Houston's second-round pick is quietly becoming one of the NFL's most reliable receiving targets, catching fire during the team's three-game winning streak.
Jayden Higgins is having a moment. The Houston Texans' 22-year-old wide receiver has transformed from a promising prospect into a legitimate fantasy and real-world contributor, and his trajectory over the past few weeks tells a compelling story about rookie development and opportunity.
During Thursday's Week 12 victory over the Buffalo Bills, Higgins caught 4 of 9 targets for 38 yards and a touchdown, leading the Texans in target volume. This wasn't a one-off performance—it's part of a sustained stretch of excellence that's caught the attention of fantasy analysts and NFL observers alike.
The Rookie's Rapid Ascent
What makes Higgins' emergence particularly noteworthy is the timing and consistency. Over the past three weeks with backup quarterback Davis Mills under center, the Iowa State product has hauled in 13 of 23 targets for 135 yards and two touchdowns. His route share has climbed dramatically from
40.8% to
53.2% across his last three games, while his target share since Week 10 sits at
16.3%.
The numbers paint a picture of a player gaining trust and opportunity. In Week 10 against Jacksonville, Higgins caught 5 of his targets for 42 yards and a touchdown. The following week against Tennessee, he secured 4 receptions for 55 yards. Then came Thursday's performance against Buffalo—another four-catch game with a score.
Size, Hands, and Reliability
Standing 6'4" and weighing 215 pounds, Higgins possesses the physical tools that NFL scouts covet. His college tape at Iowa State showcased exceptional hands in contested situations, converting on at least
50% of contested catches each season with a career success rate of
55.6%—well above the 50% threshold considered "very good" in the industry.
At the combine, Higgins impressed with a 39-inch vertical jump and nearly an 11-foot broad jump, demonstrating the explosiveness that pairs perfectly with his frame to create an elite catch radius. These aren't the flashiest athletic numbers, but they're exceptional when factored in at his size and weight.
The Stroud Question Looms
There's one significant variable that could impact Higgins' trajectory: the return of starting quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Texans' star signal-caller has been sidelined with a concussion, and Davis Mills has been the beneficiary of Higgins' recent production surge. When Stroud returns next week against Indianapolis, the target distribution could shift.
However, Higgins' recent performance should keep him firmly in the conversation as a high-end WR3 or flex option moving forward. His route share elevation and consistent production suggest he's earned a permanent role in the Texans' offense, regardless of who's throwing him the ball.
What's Next
The Texans face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, followed by matchups against Kansas City and Arizona. Higgins' strength of schedule for the remainder of the season ranks as the 24th easiest in the league, suggesting he'll continue to see opportunities in a competitive environment.
For a second-round pick in his rookie season, Higgins is delivering exactly what the Texans hoped for when they selected him: a reliable, productive receiver with the size and skill set to develop into a long-term weapon. Whether he maintains this trajectory with Stroud back under center will be the story to watch in the coming weeks.
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Jayden Higgins Scores Touchdown in High-Volume Role on Thursday
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7. Jayden Higgins' nifty toe-drag notches 18 yards vs. Bills
8. 12 wide receiver fits for the Patriots in the NFL Draft - Pats Pulpit
9. The most overrated wide receivers in the 2025 NFL Draft class
