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Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jonathan Gross

Sep 19, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) stiff arms Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Buffaloes defeated the Rams 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) stiff arms Colorado Buffaloes defensive back Chidobe Awuzie (4) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Buffaloes defeated the Rams 27-24 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rashard Higgins comes into the draft as one of the more underrated prospects at his position. The Colorado State alum holds the school-record for career receptions (239), receiving touchdowns (31), and receiving yards (3,649).

“Hollywood,” as he is known by, plays a fun style of football that matches his eccentric personality.

While his 2015 season saw a drop in numbers, Higgins was dominant in 2014. He led the country with 1,750 receiving yards and his 17 touchdowns went for an average of 35 yards each. He was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award and was named an All-American.

Higgins’ off-the-charts production has many teams hoping they have a chance to draft him.

Strengths

Higgins brings a lot to the table: great hands, solid speed (4.6 40-yard dash), and a 6-2 frame. The combination of those three things make him a big-play threat. Whether it’s beating a defender on a deep ball or turning a five-yard slant into a 20-yard catch and run, Higgins has a knack for picking up chunks of yardage.

In 2014, the fact that his 17 touchdowns went for an average of 35 yards each goes to show how much of a weapon he is.

Skip to 0:47 and 3:48 in the above video. Those two plays illustrate Higgins’ best qualities: his hands and his big-play capability. It is also important to note that Higgins impressed scouts at the combine during receiving drills.

Weaknesses

Rashard Higgins’ only glaring weakness is his weight. At 6-2, his ideal weight would be around 200-205 lbs. He is only 190 lbs., but that could change with an NFL workout regimen. It may seem like a minor issue, but if he can put on around 15 more pounds, it will make him harder to tackle and less injury-prone.

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Outlook

Some may question Higgins’ ability to compete against top-notch talent. Playing in the Mountain West Conference, he did not face the best defensive backs. Nonetheless, he has the tools to succeed as a receiver at the next level. His highlight reel illustrates that he can ball.

Front offices will look hard at Higgins to determine if he is worthy of a third or fourth round pick. Given his production and combine showing, Higgins should get picked in the third round, but he could very well fall to the fourth or fifth rounds.

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