Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Jayden Higgins

Wednesday, May 28, 10:24 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) and tight end Drew Ogletree (undisclosed) both miss Wednesday's voluntary practice with soft-tissue injuries. Downs has had his share of injuries already through two NFL seasons, so although it's early in the offseason, his health is worth watching closely the closer we get to training camp and the preseason. The 23-year-old former third-rounder (79th overall) in 2023 out of North Carolina took a small step forward in 2024 with a 72-803-5 line on 107 targets over 14 games (eight starts). A lot of his production last year came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center, and his 5-foot-9, 171-pound frame limits his overall upside. Downs' 2025 fantasy value will likely hinge on who wins the Colts' QB competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

Thursday, May 8, 7:54 PM

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.