Jayden
Higgins

A big-bodied, long-wingspan receiver who plays outside or in the slot, Jayden delivers outstanding ball skills. He competes for space on contested catches and relies on soft but strong hands to defeat smaller defenders. A smooth and balanced route-runner, Higgins also uses his size to separate on breaks. He racked up 1,183 yards at Iowa State in 2024.

ESPN's Seth Walder loves Higgins' fit in H-Town. "Jayden Higgins will record at least one, 1,200-plus yard season in his first three years in the league," Walder said. "It's a gut feel pick, but the second-rounder can play multiple spots and be a catch [and] score All-Star. He's in a good situation."

A big-bodied target with smooth movement skills and strong ball instincts, Jayden Higgins has reliable hands and runs savvy routes. He's a chain-mover with immense red zone value, punishing smaller corners and filling quarterback O-stroud a margin for error.

Higgins' size alone makes guarding him a formidable task for any cornerback. His 6-foot-4 frame allows the Texans rookie wideout to tower over defenders. He's fast, too. Complementing his tall stature with elite speed, the playmaker presents a mismatch regardless of who guards him.

What the Texans used the words "big target" with Higgins, they weren't just talking about height plan in the 2025 NFL Draft. They also mean the way they expect last week just like in the offense, you get a receiver in his stature and catch radius, it just gets up a lot of things for us, coach DeMeco Ryans said at the second-round pick.

A top-profiled target with smooth movement skills and strong ball instincts, Jayden wins with size, timing and physicality by holding out defenders and finishing through contact. He's a chain-mover with immense red-zone value, punishing smaller corners and giving quarterbacks a strong margin for error.

When the pocket is full of panic, Higgins offers an escape route. With a friendly face and trustworthy hands, the wideout locks eyes with his under-duress passer and links up. Turning sack situations into celebration-worthy catches sounded great to the Texans in 2025.

The Athletic named Higgins to its preseason list of the leading breakout candidates for each team in 2025. The outlet believed his strengths dovetail nicely with the Texans' needs. "He can win 50-50 balls, gets good separation and should make a name for himself in Houston this season," it said.

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that counts for receivers, too. Looking to add another towering target to an offense that loves to push the ball down the field, the Texans targeted Higgins with their first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and eagerly added his 6-foot-4 frame and fast feet to their arsenal.

As one of the league's best safeties, Jalen Pitre knows what makes a receiver elite. That's why Texans fans loved hearing him give Higgins a glowing review during training camp. "He's a great playmaker for us to have," he said about the 2025 rookie. "I'm excited about what the future holds for him."

Higgins doesn't have a preference when it comes to responsibilities on a given play. He's determined to be available to make something happen in any situation. "I like running all routes, no matter what it is," he said. "I just want to get open and be reliable for the quarterback."

Slick routes go to waste and, exciting celebrations hit the shelves when a receiver digs an open pass. Higgins stays away from those film-stopping the Houston fanfare brings in the ball with expertise.

Jayden wins contested catches with his physicality and excellent hands. A big target, Higgins finished fourth in the Big 12 in catches and receiving yards and fifth in scoring grabs. The Tulsa, Okla. native hauled in 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2024 and built upon an excellent 2023 season. Higgins first lettered for the Hurricanes in 2020 and was a three-time All-American finalist. He was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the nation's best wide receiver. Higgins was drafted by the Houston Texans in the third round with the 73rd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

A big-bodied target with smooth movement skills and strong ball instincts, Jayden wins with size, timing and physicality by boxing out defenders and finishing through contact. He's a chain-mover with immense red zone value, punishing smaller corners and giving quarterbacks a margin for error.