In 2024, the Iowa State Cyclones offense was led by two 1,000-yard receivers. Jaylin Noel was one of those big-time playmakers for the Cyclones, and his scouting report evaluates whether he can continue to have similar success in the NFL.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report and Film Analysis of Iowa State Wide Receiver Jaylin Noel
Measurables:
Height- 5’10”
Weight- 194 lbs
Player Background:
Noel was a three-star wide receiver recruit from Park Hill High School in Kansas City, Mo. As a freshman, he started three games and was the team’s primary kickoff and punt returner. He became a full-time starter in his sophomore season finishing second on the team in both receptions and receiving yards. Noel took on an even larger role his junior season, leading the team in receptions and receiving touchdowns, while also being the team’s top return man. As a senior, he helped Iowa State reach the Big 12 Championship game as the team’s leading receiver with 1,194 yards. He earned First Team All-Big 12 honors as a return man and Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors as a receiver.
Strengths:
Noel’s route running and quickness make him one of the best separation creators in the 2025 NFL Draft class. He has excellent movement skills and change of direction speed. As a route runner, he gets in and out of his breaks with fluidity and quickness. He runs a diverse route tree and knows how to manipulate defenders to create separation. Noel is a great vertical threat from the slot who can get open down the field with a variety of routes like slot fades, deep crossing routes, and posts. Deep down the field, he also displays exceptional ball tracking skills and high points the football well. He finished the 2024 season as the top-rated receiver 20-plus yards down the field in the draft, according to PFF.
Noel also has good awareness and can consistently get open against zone coverage. He adds special teams value as well, having recorded 53 punt returns and 37 kick returns during his college career. As a senior, he averaged over 15 yards per punt return and was a First-Team All-Big 12 return man.
Weaknesses:
Noel is a small receiver and will likely be limited to primarily a slot receiver in the NFL. He lacks ideal length and can struggle against lengthy and physical corners at times. Noel has had some occasional bad drops and struggled with concentration drops throughout his college career.
Noel will need to improve his after-catch catch ability at the next level to maximize his potential. While he has good speed and quickness, he is not an overly creative or elusive runner. His contact balance and power as a runner also need to improve. As a run blocker, Noel lacks ideal length and needs to improve his technique to become a more consistent blocker against bigger defenders.
Potential Team Fits:
Jacksonville Jaguars
New Orleans Saints
Tennessee Titans
NFL Projection:
Noel is a dynamic playmaker who can create separation well at all levels of the field, and be a big play threat who can take the top off the defense. To reach his full potential, Noel will need to limit the drops and become more of a threat as a runner after the catch, but he has the athleticism and skill set to be a starting receiver in the NFL. He has the potential to be a productive WR2 or WR3 from the slot at the next level.
Prospect Grade:
Third Round Grade
Main Image: Nathan Ray Seebeck – USA Today Sports