(SportsRadio 610) - In the past two seasons, Texans general manager Nick Caserio has picked seven players in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. The only skill position player other than quarterback C.J. Stroud picked by the Texans in that time is wide receiver John Metchie III.
Metchie's rookie season in 2022 was derailed by a more serious, real-life health issue. He was diagnosed with leukemia in the summer and spent last season undergoing treatment. Metchie was already facing an uphill battle because he was recovering from a torn ACL suffered in the 2021 SEC Championship game.
Last year was a test of his faith and patience. It appears Metchie passed with flying colors, as he's healthy and at least contributing this season to a Texans team that's made a remarkable turnaround from 2022.
Metchie has played in 11 of the Texans' 12 games this season, but has not been targeted more than three times. Such a little amount of attention could change going forward with rookie wide receiver Tank Dell out for the season with a fractured fibula.
Texans first-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik has expressed confidence in the entire wide receiver room, including Metchie and rookie wideout Xavier Hutchinson, who has just four targets all season.
It's up to Metchie to be ready for the opportunity. For all he's been through, it can be easy to forget how dynamic of a playmaker he was for Alabama, where he had a knack for making plays and getting yards after the catch.
"Personally, I'm feeling really good," Metchie said Wednesday. "Adjusting to the season, and this being a longer season than any I was used to, I'm in a good spot. My body feels really good, I feel really healthy, which is good. All thanks to God.
"As far as this week and just things for me, I think it's staying the same. It's the same thing. I can't really control the outcome. All I can do is plant the seeds and water the plants and the fruits that are bearers. It's up to God's timing and as long as I do my part. I've just got to put in the work every day. I've got to make sure I'm always prepared, crossing all my T's and dotting all my I's, so that when my number is called and the opportunity does present itself, I'm able to make the play. I'm able to step up and take advantage of it."
