Tag: Jayden Higgins

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: WR Jayden Higgins, Iowa State

Jayden Higgins continues to rise up draft boards

After excelling in football and basketball at his Florida high school, Jayden Higgins committed to the Eastern Kentucky Colonels from the United Athletic Conference, a collection of nine small colleges. He caught 58 passes for 757 yards and ten touchdowns in his sophomore year and opted to transfer to the larger Iowa State for his final two seasons.

Higgins quickly became a difference-maker as the lead receiver for both years, while sharing the limelight with fellow wideout Jaylin Noel last year. Noel has also declared for the NFL draft.

He was highly effective and logged five 100-yard performances last year and his personal best was 214 yards on nine catches at the 2023 Liberty Bowl. His first season saw him average 18.5 yards per catch.  After two successful seasons with a top program, Higgins declared for the NFL draft.

Height: 6-4
Weight: 214 pounds
40 time: 4.47 seconds

Higgins was a standout at the NFL Combine. He had been an early Day 3 prospect initially, but he made a big case for being a Day 2 prospect by running a 4.47 40-time while 6-4 in height. He also had the largest hand size among the wide receivers. He also scored in the Senior Bowl to draw more attention. He has risen in the projections all spring and continues to gain momentum.

Jayden Higgins stats (2023-24)

Pros

  • Versatile receiver that can play any position, but most likely settles into an X role, at least eventually
  • Rare combination of speed and 6-4 frame
  • Huge hands that almost never drop a pass
  • Giant catch radius offers a hard-to-miss target
  • Scoring machine inside the redzone
  • Elite body control for such a tall player

Cons

  • Needs more work on separating from NFL-quality cornerbacks
  • Less adept at run blocking
  • Could show more aggression in contested catches
  • Long speed on average
  • Would benefit from adding a little more bulk

Fantasy Outlook

Higgins was smart leaving Eastern Kentucky for the big lights of Iowa State. He’s made a name for himself in short order and while he has the speed/size ratio of a top receiver, he’s a very capable receiver that can succeed at all three levels of the defense. Even aside from his physical advantages, this is a  playmaker who understands the position and offers precise routes and a huge target to his quarterback.

He’s a complete receiver who maximizes his strengths. He projects as an inside possession receiver who should eventually own the middle of the field on slants and crossing routes. He’s not likely to rely on vertical routes for his best impact but has only improved every year in college and more than handled top college defenses for the last two seasons.

While Higgins has plenty to offer any NFL team, he’s been linked to the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Green Bay Packers. His Year 1 potential is heavily reliant on where he eventually lands, but Higgins carries the potential to become a No. 2 wideout and even a primary target if only in a year or two.

3-round Chargers mock draft: Post-Shrine and Senior Bowl edition

The Chargers add a disruptive interior defender and two pass-catching weapons.

Draft season is officially upon us, as the East-West Shrine Bowl and Reese’s Senior Bowl ushered the football world into February with a week of all-star showings. With intel beginning to circulate and players rising and falling based on their performance, things will only reach a fever pitch as the NFL Combine approaches at the end of this month.

Let’s take a moment to evaluate what the Chargers might do when the draft rolls around in April.

Round 1, Pick 22: Michigan DL Kenneth Grant

A different Wolverine – tight end Colston Loveland – has been the most popular pick for the Chargers in this spot, but the rising stock of Penn State’s Tyler Warren could pull Loveland above the 22nd spot. Grant attended the Shrine Bowl but only participated in interviews, where he told at least one media member that he’d love to reunite with head coach Jim Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and defensive line coach Mike Elston in LA.

A disruptive pass rusher from 1-technique, Grant would add a much-needed pass rush presence from the interior. Poona Ford and Teair Tart are free agents this offseason, which could magnify the need for a presence on the inside.

Round 2, Pick 54: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins

Higgins was arguably the best receiver at this year’s Senior Bowl, as he showed a routine ability to run past defensive backs down the field and make tough catches. He finished the 2024 season with one of the lowest drop rates in the country as the Cyclones’ primary target.

The Chargers need a bona fide threat on the outside, with Ladd McConkey set in stone in the slot. Joshua Palmer is a free agent and Quentin Johnston has still not risen to the level LA thought he would when he was drafted 21st overall in 2023.

Round 3, Pick 87: LSU TE Mason Taylor

Another attendee of the Senior Bowl, Taylor looked smooth as a route runner in Mobile, consistently beating linebackers with quickness and defensive backs at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds. The son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, the LSU product also comes with an NFL pedigree.

While not an overly dynamic vertical route runner, Taylor fits nicely into a Greg Roman scheme that wants tight ends to find soft spots in zones underneath. A well-rounded player who will also be a solid blocker, Taylor could easily step in as a rookie starter despite his Day 2 landing spot.

Jermaine Eluemunor would like to see Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins on Giants

New York Giants OL Jermaine Eluemunor made his preference known when it comes to wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL draft.

The New York Giants’ main priority this offseason is to find themselves both a short-term and long-term solution at quarterback.

Their other priority is to find that quarterback some more weapons to work with. Offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor has one particular wide receiver in mind in the upcoming NFL draft — Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins.

The Giants have Rookie of the Year candidate Malik Nabers and chain mover Wan’Dale Robinson already in the fold but could use that big, imposing receiver who can line up anywhere and make plays.

Enter the 6-foot-4, 217-pound Higgins appears to have it all. The Bleacher Report Scouting Department listed the following positives:

  • High football IQ; can play all three wide receiver positions.

  • Soft and reliable hands, rarely drops passes.

  • Grass finder against zone coverages, identifies weak points in coverage.

  • Winning contested catches with body position, late hands, and ball tracking.

Higgins’ production in college rose every year. Last season, he caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns.

A senior finance major who is no relation to Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals, Higgins is currently being projected as a Day 2 pick in the draft, but that can all change if Higgins continues to shine this week and beyond.

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5 standouts from Day 2 of 2025 Senior Bowl practices

After several offensive linemen stood out Tuesday, it was a couple pass rushers’ turn to stand out Wednesday.

With Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier among the onlookers in Mobile, Ala. this week, the 2025 Senior Bowl practices rolled on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, several offensive lineman stood out on the practice field, which may have caught the eye of the linemen-needy Dolphins.

So who impressed most on Wednesday? Here are xxx players who made an impact on the practice field:

EDGE Mike Green (Marshall)

Green was highly productive with the Thundering Herd, racking up 22.5 tackles for loss and an FBS-leading 17 sacks. On Wednesday, he showed off the full bag of tricks, winning with his speed around the edge but also converting that burst into power.

Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who has been projected as a fringe first-round prospect, found out about Green’s abilities the hard way Wednesday.

WR Jayden Higgins (Iowa State)

The 6’4 wide receiver projects as an obvious red zone target due to his size, but Higgins has showed in Mobile that he offers more than just that. His quick feet have made him tough to cover off the line of scrimmage, and his vertical speed has created space on deep balls.

His precise routes underneath may be the most impressive work he’s done, though. Higgins looks like a receiver who can do a little bit of everything.

OL Jalen Travis (Iowa State)

Travis is another Cyclones alum who excelled in front of scouts, coaches, and decision makers Wednesday. The massive, 6’8 offensive tackle showed he was light enough on his feet to keep up with speed rushers and more than powerful enough to neutralize anyone he got his hands on.

CB Azareye’h Thomas (Florida State)

Thomas may be the first of the Senior Bowl cornerbacks to get drafted in April and he’s looked the part in Mobile. The 6’2 corner has faced tough tests with receivers Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and Tez Johnson on his squad, but Thomas has been up to the task with impressive athleticism to stay step for step with receivers.

EDGE Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M)

Like Chop Robinson last year, Stewart has all the measureables as a prospect, but not much production. In three seasons with the Aggies, he recorded only 4.5 sacks.

While the Dolphins probably won’t want another first-round edge rusher, Stewart is giving every indication that he could follow in Robinson’s footsteps and produce in the NFL.

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Dolphins’ top 2025 draft prospects: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins

Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins has impressed at the 2025 Senior Bowl and could make for an interesting addition in Miami.

Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins is a name to know for the Miami Dolphins. Higgins performed well at Senior Bowl practices and the 6’4 pass catcher is a natural “X” receiver on the outside who could be a huge problem in the slot for defenses.

“Although I do have a bigger body than most receivers, I’d say I’m still shifty and versatile,” Higgins told The Draft Network. “I’m 6’4, 215, but I can still play in the slot. I can play anywhere on the field. My versatility is exceptional. It helps me a lot.

“I could play wherever the team needs me to play. I just want to help the offense.”

Higgins had a superb 2024 season, one of the best in Iowa State history. He finished with 87 receptions, 1,183 yards, and nine touchdowns to earn Third Team All-American honors.

Position: WR
Projected round: Round 3
Height: 6’4
Weight: 215

Fit for Miami

Higgins uses his big-bodied frame and his basketball experience to get position, which makes him a formidable target anywhere on the field, especially in the red zone. The Miami-native could fit very well in a receiving room that would benefit from adding size.

The Dolphins have several free agents at the position and ambiguity on the future of star receiver Tyreek Hill, so adding another running-mate for Jaylen Waddle would be a wise move.

Even if Hill remains in Miami, Waddle and 2024 rookie Malik Washington are the only other viable receivers under contract for the Dolphins heading into the 2025 offseason. Miami can’t afford to dish out much money to a very top-heavy free agent class, headlined by names like Tee Higgins and Stefon Diggs.

The 2025 NFL draft that features several Day 2 or early Day 3 options that would be better investments at receiver, including Jayden Higgins.

Bottom Line

The Dolphins could use more red-zone receiving threats beyond tight end Jonnu Smith and the overall scoring ability of running back De’Von Achane. With or without Hill, adding Higgins would be worthwhile investment even if he needs a year of development with only timely usage as a rookie.

Higgins has all the tools and the intelligence to pick up the playbook and be a starter eventually. A potential trio of Higgins, Waddle, and Washington in the near future could work wonders for Miami. Thanks to his Senior Bowl reps, Higgins could creep into Day 2 territory come April.

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At Senior Bowl, Packers assistant Jason Vrable will coach group of physical WRs

A look at the Senior Bowl wide receivers who will work under Packers assistant Jason Vrable, the offensive coordinator of the National Team.

Green Bay Packers passing game coordinator Jason Vrable will serve as the National team’s offensive coordinator during the Senior Bowl. Vrable will work closely with the wide receiver group, a position that Green Bay will likely look to add talent to through the 2025 NFL Draft.

Since taking over as general manager in 2018, Brian Gutekunst has drafted 10 wide receivers and seven of them competed at the Senior Bowl.

The Senior Bowl recently announced the wide receivers who are on the National team roster. Let’s look at who Vrable will coach throughout the week and who could be potential targets in April.

Pat Bryant, Illinois

Bryant is a physical wide receiver, with vice grips for hands. The Illinois wide receiver had one drop on 78 targets this past season. He can be a load to bring down after the catch due to his strength. He does the dirty work on the perimeter as a blocker. He can win at all three levels and has reliable hands to help clean up the drop issues that plagued Green Bay’s wide receiver group this past season.

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Jayden Higgins, Iowa State

Higgins is a big-bodied wide receiver with strong hands. The Cyclone wide receiver had two drops on 129 targets this past season. He has outstanding body control and is unfazed by catching passes in traffic. According to Pro Football Focus, Higgins finished this past season with 14 contested catches.  With his frame, Higgins bullies defenders as a blocker out on the edges.

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Da’Quan Felton, Virginia Tech

Felton is a well-put-together wide receiver. He’s willing to do the dirty work as a blocker. The Norfolk State transfer was featured on Bruce Feldman’s Freaks list. With his size and speed, Felton is a big-play threat but he’ll need to sand down the rough edges of his game. It will be a big week for him down in Mobile.

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Kyle Williams, Washington State

Williams has the speed to stretch the field vertically. The Washington State wide receiver can shift gears to be a threat with the ball in his hands. According to PFF, Williams finished this past season with 590 yards after the catch. The UNLV transfer finished his two seasons at Washington State with 131 receptions for 2,041 yards and 20 touchdowns.

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The other four wide receivers on the National roster include Tez Johnson (Oregon), Jaylin Lane (Virginia Tech), Jaylin Noel (Iowa State) and Xavier Restrepo (Miami). Lane, Noel and Restrepo all stand under 5-10, while Johnson weighs around 160 pounds.

Due to Green Bay liking their wide receivers to be 5-10 or taller and at least 190 pounds, it’s possible that those four prospects won’t be on Green Bay’s board. Never say never.

Gutekunst has sat in the captain’s chair of Green Bay’s war room for seven drafts and he’s taken a wide receiver from the Senior Bowl in four of those drafts. With the Packers likely back in the market for a wide receiver during the 2025 draft, it’s safe to assume that he’ll target one who was down in Mobile.

Chiefs scouting report: Iowa State Cyclones WR Jayden Higgins

Iowa State #Cyclones wide receiver Jayden Higgins is a player that the Kansas City #Chiefs might want to target in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs need a wide receiver with size to replace DeAndre Hopkins when the veteran becomes a free agent after this season. The 2025 NFL draft doesn’t feature many receivers with the size to line up as the split end, but a few third-round options meet the requirements.

Iowa State Cyclones wideout Jayden Higgins played in the slot and out wide at Iowa State. According to Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy, Higgins is verified at 6’3 3/4″, 212 lbs. Despite his size, he’s a smooth mover with an impressive and sudden release package. Higgins covers grounds with long strides and manipulates leverage with his route stems.

Higgins creates separation with his route running. He sharply snaps off his route at the top of the stem to win at the short and intermediate levels. Higgins quickly decelerates to separate on comebacks and curls and sells route fakes and double moves well. He gets physical with cornerbacks mid-route, using clubs and swims to disrupt smaller players.

Higgins lacks the speed and acceleration to create separation downfield. He’s a possession receiver who relies on his size and ball skills to win contested catches on vertical routes. Higgins has a large catch radius but doesn’t dominate at the catch point consistently. His limited speed and twitch prevent him from creating much after the catch.

Higgins could slide into the early fourth round, but his size makes him a hot commodity. Analysts expect Higgins to hear his name called in the top 100 selections.