The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching and as is the case every year, LA Chargers fans are starting to develop draft crushes on certain prospects. Different sections of the fanbase will inevitably latch onto different prospects after weeks of coverage hyping up these prospects.
One of the biggest draft crushes for Chargers fans in 2025 is Iowa State wideout Jayden Higgins. The six-foot-four wideout was initially viewed as a perfect mid-round target for the Bolts but his stock in the draft has only risen with time. NFL Network's Lance Zierlein gave Higgins a round-two grade after an exceptional showing at the NFL Combine.
Higgins' blend of size and athleticism mixed with his ability to play both inside and outside makes him an intriguing potential weapon for Justin Herbert. However, the same talent that makes him an enticing prospect for the Chargers will also garner interest from other teams.
Those plugged into the draft don't even have the Bolts as a top landing spot for Higgins. The Draft Network's Justin Melo recently broke down the three best fits for Higgins in the draft and completely left out the Chargers. Instead, Melo listed the New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and New York Jets as the three best fits.
Chargers not named a top fit for Jayden Higgins in 2025 NFL Draft
Of course, the NFL Draft always bucks expectations and just because analysts don't have the Chargers as a landing spot doesn't mean it won't happen. After all, very few had Ladd McConkey going to the Chargers in the second round last year.
The one hurdle the Chargers have in a potential pursuit of Higgins is his increasing draft stock and the other teams that may be interested. All three "ideal" fits for Higgins have selections in the second round that come before the Chargers.
If any of those three teams have a second-round grade on Higgins then he won't be on the board when the Chargers pick again at 55.
Even if Higgins falls to 55, the Chargers may not have him as the best player available given the other areas of the roster that need to be addressed. The Chargers could very well prioritize receiver in round three, giving any interested team another chance to draft Higgins before the Bolts.
This may seem absurd to Higgins' top supporters but it would not be surprising at all if the Chargers wait to take a receiver. After all, Keenan Allen's return to LA is growing in likelihood.
Higgins will be one of the most compelling names in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Chargers simply can't pass on drafting Higgins if he somehow falls to the third round. He is that talented.
However, with other teams needing a wide receiver and being a better perceived fit, the Chargers may never even get the chance to take Higgins.