One underrated player on each Jaguars AFC South rival

No. 2 Jaguars underrated AFC South rival: Nico Collins, WR – Texans

A case could be made that the Houston Texans had a worse roster than the Jacksonville Jaguars last year. While the latter added several key contributors such as wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., safety Rayshawn Jenkins, and cornerback Shaquill Griffin in free agency, the former acquired replacement-level players and journeymen.

But just like the Jags, Houston had a few bright spots in 2021 and their wide receiver corps was arguably their most talented position group on offense. Also, the Texans beat the Jags twice, so you could argue they were the better overall team or the least bad of the two.

Brandin Cooks topped 1,000 yards for the sixth time in his eight-year NFL career in 2021 but fellow wide receiver Nico Collins put up solid numbers as well on one of the worst offenses in the league. The former Michigan Wolverine appeared in 14 games for the Texans and went on to haul in 33 receptions for 446 yards with one touchdown. Although he didn’t post a single 100-yard game last year, he had several long catches, including one for 32 yards in Week 2 and a 30-yard grab in the season finale.

Collins showed flashes as a rookie and should be even better in year 2, with a more experienced Davis Mills under center and better all-around talent in Houston’s roster. In fact, wide receiver could be a strength for the Texans once again in 2022 and the Jaguars cornerback group could have their hands full when they take on their division rivals.