2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins

The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we've got you covered with in-depth scouting reports on all of the top prospects at every position in this year's class.

Here's everything you need to know about Iowa State wide receiver Jayden Higgins heading into the 2025 draft:

Vitals

Height: 6-4

Weight: 215

Age: 22

Strengths

A big target with surprising fluidity for his size, Higgins is just as comfortable setting up defenders with smooth moves on complex routes to all areas of the field as he is overpowering them with his large frame and impressive catch radius. He can create separation at the top of his routes with surprising short-area quickness for a bigger receiver, and he’s got strong hands that allow him to finish contested-catch situations with a win. As you might expect, he’s a valuable red-zone weapon thanks to his combination of size, athleticism and body control, and his awareness and understanding of coverages allow him to exploit soft spots in zones and set up defenders with subtle downfield moves to separate against man.

Weaknesses

Effective in short bursts, Higgins doesn’t have the kind of straight-line speed to challenge defensive backs vertically, and it limits his big-play ability after the catch. He’s still learning how to use his size and strength to their full potential as a blocker, and improving his lower-body technique and hand usage would be a huge help in that area. Corners that love to get physical with well-timed punches can frustrate him at the line of scrimmage, rerouting him off the snap when he’s not allowed a clean release.

Updated 2025 NFL Draft Rankings By Position

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | EDGE | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Final Analysis

Higgins’ blend of size, smarts and overall athleticism give him a high floor at the next level, where every NFL team is always looking for big, fluid receivers who can dominate at the catch point and in the red zone. He may not light up the stopwatch or make defenses pay with the deep ball, but Higgins has a valuable wheelhouse as a possession receiver who should excel on short and intermediate throws and improve your chances of finding the end zone.

Current Projection: 2nd Round