Texans WR sets high bar for 2024 with Calvin Johnson roster

“I’m trying to get a minimum of 1,500 yards,” Collins told ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime about his plans for the upcoming season. Collins added that he is measuring his 2024 production against a number of NFL legends, noting that he is looking to emulate some of the best receivers of the past decade.

“I’m chasing guys I’ve been looking at for years,” Collins said. “Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, successful receivers who made the game so easy.”

Collins doesn’t exactly have the longest track record of success, with just one 40-plus catch season on his career resume. But the 2021 third-round pick could quickly be recognized as one of the best players in the sport. Collins is a frequent red zone target for quarterback CJ Stroud with his 6-foot-4 frame, and he excels at winning contested catches against opposing cornerbacks. Houston entered the 2023 season with questions regarding both its signal-caller and its collection of passers. We responded quite quickly. Stroud sprinted to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and Collins was a star. As we enter 2024, expectations in Houston have completely changed.

Collins has high expectations for his own statistical results this season, although he may have to temper his expectations given the quality of talent surrounding him in Houston’s offense. Collins is flanked in the receiving corps by not only fellow rising star Tank Dell, but also Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler and Houston’s main offseason acquisition. Stroud will have a lot of mouths to feed in 2024. If Houston keeps winning, Collins’ stats will (rightfully) take a back seat.

“We’re trying to win a Super Bowl. We can’t be selfish, we have to be a team player,” Collins told Bien-Aimé. “I must feel joy for your brother when he puts on a play.”

Collins and the Texans completed mandatory minicamp last week, and they now have a month off before team activities resume at training camp which begins July 18. Houston will participate in the NFL preseason opener in early August, with the annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio scheduled for August 1.