It has been rough for the Houston Texans this offseason with all of the Deshaun Watson drama, first with the trade rumors and then with his legal issues involving a number of sexual assault allegations. It is currently unclear what Watson's status for the 2021 NFL season will be.

Aside from Watson, Houston's roster is rather depleted at the moment and doesn't have many eye-popping athletes. The Texans are hoping their defense will improve after a disastrous 2020 season, but the offense is just totally up in the air. With a lack of quality receiving depth behind Brandin Cooks, we could see a rookie emerge as the WR2 in Houston.

Additionally, the running back group is a bit on the older side. But for that reason, there could be a surprise breakout candidate hiding within the rushing core. Houston's defense isn't the worst on paper and some guys will have a chance to elevate their game next season. With that said, here are three potential breakout players for the Texans in the 2021 NFL season.

1. Nico Collins

Brandin Cooks is in line to have another solid year, but Houston needs another receiver to step up. In comes Nico Collins, the big-bodied receiver the Texans selected in the third round of the NFL Draft. Many believe Collins has the potential to have a rookie season similar to Chase Claypool, who was a late-round pick and became a viable receiving threat for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Collins is in a great place to find success immediately. With Randall Cobb aging and Keke Coutee being a mediocre receiver, Nico Collins is primed to take on a large role from the get-go. Whether it's Watson or someone else under center, Houston's quarterback will likely enjoy throwing the ball to Nico Collins.

2. Phillip Lindsay

Phillip Lindsay was a steady ball carrier during his time playing for the Denver Broncos. Surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in two of his three seasons, Lindsay was a gem for Denver. Injuries slowed him down last season, but now that he's on a new team, Lindsay could be a great running back for the Texans.

With David Johnson aging and Mark Ingram hitting a wall last year, Lindsay could be in line to be the best running back in Houston. The former Bronco was able to outperform other running backs in the past and could do that again in 2021. Lindsay will have to compete for playing time, but there is a chance he becomes Houston's featured back.

3. Justin Reid

Justin Reid has had a solid career since joining the league in 2018. However, he hasn't gotten back to the level of production yet from his rookie season. This coming season could be the year Reid outperforms his rookie campaign, as the Texans need someone on the defense to step up in the secondary.

Houston's defense doesn't look all that bad, or at the very least it should be better than last season. With Zach Cunningham and Christian Kirksey serving as the inside linebackers, and Bradley Roby, Desmond King, and Justin Reid playing in the secondary, the Texans' defense could be better than most expect. For Houston to improve on defense, Reid has to intercept some passes once again, as he recorded zero last year.