Patriots Draft Profile: Why This Receiver Prospect Best Day 2 Option

Arguably no wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft class developed to the same extent as Jayden Higgins.

A two-star recruit coming out of Westminster Christian School (Miami, Fla.), Higgins received six college offers. He didn’t have Power Five programs piling up the postage. Instead, it was Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay, Duplicate, Houston Christian, Stetson and Virginia Military Institute — schools you won’t see during college football national windows. Higgins ranked as the 376th prospect in the state and 459th wide receiver (!) in the Class of 2021.

Four years later, after transferring from Eastern Kentucky to Iowa State, Higgins is now viewed as one of the top wide receivers in the draft class. He should be considered by a receiver-needy team like the New England Patriots.

“He’s a guy with a chip on the shoulder,” Iowa State pass-game coordinator and wide receivers coach Noah Pauley told NESN.com.

Overview
Higgins developed under Pauley, who previously coached the Green Bay Packers’ Christian Watson at North Dakota State. A third-team All-American in 2024, Higgins finished with 140 receptions for 2,166 yards and 15 touchdowns over two seasons (26 games) in Ames. Paired with Jaylin Noel, another highly-regarded draft prospect, the Cyclones had two receivers exceed 1,000 yards in 2024. Higgins was recognized as a Second Team All-Big 12 honoree after he caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns.

Higgins’ production and potential have him projected as a second-round pick, likely drafted after Travis Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan, Matthew Golden and Luther Burden III go off the board. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Higgins the sixth-best receiver and 45th overall prospect.

NFL Scouting Combine
Higgins was one of the biggest winners from the NFL scouting combine, where he showcased his blend of height, weight and speed.

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 214 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.47 seconds
10-yard split: 1.53 seconds
Vertical: 39 inches
Broad jump: 10-foot-8

Strengths
Higgins’ combination of size and speed is exactly what NFL teams look for outside the numbers. He’s been compared to the Houston Texans’ Nico Collins and the Atlanta Falcons’ Drake London given those measurables. But he’s also viewed as a mismatch inside due to diverse route-running and an ability to play in traffic.

Want someone capable of big plays? Higgins led the Big 12 in contested catches (20) in 2024 and his nine receiving touchdowns were the second-most in a single season in Iowa State history. Want someone who can get open quickly? Higgins compiled the second-most receptions (28), second-most touchdowns (four) and third-most yards (377) on slant routes since 2023, per ESPN.

Weaknesses
Higgins gets open with his route-running and long-legged stride, but doesn’t have the top-end speed of other X receivers — DK Metcalf ran a 4.33 40-yard dash. It limits his ability to pull away from opposing cornerbacks and hinders his opportunities after the catch.

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What makes Higgins the best option on Day 2?
It’s his size, speed, versatility, route-running and run-blocking. Did we miss anything? Higgins can line up inside as a big slot receiver and outside as a true X — he lined up outside 70% of the time in 2024 but also saw a career-high snaps in the slot. He prides himself on being able to do both, and did so successfully at Iowa State.

“I think his skill and twitchiness in the slot is really scary against linebackers and safeties,” Pauley said. “But he also has the physical tools to beat you 1-on-1 to the boundary, get man coverage and find a way to win.”

New England has multiple receivers who can play inside, including true slot DeMario “Pop” Douglas. If the Patriots draft another true slot, it would mean fewer snaps for Douglas. Could Mike Vrabel’s new regime be fine with that? Maybe. But Higgins’ ability to play both inside and outside would give New England options.

If the Patriots address the offensive line with their first-round pick, there’s a very strong chance they add a pass-catcher on Day 2. Receivers in play at No. 38 could include Higgins’ teammate, Noel, as well as Jalen Royals and Tre Harris. Jack Bech, Elic Ayomanor and Kyle Williams are figured to be third-round options.

Higgins is the best option in that group.

For more on Higgins, check out NESN’s “Foxboro Rush” podcast, which offered further insight into the conversation with Pauley.