Jayden Higgins: 2025 Player Profile

Elizabeth Lane

Jayden Higgins

Age: 22

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 214

Career Stats: 26 G/ 140 Rec/ 2,166 Yds/ 15 TD

24' Stats: 13 G / 87 Rec / 1,18. yds / 9 TD

College YPR: 15.5 YPR

Target Share: 28.5%

Catch Rate: 98.6%

College Dominator Score: 37.2%

Athleticism Score: 107.4 (3rd of 32)

All Time Athleticism Rank (77th of 1244)

Combine Scores:

40 (4.47) Cone (N/A) Vert (39")

NFL Next Gen Grade: 82 (Good)

FITTING THE NFL MOLD

Ideally, a WRs height will be between 6'1" and 6'3" and he will weigh somewhere between 205 and 215 lbs. Higgins has a big frame that will translate well to the next level. The three greatest predictors of NFL success for WRs in the combine are the 40 Yard Dash, the 3-Cone Drill, and the Vertical Jump. These test a players speed as well as their ability to high point a ball. Higgins tested with pretty pedestrian numbers but was a lot larger than a lot of the other receivers competing at the Combine. His adjusted Speed Score is extraordinary putting him in the 94th percentile as well as a burst score in the 87th percentile. He also has 33" arms putting him in the extraordinary classification for catch radius (92nd percentile).

COLLEGE PRODUCTION

Two factors that scouts will raise red flags on are if a receiver has multiple 100+ reception seasons along with injuries and if they play in air-raid or spread heavy systems. Higgins saw a decent amount of work over his two years at Iowa State and played in all 13 games each season, giving teams comfort in knowing they are drafting a player who should have good durability.

WATCHING THE TAPE

   Higgins has the size to block out defenders and have success going up for 50/50 balls. He is an elite red zone option as he consistently beats defenders by either getting up over them or utilizing his smooth route running. He isn't the strongest guy, so he relies on his speed and acceleration to get away from defenders. He doesn't have elite speed due to his size, so he doesn't have a lot of YAC. He is a true possession receiver often being caught shortly after he catches the ball.

THE LANDING SPOT

   Higgins was a borderline Rd 1 WR and we saw that was true as the Texans traded up for the 2nd pick in the 2nd round to select the talented receiver. I love that he will have Stroud throwing him the ball and think their play styles will really benefit each other. What I don't like, is how crowded that receiver room is. Nico is the main dog there and they just signed Christian Kirk who has been a solid player. After that you have Tank Dell returning from an injury, his teammate Jalin Noel who was also drafted by the Texans, and Metchie and Hutchinson who have shown flashes of promise while being a part of the Texans organization. Higgins could be a case where he is a great addition for the team but lacks the targets to be consistently fantasy relevant outside of best ball formats.

WHERE TO DRAFT HIM

   In redraft leagues, Higgins should be drafted as a late round flyer that is best on your bench unless an injury comes up or he is able to move up the depth chart. In Dynasty rookie drafts, Higgins is deserving of a mid to late first round pick. He has the upside and QB pairing to be a valuable weapon in the future.

Player Comp

Davante Adams