Houston Texans WR Nico Collins Has Led NFL in Surprising Stat for Last 2 Years

In this story:
Houston Texans star wide receiver Nico Collins is the only wide receiver to be in the top three in yards per route run over the last two seasons.
Collins was second in the 2023 season among qualified receivers with 3.37 yards per route run and third in the 2024 season with 3.07 yards per route run.
Collins is one of the NFL's most underrated receivers, and this stat proves that. With Stefon Diggs heading to the New England Patriots, Collins enters the season as the clear top receiver for the Texans.
Houston did add more at receiver to complement Collins, as they traded for Christian Kirk and drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
Collins has had his two best seasons with CJ Stroud as his quarterback. In 12 games in the 2024-25 campaign, Collins hauled in 68 receptions for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns.
He is a deep threat, and with his frame at 6'4'' and 222 pounds, he is a great jump ball receiver.
The Texans have won back-to-back AFC South titles and will look for more playoff success in the 2025-26 season. Houston has won their Wild Card games in the past two seasons, but has fallen in the Divisional Round.
To make a deep run, the Texans will need Collins to remain a productive wide receiver for Stroud and the offense.
Read More Houston Texans Coverage
MORE: ESPN Places Houston Texans Rivalry Game Among Must-Watch Matchups
MORE: Houston Texans Fans Will Love This AFC South Outlook
MORE: Houston Texans' Big Offseason Move Among ESPN's Top NFL Storylines
MORE: Houston Texans Make Major Decision on Second-Round Pick's Future
MORE: Texans' Pass Rusher Who Leads NFL in Unique Stat Named Top Trade Piece

Ben Cooper is a sports journalist. In addition to covering the NFL, college football and college basketball in the On SI Network, he writes for LakersAllDayEveryday and covers key stories around the NBA and NFL for ClutchPoints. Ben began his sports journalism career during high school and plans to become a reporter after graduating from California Lutheran University.