With the Houston Texans beginning Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Wednesday, veteran players were able to get a first-look at the team's new draft picks in action.
This included Texans' Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins, who was more than impressed with the team's top draft pick Jayden Higgins.
"Boy is nice man," Collins said, in reference to the former Iowa State standout Higgins, who was drafted 34th overall by Houston.
Collins went on to voice his excitement about both Higgins and Jaylin Noel, a Cyclones teammate of Higgins, who the Texans selected in the third round.
"The type of guys we got bringing in, these playmakers man. It's an honor to share the field with them. It's only right we go out here and just get each other better, and learn from each other man," Collins said.
National team wide receiver Jaylin Noel of Iowa State (12) and National team wide receiver Jayden Higgins of Iowa State (9) work through drills during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
National team wide receiver Jaylin Noel of Iowa State (12) and National team wide receiver Jayden Higgins of Iowa State (9) work through drills
Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Both Noel and Higgins turned heads in their final season in Ames, Iowa.
The 5-foot-11 shifty Noel led the Cyclones with 1,194 receiving yards, averaging 14.9 yards per catch. Higgins, who, like Collins is 6-foot-4, recorded 1,183 receiving yards and a team-leading nine touchdowns.
With Collins and Higgins, the Texans have a pair of receivers that could create issues for opposing cornerbacks. "The size, length, physicality and athleticism now found in Houston's passing game is impressive and creates matchup nightmares." Bleacher Report's Brent Sobieski wrote in a recent article.
Collins is also enjoying playing the role of mentor to the young wideout.
"I'm here for him to lean on, I'm here to learn from him as well," Collins said. "I feel that's the only way you can improve on your game, just having an open mindset and being a book."
For Collins and Higgins, that chapter is just beginning.