PFF scouting report: Rashard Higgins, WR, Colorado State

Here is the PFF draft profile for Colorado State's Rashard Higgins, which incorporates PFF’s college grades and scouting intel from our team of analysts. To see all of PFF’s 2016 scouting reports, click here.

Position fit:

Outside wide receiver

Stats to know:

Higgins posted the nation’s third-best receiving grade in 2014 before dropping to 10th in 2015. He averaged a whopping 19.1 yards per reception on screens in 2014 (25 receptions, 478 yards, four touchdowns) and averaged 16.1 yards per reception on screens over the last two years.

What he does best:

• Smooth route runner. Creates separation, particularly on out routes and posts. Maintains speed in and out of his breaks.

• Good hands. Plucks the ball naturally and dropped only 11 passes on 171 catchable opportunities the last two years.

• Uses his body well to shield defenders at the catch point.

• Strong on short ins and outs, runs the “speed out” well.

• Varies the speed of his routes to keep cornerbacks off balance.

• Will catch the ball in traffic.

• Wins the hand battle downfield and tracks the ball well on deep passes. Creates “late” separation that offsets lack of speed.

• Catches and turns up field quickly, has good vision with the ball in his hands.

Biggest concern:

• Does not have a second gear, lack of speed/burst shows up on the field.

• Will take too long getting off press coverage.

• Could stand to catch the ball better in contested situations.

Player comparison:

Isaac Bruce, St. Louis Rams. Our analysts were impressed by Higgins' ability to separate and always find himself open through savvy, smooth route running while supplementing it with good ball skills.

Bottom line:

A lack of speed is one of the few knocks on Higgins, but even with a 4.6-second 40-yard dash, he can be a productive NFL receiver. His route-running is among the best in the class, and he brings a polished game to the NFL that should allow him to experience early and sustained success.