The Houston Texans have undergone a significant rebuild in recent years, focusing on accumulating young talent across the roster and building from within.
This strategy appears to be paying dividends, particularly within the receiving corps. The Texans paired Nico Collins with Tank Dell in 2023 and traded for Stefon Diggs this offseason. That trio quickly became arguably the top collection of receivers in the NFL, as Collins and Diggs are both 1,000-yard receivers and Dell very well could have been had he not suffered a season-ending injury midway through this past season.
C.J. Stroud now has three bonafide receiving threats, and the reigning NFL Rookie of the Year even went so far as to claim the Texans have five No. 1 receivers on their roster.
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While that may be hyperbole, at least one NFL analyst believes the Texans have multiple top-flight pass catchers on their roster. Pro Football Focus' Sam Monson ranked 32 receivers ahead of the 2024 season. Here's where the Texans' pass-catchers landed.
Texans duo cracks top-15 list of best WRs in 2024
Rookies were eligible for PFF's list, but they carry the most projection. However, PFF considers factors like college production, projected performance at the pro level, and their surrounding situation, including their quarterback and offensive scheme. Despite the inherent challenges in comparing players across receiving styles, this list offers valuable insights into the league's most impactful wideouts.
Diggs and Collins, who recently signed a new contract, secured spots on the prestigious list, solidifying their status as a dangerous receiving duo for opposing defenses. Diggs ranked No. 11, while Collins ranked No. 15.
Stefon Diggs
Diggs had another 100-catch, 1,000-yard season in Buffalo — his fourth consecutive one for the Bills. He's finished more than 100 receptions and/or 1,000 yards for the past five seasons and is five yards away from 10,000 career yards.
While Diggs might not on the downswing, he is still an elite pass-catcher in the NFL and worthy of a top-15 ranking on any list.
Stefon Diggs is coming off a rough second half of the season and is 30 years old," Monson wrote. "On the other hand, he is a year removed from a dominant season with over 1,400 receiving yards and a 90.1 overall PFF grade. With more help around him in Houston, one of the most crafty veterans in the league could have a bounce-back season.
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Nico Collins
Collins emerged as a legitimate No. 1 wideout in his third season this past year. He tallied 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns with Stroud under center — more than what he accomplished in his first two NFL seasons combined.
The third-year pro is a great speed threat on the outside who thrived man coverage in 2023. With Diggs and Dell pulling defenders away, Collins is looking for another big season.
Nico Collins had a phenomenal breakout year last season with C.J. Stroud throwing him the football. He trailed only Tyreek Hill in yards per route run (3.10), and caught over 50% of his contested targets.
Texans fans debate potential snub and rising star
Some Texans fans argued that Dell deserved a spot on the list after his impressive showing in the 2023 season that was cut short by a leg injury. However, Diggs and Collins established themselves enough in their careers to garner the recognition that reflects what they will do to opposing defenses throughout the 2024 season.
There has also been excitement brewing in Houston about John Metchie III, a talented third-year receiver who has had to battle coming off an ACL injury his rookie season and a fight with cancer.
Metchie's skillset and work ethic suggest he has the potential to develop into a star, potentially landing a spot on this list in the future. With a healthy Metchie complementing Diggs, Collins and Dell, the Texans' receiving corps has the potential to become one of the league's most dangerous units.
