Lions Eye Big WR Prospect to Support Amon-Ra St. Brown
USC product Amon-Ra St. Brown has solidified himself as the focal point of the Detroit Lions’ aerial attack. Yet, despite his Pro Bowl pedigree and back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Detroit may look to bolster its receiving corps in the upcoming NFL Draft.
One rising draft prospect who hauled in 87 catches last season is being labeled a strong fit for the Lions and a player to watch as the draft kicks off Thursday. According to Pro Football Focus, Jayden Higgins from Iowa State has emerged as a top option to complement St. Brown in the Lions’ offense.
PFF’s Mason Cameron explained that although many expect Detroit to focus on pass rushers, the team may be better served targeting an outside receiver like Higgins, given the depth of edge rushers in this class. “True X-receivers are harder to find later in the draft,” Cameron noted. He added that Higgins is the highest-rated boundary receiver in the class, earning a grade of 89.6. His blend of size, catch radius, and ability to win contested catches would mesh well with St. Brown and speedster Jameson Williams.
Higgins is coming off his breakout season in 2024, notching 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns — both career highs. Before transferring to Iowa State, Higgins made a name for himself at Eastern Kentucky in the FCS, where he tallied 10 touchdown grabs in 2022.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, the South Miami native adds much-needed size to Detroit’s receiver group. If drafted by the Lions, he could give quarterback Jared Goff a valuable red zone target while creating matchup problems for opposing defenses, pairing nicely with the dynamic St. Brown.
