When NFL groups collect for OTAs, it’s normally the veterans who command the headlines. Yearly, nonetheless, a number of rookies pressure their method into the dialog with early standout performances. For the Houston Texans, huge receiver Jayden Higgins is doing precisely that. Positive, many rookies want time to get their ft moist on the professional degree. Higgins, although, is making it clear that he plans to contribute proper from the soar. His efficiency all through OTAs has Texans followers buzzing, coaches beaming, and teammates taking discover. If early returns are any indication, the Texans could have discovered themselves a difference-maker.
Unsteady Uncertainty
It’s onerous to take a look at this offseason as a hit for the Texans. They’ve come off two encouraging seasons that noticed quarterback CJ Stroud set up himself as one of many NFL’s most fun younger stars. Earlier this 12 months, Houston confronted a essential offseason to capitalize on his rookie-contract window. Sadly, roster administration has been a blended bag.
An already shaky offensive line turned much more of a query mark after the workforce traded away All-Professional left deal with Laremy Tunsil. He was the one Texans offensive lineman final 12 months who graded above a 70.2 PFF total mark. Along with his departure, the road’s capacity to guard Stroud and maintain drives is a serious query mark heading into 2025.
In response, the Texans threw numerous new our bodies into the combo. Nevertheless, cohesion and effectiveness up entrance stay to be seen. On the intense aspect, Houston improved its receiving corps’ ceiling and flooring. Moreover, the secondary is likely one of the strongest positional items on the roster. Nonetheless, inside defensive position depth is a nagging concern.
Into this swirling uncertainty steps rookie huge receiver Jayden Higgins. To date, he is been some of the stabilizing forces of Houston’s offseason.
Making His Presence Felt Early
The Texans chosen Higgins with the thirty fourth total choose. They guess on his upside to assist fill the void left by Stefon Diggs’ departure to New England and Tank Dell’s unsure restoration from a season-ending knee damage. It was a transfer that signaled each urgency and perception in Higgins’ capacity to contribute immediately.
At Iowa State, Higgins was nothing wanting spectacular in 2024. He posted profession highs with 87 catches, 1,183 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns. That efficiency earned him second-team All-Huge 12 honors. His mixture of measurement, athleticism, and certain arms made him a nightmare for Huge 12 defenders. At 6’4 and 214 kilos, Higgins presents an enormous, smooth-moving goal who can win in any respect ranges of the sector.
Sure, most rookies expertise rising pains when transitioning to the NFL. That mentioned, Higgins seems to be forward of schedule. All through OTAs, the 22-year-old has repeatedly flashed the traits that made him a coveted second-round choice. Whether or not it is his capacity to separate, monitor deep balls, or make contested catches in tight protection, Higgins has been some of the persistently spectacular performers in camp.
Teammates and Coaches Are Already Taking Discover
Maybe nobody has been extra vocal of their reward of Higgins than fellow huge receiver Nico Collins. He has emerged as one in all Houston’s offensive leaders. Collins didn’t hesitate to supply glowing remarks when requested concerning the rookie.
“Boy is sweet, man,” Collins mentioned throughout a media availability session on Might 28. “The kind of guys we received bringing in — these playmakers, man. It is an honor to share the sector with them.”
The reward from Collins isn’t any small factor. As Stroud’s most trusted goal final season, Collins understands the caliber of participant it takes to achieve this offense. The truth that Higgins is incomes these sorts of opinions this early speaks volumes.
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Coaches have echoed comparable sentiments. They’ve praised Higgins’ work ethic, route-running polish, and his capacity to soak up the playbook rapidly. For head coach DeMeco Ryans, having one other dependable weapon emerge could possibly be pivotal as they appear to maintain Stroud’s sophomore marketing campaign on an upward trajectory.
Odd Man Out
Higgins’ speedy emergence can be starting to shake up the Texans’ depth chart. 2022 second-round choose John Metchie III now finds himself squarely on the roster bubble heading into coaching camp. Metchie has struggled to achieve a foothold within the Texans’ offense. With just one 12 months left on his rookie deal, the clock is ticking.
Positive, Metchie’s story is one in all perseverance. He bravely battled leukemia earlier than returning to soccer. Sadly, his manufacturing on the sector hasn’t but matched his draft-day promise. If Higgins continues his OTA momentum into coaching camp and preseason video games, the Texans could choose to prioritize their newer funding.
Poised for a Important Position
With Diggs now catching passes in Foxborough, the Texans are relying on new playmakers to step up behind Collins and free-agent acquisition Christian Kirk. Higgins has the best ability set to slip into the No. 2 receiver position as early as Week 1.
His mixture of measurement, long-striding pace, and after-the-catch elusiveness provides Stroud one other high-upside possibility. Merely put, Higgins profiles because the sort of complementary piece that would enable Houston’s offense to proceed buzzing. That is even amid roster turnover and damage setbacks.
Houston Might Have Struck Gold
Yearly, there are rookies who instantly make you are taking discover throughout OTAs. Jayden Higgins is firmly in that class for Houston. Whereas there’s nonetheless loads of work to be completed — and padded practices will reveal extra — the early indicators recommend that the Texans have discovered themselves a real gem with the thirty fourth total choose.
If Higgins continues on this trajectory, he received’t simply earn a spot within the beginning lineup — he might turn into a key catalyst for a Texans workforce hoping to grab its championship window whereas C.J. Stroud stays on his rookie deal. For now, although, one factor is definite: Jayden Higgins has formally arrived in Houston.