The Detroit Lions recently added coach Tyler Roehl from Iowa State to be the tight ends coach. One of his top players from the Cyclones is a prospect of some intrigue for the Lions and their need for a wide receiver with size and physicality in Jayden Higgins.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
- Bigger receiver at over 6-foot-3 and 217 pounds (Senior Bowl)
- Long wingspan of almost 80 inches and big hands at over 9.5 inches
- 87 catches for 1,183 yards and 9 TDs as a senior
- Spent 2 seasons at Eastern Kentucky before 2 years at Iowa State
- 2-time academic honoree in the Big 12
- Age unknown, but was high school class of 2020
Games watched: Utah, Kansas State, Kansas, Iowa, Texas Tech, Senior Bowl week (in person)
Positives
- Great size and length on the outside or in the slot
- Effective short-area quickness and an ability to shorten his stride to create space
- Very good with the ball in the air with his length and toughness; good at contested catches and designed jump balls
- Just 3 drops in over 200 targets in two years at Iowa State
- Can reliably catch the ball away from his frame
- Experienced as a heavy slot
- Effective and willing blocker with solid technique, though he will hold at times
Negatives
- Lacks long speed; top speed at Senior Bowl practices was 19.8 but Higgins doesn’t consistently play with that speed
- Struggles to get off jams and doesn’t protect his chest well on his release at the line
- Big target to tackle and not very elusive after the catch
- Higgins isn’t stiff, but he’s not going to impress with flexibility or wiggle in his routes
- Needs to work on consistency of timing on his routes
Overall
Higgins offers a lot of potential as a big wideout with very sure hands. His ability to catch balls away from his frame and present himself as a target on comebacks and quick-hit plays is a dimension the Lions can use, particularly with oft-injured Tim Patrick an unrestricted free agent.
The Cyclone connection with new Lions assistant coach Tyler Roehl adds intrigue, though Higgins was already firmly on the radar after a strong Senior Bowl week. His lack of suddenness and struggles against press coverage are legitimate detractions that should have him still available when the Lions pick at No. 60 overall in the second round, and perhaps a round later (Scouting Combine testing/interviews will matter here). If the Lions are looking for that bigger type of receiver who can work outside or in the slot, Higgins can be a very appealing option on Day 2.