The Iowa Hawkeyes have several standout players who are expected to transition to the NFL in the 2025 Draft, and one player in particular, linebacker Jay Higgins, is being predicted to join the Detroit Lions. This is significant because the Lions are a rising team with championship aspirations, making it an exciting prospect for any college athlete. Under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions have become one of the top Super Bowl contenders in the NFL, and Higgins would be joining a team with an established culture of hard work and success.
Brad Menendez of Draft Countdown has projected Jay Higgins to be picked by the Detroit Lions with the 131st overall selection in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Menendez describes Higgins as a “tackling machine with a nose for the ball,” highlighting the linebacker’s physicality and football instincts. These qualities would add significant depth and toughness to the Lions’ linebacker unit. According to Menendez, Higgins’ ability to stop the run and his special teams value would make him a key contributor to the Lions.
If Higgins is indeed chosen in the fourth round, he would be considered a steal for Detroit. His numbers and performance on the field during his time at Iowa speak for themselves. In the 2024 season, Higgins compiled 118 tackles, a sack, two forced fumbles, four interceptions, and five passes defended. His stellar 2023 season saw him post 171 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble, one interception, and three passes defended. These statistics are nothing short of impressive, and they demonstrate that Higgins has the potential to thrive at the next level.
Despite not being the most athletic linebacker in the draft, Higgins’ productivity and dominance on the field are undeniable. His instincts and football IQ allow him to be a highly effective player, which could make him a great asset for a team like the Lions. While he may need to continue refining his game to maximize his potential in the NFL, his performance in college indicates that he has what it takes to be successful in the professional league.
The Detroit Lions are known for their tough, hard-nosed style of football, which has been a key factor in their resurgence as a playoff contender. As the Lions build their team for the future, a player like Higgins could be a perfect fit for their culture. His style of play aligns with the hard-working, gritty mentality that Detroit has come to embody under Coach Dan Campbell. Joining the Lions would provide Higgins with the opportunity to grow in a system that values determination, leadership, and effort.
For Higgins, landing with a team that places a strong emphasis on work ethic and team culture could be a game-changer. The Lions are a team that believes in the power of building something through hard work, and Higgins would have the chance to contribute to that vision. With his leadership on and off the field, he would be a strong addition to the Lions’ linebacker group, helping them continue their upward trajectory in the NFL.
In summary, Jay Higgins is a standout linebacker from Iowa who is expected to have a successful career in the NFL, and a potential selection by the Detroit Lions would be an ideal situation for both him and the team. His exceptional tackle numbers, football IQ, and ability to make plays would bring a significant boost to the Lions’ defense. While he may need to refine certain aspects of his game, his potential to develop into a star linebacker is clear. Joining a team like the Detroit Lions, with their hardworking and determined culture, could provide Higgins with the ideal environment to reach his full potential in the NFL. If this prediction comes true, it could mark the beginning of an exciting chapter in both Higgins’ career and the Lions’ quest for greatness.
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