I just generally don’t get excited about (comparably — all of these dudes are unreal athletes) unathletic X receivers, where the main skill set is being large and going up and getting jump balls, and I think that’s what Higgins largely profiles as, as far as his biggest strengths go. There’s so much data around the plays where that skill set plays well (ie. end zone fades) being inefficient, and if I’m spending a top 50 pick on a receiver and there’s similarly good options with more athletic/RAC upside, I’d take that guy
Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith out of Alabama too... 2021 draft is THE draft of the 2000s Trevor Lawrence Penei Sewell JaMarr Chase/Justyn Ross/Jaylen Waddle Greg Rousseau Pat Surtain II/Shaun Wade Michah Parsons
Higgins has been pigeon-holed into that stereotype of a receiver. He has long speed and won consistently as a deep threat as well. He can do a lot more than just win 50/50 balls, or as he calls them: 80/20 balls.
It’s gonna be real crazy if this draft class becomes draft eligible on the heels of a shortened or cancelled NCAA or NFL season
The best QB prospect, OT prospect, and WR prospect in years will be in this class. Gregory Rousseau is also one of the best edge prospects in 20 years.
And this is pretty much why I’m praying the Eagles take somebody with good speed/release/route-running/separation/RAC skills. Not saying Higgins isn’t a good prospect or won’t have success, but I keep seeing people mock a guy like Higgins to the Eagles despite the team having Alshon/JJAW/Ertz/Goedert playing, or projecting to play (in the case of JJAW), the role teams would probably peg Higgins to play
Higgins is better at everything that PIttman does well. Claypool is a different kind of player. He's more of a jumbo slot that is going to win over the middle, but he has to be matched up with linebackers and safeties to make a difference outside of the redzone. The guy is a bully on short yardage, zone beating routes. Mims vs. Higgins is interesting because they are both true x receivers, but Mims is far less physical when the ball is the air and as a route runner.
I’m not really sure about him for the Eagles either. I mean, if they come away with him or Higgins then I’m fine with it because they absolutely have a need there. I’m just not expecting a huge impact in year one, especially when DJax gets hurt and misses time again. I’ve expressed reservations before about the idea of the Eagles taking Justin Jefferson too because of the offense’s makeup. Won’t hate the pick, but won’t expect huge returns in year one. I took Jalen Reagor in this mock not because I think he’s better than Jefferson/Mims/Higgins but because I think he addresses what the Eagles need more. I wouldn’t even be opposed to Laviska Shenault if he can be healthy and ready, but maybe there’s a world where he falls in the second round due to his medical red flags and the Eagles can take a shot in him there. Hell, Brandon Aiyuk in the second round would be nice too if the Eagles went LB (Patrick Queen) in round one. I honestly just think the value isn’t quite there for the Eagles and I think they should trade back a bit. They aren’t in a great position at 21. Had the Eagles addressed WR in free agency, I’d say the Eagles could then take the best WR available. I’m just not a big fan of when teams need to draft for immediate needs, aside from QB, because expecting an immediate return isn’t a sound strategy, especially at WR.
I’m honestly just unsure with him - his testing numbers were less than ideal especially in agility/acceleration type drills, it doesn’t look like an anomaly that doesn’t show up on tape like Reagor’s fine but not good 40 time is, but the production is absolutely there. Using your Mims/Higgins example, I’m inclined to say that Higgins was a better college player while Mims’ game profiles better to translate to NFL success
They play the same style of football, but Mims ran a faster 40 (not by much) and he jumped Higgins on some boards. Higgins is a better, more versatile route runner that catches the ball more consistently than Mims. That's why I compared them. They play the exact same position and Higgins does nearly everything better...other than test faster at the combine.
I think labeling Pittman as just a jump ball guy is harsh too. That’s one of his strongest attributes but he’s certainly a well-rounded receiver. I wouldn’t argue him as a top tier guy in this class but I think he’s very good.
I completely disagree with your last paragraph. WR, CB, and LB value is great at pick 21. Y’all are in a much better position to address one of your needs with a bargain pick than we are. Henderson/Fulton, Queen/Murray (especially Queen), Higgins/Mims/Reagor/Ruggs, Delpit/McKinney would all be very good options at pick 21 imo. You could even draft another potential replacement for Jason Peters, if Andre Dillard isn’t ready to be the guy. Drafting for immediate impact is kind of a non-issue / non argument because no team actually does that. A draft pick represents a possible 10+ years of impact, why would teams draft based on year 1?
Reagor also put up ridiculous vert and broad jump numbers so he’s definitely still VERY explosive. Just maybe doesn’t have long speed as much as he has burst. Which, tbh burst is more important in football anyway. A shifty WR is gonna be a better route runner. Usually players who are built for long speed are not necessarily built with good flexibility / low center of gravity to make good cuts.
Actually @Swoos pissing you off is exactly what I’m going to do. Chiefs select Antonio Gibson, WR/RB, Memphis. He’s the perfect Andy Reid weapon.