The New York Jets have recently acquired wide receiver John Metchie III through a trade, and he's already featured in three games for the team. Let's take a detailed look at Metchie.
Metchie, 25, is listed at 5'11" and 187 pounds. He was a second-round pick out of Alabama in 2022. After sitting out the 2022 season, Metchie played three games for the Texans and recorded 40 receptions for 412 yards and one touchdown. However, he was traded to the Eagles at the beginning of this season and saw limited playing time.
Metchie has a unique background. Born in Taiwan, he lived in Ghana and Canada as a young child and has Nigerian heritage. He attended high school in Maryland and spent a year in New Jersey before playing at Alabama.
Metchie's College Career
As a freshman in 2019, Metchie played in all 13 games, catching four passes and recording one tackle.
In 2020, an injury to Jaylen Waddle allowed Metchie to start 11 of 13 games. He posted two games with over 150 receiving yards, finishing with 55 catches for over 900 yards and six touchdowns.
In 2021, he started every game and was named a second-team all-SEC selection. He ranked third in the conference with 96 catches and 1,142 yards. He also had eight touchdown receptions but suffered a severe knee injury late in the season.
Metchie's NFL Journey
Despite the injury, Metchie declared for the 2022 NFL Draft and was selected in the second round by the Houston Texans. However, he was diagnosed with leukemia and missed his rookie year while undergoing treatment.
In 2023, he made his NFL debut early in the season, finishing with 16 catches for 158 yards in a reserve role.
Last season, Metchie made his first three career starts and caught his first touchdown. He ended up with 24 receptions for 254 yards, with his best numbers coming in recent games with the Jets.
Fantasy Football Outlook
Metchie has scored touchdowns in back-to-back games, which were also his first two starts with the Jets. He's led the receivers in snaps in both games. He's caught 9-of-10 targets for 110 yards and two touchdowns against the Patriots and Ravens. He seems to have a good rapport with quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
While starting a Jets receiver not named Garrett Wilson is risky, the Falcons have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers over the last five games. This matchup, combined with the connection between Taylor and Metchie, makes him an intriguing option.