Johnnie Lee Higgins WR 5'11 180 UTEP 4.39

Higgins had a solid year for a freshman in 2003, hauling in 25 balls for 362 yards. As a sophomore, he established himself as one of the most explosive threats in the country. He was a 2nd team WAC selection after finishing the year with 34 catches for 700 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Miners then moved to Conference USA and Higgins continued to make plays. He was a 2nd team C-USA selection in 2005, hauling in 49 balls for 837 yards and nine touchdowns. Higgins exploded this year, posting career highs across the board, with 82/1319/13. He also averaged over 23 yards per punt return, taking two back for touchdowns.

Explosive is the best way to describe Higgins. He is a legitimate threat to take it the distance every time he touches the football. He is a very good athlete, and has excellent quickness and speed. He also shows the ability to go up and get the football in one on one situations. Higgins doesn’t just operate on the outside or vertically. He will go over the middle and make plays as well.

Higgins may have trouble with physical defensive backs. He only has average size and isn’t the strongest receiver. He has the toughness to work in the red zone and over the middle, but his body may not allow him to do it on a consistent basis.

There aren’t many more wideouts in this draft that are as explosive as Higgins. For a team that wants speed and a playmaker at WR, Higgins is an excellent option. This is a talented draft for receivers, so Higgins slides a bit because of the depth. He is a player that could be taken in the third and surprise some in the league.