Jay Higgins, Iowa
Senior
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 232 pounds
Scouting Reports:
Physicals - 8.5
Athleticism - 9
Statistical Output - 9
Positional Skill - 9.5
Cumulative Score: 36
Overview:
The Iowa Hawkeyes have been a factory for linebackers lately and the next in that lineage is Jay Higgins. Higgins flashed in 2022 and has been one of the Hawkeyes' best defenders since. He will step into the lead role in the middle this season and look to help Iowa in a stiff Big10 conference.
Higgins posted 171 total tackles with two sacks and an interception in 2023 showing good versatility and instincts.
With a strong 2024 season Higgins could see his star rise and possibly have his name called in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Strengths:
Traditional sideline-to-sideline linebacker.
Elite tackler as evidenced by his high volume of tackles over his career.
Wrap and drive tackler, rarely allows additional yards after contact.
Above average pass coverage linebacker, can play man and zone coverage in nickel or dime packages.
High IQ player.
Immediate "Green Dot" candidate at the NFL level, shows the ability to get the defense aligned and set.
More athletic than his frame lets on, covers ground in a flash.
Weaknesses:
Short arms, will have trouble stacking and shedding blockers at the NFL level.
Needs to improve his pass rush production.
May be a product of the Iowa defensive scheme, could have a learning curve at the NFL level with more complex schemes.
Will struggle with more athletic tight ends in coverage.