Who Should I Start? John Metchie III or Xavier Restrepo

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 13, 2:37 PM

Rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo signed with the Tennessee Titans after going unselected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has reportedly had a strong start to practice. The 23-year-old was quarterback Cam Ward's No. 1 wide receiver last season at Miami and tallied 69 receptions for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. His chemistry with Ward has been evident early, and he's looked like the best rookie wide receiver on the field, but Titans insider Easton Freeze writes, "it's still an uphill climb" for Restrepo to make the team's 53-man roster. "He was a UDFA, not a 4th-round pick like Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor," Freeze wrote. "He's situated to shine this time of year, with a practice-friendly skillset and built-in chemistry with Cam Ward. And his biggest obstacle to making this team is his lack of versatility as a slot-only receiver who doesn't offer much on special teams." While Restrepo is gaining buzz as a potential undrafted steal, expectations should continue to be tempered, as he has a lot working against him.