Predict the production: Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins

Predicting the production for Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins.

The Texans just rewarded former Michigan third-round wide receiver Nico Collins with a three-year, up to $75M contract extension on Tuesday.

Collins was derailed by injuries, along with poor quarterback play throughout his first two years in the league, but 2023 was different for a multitude of reasons. The main reason for his breakout season was the stellar play from rookie quarterback CJ Stroud.

Stroud and Collins were on another level last season, combining for nearly 1,500 yards and nine touchdowns, throughout the regular season and playoffs. Stroud even had a 133.7 passer rating when targeting Collins.

Another main reason for Collins’ success in 2023 was his ability to stay on the field for a majority of the year. Collins has dealt with some injuries that have kept him off the field early in his career, but has proved that he can stay healthy, while also producing at a high level.

Houston’s offense is loaded with talent, but everyone will be able to get their fair share of targets. Collins was the main target for Stroud for a majority of last season, due to the season-ending injury to rookie Tank Dell, therefore it will be interesting to see who will get the most targets 2024.

The Texans added All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason, and he is still very capable of playing at an elite level. Combine that with the return of Dell in the Texans offense, and it is tough to predict who will be the main guy.

PRODUCTION PREDICTION: 75 RECEPTIONS / 1,200 YARDS / 6 TOUCHDOWNS

If Nico Collins has similar targets from last season, and can stay healthy for a majority of the year again, there is no doubt that he will be able to put together another incredible year with Stroud at the helm.