Nico Collins 2021 Fantasy Sleeper as the Big-Bodied Playmaker on the Texans Feeble Depth Chart

“He’s doing a good job coming here in and learning the offense,” Texans OC Tim Kelly said. “Making that transition, it’s a totally different game, especially for a guy who didn’t play last year, who opted out. He’s done a great job. He came in in great shape and he’s really learning the offense and he’s been impressive”

In particular, Cooks, who eats up 1,000-yard seasons, is extremely impressed by Collins’ on-field attributes and his ability to quickly pick up the playbook.

“How I feel about Nico, this guy doesn’t look like a rookie to me,” Cooks said. You talk about a guy who’s out there that’s coachable and is able to pick up things pretty fast. You love to see that from a young guy, a guy who is explosive with natural hands and I look forward to continuing to work with him and seeing him grow.”

To make things even juicier, the Texans have two coaches on the offensive staff who have familiarity with Collins. At Michigan, Collins played for current Texans assistant receivers coach Ben McDaniels and Texans passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Pep Hamilton.

“He’s a big body wide receiver that has a tremendous catch radius that’ll make contested catches,” Hamilton said. “We’re excited to have an opportunity to continually see him grow and develop and see what type of pro he becomes.”

Even though the whole organization seems to be pumping Collins’ tires, he’s fine-tuning his route running, grasping the playbook, and adapting to the league. Meanwhile, he knows he brings a new element to the Texans’ offense.

“I use my size as an advantage,” Collins said. “I feel like that’s one part of my game that I excel in. I play big. I play physical. I’m glad that the Houston Texans believed in me and they picked me up.

“A big target, I use my frame to my advantage. I feel like there’s an opportunity for the quarterback to give me a fade ball in the end zone. I use my size the best way I can, and that’s the best way I perform on the football field, just using my size.”

“Taylor looking deep, he’s got Nico Collins! Oh my goodness what a catch! That’s Collins’ second score of the afternoon and the Texans have cut the score to 49-14. This rookie sure has been impressive.”

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) July 14, 2021

The Wolf is buying the hype. He has Collins ranked WR74 (+29 vs ECR) on his 2021 Fantasy Football Rankings & Big Board. Nico also lands at WR61 (+11 vs ECR) on the Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings.