Texans' Nico Collins named to PFF's list for top 10 ‘safety-blanket WRs'
Pro Football Focus' Lauren Gray recently compiled a list describing the NFL's best safety blanket pass-catchers. Per the parameters, a security blanket is someone who was their quarterback's top target when blitzed/under pressure.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London led the way with the 21.1 percent threat rate, while Baltimore Ravens WR Zay Flowers ranked third with a 20 percent threat rate behind Los Angeles Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey.
As for Collins, he came in ninth with an 18.4 percent success rate after helping the Texans secure a second AFC South division title in as many seasons.
"Collins recorded a league-best 90.9 PFF receiving grade with this quarterback under pressure last season, after securing 29 catches for 411 yards, 18 first downs and a touchdown," Gray wrote. "He ranked third in yards after contact (52) and explosive gains (15) and led the league in yards per route run (2.60).
"Few have been greater than Collins in pressured situations over the past two seasons. He ranks in the top five in catches (41) and receiving yards (769) and the top three in first downs (32), explosive gains (24) and yards per route run (2.34). He sports the NFL's second-best pressured PFF receiving grade in that span (90.6)."
Collins being a safety blanket for Stroud helped Houston's gunslinger go from a No. 2 overall pick into a top 10 passer with a pair of playoff wins. Even with a hamstring injury that limited him to 12 games, Collins still managed to finish with over 1,000 receiving yards, 68 catches and seven touchdowns.
His 83.8 yards per game ranked top five among receivers last fall, though he was averaging 111.4 yards per game over the first four games. Hopefully, Collins can build off his productive pairing with Stroud in Year 3 together while still serving as a safety blanket on a run past the AFC Divisional Round playoffs.
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