The Houston Texans traded up to draft Michigan receiver Nico Collins in Round 3 of the 2021 NFL draft.
Through organized team activities, the 89th overall pick has impressed one of the veterans in the receiving corps. Wideout Brandin Cooks’ summary of Collins is that he is mature beyond his years.
“How I feel about Nico, I mean this guy doesn’t look like no rookie to me,” Cooks told reporters on a Zoom call on May 27. “You talk about a guy who’s out there that’s coachable and able to pick up things pretty fast. You love to see that from a young guy. The guy’s explosive, natural hands. I look forward to continuing to work with him and seeing him grow.”
Collins opted out of the 2020 season, his last year at Michigan. In 2019, Collins caught 37 passes for 729 yards and seven touchdowns through 12 games.
Cooks also sees an opportunity in Collins to repay all of the mentoring that older veterans throughout his career have given to him as a former New Orleans Saints 2014 first-round pick from Oregon State.
Said Cooks: “I love it just because I had a guy — guys, I should say — that looked after me coming up and so all I’m trying to do is repay that and pay it forward in guys like Nico and the young guys.”
The Texans’ situation at quarterback may need some work, but the receiving corps could have the work ethic and demeanor to help out the Texans’ passing game.