The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and we’ve seen a multitude of mock drafts with a vast array of prospects from different position groups that could be future Texans. Today we will break down 3 Wide Receiver prospects to keep our eyes on during the Pre- Draft process.
1. Xavier Restrepo, Miami Hurricanes
2024: 69 rec, 1127 yds, 11 TD
Darren Yamashita- Imagn Images
The Miami Hurricanes WR Xavier Restrepo is a slot receiver in every sense of the word. Weighing in at 5-10 and 198 pounds, Restrepo isn’t the biggest or fastest guy, but he’s carved out quite the playing career for himself with the University of Miami in his couple years there. He can really help the Texans in the quick game, which in turn will really benefit CJ Stroud in getting ball out much quicker. He doesn’t often have major size or speed advantage on his defender, but has enough savvy to get open in the short to intermediate field and make a play. Restrepo would be a perfect pick in the mid rounds of the draft to give the Texans some help in the WR room.
2. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
2024: 81 rec, 1011 yds, 10 TD
Jason Mowry- Getty Images
Emeka Egbuka, known friend of CJ Stroud, seems to be the perfect receiver for Nick Caley’s version of the Houston Texans offense. He will excel in the middle of the field, an area in particular where Stroud typically has thrived. He’s a chain mover and a guy that can really excel in YAC, which is something the Texans really missed last season. He seems to be a popular pick in many mock drafts, and some have Egbuka gone before the Texans even pick at 25. He would be a great player to add, and would thrive in his role as the primary slot receiver in Caley’s system, specifically in 11 personnel, where he can thrive in the quick passing game, and in play action. His one weakness is that he is not as dynamic of an outside receiver as teams may want if they are selecting him early in the draft.
3. Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
2024: 87 rec, 1183 yds, 9 TD
Credit: Reese Strickland
Jayden Higgins from Iowa State is another receiver I’ve had my eyes on when considering a WR that may be taken on Day 2 of the draft. Standing at 6’4 and about 217 pounds, he is a possession receiver that can fit in at the X, Y, or Z role in the Texans offense. We all know that the X is solidified in Nico Collins, but I believe Higgins skill set can be utilized by Caley to make him an effective weapon for this offense. Higgins is great at finding soft spots in zones, is big enough to where he can come down with contested catches, and is an able threat when it comes to gaining YAC yards. He may struggle with combating press and jam coverage at the next level. I definitely envision him being effective as a power slot in this offense. There are a few scenarios where I think he would be an effective fit. If the Texans do end up acquiring someone like Cooper Kupp to be their WR2, I can see Higgins fitting in the WR3 or WR4 role, depending on what free agency brings.
