Who Should I Start? John Metchie III or Austin Trammell

Thursday, May 1, 12:17 AM

The Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander projects Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III to be left off the 53-man roster entering the start of the 2025 season this fall after the team added receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in last week's draft. Houston also added Christian Kirk, Justin Watson and Braxton Berrios in free agency this offseason, creating a lot of competition for the 24-year-old, who has battled injuries and a cancer scare to produce just 40 catches for 412 yards and one touchdown since being drafted in the second round (44th overall) in 2022 out of Alabama. Alexander expects Metchie, Xavier Hutchinson, Berrios and Watson to be battling for the final two receiver spots this summer behind Higgins, Kirk and Nico Collins. Metchie is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 and could be a trade candidate if it's clear he's not going to make the roster.

Saturday, August 17, 11:10 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Austin Trammell led the team in receiving in a 20-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Trammell shined the most in a two-minute drill at the end of the first half, where he caught two passes for 49 yards, which accounted for all 49 yards on the drive, leading to a field goal as time expired. He finished with four catches for 75 yards and contributed a bit as a punt returner. Trammell is 26 years old and entering his fourth year in the league. His main value is on special teams, but he showed he could contribute as a receiver in this game. Trammell has a lot of talent in front of him before he can get on the field and provide fantasy value, but any receiving production he provides in preseason should help his odds of making the 53-man roster.