With the addition of Stefon Diggs to a wide receiver room already boasting talents like Tank Dell and Nico Collins, the Houston Texans’ offense is drawing significant attention as the 2024-2025 season approaches. Head coach DeMeco Ryans recently sat down with Kay Adams on her show Up & Adams to discuss the team’s receivers and the concept of having a true No. 1 wideout.
During Wednesday’s training camp practice, Adams asked Ryans whether the Texans are operating without a designated number one wide receiver. Ryans responded with a perspective that emphasizes versatility and opportunity over fixed roles. “Who’s number one? Whoever gets the ball, that’s number one,” Ryans said. “When you have as many talented guys as we have—Tank, Nico, Stef—you have three of the top guys in the league at the position. So it’s just a matter of CJ [Stroud] going through his process and hitting whoever is open—that’s number one.”
Texans’ Talented Trio: Dell, Collins, and Diggs
Dell and Collins both had standout performances last season under Ryans and then-rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud. Collins nearly reached 1,300 receiving yards, while Dell, despite playing in only 11 games, accumulated 709 yards. Now, with the addition of Diggs—a proven star from his time with the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills—the Texans’ receiving corps is even more formidable.
Though Ryans refrains from officially labeling a No. 1 receiver, many expect Diggs to assume that role due to his extensive experience and track record as one of the NFL’s top wideouts.
Ryans Applauds Diggs’ Leadership Qualities
Beyond his on-field prowess, Diggs has quickly established himself as a leader within the Texans organization—a quality that Ryans has publicly praised.
“That’s the unique thing about Stef,” Ryans said. “Not knowing him before he came here, you talk about a guy who loves football, he’s passionate about what he does, and he’s so willing to help everyone else around him. Not only the receivers, but you see him talking to the DBs, ‘Hey, play this, this is how you could play this a little bit better.’ It’s vice versa—what I talk about from scripture is iron sharpening iron. I hear so many stories of Stef after practice working with DBs, working with receivers, talking to the linemen. That’s what a leader is, and Stef shows that every day.”
Diggs, who spent five seasons with the Vikings before joining the Bills, had another stellar season last year, recording 107 receptions for 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns. Now, he looks to build a strong connection with Stroud, who threw for over 4,100 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions in his rookie season.
Texans Eye Another Strong Season
The Texans are aiming to build on their 10-7 record from last season, which earned them the AFC North title. They kick off the new season against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 8, with high hopes and a reinforced receiving corps leading the charge.
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