Jayden Higgins could fill Michael Thomas-like role in Saints offense

By Ross Jackson

The offseason addition of wide receiver Brandin Cooks gave the New Orleans Saints some veteran leadership for an otherwise young room. He will be a valuable addition beside speedy receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. However, what the Saints still have not yet added to the position group is size. 

New Orleans, unless a young player like Bub Means were to ascend quickly, lacks a quintessential X-receiver. They need a big-bodied chain mover that can be a reliable asset in the short and intermediate areas, the type of pass-catcher the Saints once had in former wideout Michael Thomas. 

Higgins’ fit with the Saints

At 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, Higgins could serve that X-receiver role. He would be an immediate impact height/weight/speed addition on the perimeter. This would give quarterback Derek Carr a big target that could win battles for the ball and an option to turn to for quick gains and jump ball situations. 

All while giving Olave, Shaheed and Cooks a true threat on the opposite side of the field to open up their games, Higgins would allow them to take advantage of their speed while safeties have to pick their poison deep or underneath. 

What makes Higgins a good prospect

Higgins is a perfect prospect for what the Saints need. His measurables are impressive, including a massive 80-inch wingspan, which ranks in the 91st percentile at the position. With an impressive catch radius and 4.47 speed, Higgins checks every box as a wide receiver. 

He can be a true scoring threat while also being a reliable option to keep the offense moving. 

Jayden Higgins moving chains and scoring points pic.twitter.com/ZL2ZtmVR1n

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) April 1, 2025

Additionally he’s proven to be a savvy route-runner and effective run blocker. The South Miami native tested well at the NFL Combine and in his pro day workouts, showing off the athleticism that makes up his unique blend of desirable traits.  

2025 Pro Day Results

• 40-yard-dash: 4.47 seconds
• Vertical: 39 inches
• Broad jump: 10-foot-8
• Short shuttle: 4.28 seconds
• 3-cone: 7.05 seconds
• RAS: 9.63

2025 NFL Draft Projection

Higgins’ first-round ceiling is no late-process conjecture. But if he does end up finding his way out of the first day of the selection process, pick No. 40 would be a perfect area for the Saints to invest in the wideout. A trade-up a few picks in the second round wouldn’t be seen as an unnecessary move to insure his addition. 

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