ClutchPoints
When NFL teams gather for OTAs, it’s usually the veterans who command the headlines. Every year, however, a few rookies force their way into the conversation with early standout performances. For the Houston Texans, wide receiver Jayden Higgins is doing exactly that. Sure, many rookies need time to get their feet wet at the pro level. Higgins, though, is making it clear that he plans to contribute right from the jump. His performance throughout OTAs has Texans fans buzzing, coaches beaming, and teammates taking notice. If early returns are any indication, the Texans may have found themselves a difference-maker.
It’s hard to look at this offseason as a success for the Texans. They have come off two encouraging seasons that saw quarterback CJ Stroud establish himself as one of the NFL’s most exciting young stars. Earlier this year, Houston faced a critical offseason to capitalize on his rookie-contract window. Unfortunately, roster management has been a mixed bag.
An already shaky offensive line became even more of a question mark after the team traded away All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil. He was the only Texans offensive lineman last year who graded above a 70.2 PFF overall mark. With his departure, the line’s ability to protect Stroud and sustain drives is a major question mark heading into 2025.
In response, the Texans threw a lot of new bodies into the mix. However, cohesion and effectiveness up front remain to be seen. On the bright side, Houston improved its receiving corps’ ceiling and floor. Additionally, the secondary is one of the strongest positional units on the roster. Still, interior defensive line depth is a nagging concern.
Into this swirling uncertainty steps rookie wide receiver Jayden Higgins. So far, he’s been one of the most stabilizing forces of Houston’s offseason.
The Texans selected Higgins with the 34th overall pick. They bet on his upside to help fill the void left by Stefon Diggs’ departure to New England and Tank Dell’s uncertain recovery from a season-ending knee injury. It was a move that signaled both urgency and belief in Higgins’ ability to contribute right away.
At Iowa State, Higgins was nothing short of spectacular in 2024. He posted career highs with 87 catches, 1,183 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. That performance earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors. His combination of size, athleticism, and sure hands made him a nightmare for Big 12 defenders. At 6’4 and 214 pounds, Higgins presents a big, smooth-moving target who can win at all levels of the field.
Yes, most rookies experience growing pains when transitioning to the NFL. That said, Higgins appears to be ahead of schedule. Throughout OTAs, the 22-year-old has repeatedly flashed the traits that made him a coveted second-round selection. Whether it’s his ability to separate, track deep balls, or make contested catches in tight coverage, Higgins has been one of the most consistently impressive performers in camp.
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