2023 NFL Draft: Elijah Higgins Scouting Report

2023 NFL Draft: Elijah Higgins Scouting Report

Stanford wide receiver Elijah Higgins played in the background of the PAC-12 with little coverage or fanfare. The Cardinal finished a dismal season with a record of 3-9 overall, 1-8 in the conference. As one of the bottom-feeders in Northern California, Higgins was one of the lone bright spots on “The Farm”. His presence provided defensive matchup problems due to his size and strength. As a junior and senior, Higgins posted consistent numbers for an offense that never took flight.

In 2021 he played in 10 games, managing 44 catches for 502 yards. He had an average of 11.4 yards per catch, with four touchdowns and a passer rating when targeted of 98.8. As a senior, he would appear in 12 games. Higgins would have 59 catches for 704 yards and two touchdowns. When targeted, the passer rating was 90.7.

Strengths

A large frame with speed to match. Higgins will be a solid target for any quarterback;

Precise route runner, balanced feet allowing him to create separation;

Good ability to power through arm tackles. Has very good vision, allowing for impressive run-after-the-catch opportunities;

Quick of the line of scrimmage, with strength and persistence to escape and get to the next level;

Will create mismatch options for an offense;

Provides effectiveness inside the slot and outside on the perimeter. Makes plays at all levels of the field;

Weaknesses

Limited big-play ability;

Has questions about whether he is a receiver or a tight-end conversion;

Little positive tape as Stanford played so poorly;

Limited big-play threat.

Bottom Line on Elijah Higgins

Elijah Higgins will be a curious watch on NFL Draft Weekend.

One reason why is the options he will present to a team. Both Cincinnati and Miami have head coaches who are offensive-centric. That would be a good thing for the former Stanford receiver. For his career as a Cardinal, Higgins would only play in 27 games, ending his collegiate career with 119 receptions, 1,380 yards, and six touchdowns. For those who say experience could be a factor, they are correct. But head coach David Shaw knew enough about talent to recruit him.

Will he be a late second, anywhere in the third round, or early fourth-round selection, and does his new team see him as a receiver or tight end? He does portray as something of a project, but Higgins is a smart player who works hard and will not take any plays off. He also won’t be the first to go from being a secondary receiver to a primary tight end. For any NFL team looking for depth at two positions, Elijah Higgins will provide that, which is a value to him as he competes for starting time at either position.