While the stats might not back it up, Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins had a productive rookie season.
No, the former Iowa State star didn’t eclipse 1,000 yards for the campaign while dividing playing time with Pro Bowler Nico Collins.
No, the 34th overall pick from the draft didn’t hit double-digit touchdowns and become a menace in the red zone against small-framed defensive backs.
But Higgins still impressed as the No. 2 weapon for a 12-win team en route to its third postseason appearance. Even in a limited role while running opposite Collins, Higgins still managed to finish third on the team in receptions (41) and receiving yards (525) while tying Collins for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (6).
Overall, the Texans should have high hopes for Higgins entering his second season in Nick Caley’s offensive look. According to Pro Football Network, Higgins is a top-four receiver from his class, ranked only behind Carolina’s Tetairoa McMillan, Tampa Bay’s Emeka Egbuka and Chicago’s Luther Burden.
Higgins was a standout during offseason workouts, looking bigger in frame but sleeker in routes. His chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud continues to develop while the role is expected to expand now full comfortable inside the offense.
“Higgins has done an outstanding job. From day one, from him coming back, when I saw him for the first time coming back, it’s like you see a physical difference,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “You see a stronger, more chiseled-out receiver. Then we step on the field, he’s playing faster. He’s playing stronger. He’s making all of the tough catches. He’s playing extremely fast. He’s taken advantage of his off-season, and he’s really improved in a ton of areas. The first area for him is how can we play fast consistently and he’s doing that right now.”
The Texans return for the start of training camp on July 28 with veterans. Rookies will report on July 21.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans’ Jayden Higgins viewed as top five second year WR for 2026 season
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
