The Detroit Lions have built a dynamic and increasingly dangerous passing attack, thanks in large part to the consistency and playmaking of USC standout Amon-Ra St. Brown. As a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense, St. Brown has proven himself to be one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL, consistently posting 1,000-yard seasons and earning Pro Bowl nods. However, as the team looks to further elevate its aerial assault, analysts believe Detroit could benefit from adding another impactful wideout—and one name in particular is starting to surge up draft boards.
That name is Jayden Higgins, a wide receiver from Iowa State who has emerged as a compelling prospect ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Higgins is not only a strong addition to any team but an ideal fit specifically for the Lions. In a recent feature on potential first-round targets, PFF’s Mason Cameron labeled Higgins as a “prospect to target” for Detroit, envisioning him as the perfect complement to both St. Brown and speedy receiver Jameson Williams.
While many believe the Lions may prioritize pass rushers early in the draft, Cameron argues that the team should instead consider bolstering its receiver corps—particularly by filling the “X” receiver role, a position not easily addressed later in the draft. “While pass rusher is the consensus target for Detroit, it’s a deep class at the position, making it easier to wait,” Cameron explained. “True X-receivers, however, are harder to find later. Higgins, the class’s highest-graded outside receiver (89.6), offers size, range, and contested-catch ability—the perfect complement to Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.”
Higgins certainly made a name for himself in 2024. He posted a career-best 87 receptions for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns for the Cyclones, marking his first season eclipsing the 1,000-yard milestone. His production reflects a steady rise from his early college days. Originally playing at Eastern Kentucky in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Higgins impressed scouts by tallying 10 touchdowns during his 2022 campaign before transferring to Iowa State and thriving at the FBS level.
What makes Higgins even more appealing to the Lions is his physical presence. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, he brings a size element currently lacking in Detroit’s wide receiver room. St. Brown and Williams offer speed and agility, but Higgins would provide a physically imposing, red-zone-ready target for quarterback Jared Goff. His size and ability to win contested catches could make him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, particularly when paired with the technical route-running of St. Brown and the deep-threat speed of Williams.
As the draft approaches, the buzz surrounding Jayden Higgins continues to grow. With his production, physical tools, and fit within Detroit’s offense, he may be just what the Lions need to take their passing game to an even higher level in 2025.
