CJ Stroud: John Metchie III will be ‘pivotal’ for Houston Texans this year

The Houston Texans have numerous weapons heading into the 2024 season, but perhaps none will have a bigger year than John Metchie III. Returned from illness and injury, the former second-round pick is gearing up for Year 3 in the league and looking forward to a breakout season. His quarterback, CJ Stroud, certainly believes the Alabama alum can separate himself this year.

“The word proud doesn’t give it enough about how I feel with what he’s going through and what he’s been able to do,” Stroud said on Tuesday at minicamp. “As y’all can see, he’s running some of the best routes I’ve ever seen. His lateral quickness, his stop and start, he’s been through a lot fighting cancer and fighting injury… As you can see, he’s making plays, he’s showing up and showing out.

“Another brother of mine. Not only am I there for him, but he’s also there for me. I’m excited for him to show his value that we’ve all known he has, now he can put it on the field. He’s going to be pivotal and important to the football team.”

The former Crimson Tide star tore his ACL in the SEC Championship game in December of 2021. The Texans drafted him in the second round of the NFL Draft four months later, regardless. Then doctors diagnosed Metchie with leukemia as NFL teams were opening preseason training camps.

After recovering from treatment, he then strained a hamstring. Metchie finally saw his first action last fall, but he still only caught 15 passes for 158 yards. He also added three post-season receptions. His career hasn’t been what the Texans hoped for when they drafted him, but he’s once again showing signs of being the 1,000-yard receiver he was in Tuscaloosa.

Stroud adds Diggs to group of weapons

The Houston Texans were able to showcase new addition Stefon Diggs on the field at practice and at the podium on Tuesday. Stroud is beginning to build chemistry with Diggs, who spent the past four seasons in Buffalo as Josh Allen‘s top receiver. The Texans, however, have a number of weapons for the former Buckeyes standout to take advantage of this season. Diggs isn’t afraid of a little competition.

“It’s crazy, I’ve been in the league a little while now,” Diggs said. “It’s a breath of fresh air… I remember being in their shoes and being equally as hungry. I see their mindset and it’s the same things I’ve wanted for myself. The young guys we have are working super hard and are uber-talented… I know what it takes to win, and I’m trying to bring that mindset each and every day.”

Aside from Diggs, the other receivers on the Texans squad are young, like Metchie. Nico Collins, Houston’s third-round pick in 2021, was Stroud’s main guy last year. He caught 80 passes for 1,297 yards. The team rewarded him with a massive extension this week.

Houston also has Tank Dell, who was a rookie last year. Dell caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. His high point came against Arizona last December when he caught eight passes for 148 yards.

The Houston Texans have heavy expectations on their shoulders but they are taking things one day at a time. With Diggs leading Metchie, Collins, Dell and even Dalton Schultz, they could win another divisional title, if not much more.