The New England Patriots appeared to find their franchise quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, yet they still ended up with a top-four draft pick this year. The Patriots scored the third-fewest offensive points in the NFL last season while managing the second-fewest offensive yards.
Much of that has been attributed to the team’s lack of quality wide receivers, something the Patriots have attempted to address in free agency. But despite signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, the Patriots select a young, talented receiver in Round 2 of the latest seven-round Mock Draft from PFSN’s Jacob Infante.
Patriots Take Jayden Higgins in Second Round of Latest PFSN Mock Draft
As is often the case with position groups heading into the NFL Draft, rankings of the 2025 wide receiver class vary significantly among analysts after the top three or four prospects. Unsurprisingly, there will also a great deal of variation in how NFL teams rate certain prospects, which only adds to the intrigue of the event.
In Infante’s latest Mock Draft, the Patriots make Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins the sixth wide receiver off the board (including Travis Hunter), drafting him early in Round 2.
“As the Patriots look to continue their rebuild and build around Drake Maye, another wide receiver could be a smart investment with an early-round pick this year. Jayden Higgins is a coordinated, big-bodied receiver with impressive ball skills who rarely drops passes.”
After two years and 13 touchdowns at Eastern Kentucky, Higgins transferred to Iowa State in 2023. Over his final two years in college, Higgins caught 140 passes for 2,166 yards and 15 touchdowns. While some would have Higgins going later in the draft, the Patriots’ abysmal record of drafting receivers means that a high-floor play like Higgins could be a good idea.
What Would Higgins Bring to the Patriots?
New England will no doubt be looking to Stefon Diggs for its big-time plays in 2025 while expecting Hollins to contribute in key moments. What Higgins would offer is a reliable pair of hands when Drake Maye finds himself under pressure. Whether on big third-down plays or when facing a blitz, Higgins would be a safe option for Maye to find in a hurry.
As well as his physical traits, Higgins’ PFSN Draft Profile highlights the player’s intelligence when navigating coverages.
“The other reason why draftniks love him is the sheer diversity of his route tree. Iowa State’s offense mimicked that of a 14-year-old quarterback’s iPad. They seemingly drew random lines and shapes for Higgins to try when isolated on the backside of 4×1 sets. He’s a naturally deceptive double-move receiver, and some of his secondary releases force defenders into the spin cycle.
“What could legitimately get him on the field early in his NFL career is his blocking ability. Higgins adequately uses his length to win leverage battles against shorter-armed defensive backs. Additionally, his hands remain active, and he understands how to use a defender’s momentum against them while also not keeping ahold of too much jersey to attract zebra attention.”
New England has made a clear effort to help Maye in his second season, especially with the money it invested in Diggs. While not the flashiest prospect, drafting Higgins would complete an impressive rebuild of the team’s receiver room.