The Houston Texans take a Nico Collins “clone” in the second round of the draft
The absence of Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell from Houston’s pass-catching corps left the team shallow at wide receiver. The Texans remedy that with the second pick in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 34 overall) by selecting Jayden Higgins from Iowa State. The high draft capital virtually assures that Higgins will start opposite Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins in catching passes from C.J. Stroud on Day 1.
Higgins has been a fantasy darling among fantasy managers whose stock has risen throughout the draft process. Higgins logged a 4.47 40-yard dash time and slayed other combine measurables. While a 4.47 is not typical of a massively impressive time, the fact that Higgins is a Collins-like prototype at 6-4 and 214 pounds makes it eye-catching.
The 22-year-old Higgins finished his two-year career with the Cyclones, amassing 140 catches for 2,166 yards and 15 trips to paydirt.
Author: Sam Schneider (@BuyAndSellYou)
Houston Texans rookie second-round wide receiver Jayden ...
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Houston Texans ...
The Houston Texans selected Iowa State wide receiver Jayden ...
While other receivers of this rookie class garnered plenty of attention, Xavier Restrepo quietly validated his draft stock.
Heading into the Senior Bowl, Miami wide receiver Xavier Restrepo aimed to show scouts and media at large that he could step up in the short, intermediate, and deep passing game. While Restrepo attempted to boost his NFL stock, fellow wide receiver classmates such as Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel from Iowa State, and TCU’s Jack Bech staked claim for attention with their dazzling play in both practice drills and in the Senior Bowl game itself.
Restrepo’s college quarterback, Cam Ward is expected to be selected within the first few picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. He had hoped to show scouts and media that part of Ward’s success was due in part to utilizing a weapon such as Restrepo himself. The teammate who got the most buzz on that end was Miami tight end Elijah Arroyo. Elijah Arroyo did enough during Senior Bowl week to garner calls for being a top-3 tight end in the class, whereas Xavier Restrepo quietly gave scouts plenty to chew on in favor of drafting him. Xavier Restrepo is currently listed on the Pro Football Focus Big Board 2025 at 49 putting him on track for 2nd round draft capital.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
Get to know former Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins.
Senior Bowl Profile: Jayden Higgins
Jayden Higgins (6’4 215) (2 star, 459th WR) heads into the Senior Bowl as a polished and productive receiver, coming off two standout seasons with Iowa State. Higgins tallied 140 receptions, 2,166 yards & 15 touchdowns and a streak of catching a pass in every game he played, Higgins consistently delivered in big moments.
Higgins’ game thrives on his imposing catch radius, making him a reliable target in tight windows and contested situations. He has excellent accel/decel and savvy route running, especially on in-breaker routes. He uses his size to create leverage against defenders. His spatial awareness in zones helps him exploit zone coverage, while his quick-twitch athleticism at his size enable him to separate at the line and at the top of his routes.
Higgins is primed to make an impact at the Senior Bowl. His blend of size, skill, and production make him a prime target of NFL GMs already looking to raise him up their draft boards.
Author: Justin Currie (@Chev90)
