Ian Rapoport explains why the Houston Texans traded up for John Metchie

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The Houston Texans wanted Alabama receiver John Metchie, but didn’t have another pick until No. 68 overall. So they once again sought out the Cleveland Browns for a trade.

Houston shipped the No. 68, No. 108 and No. 124 picks to the Browns in exchange for No. 44, where they added Metchie to their roster. NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport later explained on air after the pick their reason for doing so, as they feared one team in particular would get to Metchie before they did.

“The Houston Texans leapfrogged the Baltimore Ravens to take John Metchie,” Rapoport said. “If you’re wondering why, of course, we know that (Baltimore) traded Hollywood Brown yesterday and they still have not replaced him. If there’s one thing the Ravens love, it’s Alabama players. This is why the Texans jumped them. By the way, Metchie should be ready from that ACL surgery by training camp.”

Metchie is the fourth selection so far for the Texans, who also added LSU cornerback Derek Stingley (No. 3), Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green and Baylor safety Jalen Pitre. Baltimore ultimately selected Michigan edge defender David Ojabo with the 45th pick immediately after Houston.

John Metchie updates health following December ACL injury

Alabama receiver John Metchie is feeling no ill effects from a torn ACL he suffered last season. Speaking with Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Metchie said he feels “amazing” and will be ready to go by training camp.

“I was blessed to be with my family,” Metchie said. “It was a little speed bump. I’ll be good to play football in July with no training wheels. When I say ready in July, full-go football.”

Metchie suffered the injury on Dec. 4 in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia. He has taken the proper time to recover since then, allowing the Texans to take a shot on the talented wideout. This past season, Metchie caught 96 passes for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games, firmly putting himself in a position to be taken in the NFL Draft.