X. Hutchinson  |  Iowa State 6’2” 203 lbs.  |  06/01/2000 (22)

Xavier Hutchinson was drafted by the Houston Texans, becoming the 25th Wide Receiver and 205th overall player in the 2023 NFL Draft.

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Before playing for the Cyclones, Hutchinson played two seasons at Blinn College where he snagged 58 passes for 961 yards and seven touchdowns. In three seasons at Iowa State, Hutchinson hauled in a combined 254 receptions for 2,929 yards and 15 touchdowns in only 37 games played. No receiver in the last three seasons has hauled in more combined receptions than he has. His 107 receptions in 2022 landed him third in the nation behind Houston’s Nathaniel Dell and Purdue’s Charlie Jones. In 2020, he earned the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year award. And in this past season, he was a Biletnikoff Award Finalist, as he finished as a First Team All-American. 

STRENGTHS

His production background is off the charts. He has good size, and he excels in contested catch situations. He’s shown improvement through his three seasons at Iowa State. Displays loose hips, which allow him to open up and haul in underthrown passes. Crafty footwork, as he often releases from press coverage with ease. Above average run blocker. 

WEAKNESSES 

Tends to drop the easy passes, as he finished the 2022 season with six drops. Doesn’t create a ton of separation, as he lacks the speed and burst you would want from your big-bodied receiver. Might struggle as a route runner in the pros with his lack of athletic skillset. Needs to be more explosive off the line of scrimmage. 

ATHLETIC TESTING

At the NFL Combine, Hutchinson measured in at 6’2” and 203 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 26.1. He ran a reasonable 4.53 40-yard dash, equating to a 97.7-speed score. Both figures landed him in the 56th percentile or higher. Hutchinson also displayed a 119.2 burst score (39th percentile) and a college dominator score of 34.4 percent (69th percentile). 

Hutchinson doesn’t display any elite athletic traits, but he did decent in every workout drill. shows elite downfield speed and athleticism. He showcased “average” leaping abilities with a 36” vertical and a 116” broad jump. His biggest red flag would be his burst, as his 39th percentile rating on his burst score is less than ideal.

DRAFT ANALYSIS 

Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Good

Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Good

Hutchinson was selected with the 205th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Texans. 

C.J. Stroud gets another young pass-catcher to go along with a decent, young wide receiver group. Robert Woods is the veteran on this team, but behind him includes John Metchie, Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and now Hutchinson. There have also been scouts that say Hutchinson could be a solid fit as a tight end. If that’s the case, he will have to really shine this offseason if he wants a chance at earning opportunities, as the team rosters Dalton Schultz and Brevin Jordan. 

FANTASY INSIGHTS

Hutchinson is a top-25 wide receiver in this class, but he isn’t worth a roster spot unless you play in a very deep roster league. Make sure you monitor his situation this offseason. Even though there are a lot of young names in that wide receiver room, nobody is guaranteed opportunities right now. There is a way that Hutchinson could be one of the top pass-catchers for this team in 2023. 

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