Tee Higgins, a standout wide receiver from Clemson University, is noted for his catching ability and agility. At the NFL Combine, he clocked a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, placing him competitively among wide receivers.
Though not the fastest, his combination of adequate speed, height, and catching skills makes him a formidable field threat. Scouts recognize that game-day performance often outweighs combine statistics.
Higgins’ ability to create separation and excel in contested catches, along with his on-field tenacity and football IQ, highlight his value.
Evaluating Higgins beyond the numbers emphasizes his impact and consistency in high-pressure situations, making him a sought-after NFL talent.
Tee Higgins’ 4.54-second 40-yard dash underscores his agility and potential as a professional athlete. This time, combined with his height and skill, enhances his draft appeal despite not being the fastest.
Additionally, Higgins’ knack for making critical plays and understanding game dynamics adds to his commendable draft profile.
Tee Higgins 40 Time
Tee Higgins’ 40-yard dash time of 4.59 seconds was a notable aspect of his NFL Draft evaluation. This time, while not among the fastest, contributed to his selection in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.
Draft Impact
Higgins’ 4.59-second 40-yard dash likely influenced his draft position, potentially contributing to him not being a first-round pick. However, the Cincinnati Bengals recognized his overall potential and drafted him early in the second round.
Since joining the NFL, Tee Higgins has proven his worth with consistent performances, showcasing his agility, strong hands, and exceptional route-running abilities. His 40 time is just one aspect of his comprehensive skill set.
Evaluation Beyond Speed
At Clemson University, Higgins was celebrated for his catching ability and agility, rather than speed.
Despite running a slower 40-yard dash time of 4.54 seconds compared to top prospects like Henry Ruggs III, Higgins’ 81-inch wingspan and catching skills alleviated concerns about his speed.
His NFL Combine performance showcased that his exceptional route running, catching radius, and physicality make him a valuable asset to any team.
Career Trajectory
Higgins’ 40-time has not hindered his NFL career. In his rookie season, he made a significant impact with 67 receptions, 908 yards, and six touchdowns, demonstrating that speed is not the sole determinant of a player’s effectiveness.
His ability to make contested catches and run precise routes has proven valuable, and his consistent performance and adaptability have solidified his role as a key player for the Bengals.
Background on Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins, a standout wide receiver from Clemson University, showcased exceptional skills and athleticism, overcoming concerns about his 40-yard dash time to become a valuable NFL talent.
Early Career and College Highlights
Tee Higgins demonstrated his football prowess early on as an All-State wide receiver at Oak Ridge High School, attracting attention from major college programs.
At Clemson University, he became a crucial player for the Tigers, making significant contributions in high-stakes games.
In his junior year, Higgins had 59 receptions for 1,167 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning second-team All-ACC honors and solidifying his reputation as a top wide receiver prospect.
Draft and NFL Entry
Despite a 4.59-second 40-yard dash time, Tee Higgins impressed scouts with his overall skill set, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to draft him early in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
His large catch radius and ability to make contested catches set him apart from other prospects.
Higgins quickly became a reliable target for the Bengals, amassing 67 receptions for 908 yards and six touchdowns in his rookie season, proving that his diverse abilities outweighed concerns about his speed.
Pro Day Results
During Tee Higgins’ pro day, he showcased his talents to NFL scouts. His performance was closely watched, providing a comprehensive evaluation beyond his 40-yard dash time.
40-Yard Dash Performance
Higgins clocked a 4.59-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. This time, while not the fastest, reflected his adequate speed. Scouts took note of his ability to maintain velocity throughout the run.
Mixed reviews emerged about its impact on his draft stock, but his overall athleticism remained evident. Higgins’ game tape consistently showcased his ability to create separation and make contested catches.
Ultimately, his 40 time became just one aspect of a well-rounded skill set that intrigued NFL teams.
Comparison to Other Metrics
Higgins excelled in other pro day metrics which complemented his 40-yard dash performance:
- Vertical Jump: 31 inches, highlighting his leaping ability.
- Broad Jump: 123 inches, showcasing his explosive lower-body strength.
- Three-Cone Drill: 7.08 seconds, emphasizing his agility and quick directional changes.
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.34 seconds, demonstrating his lateral quickness and acceleration.
These metrics illustrated Higgins’ well-rounded athleticism, establishing his readiness for the NFL despite concerns about his 40-yard dash time.
Athletic Profile Analysis
Tee Higgins’ athletic profile provides a comprehensive view of his capabilities on the field. Each metric, including his 40-yard dash, offers insights into aspects beyond raw speed.
Similar Athletic Profiles
Several NFL players have athletic profiles that align with Tee Higgins’. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, known for his reliable hands and route running, posted a similar 4.57-second 40-yard dash time.
Higgins’ 4.59-second time mirrors Hopkins’ speed, showing that elite performance is achievable without blazing speed. Also, Alshon Jeffery, with a 4.48-second time, had a successful career leveraging size and catch radius—similar traits in Higgins’ profile.
Numbers in Context
A closer look at Higgins’ pro day numbers highlights his well-rounded athleticism. The 4.59-second 40-yard dash time was complemented by a 31″ vertical jump and a 10’3″ broad jump, showcasing his explosive leg power.
In the three-cone drill, a key metric for agility, Higgins posted a 7.04-second time, reflecting strong lateral movement and quick turns. The 20-yard shuttle time of 4.53 seconds emphasizes his ability to change direction rapidly.
Implications for Career
Tee Higgins’ 40-yard dash time has played a crucial role in shaping perceptions about his potential in the NFL. While his 4.59-second sprint wasn’t the fastest, numerous aspects of his athletic profile have influenced his career trajectory.
Impact on Draft Stock
Higgins’ 40 time drew mixed reviews. Scouts scrutinized his speed but recognized his comprehensive skill set. Despite initial concerns, the Cincinnati Bengals selected him early in the second round, highlighting their faith in his overall abilities.
His pro day solidified their decision, as his performance in other drills showcased his all-around talent. Metrics like the vertical jump, broad jump, and three-cone drill emphasized his agility and power, helping boost his draft stock despite not having elite speed.
Performance in the NFL
Higgins’ rookie season with the Bengals proved that speed isn’t the only factor in a receiver’s success. Recording 67 receptions, 908 yards, and six touchdowns, he exceeded expectations with his consistent velocity and impressive catching skills.
His performance was comparable to NFL players like DeAndre Hopkins and Alshon Jeffery, showing that a diverse skill set can be more important than specific metrics like 40-yard dash times.
Higgins’ early NFL career has justified the Bengals’ decision to draft him, significantly enhancing the team’s offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tee Higgins perform in his rookie season?
Tee Higgins had an impressive rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals, making 67 receptions for 908 yards and scoring six touchdowns during the 2020 season.
What is Tee Higgins’ 40-yard dash time?
Tee Higgins ran the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds, which drew mixed reviews but demonstrated his adequate speed and ability to maintain velocity.
Why did the Bengals select Tee Higgins despite concerns about his speed?
The Bengals valued Tee Higgins’ overall skills, including his catching ability, agility, and performance in various athletic metrics, which outweighed concerns about his speed.
How does Tee Higgins’ athletic profile compare to other NFL players?
Tee Higgins’ athletic profile is often compared to players like DeAndre Hopkins and Alshon Jeffery, highlighting the importance of a diverse skill set over speed alone.
What other metrics did Tee Higgins excel in during his pro day?
During his pro day, Tee Higgins impressed with his results in the vertical jump, broad jump, three-cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle, showcasing his well-rounded athleticism.
Conclusion
Tee Higgins’ journey to the NFL highlights the importance of evaluating a player’s overall skill set rather than focusing solely on metrics like the 40-yard dash.
Despite a 4.59-second time that drew mixed reviews, Higgins’ catching ability and athletic prowess shone through.
His rookie season with the Bengals, featuring 67 receptions for 908 yards and six touchdowns, demonstrated the value of his diverse talents.
Comparisons to elite players like DeAndre Hopkins emphasize that agility, power, and quickness are crucial for NFL success.
Higgins’ performance and chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow have underscored his impact, making him a key figure for the Bengals and a promising talent in the league.
Draft analysts often emphasize combine results, but Higgins’ game performance proves that intangibles and on-field production are paramount. His progression silences critics, confirming that metrics aren’t the only measure of NFL potential.
Ashley Hopkinson