Xavier Hutchinson knows he left it all out on the line.
He knows that every time the Houston Texans asked him to make a play, he delivered. It didn’t matter the circumstances. It didn’t matter if it was in practice or on game day.
The Texans’ second-year receiver understood the assignment and passed with flying colors. Following Saturday’s 17-15 preseason finale win over the Los Angeles Rams, Hutchinson mentioned that he built an attractive plate this summer.
Houston must now see if something is appealing for Hutchinson to stick around on the 53-man roster.
#Texans 2nd year WR Xavier Hutchinson said he feels like he put everything out there out he could this camp/preseason knowing the highly competitive & talented WR room they have. “We have GUYS in that room.” Said he feels like he’s shown he can play in this league. pic.twitter.com/dz3H0RoFuC
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) August 24, 2024
“If they choose to grab the plate, then they choose to grab the plate. If they don’t, they don’t,” Hutchinson said Saturday following the game. “I can look myself in the mirror and say I did everything that I could and I know that I got better.”
Three receiver spots were secured before camp ever broke. Nico Collins was coming off a career year and just signed a new three-year deal to stay with C.J. Stroud. Tank Dell had a record-setting rookie season that would have been better if not for a season-ending leg injury. The Texans also traded for four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs to enhance Stroud’s arsenal.
Three spots remain. Six receivers are looking to avoid the pink slip. Throughout practice, Hutchinson duked it out against John Metchie III, Steven Sims, Robert Woods, Noah Brown and Ben Skowronek for the title of “next-best option” and the No. 4 role.
On Saturday, he bettered his odds with a team-leading four catches for 34 yards. His most impressive play of the preseason came in the first quarter when Case Keenum threw just a tad behind him, forcing him to contort his body backward for an 18-yard pickup.
“I’m super proud of that play right there,” Hutchinson said. “A ball that most people would think is uncatchable, I want to catch those. I want to make those plays.”
Xavier Hutchinson is a solid WR 3/ low end WR2 and he’s the Texans 4th WR.
Nobody has it better than Texans fans
— Noah (@YordanForHOF44) August 24, 2024
The Texans knew Hutchinson had potential after drafting out of Iowa State in the sixth round back in 2023. He was a two-time All-Big 12 pass-catcher and finished as the Cyclones’ all-time leading receiver in 2022.
Hutchinson focused in on his route-running this offseason, believing that while his 6-foot-3 frame could solve some problems, crisper plays would enhance his massive frame.
I had a chance to speak with Houston Texans WR Xavier Hutchinson at the beginning of training camp and he said he would look better than he did as a rookie. After the last preseason game, I asked him how he felt his camp went. #Texans #BigSargeMedia pic.twitter.com/oFEHBv9euC
— BIG SARGE MEDIA LLC (@BigSargeSportz) August 25, 2024
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans, along with pass-game coordinator Ben McDaniels, have praised Hutchinson’s work ethic to compete alongside Dell, Diggs and Collins. He’s been one of the more consistent players in practice, which has led to better results on gamedays.
Even after leading Houston in receptions (12) and receiving yards (144), there’s a nervous feeling heading into Tuesday’s cutdown day. Metchie, who caught a touchdown pass in last week’s win over the New York Giants, has looked impressive and consistent. Woods is a veteran who would immediately start if not for Diggs’ arrival.
Sims and Brown offer value on special teams in ways Hutchinson can’t. The same goes for Skowronek, though Hutchinson might have the upper hand in the passing department.
The hope for Hutchinson is he impressed the right people. If not, perhaps another team came away impressed enough to sign elsewhere. It’s out of his control now, so there’s little reason to worry.
He’ll leave the locker room knowing he lived up to his standards and left everything out there.
Internally, that is enough.
“I can say I gave it 100 percent,” Hutchinson said. “Whatever their answer is, I just have to take that on the chin whether it’s good or bad.”
