.

In his first two seasons in the league Collin's numbers were nothing to write home about. In 24 games he only managed to total 70 catches, 927 yards and three touchdowns all together. Last year Collins' production took a huge leap forward, coinciding with the arrival of rookie sensation C.J. Stroud. Collins racked up 109 catches, 1,297 yards and scored eight touchdowns.

As impressive as those traditional numbers were, some advanced stats suggest the Texans may have another superstar in the making at this position. In 2023 Collins joined only a handful of receivers to average three or more yards per route run since 2010, including Houston legend Andre Johnson and a few other potential future Hall of Famers.

Collins' efficiency and chemistry with Stroud, combined with the talents of Diggs and Dell makes this a very formidable group, indeed.  There are even some analysts who believe this newly-formed trio represents the best receiver room in the entire NFL right now.

Tim Weaver

Tim Weaver Photo

Tim Weaver has been covering the NFL since the 2013 season for a number of different outlets, including Fansided and USA Today SMG. His work began with the Seahawks and has included covering the Eagles, Bears, Panthers, Steelers and Falcons. His pit/terrier mix, Pepper, is a one-cut-and-go kind of girl.