Texans Camp Notebook: Who's No. 1 WR? The C.J. Stroud Starting Reason
HOUSTON — The Houston Texans do not have a locked-in No. 1 receiver. But as they enter the 2023 campaign, Xavier Hutchinson is part of a young trio responsible for elevating Houston's receiving corps. The other receivers are Tank Dell and John Metchie III.
"We are all going through the same thing," Hutchinson said. "When you have brothers, you can go through it together, it makes a huge difference. We are always there for each other, good or bad days."
The Texans drafted Hutchinson with the No. 205 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. As a 6-foot-3 prospect, Hutchinson played three seasons for the Iowa State Cyclones after a short stay at Blinn College.
He finished his career in the Big 12 with 254 catches for 2,929 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Confidence has never been an issue for Hutchinson due to his successful stint at Iowa State. And through the first 11 days of training camp at the Houston Methodist Training Center, Hutchinson has been a consistent contributor in the passing game.
Hutchinson has made several receptions as a deep-threat receiver, which illustrates his growth when compared to his collegiate days.
Establishing himself as a reliable playmaker isn't new for Hutchinson. But learning special teams has been his most significant adjustment on the heels of his rookie season.
"It's the transition to the NFL," Hutchinson said. "This is very new to me. I am excited to see if this is something I can do. I am all about helping the team out.
"I never thought I could do it, but I actually could. It is not as hard as it seems. You just have to be committed to it and care. You have to have some kind of dawg in you to want to compete out there on special teams."
Hutchinson said he had no experience playing special teams in college. But due to the teachings of special teams coach Frank Ross with veterans Noah Brown and Tavierre Thomas, Hutchinson's confidence has risen.
"Hutch has shown up a lot," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "You’ve seen ‘Hutch’ has shown up on some big plays down the field. Big, physical receiver. He’s shown up in camp making a few plays. I'm excited to see him continue to work and improve what he’s doing, but happy to have him here."
The reasoning for starting C.J. Stroud: Ryans addressed the media for the first time since naming C.J. Stroud the Texans' starting quarterback for their preseason opener against the New England Patriots Thursday night.
Ryans noted the decision to start Stroud does not indicate that the rookie prospect from Ohio State will be the official starter moving forward. Expect Mills to receive snaps at Gillette Stadium. The team will revisit which quarterback will start ahead of its second preseason contest against the Miami Dolphins on Aug. 19 at NRG Stadium.
"Right now, my decision is for this week that C.J. will be the starter," Ryans said. "This has been an ongoing process. This process has been going on for a long time. Again, it is the first preseason game, and this is the direction we are going."
QUICK HITS
- Unlike Monday's practice, Davis Mills took second-team reps during 11-on-11 play. He had a solid day connecting with his receivers. Unfortunately, Mills threw the first interception in three days. Safety Grayland Arnold was the recipient of the 10th takeaway of training camp.
- Kenyon Green illustrated his continuous growth for the second consecutive day. He did not give up a sack or pressure. During the first set of team activities, Green held his own against veteran defensive lineman Maliek Collins.
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