Jayden Higgins may be the star of the Houston Texans as their new weapon.

Former Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith Sr. is leaning on it.

Smith, a legendary slot target for the 13-year career of the Carolina Panthers and the Baltimore Ravens, couldn't stand his excitement when Iowa State Weapons broke off the board with a No. 34 draft pick Friday night. Smith believes that Smith's size, speed and strong hands combined with the former whirlwind frightened AFC South, perhaps the next great secondary force against CJ Stroud.

"We're seeing a lot of comments here saying, 'Hey, (Higgins) is my sleeper.' "It's not my sleeper because I'm awake watching his movies."

"Excellent job of separation, can get in and out for rest and then lose weight. He has the ability to stay in the melee line, and he fights through contact."

All the points are Smith's solidity. Higgins helped Iowa return to the Big 12 Championship under Matt Campbell, one of the conference's highest pass attacks in the 2023 and 2024 matches. The 6-foot-4 target scored a career-high 87 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns in 13 games last season.

In 2023, he finished with less than 1,000 yards and six touchdowns. Prior to that, Higgins had a combined 86 catches for 1,110 yards and 13 TDs in two years in Eastern Kentucky.

Smith mentioned that his game reflects Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillian, who entered the Carolina Panthers as a new weapon from Bryce Young, despite five-time career Bryce Young’s new weapon having a slight advantage over Higgins in several areas, which could make him more impact.

"I think (Higgins) I think it's the difference that makes him a unique footballer," Smith said. "Yes, he's tall, but he actually plays his strength and height, and some others don't."

Despite having one of the best three on paper, the Texans pass game is Stroud of the year. Professional bowler Stefner Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 win against the Colts, limiting him to 496 catch yards and four touchdowns. Tank Dell suffered a lower body injury in Week 16, which could keep him in the 2025 season. Even Collins, who finished the game with over 1,000 yards in the straight season at Secodn, missed five games due to a hamstring injury.

General Manager Nick Caserio ensures Houston won't be out of weapons due to injury entering the offseason. The Texans traded Jacksonville's Christian Kirk and signed Braxton Berrios and Justin Watson for a year's deal. Higgins, along with teammates Jaylin Noel and Iowa tensions, should be upgraded in a key year in Year 3, although the first receivers filmed on Day 2 may end up being the number one fans talk about this fall.