Nico Collins Ranked No. 58 on NFL Top 100, Earns Praise From Teammates and Rivals

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Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has been voted No. 58 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, marking his second consecutive appearance on the annual list after checking in at No. 32 a year ago.

While Collins slipped 26 spots from last season's ranking, he remains one of the league's most respected receivers among his peers following another productive campaign and his third straight 1,000-yard season.

The NFL highlighted Collins' consistency despite Houston's offensive challenges in 2025.

"Collins is back on the Top 100 after a third consecutive 1,000-yard campaign and second straight Pro Bowl season in Houston. C.J. Stroud's top target, the sixth-year pass catcher was as reliable as they come in 2025 until he missed the Texans' Divisional Round exit with a concussion. Despite offseason trade rumblings, Collins is back in Houston and ready to uplift the embattled Stroud in a critical 2026 season."

C.J. Stroud: "It's my job to make you a superstar"

Few players have seen Collins' growth more closely than quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Stroud recalled the conversation he had with Collins when he first arrived in Houston and believes his teammate has reached elite status.

"When I first got here, I told him, 'Man, it's my job to make you a superstar.' I think he's up to that level now. Teams are starting to double him, rotate to him, give him all that superstar treatment. Fast, strong, catch ability, YAC ability. I think he's top five."

That respect from opposing defenses has become increasingly evident, as Collins routinely draws extra attention while continuing to produce.

Derek Stingley Jr.: "I don't think anybody can cover him one-on-one"

Texans All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. practices against Collins every week and believes few defenders can match up with him individually.

"I don't think anybody can cover him one on one, it's just not possible, it really isn't. He's just an all-around great receiver. He's got hands, he got speed, he got quickness, he got everything. He's top three in the league right now. He doesn't get the recognition all the time."

Coming from arguably the NFL's top cornerback, the praise carries significant weight.

Even AFC South rivals admire Collins' game

Respect for Collins extends beyond Houston.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce called Collins one of his favorite receivers to study.

"He's one of my favorite receivers to watch honestly, to study. He's big, tall, athletic, does a great job at the line, winning against press. He's one of the most underrated players in the NFL."

Los Angeles Rams safety Kam Curl echoed similar sentiments.

"I like Nico's game. He's a big-body receiver but can still take the top off the defense."

Advanced metrics back up Collins' production

The film isn't the only thing supporting Collins' standing among the NFL's top receivers.

According to NFL Pro Insights:

• Collins recorded 918 receiving yards while aligned out wide, sixth-most in the NFL during the 2025 season.

• He averaged 2.4 yards per route run from wide alignments, also sixth among receivers with at least 250 routes from those alignments.

• Collins lined up as the boundary receiver on 46.3% of his offensive snaps, the highest rate of any player with at least 400 offensive snaps.

  
  

Those numbers reinforce Collins' ability to consistently win on the outside against top cornerbacks while serving as Houston's clear No. 1 receiving option.

Looking ahead to 2026

Although Collins fell from No. 32 to No. 58 in this year's NFL Top 100 rankings, the respect from teammates, opponents and advanced metrics paints the picture of a receiver still viewed among the league's elite.

With a revamped Texans offense entering its second season under offensive coordinator Nick Caley and Collins once again serving as Stroud's primary target, Houston will be counting on its Pro Bowl receiver to continue proving why many around the league believe he's one of football's most complete wideouts.