When the Houston Texans’ general manager Nick Caserio made the decision to draft Xavier Hutchinson, a former standout at Iowa State, in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, it was widely viewed as a savvy move. With an impressive college career that included 2,929 receiving yards and 254 receptions, Hutchinson brought significant hype as a pass catcher, especially for a player who fell to the later rounds of the draft.
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 203 pounds, Hutchinson clocked a 40-yard dash time of 4.53 seconds. Many analysts had anticipated he would be selected in the fourth round, so when he was still available in the sixth, it was a pleasant surprise for Texans fans. Following the draft, expectations were high that Hutchinson would seize the opportunity to join a Houston receiving corps that was somewhat lacking in depth at the time.
With his talent and potential, Hutchinson appeared poised to make an impact in his rookie season, and fans were eager to see how he would fit into the Texans’ plans moving forward.
First and foremost, Hutchinson possesses impressive size and athleticism. He is a well-proportioned receiver, standing at 6’2″ and weighing 203 pounds, with a strong ability to accelerate off the line.
Hutchinson showcases quick footwork and demonstrates a solid burst when attacking open space or navigating through mesh and drag routes. Although he may not be the fastest player downfield, he has enough speed to effectively create separation from defensive backs.
While Hutchinson’s athleticism isn’t at an elite level, as evidenced by his NFL Combine results, he does meet the necessary standards for functional athleticism. His vertical leap of 36 inches and a three-cone drill time of 6.91 seconds are commendable, and his 4.53-second 40-yard dash indicates that he is not lacking in long-distance speed.
In his rookie season, Hutchinson recorded eight receptions for 90 yards over 16 games, along with five rushing attempts that gained an additional 49 yards. However, he was targeted 19 times, resulting in 11 passes that did not reach him.
Despite these challenges, his contributions on special teams and his teamwork have positioned him for another opportunity in his second year.
Last Thursday’s NFL Hall of Fame Game certainly suggested that Hutchinson is ready to capitalize on that opportunity.
Xavier Hutchinson, Preseason Week 1
All targets and touches. pic.twitter.com/hxIRQq8AlM
— Zareh Kantzabedian (@ZKantzFF) August 2, 2024
Xavier Hutchinson had an impressive showing in the recent preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears, but it’s worth noting that he did so against a fairly basic defense. The Bears were likely keeping their strategies close to the vest, especially this early in the 2024 season.
Nonetheless, Hutchinson’s performance was a delight to watch. Teaming up with backup quarterbacks Davis Mills and Case Keenum, Hutchinson showcased his skills by making five catches for 56 yards on just six targets. This dynamic trio was reminiscent of the successful connection between C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins, as they worked effectively together on the field.
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised Hutchinson’s efforts, noting his good feel for the game and ability to make significant plays. As Hutchinson continues to compete for a spot on a crowded receiving corps, his performance in this game certainly put him in a favorable light.
With potential and determination, Hutchinson is looking to solidify his role on the team, and this game could be a stepping stone toward achieving that goal. Fans are excited to see how he builds on this momentum in the upcoming season!
#Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson on his five catch game and progress he's made overall @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/4lwi3krKg4
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 2, 2024
Xavier Hutchinson faces a challenging path to secure a spot on the Houston Texans’ roster for the 2024 season. With established receivers like Nico Collins, second-year standout Tank Dell, and newly acquired all-pro Stefon Diggs ahead of him on the depth chart, Hutchinson has his work cut out for him. He’s also competing against John Metchie III, Noah Brown, and Steven Sims. The Texans are unlikely to carry seven wide receivers on the active roster, which means Hutchinson, Metchie III, Brown, and Sims are likely vying for the last two available spots.
Despite the stiff competition, Hutchinson’s performance in the Hall of Fame Game was promising. Playing in front of Texans legend Andre Johnson, who was recently enshrined in the Hall of Fame, Hutchinson showcased his skills and seemed to be in a favorable position. However, he still has a lot to prove before the final roster cuts on August 27.
Overall, Hutchinson’s determination and recent performance suggest he is ready to make a strong case for his place on the team. As the preseason progresses, fans are eager to see how he continues to develop and compete for a spot in the Texans’ lineup.
Leave a Reply