Texans WR Jayden Higgins Stands Out in Year 2 of Training Camp
Jayden Higgins has emerged as a clear standout in the Houston Texans' training camp, with a dozen catches against Pro Bowl corners Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. in just six practices.
Higgins, a second-round pick from Iowa State, finished last season with 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns. This time around, he's fully embracing his No. 2 role behind Pro Bowler Nico Collins and has blown the competition away in 7-on-7 drills and team periods as a top target for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
"He's more in sync with C.J.," Stingley said of the young receiver. "C.J. knows more about how he's going to play or run a route. I feel like their timing is better."
Higgins' growth can be attributed to a year under his belt in the Texans' offense and being in the building for an entire offseason. He's comfortable running route formations and making adjustments on the fly, which has allowed him to excel in third-down situations.
"I was able to be here instead of combine training, trying to run a 40," Higgins said. "I was able to be here and lift with the guys. The coaching staff did a great job."
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has also noticed Higgins' improvement, saying, "He's playing with confidence. He's out there catching every ball that comes his way. He's a really good player; he's always been a really good player. He's only going to continue to go up and up."
The Texans need more from their playmakers, especially with the upside of Higgins. Collins, a two-time Pro Bowler, has missed multiple games over the years due to injury, including last year's divisional round loss to the New England Patriots because of a concussion.
Nico Collins, who has high praise for Higgins, said, "That boy a dog. Got all the tools in the world. Dude is gunna be the face of this franchise one year. His playmaking ability, his size, he got all the tools in the world. I can't wait to see him rock out this year, it's gunna be exciting."
The Texans will look to build on Higgins' momentum as they head into the regular season. With a year of experience under his belt and a strong relationship with Stroud, Higgins is poised to become a key playmaker for the team.
Source: Yahoo Sports