Houston Texans rookie wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel have gotten off to good starts. They’ve proven to be an effective tag-team that has taken the industry by storm. Both players played college football at Iowa State and they’ve both looked impressive in their early-career practices and preseason action. Their inseparable connection is making quite the impression on their teammates and coaches.
Jayden Higgins was the second round’s 34th overall pick. He’s already turning heads with a ridiculous one-handed, diving catch for 14 yards in the slot in joint practices with the Jets. Secondary flex Jaylin Noel, taken in the third round, 79th overall. Though he mainly works out of the slot, Allen often shows off his footwork and quickness on the outside. It is on the field, however, where their versatility and chemistry really comes through. For one, they never stop running with the first- and second-team offenses in training camp.
It wasn’t hard to see the special bond they created. As Coach DeMeco Ryans would put it, they were “inseparable”. Their special bond is evident when getting up shots after practice. Every day, they gladiatorial style, go after one another to see who can catch the most passes. That spirited competition helps them grow, forcing each to get better each day.
“The biggest thing for us is just coming out here and getting better each and every day,” – Jayden Higgins
Quarterback CJ Stroud has taken note of their talent, praising them as “two really good young rookie wide receivers.” Having Stroud’s confidence in Higgins and Noel will go a long way as the Texans look to continue establishing a high-powered offense this season.
In their second preseason matchup against the Carolina Panthers, Higgins and Noel were both on the field at the same time. To their credit, they had a huge first quarter. Their collective synergy was palpable as they moved through plays intentionally crafted to highlight their unique talents. Noel’s Own Pressure After Higgins mind-boggling diving catch, Noel was pumped, but felt the need to step his game up too.
“Great catch, something I’ve seen him do a lot of times, so it wasn’t a surprise,” – Jaylin Noel
“But in my head, I’m like, Ah, I got to do something. I have to make up for it. But yeah, he made a great play. Those are the types of plays you want to see your teammate make. I was happy.” – Jaylin Noel
The Texans’ choice of Higgins and Noel would be an important first in NFL history. They’re just the 12th team in the common draft era to pick wideout teammates from college. This would be the first time since the Los Angeles Chargers that a team has done it in the same draft! Even with this historical milestone, history tells us that the majority of these college wideout duos have difficulty mirroring their success at the pro level.
Higgins and Noel are both doing their best to develop their craft and build their chemistry on the field. They are equally determined to shatter this historical pattern. They’ve already made the skeptics take note with glimpses of their greatness that would allow them to outpace the odds as they make the leap into the NFL.
“It was about who’s gonna run the hold down route,” – Jayden Higgins
“And who’s gonna run the big play over the top.” – Jayden Higgins
They need to talk across the silos, real or perceived, among them. Expecting each other’s moves will be more essential than ever as they adjust to the rigors of pro football. As training camp progresses and the regular season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how this dynamic duo evolves.
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