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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is a potential sleeper this year. He averaged six PPR fantasy points per game last season. While he ended the season as the WR86, Collins had some promising moments as a rookie.
He played only 61.9% of the snaps and had a route participation rate of 73.1% last season. However, Collins averaged 1.37 fantasy points per target and 0.24 fantasy points per route run. More importantly, he was a critical part of Houston’s red zone offense.
Collins is an ideal red zone weapon, thanks to his size. Last year he had a 14.3% red zone target share and had five targets in the green zone (inside the 10-yard line). While he had only one receiving touchdown last season, Collins accounted for 3.5% of the Texans’ offensive scores.
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Is Nico Collins the WR2 In Houston?
Brandin Cooks is the clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver on the team. He is one of the more underrated wide receivers in the NFL. More importantly, the Texans signed Cooks to a two-year extension in the offseason, locking him in as the No. 1 wide receiver for the next few years.
However, the Texans lack elite options other than Cooks. Chris Moore, Phillip Dorsett, and Chris Conley join Cooks and Collins in the wide receiver room. The trio has a combined 32 touchdowns in 21 seasons of NFL experience. While they are solid veterans, the trio won’t challenge Collins for the WR2 role in Houston.
The one player who could have challenged Collins is second-round pick John Metchie. Unfortunately, Metchie announced on July 24 that he was diagnosed with Leukemia and would likely miss his rookie season. While everyone wishes Metchie a speedy return, his absence opens the door for Collins to break out in 2022.
Where Should You Draft Nico Collins for Fantasy Football?
Collins has a 13th-round ADP while he is the WR65 in the latest RotoBaller rankings. At that price, Collins is a value. The Texans have limited proven weapons on offense, and Collins has shined during the preseason, including a highlight-reel catch to end the first half against the Los Angeles Rams.
Collins is one of my favorite late-round wide receivers to draft. His size and length provide an element to the Houston offense that Cooks can’t fill. Furthermore, Davis Mills should improve entering his second year in the NFL. The Texans will be in a negative game script most of the season providing Collins plenty of opportunities to score fantasy points.
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