Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has officially arrived in 2024.
Last season while serving as Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud’s go-to receiver, Collins exploded on the the scene. In 15 games, he hauled 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns while serving as the core receiving element of one of the league’s most surprising offenses.
The campaign and career numbers also netted the Michigan product a three-year, $72.5 extension last month as general manager Nick Caserio and the front office opted to ensure that Collins would be available for their young quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Still, this was a breakout that few saw coming despite any Julio Jones comparisons made last offseason. In his first two years, Collins dealt with multiple injuries and never had more than 37 receptions or 500 yards in a season. He also dealt with inept quarterback play with draftmate Davis Mills and underwhelming play-calling from offensive coordinators Tim Kelly and Pep Hamilton.
So, where did the blastoff come from?
The film tells the story of a player who was always ready to explode when placed in the proper position, which includes health and quality quarterback play.