The Houston Texans' receiver room will look completely different in 2023 than it did in 2022.

Noah Brown, Robert Woods, and Steven Sims were added via free agency, while Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Nico Collins is still in town and should play a large role after showing promising signs in 2022;. 

However, there's one receiver in Houston that people seem to be forgetting about. 

John Metchie III has had an unfortunate couple of years. The talented receiver suffered a torn ACL in the 2021 SEC Championship Game which caused his draft stock to fall. 

Then, shortly after being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Metchie received a devastating Leukemia diagnosis. Metchie was forced to miss his entire rookie season due to these factors. 

However, Metchie is back in camp and should be ready to go by the time the season rolls around. One national media outlet seems to have high expectations for the receiver, too. 

Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr recently published a piece in which he laid out 100 different predictions for the 2023 NFL season. Included was a projection about Metchie, where the writer predicted the second-year receiver to eclipse 700 receiving yards. 

Orr said the following: 

This may sound like a lot, given how the Texans’ offense is likely to operate under a rookie quarterback and a new coordinator from the 49ers’ tree (Bobby Slowik). This system will be designed as a run-first option, but Metchie, who has recovered after missing his rookie season due to leukemia, is ready to tear up a football field again.

This may sound bold, but it has merit. 

For one, rookie QB CJ Stroud is touted for his exceptional accuracy. The new Texans' coaching staff will likely start off with a run-heavy approach but will want to open the offense up as the season comes along. 

Additionally, the Texans do not appear to have a clear-cut No. 1 receiver. Collins looked to possibly be on track last season before missing with injury. Woods is likely past his prime at this point, and Dell is a rookie whose size could be prohibitive in the league. 

Metchie could be the likeliest candidate to break out in 2023. 700 yards or not, just seeing Metchie playing on an NFL field will be a welcomed sight. 

Featured image via © Thomas Shea | 2022 May 24