The New England Patriots addressed protection for rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Now, as Day 2 unfolds, attention shifts to adding a dynamic weapon on offense. One name consistently rising to the top of experts’ lists is jayden higgins, the imposing Iowa State wide receiver with the ideal build and skillset for the pros.

Why Jayden Higgins Fits the Patriots' Needs

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 214 pounds, Jayden Higgins is the type of outside receiver New England currently lacks. He blends size, speed, and physicality, with a 4.47-second 40-yard dash confirming his athletic potential. During his time at Iowa State, Higgins was both productive and reliable, racking up over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns in the 2024 season.

His ability to play both in the slot and outside the numbers makes him a versatile asset. Patriots insiders emphasize his route-running ability, strong hands, and knack for drawing penalties—traits that translate well to the NFL. As noted by NESN’s Keagan Stiefel, "Higgins can beat cornerbacks on slant routes or haul in big plays down the sideline after manipulating a defender’s leverage."

Expert Opinions and Draft Grades

Draft experts from across the league recognize Higgins’ unique combination of traits. According to The Athletic, "Height-weight-speed athlete with physicality to be a productive NFL starter." Higgins’ transfer to Iowa State paid off, with back-to-back standout seasons and proven red-zone production.

Daniel Jeremiah compares Higgins to Nico Collins and praises his reliable hands, stop/start quickness, and toughness after the catch. These attributes, combined with his durability (he didn’t miss a single college game due to injury), make Higgins particularly attractive for a Patriots squad seeking steady contributors.

How Higgins Compares to Other Day 2 Wideouts

Day 2 features several strong receiver prospects. However, Higgins stands out as a prototypical "X" receiver. His consistency across four college seasons, low drop rate, and high yards-per-catch numbers put him ahead of most immediate competitors. As highlighted in MassLive’s Patriots draft breakdown, “Higgins was productive during his four seasons at Iowa State, catching 227 passes for 3,317 yards and 28 touchdowns, while dropping only seven balls.”

Other potential options for New England include Luther Burden, Jaylin Noel, and Tre Harris. Each brings unique skills, but none offer Higgins’ rare mix of size, speed, and consistent big-play ability. Adding Higgins would immediately provide Drake Maye with a much-needed downfield target.

What’s Next for the Patriots and Higgins

As the Patriots gear up for their second-round selection, all signs point toward addressing the receiver position. With Higgins available, New England has a clear opportunity to secure a player who can step in and compete right away. The fit is obvious, and the upside is significant.

For fans eager about the future of the Patriots offense, following Higgins’ draft journey is a must. Stay updated on further analysis from NESN’s pre-Day 2 receiver breakdown, and don’t miss additional expert discussion on The Athletic’s best available players.

In summary: Jayden Higgins offers the Patriots the size, skill, and reliability they need at wide receiver. As Day 2 of the NFL Draft begins, all eyes are on whether New England will seize the chance to add this promising playmaker. Patriots fans should watch closely as the front office shapes the next phase of the team’s offensive evolution.