Jayden Higgins Poised for Breakout Rookie Season with the Houston Texans

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The Houston Texans may have struck gold in the 2025 NFL Draft with their second-round pick, wide receiver Jayden Higgins. While the team didn’t make a first-round selection, their first pick of the draft might prove to be one of the most impactful. Higgins, a product of Iowa State, is already drawing high expectations heading into the new season—not just from within the Texans organization, but also from analysts around the league. Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently predicted that Higgins will lead all rookie wide receivers in fantasy football scoring during the 2025 season. "Among the top receivers drafted, Higgins is in the best situation to produce solid fantasy lines week to week," Moton wrote. “If you’re looking for the most upside among top rookie receivers, Higgins is an intriguing option given the circumstances in Houston”. Higgins’ situation is unique compared to many other rookies. Despite being drafted after bigger names such as Travis Hunter and Emeka Egbuka, Higgins enters a Texans offense that offers him an immediate opportunity. Outside of established wideout Nico Collins and slot receiver Christian Kirk, the depth chart remains relatively open. That leaves room for Higgins to emerge quickly as a key contributor. Adding to the optimism is the potential return to form of quarterback C.J. Stroud. After a stellar rookie season in 2023 followed by a sophomore slump in 2024, Stroud is poised for a bounce-back campaign. If the Texans’ revamped offensive line holds up, Higgins could thrive as a reliable outside option in what may be a pass-heavy scheme. Higgins brings ideal physical tools to the position—NFL-ready size, a solid catch radius, and dependable hands. His collegiate success at Iowa State, where he proved to be a consistent threat in contested catch situations, only strengthens the belief that he can transition smoothly to the next level.

Fantasy football managers are taking note. With a starting role potentially within reach and a high-powered quarterback leading the offense, Higgins is being mentioned as a mid-round sleeper with WR2 upside. If training camp and preseason go well, his average draft position is likely to rise. In a league where rookie receivers frequently make immediate impacts—such as Puka Nacua in 2023 or Jordan Addison in 2024—Higgins could be next in line. His path to relevance may not come with as much national hype as others, but the opportunity, talent, and team fit all point to a potential breakout. As the Texans prepare for training camp, all eyes will be on their new number 81. Jayden Higgins might just become one of the best value picks of the 2025 NFL Draft—and a fantasy football star in the making.