Xavier Hutchinson (Texans) NFL Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Impact
Draft Team: Houston Texans, Round 6, 28th pick (205th overall)
College production only gets you so far in your NFL draft profile, and despite a prolific career at Iowa State, Xavier Hutchinson slipped to almost the seventh round in the NFL draft. The good news for dynasty players looking for a bargain is I think that draft position understates the skills that Hutchinson has. The bad news is, clearly NFL teams are not impressed with his skillset, and it’s going to be an uphill climb for Hutchinson.
Just to sprinkle in a little more good news for Hutchinson, he’s probably going to get a multi-year tryout in Houston because this wide receiver depth chart is barren. A sadly washed-up Robert Woods leads the way, with totally fine Nico Collins and fellow draftee Tank Dell basically the only competition. Who is going to get open of this group? That remains to be seen, but Hutchinson certainly has a shot to see the field if he impresses in OTAs and camp.
The problem is, I’m not sure he will impress. While he feasted on college coverage, he doesn’t profile as a WR1 or WR2 at the pro level. There’s a possibility of early playing time but it also has to translate into catches for it to matter for dynasty players. Hutchinson may just not be the guy.
The saving grace could be CJ Stroud. Hutchinson doesn’t have the athleticism or the separation skills, but he does have a wide catch radius. If Stroud turns out to be an elite NFL quarterback, Hutchinson likely has the most to gain. If you get the ball in the right spot, he will catch it.
All this to say, Hutchinson doesn’t jump out to me as a must-draft guy. But given his playing potential, he’s a must-watch in OTAs, training camp, and the early part of the season. If Stroud looks like “him” and Hutchinson is a recipient, he could make noise as a PPR player.
Xavier Hutchinson NFL Draft Preview
Xavier Hutchinson has had one of the better college careers of any receiver in the class. A three-time Big 12 All-American, AP All-American, and Biletnikoff finalist, Hutchinson clearly has the accolades and the numbers to back his ability on the field. While he may have been force-fed some of those catches, Hutchinson’s versatility, ability to play all over the field, and catch radius make him a candidate to stick as an NFL wide receiver. The question is whether his athletic limitations make him more of a WR3 in the NFL, and therefore an unhelpful dynasty asset. On that, the jury is still out.
Xavier Hutchinson has an effective inside release pic.twitter.com/y9dvVCuvPa
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) April 5, 2023
Measurables
- 6’2″ 203 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.53 seconds
- Vertical Jump – 36″
- Broad Jump – 9’8″
Stats at Iowa State
- 2022: 107 catches, 1171 yards, 6 TDs
- 2021: 83 catches, 987 yards, 5 TDs
- 2020: 64 catches, 771 yards, 4 TDs
POSITIVES
Hutchinson is a terrific route runner, especially for his size. Shows quick feet and moves quickly in and out of his breaks. Also illustrates nuance in his game, reading the defender and adjusting in a multitude of ways. Uses his size advantage effectively, shielding his body on catches and fending off defenders. Not overly elusive after the catch, but sneaky fast and physical. Has shown continued growth each year in college.
NEGATIVES
Top-end speed is a major question mark although his combine showing was decent. Doesn’t play particularly fast and can get slowed down through a route. Feasted on lesser competition, especially in 2022. Likely to have trouble with bigger corners that he can’t easily overwhelm with his size.
GRADE: B-
Xavier Hutchinson is an all-around solid prospect who produced all three years in college and is above average in almost every aspect. However, his lack of speed and explosiveness limit his upside potential in dynasty. He’s a safe pick and will likely see the field in the NFL, but he doesn’t exactly profile as a major fantasy point producer. Because of that he’s likely a better NFL draft pick than a dynasty pick. Still, you could see Hutchinson continuing to improve and putting up PPR points. He’s a fine stash.
Patrick Whelan is a 34-year-old fantasy football writer, dynasty league enthusiast, and DFS player based out of Chicago. When he’s not watching his Detroit Lions disappoint on Sundays, he’s crafting brand strategy for Gatorade, rooting on his Michigan Wolverines, or cooking elaborate meals. You can follow him on Twitter @PdiddyWay
