Debatably more than any other rookie, Houston Texans fans are excited about the arrival of John Metchie. The 44th overall selection in Round 2 is the team’s highest wide receiver pick since Will Fuller in 2016 and represents a bundle of hope for the Texans offense.
At Alabama, Metchie operated both inside from the slot receiver and outside on the boundary. He dazzled with his fantastic footwork to the tune of 96 receptions and over 1,100 yards during his junior season with the Crimson Tide. Metchie’s phenomenal college campaign was cut short by an ACL tear in the SEC Championship game against the Georgia Bulldogs. As the rookie enters the NFL, Metchie projects to play the slot in between star wideout Brandin Cooks and emerging second year wideout Nico Collins.
The injury, in conjunction with his lack of either elite size or elite speed, make Metchie an interesting case study. What can Houston realistically expect in year one from their rookie wide receiver?
