John Metchie III shines in first three days of Houston Texans training camp

The third day of training camp showcased the Houston Texans’ potential on both ends of the ball. CJ Stroud and Stefon Diggs showed off their chemistry by connecting on three occasions in the passing game, while Will Anderson Jr. wreaked havoc on the defensive line.

However, of all the players who have stood out over the first three days of camp, John Metchie III has put on a show at the Houston Methodist Training Center. He caught a 30-yard intended reception from quarterback Davis Mills on Saturday morning while also showing off his ability to run on the run multiple times, showcasing his ability to create separation between himself and his defenders in 11-on-11 play.

READ MORE: Blake Fisher shows versatility in first two days of training camp

Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik was pleased to see Metchie contribute to Houston’s offense after two years of personal misfortune off the field.

“He’s in a lot better shape, and that’s okay,” Slowik said. “He can just go play football, and that’s when John Metchie is at his best, is when he can just go play football, do what he loves, and he doesn’t have to worry about all the things that he’s been worrying about for the last two or three years. It’s really fun to watch.”

Metchie spent most of the 2023 season thanking his return. An ACL injury and a battle with leukemia sidelined him for the entire 2022 season, making the former Alabama prospect grateful to see his name on the Texans’ 53-man active roster in 16 of 17 games played last year.

While Metchie is looking forward to his return, his lackluster production left him wanting more late in the season. Metchie was far from the player the Texans envisioned when they drafted him in the second round (44th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft.

He had 158 yards on 16 receptions. The highlight of his sophomore season came in Houston’s Week 13 win over the Denver Broncos. Midway through the second quarter, Metchie missed an opportunity to record his first career touchdown. Stroud passed Metchie on an open attempt, and the respective teams appeared out of sync.

Seven months later, Metchie has had an entire offseason to focus on football, and the results could lead to him establishing himself as a vital member of Slowik’s offense.

“What he went through – two years of not being able to practice football and all of a sudden he’s on the field last year – it’s really tough,” Slowik said.

“It’s a credit to him that he was able to do what he did last year. And now he’s had an offseason, a spring, a summer and a fall to really get back in shape, be where he wants to be physically. And then obviously the second year in the system for everybody has really slowed everybody down, calmed everybody down in that regard.”

Patience has been the main key that has helped Metchie overcome daunting challenges in his personal life and a mediocre season in the midst of a comeback. A healthy Metchie adds to the Texans’ premier receiving unit, which will include Diggs and two receivers who stood out during Houston’s 10-7 season, Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

Metchie gave the Texans a small glimpse of his talents over the first three days of training camp. His play proved why Houston enters the 2024 season with arguably the best receiving core in the league, poised to be essential to a potential championship run.

READ MORE: CJ Stroud reveals unique description of Texans’ offense

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Follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24.

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