The Houston Texans may have fallen short in the Divisional Round for the third straight year, but don’t let the early playoff exit overshadow what’s quietly brewing in Houston. This team isn’t just winning playoff games - it’s building something sustainable.
And a big part of that foundation? Two rookie receivers who wasted no time making their presence felt: Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
Both Higgins and Noel came out of Iowa State and were Day 2 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. That’s not always where you find immediate contributors, but the Texans struck gold. With injuries and shifting roles throughout the season, both rookies were called upon - and both delivered in their own ways.
Let’s start with Higgins. The rookie wideout stepped into a bigger offensive role as the season progressed and looked more than comfortable doing it.
He finished his first NFL regular season with 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns - solid numbers for any first-year receiver, let alone one adjusting to the speed and complexity of the pro game. Then came the playoffs, where Higgins tacked on another nine catches for 98 yards.
He didn’t just flash potential - he showed he can be a reliable piece in a playoff-caliber offense.
Texans GM Nick Caserio took notice, too. “I think Higgins showed he’s got a chance to be a really good player,” Caserio said during his end-of-season press conference.
“He’s as productive as any of our offensive skill players over the last month or two of the season.” That’s high praise, and it’s earned.
Higgins looked like a guy who belongs - tough catches, smart routes, and a nose for the end zone.
Then there’s Jaylin Noel, who had a different path but still found ways to contribute. He ended the regular season with 26 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns - numbers that don’t jump off the page, but they tell only part of the story.
Noel carved out a key role on special teams, racking up over 1,000 return yards. In a league where field position can swing a game, that kind of production matters.
It’s the kind of versatility that keeps you on the roster and earns you more chances down the line.
While Noel didn’t record a postseason reception, his impact in the return game gave the Texans a boost in hidden yardage - something Caserio was quick to highlight. And with more reps and a full offseason in the system, Noel’s offensive role could grow in 2026.
Of course, the Texans’ receiver room isn’t getting any less crowded. Tank Dell is expected back healthy to start next season, and he’s already established strong chemistry with quarterback C.J.
Stroud. Dell’s return will naturally affect the target share, but that’s not a bad problem to have.
Higgins and Noel don’t need to leapfrog Dell to be valuable - they just need to keep doing what they’ve done: take advantage of their snaps, stay ready, and make plays when called upon.
The Texans are building something that lasts, and part of that is developing young talent who can step in and contribute right away. Higgins and Noel fit that mold - one as a rising offensive weapon, the other as a do-it-all spark plug. If their rookie seasons are any indication, Houston’s wide receiver depth is in very good hands.