The Kansas City Chiefs need a wide receiver with size to replace DeAndre Hopkins when the veteran becomes a free agent after this season. The 2025 NFL draft doesn’t feature many receivers with the size to line up as the split end, but a few third-round options meet the requirements.
Iowa State Cyclones wideout Jayden Higgins played in the slot and out wide at Iowa State. According to Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy, Higgins is verified at 6’3 3/4″, 212 lbs. Despite his size, he’s a smooth mover with an impressive and sudden release package. Higgins covers grounds with long strides and manipulates leverage with his route stems.
Iowa St. WR Jayden Higgins – size (6'3+, 215) ✅ and the contested catch ability to match
But even more impressive at that size is his short area quickness pre/post catch
60 1st downs and 9 TDs this season (per PFF) pic.twitter.com/8MknQQLzj4
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) December 5, 2024
Higgins creates separation with his route running. He sharply snaps off his route at the top of the stem to win at the short and intermediate levels. Higgins quickly decelerates to separate on comebacks and curls and sells route fakes and double moves well. He gets physical with cornerbacks mid-route, using clubs and swims to disrupt smaller players.
Higgins lacks the speed and acceleration to create separation downfield. He’s a possession receiver who relies on his size and ball skills to win contested catches on vertical routes. Higgins has a large catch radius but doesn’t dominate at the catch point consistently. His limited speed and twitch prevent him from creating much after the catch.
Higgins could slide into the early fourth round, but his size makes him a hot commodity. Analysts expect Higgins to hear his name called in the top 100 selections.
