Texans’ rookie WR Jayden Higgins has been rotating with Xavier Hutchinson for the third WR spot when Houston is in 11 personnel, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN.
Bien-Aime: “Right now, Nico Collins holds one of the outside wideout spots, Christian Kirk is starting in the slot, and former Iowa State standout – Noel’s former Cyclones teammate Xavier Hutchinson – is rotating with Higgins at the other outside spot whenever Houston goes with 11 personnel.”
Ideally, Higgins, Houston’s second-round investment this offseason, will open the year opposite Collins. But he’s a rookie and these things take time, especially with a reliable veteran WR like Christian Kirk holding down the slot.
Last season, the Texans utilized 11 personnel just over 62% of the time. That was with Bobby Slowik calling the plays. This year, Nick Caley takes the reins after spending the 2024 campaign as the Rams' tight ends coach and pass game coordinator. And if you know anything about Sean McVay’s Rams, then you know they mainly operate out of three-receiver sets, doing so over 80% of the time last year. With Caley now calling plays, expect the Texans to run even more three-wide sets this season.
Higgins still has to beat Hutchinson for the WR3 role. But when he does, his playing time shouldn’t be an issue if Caley uses 11 personnel as much as we expect. Higgins is still very much worthy of a late-round selection in fantasy drafts – as long as you’re willing to be patient.
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