Nico Collins Named Texans' Most Improved Player By Pro Football Focus

Several players had a career year for the Houston Texans in 2023, but arguably none more so than wide receiver Nico Collins.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans surpassed their low expectations for the 2023 season, highlighted by several players reaching career highs. Defensive end Jonathan Greenard set a career-high in sacks with 12.5, while cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. finished his second season with five interceptions. 

However, no player experienced a more significant leap than wide receiver Nico Collins. Due to health and better quarterback play from rookie C.J. Stroud, Collins had a breakout season, finishing with a career-best 1,297 yards on 80 catches, to go along with eight touchdowns.

Collins improved so much in his third season that Pro Football Focus hailed the 6-foot-4 wideout as the Texans' most improved player of the season. 

Texans wide receiver Nico Collins runs the ball against Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone and linebacker Odafe Oweh during the first quarter of a 2024 AFC divisional round game at M&T Bank Stadium / Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

"Collins reached his full potential in his first season with C.J. Stroud at quarterback. He struggled with a calf injury during the second half of the season and missed some time, but he finished the regular season with a 91.0 grade. 

"Including his postseason performance, he earned a 91.4 overall grade that ranked third among wide receivers in 2023." — per Pro Football Focus.

Texans Exclusive: Nico Collins' Road to Greatness Leads to Career-Best Season

As the Texans' top wide receiver in Houston's passing attack, Collins had five outing where he notched 100 or more yards in a single game. His best career performance came during the Texans' Week 18 contest against the Indianapolis Colts, where he finished with nine catches for 195 yards and a touchdown.

By finishing the 2023 season with over 1,000 receiving yards, Collins became the fourth player in franchise history to achieve the feat — joining Andre Johnson, DeAndre Hopkins, and Brandon Cooks.