Jets 2025 NFL Draft: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins Scouting Report

The New York Jets are one of several teams trying their hardest to find some solid wide receiver talent and overall pass-catching skills in the 2025 NFL Draft despite some pessimism regarding the overall class. One player who could emerge as a mid-round gem, however, is Iowa State standout Jayden Higgins.

Higgins put together a season worthy of a high selection in the Draft despite often sharing targets with fellow top-100 player Jaylin Noel. Higgins, however, has the higher ceiling of the two prospects.

The middle rounds of this NFL Draft may not be loaded with top wide receiver talent, but Higgins' flashes are enough to warrant a team taking a risk on him.

Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Notes

Height: 6-4
Weight: 215
Recruiting: 2021 2-star, Unranked national, No. 479 WR, No. 376 FL, Eastern Kentucky transfer

Positives

One of the best sets of hands in the Draft, uses nearly 80-inch wingspan to pull off extremely difficult catches with regularity.
Advanced route technician irrespective of his size who can shake free at the stem of his routes with subtle movements.
Shows good shiftiness after the catch, could develop into a perfect target for going over the middle in the pros.
Has lined up at X, slot, and Z in his career, and has produced satisfactory results in all alignments.

Higgins plays like he has Stickum on his hands, giving him a reliable set of hands that can be put to use in the red zone and on intermediate routes. Despite his size, Higgins has the ability to set up defensive backs with quick moves and break away right before the ball gets to him.

Higgins shows surprising elusiveness for someone his size, especially after the catch. Higgins, who was used all over by Matt Campbell this season, plays like what would happen if a 5-foot-11 slot receiver was suddenly transplanted into someone with A.J. Green's frame.

Negatives

Timed straight-line speed doesn't always show up on film, leads to some questions about his utility as a deep threat.
Doesn't always have the contested catch dominance one would expect from a player his size, can often let DBs disrupt the play.
Skill on shorter routes needs refinement, combination of poor acceleration and release at LOS works against him.

Higgins is 6-4 with some solid timed speed numbers, but he doesn't always play like it. Far too often, Higgins' contested catch opportunities were denied by much smaller cornerbacks. Whoever drafts him will need to get him to play like the giant he is.

Higgins has some very long strides, which don't always help receivers become effective underneath separators. His release at the line of scrimmage could use some work, as it could be the main reason he often doesn't get amazing separation.

Jayden Higgins NFL Player Comparison: Drake London

London was able to end up in the top five in receiving yards last year despite a lack of great speed. Higgins could be in for a similar developmental path in the right system.

Jayden Higgins 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Mid 2nd Round

If Higgins can help alleviate concerns about his speed, there is no reason why he can't challenge Ole Miss' Tre Harris or Stanford's Elic Ayomanor for their spot as a top-five wide receiver in this class. Higgins' hands, frame, and route-running will get him reps as a rookie.