Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State

Size:

Height: 6’4” | Weight: 210 lbs

Accomplishments:

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 place pressure on defenders because of his route-running, tempo, and burst.” 

Strengths:

• Great catch radius 

• Good route-running

• Football IQ and coverage recognition

• Foot quickness and short-area burst 

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 power-forward-like frame to box out defensive backs at the catch point.

Facing press alignment, Higgins shows short-area quickness and burst to freeze DBs using the soft press technique. He can displace the DB to clear his path to enter his route quickly. Higgins excels in working the horizontal plane on slants, crossers, posts, 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 those routes. Higgins has functional 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 is the long speed to be a consistent vertical threat. Cornerbacks can stay hip-to-hip with him without losing ground. Higgins can benefit from expanding his release package to further his development versus physical press coverage. He should place more emphasis on being consistent and deliberate with his hands to counter the defender’s punches in the contact window. I appreciate his willingness to block in the run and screen games, but he lacks pop and power at the point of attack. Higgins does not consistently block to his physical size or stature. As a move or space blocker, he misses the target and doesn’t make clean contact with defenders.

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 — Adequate Starter

Written By: Damian Parson

Exposures: Iowa (2023), Texas (2023), Kansas State (2023), Memphis (2023), BYU (2023)

Jayden Higgins NFL Draft Scouting Report