Who Should I Start? Jack Bech or Jayden Higgins

Tuesday, July 22, 9:52 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Jack Bech "has some work to do to make up ground" in the battle for a starting role next to veteran Jakobi Meyers, according to Tashan Reed. Reed writes that Bech is competing with fellow rookie Dont'e Thornton and third-year speedster Tre Tucker for playing time. He also notes that Thornton stood out in offseason workouts and that Tucker worked ahead of Bech during OTAs. The Raiders drafted Bech in the second round out of TCU in April. He recorded 62 catches for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns in 12 games for the Horned Frogs in 2024. Bech is known as a slot receiver, but he's blocked by Meyers and star tight end Brock Bowers for that role in Las Vegas. He's still an intriguing late-round dart throw in re-draft leagues due to his talent and draft pedigree, but it appears Bech has improvements to make before he can be counted on for fantasy production.

Tuesday, August 5, 12:52 PM

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.