The Texans Need Another Playmaker at Wide Receiver

The Texans’ heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs highlighted some glaring issues in their offensive arsenal—most notably, the need for more reliable firepower at wide receiver. Despite CJ Stroud’s efforts to keep the Texans competitive, the absence of dynamic playmakers on the outside became painfully evident, especially with Tank Dell sidelined and questions surrounding Stefon Diggs’ future. This defeat wasn’t just a setback in the standings; it was a wake-up call for a franchise that’s been on the verge of solidifying itself as a consistent playoff contender.

As Houston looks to regroup, the loss underscores a broader challenge: how to build a receiving corps that can not only complement Stroud’s promising talent but also compete with elite offenses like Kansas City. This pressing need to bolster the receiver room bleeds directly into the offseason conversation—a conversation that starts with identifying the Texans’ top priorities at the position.

While Collins has solidified his role as a top target, there are issues about his ability to stay healthy, particularly with ongoing soft-tissue injury concerns. Metchie and Hutchinson have yet to prove themselves as reliable, consistent pass-catchers, despite occasional flashes. The biggest blow to the Texans' receiving corps came with Tank Dell’s devastating injury, which not only ended his season prematurely but also cast doubt on his availability for 2025.

The potential loss of Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs would be monumental from a team-building perspective. Both players brought unique skill sets that allowed for a versatile approach in the passing game. Dell’s smaller frame may have limited his ability as a run blocker in tight formations, but his exceptional acceleration, change of direction, and precise route running made him a legitimate vertical threat. Whether deployed outside on play-action shots in 11 personnel or as a quick-strike option in the slot on passing downs, Dell provided the Texans with a dynamic weapon. His style of play—fast, slippery, and precise—evoked comparisons to classic slot receivers like Brandon Stokley, Wes Welker, and Cole Beasley. These players weren’t physically imposing but could create easy, efficient throws for their quarterbacks, keeping offenses ahead of the chains.

Stefon Diggs, for his part, offered something new for the Texans. His deployment in the slot was more frequent than ever before in his career, showcasing the team’s willingness to maximize his skill set in different roles. While Diggs wasn't a perfect fit for rundowns—his lack of versatility as a run blocker limited his usage in certain situations—he remained an elite pass-catcher. In 11 personnel sets, Diggs often lined up in the slot but continued to see opportunities on the outside, particularly in heavier personnel packages. With both Diggs and Dell offering impressive separation and versatility in their roles, the Texans had a strong foundation to replace their production and continue evolving their offensive scheme moving forward.

What Kind of Players Can Fix This Issue?

Before diving into the complexities of slot receivers in a Shanahan/McVay-style offense, the Texans' first priority is to find a legitimate boundary receiver opposite Nico Collins. This player must have the ability to stretch defenses, forcing them to play with lighter boxes, keep two safeties deep, and win one-on-one matchups. While Tank Dell was initially expected to fill this role, the next addition doesn't necessarily need to mirror Dell’s body type or playing style.

Historically, many successful teams have used two larger boundary receivers. Take Peyton Manning’s Broncos, for example, with Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker. The advantage of this style of player is that they can line up in various alignments, take on more difficult blocking assignments in the run game, and still be a menace in the open field—whether it’s creating yards after the catch (YAC) or making contested catches. A big-bodied receiver can help open up space for the entire offense, drawing attention from defenders and keeping opposing defenses on their heels.

Tre Harris of Ole Miss has accumulated over 1,000 yards on just 60 receptions. At 6'2" and 205 pounds, he profiles as a physical, outside receiver with the ability to rack up yards after the catch (YAC) on screens, while also having the speed to stretch the field vertically. His physicality could be a valuable asset in the Texans' quick-hitting screen game, offering an additional threat while relieving Nico Collins of some of the deep-threat duties. This would allow Collins to focus on being the primary downfield weapon, without sacrificing production in the short and intermediate areas. Harris has played over 300 snaps on the outside in the SEC, showcasing his ability to handle high-level competition. His tape highlights his knack for turning short routes, like hitches, into significant gains, as well as his acrobatic catches in tight spaces. While Harris does have an injury history, his potential to contribute at the NFL level makes him an intriguing option. He could be the missing piece in the Texans’ receiving corps, providing the dynamic threat they need to complement Collins and elevate their offense.

Another potential addition is a true Z receiver—someone who may not necessarily be able to handle the constant pressure of playing as a true X receiver on the line of scrimmage but can still threaten deep and intermediate parts of the field. This type of receiver forces safeties to play deeper, helping to protect cornerbacks from being beaten over the top.

While these receivers may lack the physicality to consistently beat press coverage or serve as lead blockers in the run game (think of McVay’s use of players like Puka Nacua or Cooper Kupp), they can still present a game-changing threat. This was the role Tank Dell was expected to fill, and it was a key part of what made him so dangerous in the Texans’ offense. When paired with Collins, a player like this can create nightmares for opposing defenses, as explosive shot plays can come from either side of the field.

Additionally, if you’re fortunate, you might be able to find a Z receiver with some slot versatility—someone who can contribute both inside and outside the numbers. A player like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Puka Nacua, or even a younger Robert Woods comes to mind. These players combine the ability to win on the boundary with enough flexibility to make an impact in the slot when needed.

One of my favorite players in this class who could fill the Z receiver role is Matthew Golden from Texas. Golden has the speed to threaten defenses deep down the field and the quickness to create separation at all levels. At 6 feet and 195 pounds, he has the physical frame to move around the field, and he's shown he can be a weapon in Steve Sarkisian’s screen game, using his agility to make defenders miss once the ball is in his hands. This season, Golden has logged over 600 snaps out wide, averaging 17 yards per catch. He’s also proven himself in big moments, posting 160+ yards against Georgia in the SEC Championship and 149 yards against ASU in the College Football Playoff, which included a clutch long touchdown on 4th and 13. Pairing Golden with Nico Collins could give the Texans an electric tandem, as their complementary skill sets would work perfectly in a Bobby Slowik offense.

This upcoming draft is loaded with talent capable of filling these specific roles. There are tall, explosive receivers who can stretch the field vertically, physical players with the versatility to line up in multiple alignments, block in the run game, and create separation, as well as electric, speedy prospects with sudden change-of-direction ability—reminiscent of the ideal Z receiver. The question now is: Which direction will the Texans choose?

The Texans’ primary goal should be to find another weapon who can win on the outside. Punishing defenses for thinking they can go one-on-one with minimal safety help will force defensive coordinators into a tough bind: how to balance defending the run game with the threat of deep shots down the field. This is crucial for building an explosive offense, ensuring the team’s success, and continuing to develop CJ Stroud, who will be coming off what some may consider a sophomore slump—despite leading the team to a second division title.

The bright side for the Texans is that general manager Nick Caserio has demonstrated a strong ability to find value at wide receiver in the draft, and with Nico Collins already in place, there is significant flexibility in terms of the types of receivers the team can add, depending on the skill set and play style they prioritize.

As Houston looks toward the 2024 NFL Draft, the decision they make at wide receiver will have a major impact on the future of their offense. Whether they go with a big-bodied boundary receiver to complement Collins, a speedy Z receiver to open up the field, or a versatile weapon who can line up both inside and out, they’ll need to choose wisely to keep the offense on track and continue their development as a playoff contender.

With the right addition, the Texans’ receiving corps could become a formidable unit that elevates the entire offense, creating a more dynamic, explosive attack that can truly take advantage of CJ Stroud’s potential and the playmaking ability of their growing roster.