2025 NFL Scouting Report: Jayden Higgins

Prospect Summary:

Under head coach Matt Campbell, Iowa State has produced a number of quality offensive weapons including players that were playmakers in the passing game. In 2023 (53-983-6) and 2022 (58-757-10) Higgins contributed solid production, but he saved his best for the last as he was very good in 2024. He totaled 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns. Higgins’s strong play has earned him an invitation to the Senior Bowl and he had a good week of practice in Mobile. Higgins helped himself with a good 40 time of 4.47 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine.

For the NFL, Higgins is a is a tall, long receiver who is a red-zone weapon and provides a size mismatch for the NFL. He is dangerous red-zone threat given his massive wingspan, height, leaping ability, and strong hands. Higgins is a possessional receiver that is dangerous after the catch as he will dart into the secondary and power his way through defensive backs after making short catches on slants, crossers, and digs. On back shoulder throws or jump balls, Higgins is very skilled at boxing out defenders and making the catch over them. On 50-50 jump balls, Higgins is a dynamic playmaker.

While Higgins timed fast at the NFL Scouting Combine, he is not a burner wide receiver that is going to torch NFL cornerbacks with speed. Higgins lacks a second gear and has one play speed through his routes. He is a long strider that lacks twitchy quickness. Thus, he could have separation issues from pro cornerbacks.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, Higgins could go in the second round and probably won’t get out of the third round. In the NFL, he could be a solid No. 2 receiver and would be a good complement to a No. 1 receiver that is a dangerous speed threat.