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Houston Texans WR Nico Collins Receives Impressive Ranking Among NFL's Best

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jacob Louraine | Last updated May 26, 2025 4:01 PM ET

Former third rounder Nico Collins has continued to prove that he is one of the Houston Texans' most productive picks in recent years, and his preseason rankings show no sign of doubt.

In Pro Football Focus' article Wednesday ranking the top 32 wide receivers ahead of the 2025 season, analyst Trevor Sikkema placed Collins seventh, a considerably high mark after just his fourth season in the league.

"Collins has now posted back-to-back seasons with elite receiving grades — 91.4 in 2023 and 92.3 in 2024," Sikkema wrote.

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"His combination of size, speed and route running makes him a true No. 1 option. Over the past two seasons, his 95.3 receiving grade against single coverage ranks second only to A.J. Brown."

Collins was listed in PFF's "Tier 2" category of receivers where he was accompanied by other standouts including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Puka Nacua, Ceedee Lamb and Tyreek Hill.

During the 2024 campaign and across only 12 games of action, Collins racked up 1,006 yards across 68 catches, averaging an eye popping 14.8 yards per carry. Collins hauled in seven touchdowns en route to securing his first Pro Bowl selection.

At just 26-years-old, it's hard to find a list of the NFL's top receivers without Collins' name within the top-10. He's a versatile target with supreme route-running abilities and heading into only his fifth season, he's already earning much of the respect he deserves.

If quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans' offensive line are able to improve compared to last season's unwanted ending, Collins could see his name rise further up the list.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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