Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Size:
Height: 6041
Weight: 214
Arm: 33 ⅛”
Hand: 9 ⅛”
Accomplishments:
AP Third-Team All-American (2024) • Second-Team All-Big 12 (2024) • Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year (2023) • All-Big 12 Honorable Mention (2023)
“Jayden Higgins is a big-framed wide receiver and fluid mover who can be a challenge for defenders to cover because of his route-running, tempo, and burst.”
Strengths:
Great catch radius
Good route-running
Football IQ and coverage recognition
High-level short-area quickness with size
Concerns:
Long speed
Run-blocking technique and targeting
Limited release package vs. press alignment
Film Analysis:
Jayden Higgins transferred from Eastern Kentucky to Iowa State and immediately became their leading wide receiver. He thrives on inside-breaking routes where he can use his length and size to box out defensive backs at the catch point.
Against press alignment, Higgins shows short-area quickness and bursts to get DBs to miss with their punches in press-man situations, which allows him to win and stack vertically. He can displace the DB to clear his path and enter his route quickly. Higgins excels at working in-breaking routes such as slants, crossers, corner, and dig routes in the middle of the field. His understanding of leveraging and body positioning gives him the advantage when using his frame to box out defenders on routes where defenders are in close proximity to him. Higgins has functional and impressive hip fluidity to sink and drive out of breaks at the top of his routes—uncommon in most big, taller receivers. You won’t find many 6-foot-4 receivers who can effectively run option routes from the slot, but Higgins can.
Higgins excels with pacing, coverage recognition, and football IQ when facing zone coverage. He settles into the coverage’s soft spots, presenting a big target for the QB. He is willing and effective as a middle-of-the-field threat and offers adequate ability to create yards after the catch. He has a great catch radius with strong and confident hands to pluck the ball away from his body. Down the field, Huggins tracks the ball well showcasing late hands. He has been great throughout his career winning at the catch point, using his frame, wingspan, and body control to position himself for success.
The biggest question or concern for Higgins would be sustained long speed and converting that to being a vertical threat. Higgins' 40-yard dash time was good for his size, but based on his film, there will still be a question of whether he can also be a vertical threat and fully assume the role of being a complete X receiver for a team. Higgins can also afford to put on more weight for when he has to battle with bigger, more physical corners who can throw impactful punches in press-man situations. I appreciate his willingness to block in the run and screen game, but he lacks pop and power at the point of attack.
Overall, Higgins projects as a potential starting possession receiver capable of aligning in multiple positions on offense. He can handle a variety of route concepts and attack different levels of the defense. He will be a great red-zone threat with his ball skills, playing through contact, and catch radius.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Exposures: Baylor (2024), West Virginia (2024), Arizona State (2024), Iowa (2023), Texas (2023), Kansas State (2023), Memphis (2023), BYU (2023)
