Nico Collins' NFL Success
Nico Collins has recently signed a three-year contract extension with the Houston Texans, underscoring his status as one of the NFL’s rising stars. This season, he caught 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns, marking a significant leap in his professional career. His chemistry with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has propelled the Texans to a playoff berth, showcasing a pro-level performance that Michigan fans hadn’t seen from a wide-receiver in decades.
The Missed Opportunity
This brings up the intriguing question: Did Michigan miss out on witnessing one of the greatest wide receiver seasons in its history due to the COVID-19 pandemic? In 2020, the Big Ten shortened its season, prompting Collins to opt out and declare for the NFL Draft. Given his current NFL success, it’s plausible to imagine that Collins could have achieved legendary status alongside Michigan greats like Anthony Carter and Braylon Edwards if he had played that season.
Michigan’s 2020 Quarterback Situation
However, Michigan’s quarterback play in 2020 was less than stellar. Joe Milton started the season but was replaced by Cade McNamara, who subsequently got injured. This instability raises the question of whether Collins could have reached his potential in such an environment. In an ideal scenario, had McNamara stayed healthy and developed a strong connection with Collins, Michigan fans might have witnessed a season for the ages.
What Could Have Been
In this hypothetical scenario, Collins’ presence could have significantly boosted Michigan’s offense, potentially leading to a more successful season. His blend of size, speed, and skill, now evident in the NFL, suggests that he had the potential to dominate at the college level, even amid the uncertainties of 2020.
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