The New York Giants didn’t just change their own future on Draft Night—they changed the Houston Texans’, too. After grabbing Abdul Carter with the third overall pick, Joe Schoen wasn’t done just yet. He swung a deal with Houston, sending picks 34, 99, and a future third-rounder to jump back into Round 1 and snag Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25 overall.
It was the kind of aggressive move Giants fans always wanted, but never knew they needed. The G-Men got their guy. But what about Houston? They moved back nine slots and waited patiently until the second round, sitting pretty at the 34th pick, knowing the board could fall perfectly for them.
And when it did, they capitalized in a big way, selecting wide receiver Jayden Higgins out of Iowa State—a 6-foot-4, 215-pound monster who somehow runs a 4.47. It’s a massive win for quarterback C.J. Stroud, and he owes a quiet nod of gratitude to Dart and the Giants for making it happen.
Texans land a WR1 hopeful thanks to Giants trade-up for Dart
The Texans have ignored their offense all offseason. It's been puzzling, especially after losing Stefon Diggs to free agency and dealing with Tank Dell’s uncertain future. Higgins is exactly what the doctor ordered for C.J. Stroud: a big, physical wideout who can body smaller corners, win contested catches, and thrive over the middle of the field.
Higgins has amassed over 2,000 receiving yards the past two seasons after transferring from Eastern Kentucky to Iowa State. He’s pretty good—he’s productive, he’s reliable, and he’s already polished in ways that will let him contribute early. Think a little more Michael Pittman Jr. than Mike Evans, but either way, he gives Houston another real weapon alongside Nico Collins and John Metchie III.
Of course, none of this happens without the Giants aggressively moving up and creating the opening for Houston to land Higgins. If New York doesn’t pull the trigger on Dart at 25, maybe Houston never moves back, maybe they take a different player entirely, or maybe Higgins doesn’t survive the wait.
If Higgins clicks like many expect, this pick could end up being one of the biggest steals of Day 2. And if that happens? C.J. Stroud better send Jaxson Dart a thank-you card for making it all possible.
