BREAKING: Packers GM Has Officially Confirmed the Trade For Jayden Higgins ” A Perfect Replacement For Christian Watson

Losing Christian Watson was a tremendous blow for the Green Bay Packers into Philadelphia last month, and it will continue to be a massive loss into next season as he heals from a ruptured ACL. Even through Watson’s roller coaster of a career in his first three seasons, one thing remained clear.

The Packers performed poorly when he was not on the field.

With a mediocre free-agency class and an average draft class at the position, there are few options for simply replacing some of Watson’s output — unless, of course, they want to reunite with old pal Marquez Valdes-Scantling.

That said, some of the draft possibilities make a lot of sense. My fave is Iowa State’s Jayden Higgins.

Higgins’ style differs significantly from Watson’s. However, he embodies an archetype that they lacked without Watson: physical size.

Higgins, 6’3″, 217 pounds, is a large outside receiver who has honed his skill on the line of scrimmage. He does not have Watson’s 4.3 speed. However, he has an excellent release package, wins quickly off the line, and can beat you over the top in this manner.
Few players of Higgins’ size can move as he does. He can run the entire route tree and is as steady-handed as they come, something Green Bay’s receiving room needs.

Higgins had only two decreases between 2023 and 2024. Because of his release, he excels at slants and quick-winning routes, and he uses his body effectively to protect defenders. Because of his size, he performs well in the red zone.

He combines some of the better characteristics of the other receivers in Green Bay’s offense. Higgins possesses Watson’s stature, Wicks’ release package, and Doubs’ ball-winning ability.

And he had to work his way to the top by honing his skills. It’s evident on the field in his technique and nuanced positioning.

He was a two-sport athlete in high school, playing both basketball and football, and a two-star football recruit with only six offers.

Higgins attended Eastern Kentucky University and racked up over 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns, attracting interest from larger Division I teams.

After his sophomore season, he went via the transfer portal and committed to Iowa State. In his first year at ISU, he caught 53 passes for 983 yards and six touchdowns. Last year, he caught 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns, including seven for 115 yards in the Big 12 Championship game against Arizona State.

Higgins declared for the draft after his senior season and attended the Reese’s Senior Bowl, which helped boost his draft prospects.
He’s definitely in the early Day 2 debate, but a strong performance at the combine might propel him to Round 1.

The Packers are looking for receivers that can produce, have size, and are athletic. Higgins is massive, has a high output, and is projected to perform well in testing. I expect him to serve on Green Bay’s board of directors.

The question is whether Higgins can work his way into first-round consideration. The Packers have not selected a receiver in the first round since 2002. (Have you heard it before?) Still, during a combine press conference last week, Brian Gutekunst stated, “I don’t think we’d ever hesitate to take one in the first round if the right one was there.”

Green Bay has also allegedly indicated interest in other first-round receivers, including Brandon Aiyuk and Justin Jefferson, although both were selected before the Packers were on the clock. Green Bay also reportedly wanted to trade into the first round to acquire Watson’s fifth-year option. However, they were unable to complete it and had to settle for a trade-up in the second.

So, if the testing shows that Higgins is a viable option, I would not rule him out. Still, he’s likely available in the second round, and the Packers might move up for him on Day 2.

Given Watson’s injury, the Packers must aggressively address the vacancy in the receiving corps this offseason. With few choices in free agency and the trade market, as well as other positions of need that may be addressed more effectively, the draft is the greatest method to solve the receiving room.

Jayden Higgins’ stature and playstyle make him an ideal fit for Gutey and the Packers.