The Houston Texans released their first unofficial depth chart of the preseason on Tuesday, and rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins was listed as a starter next to Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. As we always say, take unofficial depth charts with a grain of sand in the preseason. It's a good sign for the 22-year-old second-rounder, but it hardly guarantees him a big role right away in his first NFL season in Houston. The Iowa State product was productive in college and showed plenty of athleticism at the scouting combine in February. The problem is that Collins should continue to be a target hog through the air in an offense with a shaky offensive line. It's possible that Higgins could continue ascending and leapfrog Kirk for WR2 duties, but that will likely take time. Consider Higgins a decent late-round dart throw for receiver depth in fantasy drafts.
Aug 5, 2025 12:52 PM EST
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins continues to impress in his rookie training camp, and on Wednesday, veteran safety Jalen Pitre called Higgins a "smooth receiver that has all the routes." The Texans drafted Higgins near the top of the second round and gave him the first-ever fully guaranteed contract for a second-round pick. Higgins could challenge offseason addition Christian Kirk for the team's second receiver spot behind Nico Collins if he continues to trend upwards through camp and preseason. With Tank Dell (leg) sidelined, Higgins should have a chance to establish himself on the outside when Kirk moves to the slot. He's definitely a rookie receiver with enough upside to try and snag in your fantasy football drafts as a value pick with a high ceiling.
Jul 31, 2025 9:52 AM EST
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins was selected with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft after an outstanding collegiate season at Iowa State. As a senior, he tallied 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns despite sharing the field with Texans third-round pick Jaylin Noel. Texans reporter Mike Jones of The Athletic believes Higgins could be the team's breakout player in 2025. "The 6-foot-4, 214-pound receiver out of Iowa State brings size, athleticism, and speed," Jones said. "Lining up along with Nico Collins and new veteran addition Christian Kirk, Higgins should receive plenty of opportunities to help the Texans. He can win 50-50 balls, gets good separation, and should make a name for himself in Houston this season." While competing for targets with Collins is not ideal, Stroud has shown the ability to support multiple fantasy-relevant pass-catchers in the past, and the Jaguars being willing to send Kirk to a division rival for pennies on the dollar isn't exactly a screaming endorsement for Kirk. At Higgins' WR50-55 price tag in preseason drafts, he presents intriguing upside, especially since Kirk and Collins have missed a combined 21 games over the last two seasons.
Jul 15, 2025 3:29 PM EST
Houston Texans rookie second-round wide receiver Jayden Higgins impressed during the team's mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. Higgins made one-handed catches with starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter in coverage and also connected with quarterback C.J. Stroud on other plays. He will be pushing for a role in his first year in the NFL and could seal a starting spot by the second week of training camp this summer if he continues to play well. For being 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, the young pass-catcher and Iowa State product moves extremely well. Nico Collins is Houston's clear WR1, but Higgins has the potential and athleticism to surpass Christian Kirk as the team's WR2 sooner than later in 2025. In his final season at Iowa State, Higgins had 87, catches, 1,183 yards and nine TDs. He's worth a late-round flier in deeper single-league fantasy formats.
Jun 15, 2025 1:52 PM EST
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Houston Texans second-round wide receiver Jayden Higgins has signed his four-year, $11.7 million rookie deal. The Texans chose the 22-year-old with the second pick of the second round (their first selection) in last month's draft -- the first of two wideouts taken, joining third-rounder Jaylin Noel. With the news that teammate Tank Dell (knee) will most likely miss the 2025 season due to a complex knee injury he suffered last December, Higgins should get an immediate opportunity to make an impact on the field. The Iowa state alum is a big-bodied receiver with burst, who should operate nicely across from incumbent starter Nico Collins. Fortunately for him, he needs only beat out Christian Kirk to operate as the team's second wideout, and Kirk typically runs from the slot, where Higgins doesn't project to line up.
May 8, 2025 7:54 PM EST
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