John Metchie reacts to Houston Texans trading up for him, hearing name called

The Houston Texans wanted Alabama receiver John Metchie, but holding the No. 68 overall pick, the chance of losing him was too great. Houston sent the No. 68, No. 108 and No. 124 picks to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for No. 44.

“I was just happy, I didn’t really have many words for them,” Metchie said after the selection. “I was just happy and excited. Had a great time on my visit to Houston and I’m just extremely excited to get there.”

The Texans made a big move for the former Tide star despite him being in the middle of his recovery from a late season ACL tear, which suffered in the SEC championship game.

Although the team could certainly use him sooner, he’s on track to be ready to play within a few weeks of the start of the season.

“Yeah, I feel great in that department,” Metchie said. “My knee’s been doing really well. I’ve always been ahead of schedule, really ahead of schedule for where I am. I’m just excited, just ready to get back. It’s been doing well, no worries there. No speed bumps or hurdles. So it’s been good.”

One Texans receiver, Brandin Cooks, posted 1,000+ receiving yards last season but head coach Lovie Smith is in need of a solid No. 2.

Metchie was a big-time contributor at Alabama during his three years. His collegiate career began in 2019, though he had just four receptions as a freshman.

In 2020, Metchie totaled 55 receptions for 916 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 16.7 yards per catch. This past season, he erupted for 96 receptions, 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 11.9 yards per reception.

Ian Rapoport explains why Houston traded up for Metchie

After the pick, NFL Network analyst Ian Rapoport explained Houston’s reason for trading up – 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 was 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.