'Healthy' Nico Collins A WR1: Texans' 'Biggest X-Factor'?

Now entering his third season in the NFL, Nico Collins could be the Houston Texans' biggest X-factor.

Entering the season, Nico Collins has a chance to break out in a big way. The third-year receiver has shown flashes in his first two seasons, despite limited reps due to the injury bug.

When he is on the field, though, he has shown what it takes to be the top option in Houston's passing attack. And as a result, Fox Sports named Collins the Texans' "X-factor" entering the new season.

"The Texans don't have a true No. 1 receiver on their roster after trading Brandin Cooks to the Cowboys, but Nico Collins could develop into one," Fox Sports writes. "He was on pace for more than 60 receptions and 800 yards last season before a toe issue cut his year short in Week 13."

"He's a big-bodied outside receiver (listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds) and a fluid athlete."

Collins appeared in just 10 games for the Texans last season, starting seven times. In those 10 games he hauled in 37 receptions for 481 yards and a pair of touchdowns, averaging 13 yards per catch. 

The potential for him to be the best target for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud is certainly there. All that won't matter, however, if he can't stay healthy consistently and build that chemistry with Stroud. 

"Collins' issue has been injuries. He's missed 10 of 34 possible games since joining the Texans as a third-round pick in 2021," Fox Sports writes. "A healthy Collins would give No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud a dependable option in a wide receiver room that lacks depth, accelerating Houston's rebuild."

Houston might not be ready to compete for the playoffs quite yet, but it can take a big step toward doing so. If Collins can stay healthy and form that chemistry with Stroud, then the potential for the Texans' offense is high. 

---

You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

Want the latest in breaking and insider news for the Houston Texans? Click Here

Follow Texans Daily on Twitter and Facebook

Make sure to subscribe to our daily podcast @LockedOnTexans today! Click here To Listen.

Want even more Houston Texans news? Check out the SI.com team page here.