Jaylin Noel

Jaylin Noel isn't big (5-11, 200) and doesn't have great pure speed, but he's an advanced route runner with good hands and the ability to do damage after the catch. Stopwatch speed can be overrated. Noel was a very good return man for the Cyclones, who were eager to get the ball in his hands as often as possible. A third-round pick of the Texans, Noel will have to compete for targets with Nico Collins, Christian Kirk and former Iowa State teammate Jayden Higgins.

Noel is an impressive route runner. He adds subtle jab steps, pacing shakeups, and head fakes to his routes. Noel was primarily a slot receiver in college (72.7% slot), but he also has the skills to win from the perimeter. Noel can also win downfield and has solid ball tracking. Noel attacks defenders with a varied release package. He has smooth, easy acceleration with the raw speed to nail big plays downfield. He can pull away from corners in routes and in the open field. Noel plays through contact well. He has the upper body strength and the route skills to beat physical corners and press coverage. Noel flashed an increasingly dependable set of hands in college, with a 4.8% drop rate in his final season and a 52% contested catch rate. His play strength shows up at the catch point as he has more than a few snags with multiple defenders competing with him for the ball. He attacks the ball outside of his frame with aggressive hands.