Who Should I Start? John Metchie III or Devontez Walker

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.

Friday, August 8, 11:08 AM

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker couldn't get in on the action during the team's preseason debut against the Indianapolis Colts. The second-year wideout wasn't fully to blame for his zero receptions on two targets in this contest. While the offensive line struggled, so did Devin Leary, who overthrew Walker when he was open in the end zone. On another play, Walker fought off a defensive pass interference and caught a ball while falling backwards, but it didn't show up on the stat sheet. Walker was drafted in 2024 to eventually become a deep threat, but with LaJohntay Wester having a big debut, he may start to feel some real pressure.