Nico Collins is getting better every day. The second-year wide receiver and third-round pick out of Michigan has been making his presence felt during Houston Texans training camp.
As a rookie, Collins started eight games, caught 33 passes for 446 yards and scored just one touchdown. A jump in receiving production would do wonders for Houston’s offense.
As a sophomore, Collins has looked like a sharper route runner who understands how to setup cornerbacks and leave them in the dust. On Tuesday, during one-on-one drills, Collins (#12) ran a dig route and beat Fabian Moreau (#22) over the middle.
Gettin’ after it 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/ZXQ9l1NGKX
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 9, 2022
Route running is an art and Collins told Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network that his favorite route to run is the dig route, “I like the dig route because you can push the defender and get them running vertical, and then I come out of my break.”
After talking the talk, Collins walked the walk, pushing Moreau vertical and then breaking inside to separate for the catch. It’s impressive how a 6-4 receiver can get low to burst out of his breaks, a skill Collins was vocal about improving this offseason.
“One thing I worked on this offseason is my pad level and footwork at making every route the same.” Collins later added, “I’m trying to be one of the greats. I want to be a Hall of Famer in Houston like Andre Johnson. Until then, I’ve got to continue to stack my days.”
Reaching Dre’s level of success is a high bar and would be a monumental outcome for Collins. Training camp practices have gone well, next on the checklist, preseason. Collins’ first chance to showcase his improved routes in live action is Aug. 13 versus the New Orleans Saints.