The Houston Texans had some of their perimeter players get away from NRG Stadium during the five weeks in between mandatory minicamp and training camp to work on reps they weren’t able to get in during the offseason program.
Second-year receiver Nico Collins was part of the Oregon trip that receiver Brandin Cooks and quarterback Davis Mills and other skill players took.
According to Collins, the purpose of the trip was to work on cohesion and precision.
“We’re just getting better; working on chemistry,” Collins told reporters Wednesday after training camp practice at Houston Methodist Training Center. “Working on timing. Feel like working on things we need to work on, so, we come out here and shine.”
The opportunity to work with fellow perimeter players isn’t just about football. The Texans were able to put in work, but were also able to enhance their connection.
“I mean, we just wanted to have fun,” said Collins. “Just working on our game. Get away from the building for a little bit, so we come down to camp. When we get down here, it’s go mode. So, that’s what we did and now it’s go time.”
Collins presents an interesting matchup in the Texans’ passing game. At 6-4, 215 pounds, the former third-rounder from Michigan is a size mismatch when going against standard defensive backs.
Mills sees Collins’ size as a benefit for the offense.
“Definitely, yeah, size and athletic abilities,” Mills told reporters on Aug. 1. “I don’t think there’s too many people out there who can play and jump with him.”
If Collins and the rest of the receiving corps are able to carry over that chemistry from the Oregon trip and manifest it throughout training camp, the Texans should have the ingredients to have a passing game that could surprise teams in the early part of the season.
