The Houston Texans have added to their skill positions in the 2023 offseason.
Whether through free agency or the draft, the Texans gathered personnel to give rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud help as the No. 2 overall takes command of the offense.
According to Bill Barnwell from ESPN, who ranked all 32 teams by their running backs, receivers, and tight ends, the Texans came up last. Admittedly the rankings were skewed towards receivers, which neutralized the impact of running back Dameon Pierce and tight end Dalton Schultz.
At the same time, the Texans ranked 32nd last year and then traded their only wide receiver of any relevance, Brandin Cooks, to the Cowboys. He’ll be replaced in the starting lineup by Robert Woods, who didn’t show much after the catch with the Titans last season after he tore an ACL with the Rams in November 2021. At 31, Woods might be here for his professionalism and run blocking as much as for his ability as a receiver.
The hope will yet again be for the young guys to break through. Nico Collins has averaged just under 39 receiving yards per game the past two seasons, despite playing a majority of the snaps in his appearances. Quarterback play hasn’t helped, but he has one game over 70 receiving yards. Third-round rookie Tank Dell, meanwhile, will need to prove his 5-foot-8 frame can take regular offensive snaps at the highest level. Dell’s primary role in 2023 likely will be on punt returns.
Collins played four fewer games in 2022 yet managed to increase production with 37 catches for 481 yards and two touchdowns. If the Texans are able to have Collins stay healthy and available, it should give Stroud a consistent target.
Another element to the Texans’ skill positions that remains to be seen is receiver John Metchie, who battled leukemia last offseason and missed his rookie year. Should Metchie acclimate to the game quickly, the Texans could have another weapon to elevate their perception as an also-ran offense.