As the NFL 2025 season nears, the league has released its annual Top 100 player rankings, evaluating performances from last year to determine the elite. Among those recognized, Houston Texans’ wide receiver Nico Collins secured his place as the 32nd best player in the NFL, highlighting his growing prominence within the league’s receiving corps. This ranking reflects Collins’ strong contributions on the field despite injury setbacks.
Texans Seen in Multiple Player Rankings This Year
The Texans have had several notable mentions in the ongoing Top 100 countdown. Running back Joe Mixon, returning for his first full season with Houston after seven years with the Cincinnati Bengals, ranked 58th following a season where he proved to be a vital offensive weapon. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. also made the list at number 46, after setting a personal record in sacks and establishing himself as a defensive cornerstone for the Texans.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud earned the 39th spot on the list. Despite a sophomore slump lowering his ranking by 19 places compared to the previous year, Stroud guided Houston to an 11-win campaign for the second consecutive season, managing the offense behind a line rated 29th by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Nico Collins’ Breakout Season and Statistical Highlights
Collins’ 2024 campaign was marked by resilience and top-tier production. In 12 games, he caught 68 passes for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons despite missing several weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in Week 5. His performance earned him the distinction as PFF’s highest-graded wide receiver over the past two seasons, with a grade of 93.3.
The NFL noted Collins’ exceptional efficiency when targeted as an isolated receiver, tallying 29 receptions for 545 yards—127 more than any other player at this position grouping. Moreover, Collins recorded 164 receiving yards above expected on those passes, second only to Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase by a margin of two yards.
On-Field Grit and Determination Revealed in Key Moments
The Texans’ official website shared an illustrative anecdote demonstrating Collins’ competitive spirit during a game against the Chicago Bears. During the final play of the first quarter, Collins was deliberately poked in the face by Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Collins reacted, but officials only penalized him for a 15-yard infraction. Still, Collins remained focused and apologized to teammates during the quarter break by patting his shoulder pads.
Shortly after, in the next quarter, Collins confronted Stevenson again, who accidentally struck him in the face during coverage. Undeterred, Collins executed a slant route, secured the catch, and outran defenders to score the Texans’ only touchdown of the game.
“Against the Bears on a Sunday night in week of 2024, Nico Collins was purposely poked in the face on the final play of the first quarter by Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson. Naturally, Collins responded to get Stevenson’s fingers out of his face. Unfortunately, the refs only saw Collins and threw a 15-yard penalty on Nico. I watched him throughout that entire quarter break time out and I could see him patting his shoulder pads as if to say” —Texans Team Website
“I’m going to make up for that mistake” —Texans Team Website
Looking Ahead: Collins’ Role in Texans’ Offense
Now entering his fifth season, Nico Collins’ upward trajectory suggests he will remain a central figure in Houston’s offensive game plan in 2025. His combination of skill, resilience, and competitive fire has positioned him as a rising star among NFL receivers. Given his recent performance metrics and accolades, Collins is expected to continue impacting games significantly, offering hope for Texans fans eager to see the team advance.