The Houston Texans selected Jaylin Noel as the 79th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Noel, a wide receiver from Iowa State, had a standout college career, impressively totaling over 1,000 receiving yards in his final two seasons. Known for his speed and versatility, he brings a dynamic skill set, having played multiple roles on the field: receiver, kick returner, and more. At 23 years old, he has potential for further development despite some concerns about his size and route-running. Noel will reunite with fellow Cyclone, Jayden Higgins, bolstering the Texans’ receiving corps.

By the Numbers
  • Noel had 80 receptions for 1,194 yards and 8 touchdowns in the 2024 season.
  • He averaged 15.3 yards per punt return and 17.7 yards per kick return.
Yes, But

While Noel's speed and versatility are key strengths, his smaller stature (5-10 1/4) and limited route tree might hinder his effectiveness against more physical NFL defenses. He also has faced challenges with drops, recording a 6.5% drop rate over his college career.

State of Play
  • Noel is expected to compete for a prominent role in the Texans' offense.
  • The Texans are focusing on building their receiving talent with recent draft picks.
What's Next

Noel will likely undergo intensive training to refine his route-running and physicality in preparation for the NFL. As he develops, he could quickly become a key player in the Texans' aerial attack.

Bottom Line

Jaylin Noel presents a blend of speed and potential that could elevate the Texans' offense, but he must improve his route discipline and handling of physical defenders to maximize his impact in the NFL.