Jayden Higgins Dynasty Value: The Profile of a Fantasy WR1?

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What if I told you there’s a 6’4, 214-pound WR prospect with 4.47 speed?

What if that same guy totaled 140 catches, 2,168 yards, and 15 TDs over the past two years — while sharing the field with another future pro?

That's Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins. And the tape only strengthens the case for him as a fantasy asset. 

Let’s dig into his complete profile …

Jayden Higgins Dynasty Values

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Jayden Higgins Draft Profile

Jayden Higgins Combine Results

From Underdog to Top Dog: Higgins’ Unlikely Rise

Higgins received zero FBS offers out of high school. He chose Eastern Kentucky over Austin Peay, Stetson, and other FCS programs.

The Miami native followed a quiet freshman season with a promising 2022. His team market shares included:

• 18.9% of the targets
• 18.3% of the catches
• 19.0% of the receiving yards
• 30.3% of the receiving TDs

In total, he notched 58 catches, 747 yards, and 10 TDs. 

Iowa State HC Matt Campbell took notice, grabbing Higgins in the transfer portal that December.

The move quickly paid off ...

Instant Impact Alongside a Future Pro

Higgins reached 90 yards in five of 13 appearances in 2023. He primarily played on the perimeter and excelled as a downfield threat.

In fact, Higgins’ 18.5 yards per catch ranked seventh among 108 WRs with 80+ targets (per Pro Football Focus). He displayed excellent hands with a 1.9% drop rate.

Here’s how he compared to teammate Jaylin Noel, a fellow WR prospect with Day 2 potential. Consider that it was Noel's third year on the team ...

Higgins held the edge in TDs and YPRR. Noel swept the other categories -- but not by wide margins.

Higgins came back for his final season in 2024 ... and got even better.

2024 Stats Breakdown: Higgins Outperforms Jaylin Noel

Higgins (and Noel) returned alongside junior QB Rocco Becht. 

Here's how the WRs stacked up:

That's a clean sweep for Higgins, who set career highs with 129 targets, 87 catches, and 1,183 yards. He eclilpsed 50 yards in every game, including five outings with more than 100.

Nationally, Higgins ranked:

• sixth in catches
• seventh in yards
• and tied for 18th in TDs

He led the nation in PFF receiving grade (min. 50 targets).

The 22-year-old remained a sure-handed threat despite the boost in volume. Higgins exits college with only 7 total drops (3.0%). He also leaves school with a clean injury history.

Before we get to the highlights, let's review his Senior Bowl week.

'I Thought He Was the Most Impressive WR'

Here's an anonymous scout describing Higgins' Senior Bowl performance (via Bob McGinn of Go Long):

Higgins shined in the 1-on-1 drills, even going viral for this rep:

I don't normally like posting reps where the WR blows past a defender this easily, but Jayden Higgins isn't supposed to be able to move like this at this size pic.twitter.com/jYsM44iIxH

— Joe DeLeone (@joedeleone) January 29, 2025

Of course, we can't draw conclusions on a single rep. But it was interesting to hear how Higgins' basketball background translates to the field.

“Being a receiver, you can really still play basketball out there,” he said via Steelers Depot. "Releases, moves -- they're all very similar. I just try to incorporate those skill sets, put it into football, and be loose out there."

Now let's see him in action...

Jayden Higgins Highlights

Games watched: Utah (2024), Kansas State (2024), Baylor (2024), Iowa (2023), Oklahoma (2023), Texas (2023)

Size-Speed Combo Supplies a Unique Edge

Higgins is one of the few starting-caliber “X" receivers in this class.

At 6’4, 215 pounds, he brings the size and strength to win outside. This first clip shows his attacking mentality ... 

Vertical speed is another asset. Higgins ran a 4.47-second 40 time, translating to an excellent 107.2 Speed Score.

This next clip shows him winning downfield, despite off coverage from the DB...

Higgins owns 17 career catches of 20+ air yards, including 5 TDs.

His terrific length often showed up in these downfield situations. Per MockDraftable, his 80-inch wingspan ranks 91st percentile among Combine WRs since 1999.

Can the Big Man Separate?

It’s fair to ask how well a long-limbed WR can separate.

The numbers say there’s no cause for concern, though. In 2024, Higgins ranked 15th among 138 WRs in YPRR vs. man coverage (per PFF). He ranked 21st vs. zone in the same sample.

Here’s a look at him in an isolated situation:

Note: Higgins posted one of his best games of 2023 against rival Iowa: 8 catches, 95 yards, and a score.

Here’s another iso opportunity, this time from a slot alignment.

'Nothing Special After the Catch'

Higgins isn’t known as a major weapon with the ball in his hands. NFL Media's Lance Zierlein calls him "nothing special after the catch."

It’s a fair assessment from my six-game sample. On occasion, Higgins would dazzle with a play like this …

But overall, he’s nowhere near the top YAC guys in this class (think Luther Burden and Jaylen Royals). That's fine -- just don't expect a high dose of screens at the next level.

Jayden Higgins Team Fit: Denver Broncos

Courtland Sutton stands as a solid WR1. He’s only under contract through 2025, but the team hopes to extend him shortly.

Still, the Broncos could use another target, especially if Marvin Mims remains a role player.

DeVaughn Vele was a surprise last year as a 27-year-old undrafted free agent, but he’s best suited in a reserve role. WR Troy Franklin’s coming off an underwhelming rookie campaign (30-317-3 in 17 games). He fell to Round 4 of last year's draft.

A QB-friendly target such as Higgins would help second-year starter Bo Nix.

Dynasty Value Conclusion: A Pro-Ready Profile with Year 1 Upside

Higgins’ draft profile screams alpha.

He brings mismatch size at 6’4, 214 pounds. 

His production profile features three years of quality numbers – plus an early breakout age (19.7).

Sure hands and proven contested-catch ability further cement his value. 

With Round 2 buzz picking up, don’t be surprised if Higgins makes a Year 1 fantasy impact. He’s a fringe top-12 pick in our PPR rookie rankings.

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