Allen Park, Mich. — Texans rookie Jayden Higgins flashed the blend of size, speed and polish that has teammates and coaches buzzing during training camp and preseason moments. In a standout route against Carolina cornerback Mike Jackson, Higgins sold an out route with a clean release, left Jackson leaning the wrong direction, and hauled in a diving catch for a first down, signaling the potential Texas expects from its 34th overall pick.
The 22-year-old is listed at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, with sprinter’s speed and a 39-inch vertical leap. He ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash and arrived in Houston as a rare size-speed combination, one that could give quarterback C.J. Stroud more mismatched looks to work with alongside Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins. Higgins said he’s focusing on playing fast and improving all aspects of his game, willing to contribute in whatever way the coaching staff needs.
Higgins’ path to the NFL has been unconventional but relentless. A basketball point guard in South Florida during his youth, he transitioned to football at Westminster Christian and later found his footing at Eastern Kentucky before moving to Iowa State, where he became a productive centerpiece for the Cyclones. He piled up 227 career receptions for 3,317 yards and 25 touchdowns across his college career, including a standout final season with 87 catches for 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns.
Texans coaches and Stroud have spoken highly of Higgins’ work ethic. He stays after practice for extra work and embraces the challenge of adapting to a higher level of competition. In addition to his on-field pursuits, Higgins spoke about the personal drive that fueled him through a journey marked by underdog labels and a late rise to the NFL.
A key factor behind the early confidence in Higgins is the unprecedented four-year, fully guaranteed contract he signed with Houston, making him the first second-round pick to receive such a deal. The package includes a $5.149 million signing bonus, reflecting the Texans’ belief in his long-term impact and potential as a building block for the offense.
Beyond football, Higgins isn’t all business. He’s known for his laid-back approach off the field, including a shared fishing hobby with a college-era partner on social media. Those quiet interests, however, sit alongside a serious commitment to his craft and a clear goal of contributing immediately for a Texans offense that’s still shaping its identity around Stroud and a versatile receiving corps.
Higgins’ ramp-up has included high-level exposure, such as Senior Bowl participation and a strong showing at the NFL scouting combine, where he demonstrated the tools and intangibles that helped scouts view him as a high-upside prospect. His receivers coach at Iowa State spoke highly of his ability to win consistently and to bring a chip-on-the-shoulder mindset to every practice and game.
As Higgins prepares for his regular-season debut on Sept. 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, the Texans are optimistic about the trajectory. He projects as a versatile option who can line up outside or work in the slot, using his length and hands to win contested catches and create yards after the catch. If he continues to progress as he has in training camp, Higgins could become a dependable big-target threat for Stroud and a spark-plug in Houston’s passing attack.
What to watch moving forward:
– Route technique and hand usage: Higgins has shown the creativity to win against press and use his length to separate on back-shoulder and boundary routes.
– Red-zone presence: his size and catching ability could translate into more opportunities near the goal line.
– Special-teams and reliability: early-career versatility will help him contribute in multiple phases as he learns the Texans’ system.
– Chemistry with Stroud: continued reps and trust-building will be key for unlocking Higgins’ big-play potential.
Overall, Higgins’ early trajectory suggests a high ceiling paired with a professional approach. If he maintains the momentum from camp and translates it to the regular season, he could become a foundational piece for Houston’s offense as it grows around Stroud and a dynamic receiving group. A positive, long-term arc appears likely if he keeps expanding his game and embracing every challenge.