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The Houston Texans' passing attack was expected to be special in 2024 before injuries sidelined Tank Dell, Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs for multiple weeks.
Barring injuries, it should be problematic for defensive coordinators once more, especially after adding in a pair of 1,000-yard playmakers from Ames on draft weekend.
After trading the 25th pick to the New York Giants in the first round, the Texans welcomed Iowa State star Jayden Higgins at pick No. 34. Given his catch radius and sure-fire hands, he should be a welcome addition for quarterback C.J. Stroud and a solid complement opposite Collins.
"Here is a guy that basically made himself into an NFL football player. He was under recruited, basketball player in high school. He went to Eastern Kentucky. Not too many from Eastern Kentucky make it in the NFL," general manager Nick Caserio said following the selection. "Wanted an opportunity to go somewhere, because Eastern Kentucky – there are better programs. Wasn't afraid of the challenge. Went to Iowa State. Very productive player. I mean, go watch him play. He went down to the Senior Bowl and he had a good week. Why did we pick him? Because he’s a good player, he’s a great kid, he’s got the right mindset."
Higgins, who totaled over 1,100 receiving yards during his final season at Iowa State, is known for being a big-body receiver, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 215 pounds. He also has top-end speed -- having run a 4.47-second time in the 40-yard dash during the combine in Indianapolis.
Higgins was the first target acquired, he might not have even been the best. Houston used the 79th overall pick on fellow Cyclone Jaylin Noel, who posted back-to-back 700 receiving yard seasons in the slot as Rocco Becht's No. 2 target.
"You talk about playmaking ability, Jaylin's ability to stretch the field, in the deep end part of the field," Ryans said. "And then you have Jayden, just a big target, very similar. I know a lot of people said [he's] very similar to Nico in what he's able to do, but you get a receiver of his stature and with his catch radius, it just opens up a lot of things for us offensively that I know all of our guys are excited about."
Perhaps the best part of drafting two targets from the same team is their familiarity with playing specific roles. They know how to share the field and spotlight, never overshadowing each other's accomplishments. Both targets when over 1,000 yards in 2024, helping Iowa State secure its first ever 11-win season.
"What [Stroud's] been able to do for the past two seasons is really exciting," Noel said following the selection. "Just being able to grow in a league with a young quarterback is exciting. I can't wait to get to work with him."
The Texans' rookies head to minicamp this Friday at NRG Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: How lethal can Texans' passing attack be following the NFL Draft?
Continue reading...
Barring injuries, it should be problematic for defensive coordinators once more, especially after adding in a pair of 1,000-yard playmakers from Ames on draft weekend.
After trading the 25th pick to the New York Giants in the first round, the Texans welcomed Iowa State star Jayden Higgins at pick No. 34. Given his catch radius and sure-fire hands, he should be a welcome addition for quarterback C.J. Stroud and a solid complement opposite Collins.
"Here is a guy that basically made himself into an NFL football player. He was under recruited, basketball player in high school. He went to Eastern Kentucky. Not too many from Eastern Kentucky make it in the NFL," general manager Nick Caserio said following the selection. "Wanted an opportunity to go somewhere, because Eastern Kentucky – there are better programs. Wasn't afraid of the challenge. Went to Iowa State. Very productive player. I mean, go watch him play. He went down to the Senior Bowl and he had a good week. Why did we pick him? Because he’s a good player, he’s a great kid, he’s got the right mindset."
Higgins, who totaled over 1,100 receiving yards during his final season at Iowa State, is known for being a big-body receiver, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 215 pounds. He also has top-end speed -- having run a 4.47-second time in the 40-yard dash during the combine in Indianapolis.
Higgins was the first target acquired, he might not have even been the best. Houston used the 79th overall pick on fellow Cyclone Jaylin Noel, who posted back-to-back 700 receiving yard seasons in the slot as Rocco Becht's No. 2 target.
"You talk about playmaking ability, Jaylin's ability to stretch the field, in the deep end part of the field," Ryans said. "And then you have Jayden, just a big target, very similar. I know a lot of people said [he's] very similar to Nico in what he's able to do, but you get a receiver of his stature and with his catch radius, it just opens up a lot of things for us offensively that I know all of our guys are excited about."
Perhaps the best part of drafting two targets from the same team is their familiarity with playing specific roles. They know how to share the field and spotlight, never overshadowing each other's accomplishments. Both targets when over 1,000 yards in 2024, helping Iowa State secure its first ever 11-win season.
"What [Stroud's] been able to do for the past two seasons is really exciting," Noel said following the selection. "Just being able to grow in a league with a young quarterback is exciting. I can't wait to get to work with him."
The Texans' rookies head to minicamp this Friday at NRG Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: How lethal can Texans' passing attack be following the NFL Draft?
Continue reading...
