After Houston added Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the draft, the wideout depth chart is getting a little crowded. Alexander had the Texans keep six receivers, and Metchie is projected to be squaring off with Xavier Hutchinson, Braxton Berrios, and Justin Watson for the final two jobs behind Higgins, Noel, Nico Collins, and Christian Kirk. Metchie may be a trade candidate at the roster cutdown entering the final year of his rookie contract. He’s still only 25, but has cracked 50 yards just once in a game in his career.

Jackson’s (5’11/193) athletic abilities won’t garner him much praise on the gridiron, but what he lacks in flash, he makes up for with savvy route running to gain an edge over opposing defenders. He’ll need to show that same level of acumen at a higher level if he hopes to show he can separate in the pros, but his career 50 percent contested catch rate suggests he can find more ways to win in coverage. Jackson was a four-year starter at Minnesota and ended his career with a 75-863-4 line, posting career highs in receptions, yards, and targets. His ability to play outside and in the slot will work to his advantage, as coaches will have a chance to explore where he would best fit in their receiving room, but he could be better suited as a zone-beating slot receiver due to his limited speed — he ran just a 4.63s 40-yard dash. Jackson only logged 20 snaps on special teams during his career, which may work against him when it comes to finalizing roster cutdowns.

Cox fits the zone-blocking center archetype with solid explosiveness numbers. He ranked in the 71st percentile or higher in all the jumps, shuttles, and dashes at the NFL Combine. His problems are: 1. His 31-inch Tyrannosaurus rex arms and 2. His run-blocking impact. In 2024 he had 45 negatively graded run plays in PFF’s charting against just 23 in the green. He also didn’t do the bench press at the Combine, though he did do 25 reps at his Pro Day. We have questions over his ability to be a run blocker in the pros, but if he can do that, Cox has a chance to carve out reserve pivot duties in 2025.

After a redshirt freshman year, Lachey (6’6/251) entered Iowa’s tight end room behind current Detroit Lion Sam LaPorta. He has four total career touchdowns, all coming during a 28-reception, 398-yard 2022 season. An ankle injury hampered Lachey’s 2023, limiting him to just three games. As a team captain for his final season, Lachey caught 28 passes for 231 yards while showcasing consistent pass-catching and blocking skills. The Iowa offense leaves minimal production for its pass-catchers to capitalize on and Lachey lacks the burst to separate on routes and make an impact downfield. If he can improve his strength as an inline blocker, he will be a good piece for an NFL tight end room. Though he’s not the most athletic, Lachey projects as a short-area receiver and blocker who can compete for a backup spot at the next level.