2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Colorado State’s Rashard Higgins 2016 Draft Scouting Report

Colorado State’s Rashard Higgins 2016 Draft Scouting Report.

Rashard Higgins has had an extremely productive college career while at Colorado State. He uses a combination of strong route running, savvy and reliable hands to make plays all over the field. Higgins has potential at the next level, but his overall upside has limits.

The issue for Higgins is that he lacks elite speed and quickness. He just doesn’t that it factor that allows him to consistent create separation. His ability to take the top off a defense is also hampered because of his lack of explosiveness.

Higgins makes an impact because he is a savvy route runner who knows how to locate open spots in the defense. He does a great job changing speeds and masking his routes. His ability to pluck the ball away from his frame makes him a reliable pass catcher.

This clip shows Higgins getting running a clean route and plucking the football:

He’s the type of receiver who a quarterback can rely on being in the right place at the right time. Higgins is someone who helps the offense move the chains and pick up key first downs. He might not be a big-play threat but there’s a role for someone like Higgins at the net level.

However, that role might be limited to working out of the slot. This clip shows Higgins struggling to get off the line of scrimmage and into his route:

The inability to get off the line impacts the timing of the offense and creates a ton of problems. Typically, receivers with these types of issues are forced into the slot where it’s easier to avoid contact by the defensive back.

Higgins is looking at a mid-round draft grade but could improve that status with a strong showing at the NFL combine. An impressive 40-yard dash would force teams to reconsider him as a deep threat.

Current Draft Position: Late-4^th Round