Who Should I Start? John Metchie III or Jalin Hyatt

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.

Tuesday, May 27, 9:35 AM

New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt "mentally checked out at points last season after clashing with the coaching staff and upper management," according to Connor Hughes of SNY. Hughes opined that Hyatt should have played more than he did last season, and that the young receiver seems to be stuck in the doghouse. Moving forward, Hyatt's speed and athleticism make him an intriguing pass-catching option in an offense led by veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. However, if he can't find himself in the coaching staff's good graces, he may have trouble seeing the field or even making the roster. As it stands, Hyatt projects as the team's No. 4 receiver, but he could face competition from depth players or a potential free agent addition, such as Gabe Davis.