Iowa State's Jaylin Noel wows at Senior Bowl, Titans among interested teams

Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel is coming off an impressive Senior Bowl week, where he showcased his ability to consistently make tough catches, demonstrating excellent body control and concentration. Throughout the week, he proved to be a reliable target, securing contested catches and showing versatility by lining up both inside and outside. His strong performance earned him recognition as the National wide receiver practice player of the week and attracted interest from multiple NFL teams, including the Tennessee Titans.

Tennessee could be an ideal landing spot for Noel, as the team is in dire need of an upgrade in the passing game. The Titans ranked 27th in the NFL last season, averaging just 195 passing yards per game. Additionally, they may have a significant hole to fill at slot receiver. Veteran Tyler Boyd, who played the position last season, is set to become a free agent and saw a noticeable decline in production—going from 67 catches in his final season with Cincinnati to just 39 in his first year with the Titans.

If Tennessee selects Noel on the third day of the draft, they will be getting an extremely reliable and consistent player. He finished his Cyclone career with a reception in 46 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in Iowa State history. This past season, he maintained impressive consistency, recording at least five catches in all but two games. A big reason for his reliability is his outstanding football IQ, which allows him to find open spots against zone coverage and make himself an available target for his quarterback.

Another standout trait of Noel’s game is his ability to make difficult catches. Throughout his Iowa State career, he made several highlight-reel sideline grabs, displaying remarkable footwork and body control. He developed these skills under Cyclone offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, a rising star in the coaching ranks. Beyond sideline receptions, Noel also showed a knack for securing tough catches in traffic, hauling in 14 contested catches this season, according to Pro Football Focus.

One of Noel’s biggest strengths, however, might be his special teams value. This past season, he was named the Big 12 Co-Special Teams Player of the Year after averaging an impressive 15.3 yards per punt return. This is another area where the Titans need improvement, as they averaged just 7.4 yards per return—ranking fifth-worst in the NFL. His ability to contribute immediately as a return specialist could increase his draft stock and make him an even more attractive option for teams on Day 3.

Despite his many strengths, there are reasons why Noel is projected to be a mid-to-late Day 3 pick. The biggest concern is his lack of elite physical traits. While he has good quickness in and out of his breaks, he does not possess top-end speed that would make him a true vertical threat. He is also on the smaller side at 5-foot-10 and has only average strength, which can be an issue when trying to fight through press coverage or break tackles after the catch.

Why Noel will be a great fit in Tennessee 

Even with these limitations, Noel has the tools to carve out a productive role in the NFL. His combination of reliability, football intelligence, and versatility makes him an ideal fit for a team like the Titans, who need a dependable target in the passing game. While he may not be the flashiest prospect, his ability to work the middle of the field, make tough catches, and contribute on special teams could allow him to develop into a valuable asset. If given the right opportunity, Noel has the potential to be a steady and productive slot receiver who helps move the chains and provides an immediate boost in the return game.