With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, there has been plenty of talk about the top wide receivers in the class and where they rank. Outside of the first round, though, little has been said about the next group of receivers that will likely be taken in round two.
However, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov, one name has generated considerable interest among NFL teams.
Ari Meirov Predicts Jayden Higgins in Round 1
Heading into the pre-draft process, the 2025 wide receiver class was generally considered shallow in terms of talent. Star prospects like Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan have long been regarded as legitimate first-round talents, while players like Emeka Egbuka and Luther Burden III have flirted with the first round in mock drafts.
One player who hasn’t received the same level of attention, though, is Iowa State product Jayden Higgins. Higgins has been highly rated among scouts as a top-10 receiver in the class after his 1,183-yard, nine-touchdown 2024 campaign.
Meirov had plenty of positive things to say about Higgins, citing his athleticism and strong frame.
“He moves really well for a guy of his size. Smooth hips, can run the entire route tree. He’s a really reliable pass catcher, not many drops. He’s great off the line of scrimmage, great for somebody of his size.”
And Meirov wasn’t content merely complimenting the receiver. He then compared him to two of the best receivers in the NFL.
“I’ve got, in the comps for him, a Nico Collins. One person mentioned Drake London.” Meirov then stated his belief that Higgins could be drafted as high as the late first round. “If you’re looking for a big-bodied guy, I think he’s somebody who could sneak in the back end of the first round. If not, early Round 2 for him.”
Iowa State WR Jayden Higgins is a big target at 6’4”, 214 pounds, with smooth movement for his size and strong, reliable hands. He’s drawn some comparisons to Nico Collins and Drake London.
A sneaky name to keep an eye on as we get closer to the draft. https://t.co/gFk6AWulmQ pic.twitter.com/Y8R56E7uze
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 10, 2025
Latest PFSN Mock Draft Sends Higgins to Seattle
PFSN’s latest three-round mock draft fromJ oe DeLeone has Higgins waiting a little longer than Meirov predicts. DeLeone sends Higgins to the Seattle Seahawks with the 50th overall pick after the team addresses its offensive line in Round 1.
Higgins is the sixth receiver taken in DeLeone’s Mock Draft, taken one spot ahead of his Iowa State teammate Jaylin Noel. The player’s PFSN Draft Profile explains what the Seahawks would be getting for their second-round pick.
“Higgins possesses prototypical length and frame density for an ‘X’ receiver at the NFL level. But his calling card is actually his fluidity and manipulative predisposition on intermediate routes that has elevated his standing in the class. Despite being nearly 220 pounds, the Cyclones wide receiver separates well at the college level through fluidity and deception.”
Meirov’s first-round projection for Higgins may be a little off, but if teams really are keen on the big-bodied receiver, then anything is possible. If nothing else, Higgins will be a name to look out for on Day 2.