If you’ve watched a single Houston Texans game lately, you’ve probably seen a massive human being in a number 12 jersey making professional cornerbacks look like middle schoolers. That’s Nico Collins. But when fans see him towering over defenders in the red zone, the same question always pops up: how tall is Nico Collins, exactly?
He’s huge. Honestly, "big" doesn't quite cover it when you're talking about a guy who can high-point a ball over a leaping safety without breaking a sweat. In the NFL, where every inch is measured, scrutinized, and logged into a database, Nico Collins stands out as a genuine physical outlier.
The Tape Don't Lie: How Tall is Nico Collins?
Let’s get the official numbers out of the way first. According to the NFL and the Houston Texans' official roster, Nico Collins is 6 feet 4 inches tall.
To be super precise, his 2021 NFL Combine measurement was 6'4 1/8". That extra eighth of an inch might not seem like much to us mortals, but in the league, it’s the difference between a "good frame" and "elite size." He weighs in at 222 pounds, though he’s been listed as low as 215 during his rookie year. This isn't just "tall" for a wide receiver; it's entering the territory of legendary physical specimens like Julio Jones or Brandon Marshall.
✨ Don't miss: Eli Manning Pro Football Reference: Why the Numbers Tell Two Different Stories
He’s a mismatch.
Basically, if a cornerback is 5'11"—which is a very common height for an NFL DB—they are giving up five inches of height before the play even starts. When you factor in Nico’s 34 1/8-inch arms (which rank in the 96th percentile for receivers), his effective reach is closer to that of a basketball player.
Height vs. Wing Span: The Secret Sauce
It isn't just about the 6'4" frame. It's the wingspan.
Nico’s wingspan was measured at 78 1/2 inches. That’s over six and a half feet of "catch radius." For a quarterback like C.J. Stroud, having a target with that kind of reach is basically a cheat code. Stroud doesn't have to throw the ball "to" Nico; he just has to throw it "near" Nico.
If the ball is anywhere within a four-foot bubble around his head, those 9.5-inch hands are going to pluck it out of the air. It’s a terrifying prospect for defensive coordinators. You can play perfect coverage, have a hand in his face, and it still won't matter because you simply cannot grow longer arms in the middle of a play.
Why 6'4" Matters in the Modern NFL
For a while, the NFL went through a "speed" phase. Everyone wanted the 5'10" burner who could run a 4.2-second 40-yard dash. Think Tyreek Hill. But recently, the "X" receiver—the big, physical boundary threat—has made a massive comeback.
The Mismatch Game
Most NFL cornerbacks are built for agility. They’re usually between 5'10" and 6'0". When they have to line up against a guy who is 6'4" and 220+ pounds, their entire technique has to change.
🔗 Read more: Portland Trail Blazers Game Schedule: Why This Season's Calendar Is a Brutal Test for Rip City
- The Jam: Usually, a corner tries to "jam" a receiver at the line. Good luck jamming a guy with the reach of a heavyweight boxer.
- The High-Point: In the end zone, height is king. Nico can jump 37.5 inches vertically. Add that to his 6'4" frame and his long arms, and he is catching balls at a height that most defenders literally cannot reach.
- The Physicality: Nico isn't a "soft" tall guy. He uses that frame to box out defenders like a power forward grabbing a rebound.
He's a nightmare.
Honestly, it’s one of the reasons his production exploded in 2023 and 2024. He finally learned how to use that height to shield the ball. Earlier in his career at Michigan and even his first year in Houston, he was still "finding" his body. Now? He knows exactly how to lean into a defender to create those extra two inches of space.
Comparing Nico to Other NFL Giants
To really understand how tall is Nico Collins, you have to look at the landscape of the league. He’s taller than almost all of his elite peers.
- Justin Jefferson: 6'1"
- Ja'Marr Chase: 6'0"
- Tyreek Hill: 5'10"
- Davante Adams: 6'1"
The only guys consistently operating in his height bracket are players like DK Metcalf (6'4") and Mike Evans (6'5"). That’s the company he’s keeping now. When people talk about "alpha" receivers, they’re talking about guys with Nico’s build.
What makes Nico special—and frankly, sort of unfair—is that he runs a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. Usually, guys that tall are "build-up" runners who take a while to get going. Nico has legitimate explosion. He has the height of a tight end and the speed of a slot receiver.
The Evolution of the "Big Body" Receiver
We used to see tall receivers who were just "jump ball" specialists. You know the type: they run a fade route in the end zone, and that's about it.
Nico has killed that stereotype.
In the 2025 season, he’s been one of the most efficient route runners in the league. His height helps him here, too. Long strides mean he covers more ground with fewer steps. He can reach his "break point" in a route faster than a smaller receiver because he's eating up five yards every two steps.
It’s also about the "shield." When he runs an in-breaking route or a slant, he uses his 6'4" frame as a literal wall between the ball and the defender. If the cornerback wants to get to the ball, they have to go through Nico. Most of the time, they just bounce off.
Health and the "Large Target" Problem
The only downside to being 6'4" in the NFL? You’re a bigger target.
Nico has struggled with some injuries—hamstrings, mostly—and some of that comes down to the sheer force he puts on his body. When you're that big and moving that fast, your muscles are under immense tension. He missed some time in 2024 with a hamstring issue, and fans were constantly checking the injury report.
But when he’s on the field? He’s the engine. The Texans' offense looks completely different when they have a guy who can win a 50/50 ball on third down just because he’s taller than everyone else.
The Verdict on Nico's Physical Ceiling
So, how tall is Nico Collins? Officially 6'4". Practically? He plays like he’s 6'7".
🔗 Read more: ¿Hay juego Cruz Azul hoy? Lo que necesitas saber para seguir a La Máquina este torneo
His height isn't just a number on a scouting report; it’s the foundation of his entire game. It allows him to dominate the catch point, out-muscle smaller defensive backs, and provide a massive target for C.J. Stroud.
If you're looking for the next dominant "X" receiver in the NFL, you're looking at Nico Collins. He’s got the size, the speed, and now the production to back up all that "raw potential" scouts raved about when he left Michigan.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Fantasy Owners:
- Red Zone Priority: Because of his 6'4" height, Nico is always a high-probability target for touchdowns. If the Texans are inside the 10-yard line, watch for the fade.
- Matchup Hunting: Check the height of the cornerbacks Nico is facing. If he’s up against a corner under 6'0", he has a massive statistical advantage in contested catch situations.
- Watch the Reach: Notice how Nico uses his 34-inch arms to "pluck" the ball away from his body. This prevents defenders from being able to swipe at the ball.
- Physical Durability: Keep an eye on his snap counts. His size makes him a focal point, but it also means he takes more physical punishment than smaller, shifty receivers.