On a recent episode of Reception Perception: The Show, analysts Matt Harmon and James Koh shared strong opinions on two of the Houston Texans’ newest wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both out of Iowa State and how they might contribute to Houston’s offense.
James Koh didn’t hold back in predicting Higgins’ future in the NFL, confidently saying, “I’d bet a million bucks we’ll see Higgins moved inside to the slot. Play action, Higgins streaks deep from the slot touchdown.” Koh applauded Houston’s aggressive draft strategy, calling it a rapid and impressive transformation of their receiving corps: “In one offseason, in a single day, they rebuilt the WR room. I love what Houston did.”
Matt Harmon, while previously skeptical about Higgins’ fit in the NFL, admitted Houston may be the ideal landing spot. He noted Higgins’ lackluster performance outside in college, referencing poor success rates against man (15th percentile) and press coverage (16th percentile), and remarked, “Not exactly what you want.”
However, Harmon emphasized the Texans won’t force Higgins into the same role he played in college. With Nico Collins already entrenched as the X receiver, Higgins won’t be miscast in that position. “This is a win for the Jayden Higgins fans. He’ll be used how he should be as a big, physical slot guy,” Harmon said, adding that new offensive coordinator Nick Caley’s background with the Patriots and Rams should help maximize Higgins’ strengths in that role.
The conversation then shifted to Jaylin Noel, whom Koh said was “actually more important to Iowa State’s offense than Higgins.” Though Higgins may have more upside based on traits, Koh emphasized Noel’s consistent impact on the field.
Harmon backed that up with data, noting Noel’s impressive 74.1% success rate vs. man coverage and praised his versatility.
Harmon summed up Houston’s offensive potential: “With Nico Collins at X, and Higgins and Noel two players with existing chemistry filling out the receiving group, Houston’s setup looks strong. If the offensive line holds up, this could be really good.”
Overall, both analysts agree: the Texans made savvy moves by adding Higgins and Noel, and their roles within Houston’s evolving offense could yield major results if deployed correctly.
