The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel plans on taking full advantage. Noel recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Noel also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his explosive abilities in the passing game, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Noel better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Jaylin Noel: I was in our facility. One of our NFL liaisons asked me to come to his office. That’s when he handed me my Reese’s Senior Bowl invite box. I wasn’t necessarily surprised, but I was very excited. I’m eager to showcase my talents on that pre-draft stage. I’m very happy and honored to represent myself in such a prestigious all-star game.
JM: It doesn’t sound like it took much, but what motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Jaylin Noel: It’s all about my competitive nature at the end of the day. I love the idea of competing against the top prospects in my class, including some of the juniors that decided to come out. I’m ready to show what I can do against those guys.
Iowa State isn’t a small school, but we do get overlooked. Our conference doesn’t get as much respect as the SEC or Big Ten. I’m ready to compete against guys from those conferences at the Senior Bowl. I’m ready to show everybody it doesn’t matter what conference you come from. It’s all about the work you put in.
JM: We love that. Furthermore, what are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jaylin Noel: I want them to watch me compete at the highest level for a receiver. I can make a difference in the short, intermediate, and deep game. I also want to show that I’m versatile enough to play outside and in the slot.
I’m a tough cover. The work that I’ve put in over the years has allowed me to get to this point. All of that is going to show up at the Senior Bowl.
JM: You’re so explosive. You’re going to be a matchup nightmare in Mobile. Taking it a step further, how would you describe your skill set?
Jaylin Noel: I feel like I’m an all-around receiver. Of course, I’ve done some great work in the slot. I love running those intermediate routes, but I can also take the top off the defense. I can play outside and beat press coverage. I can attack a cornerback’s leverage. I have great hands and I’m great at the catch point.
I can separate from coverage. I know some people don’t think I have enough speed. They’re going to be surprised when they see me run past them on the field. They might think someone else is faster than me, but they’re going to see otherwise at the Senior Bowl.
JM: That excites us. Does Jaylin Noel have a favorite route to run?
Jaylin Noel: If we’re going deep, probably a post route. If it’s shorter, probably an option route. I can run that five-yard option route. I break in with a slant, or I can read the coverage and break it outside. I’m basically just breaking down the defense.
JM: You’ve talked about playing a versatile role. Is being the slot receiver your best role at the next level?
Jaylin Noel: Yeah, I definitely feel like I could be utilized as the slot receiver. I also feel like I can play outside as well.
JM: Teams love that versatility. Would you compare yourself to any receivers in the league currently? Anybody you enjoy studying and learning from?
Jaylin Noel: There’s a few guys. Jaylen Waddle does great work from the slot. He has speed as a deep-ball threat. He also has that intermediate capability. Another guy is Jayden Reed from the Green Bay Packers. He has a multiple skill set. Those are two guys that come to mind. I see myself playing like them a little bit. At the end of the day, I think I have unique traits that separate me.
JM: Those are great comps. The jersey swap is a big deal at the next level. Anybody you’re looking forward to adding to the collection?
Jaylin Noel: Probably just some of my former teammates at Iowa State. Xavier Hutchinson and Breece Hall definitely come to mind. I didn’t play with Allen Lazard, but he came back and offered me some wise advice. Brock Purdy and TJ Tampa as well.
Hopefully, somebody from the Kansas City Chiefs as well, because that was my favorite team growing up (laughs). I’m obviously from Kansas City. Maybe Patrick Mahomes (laughs). That would be very cool.
JM: Yes it would be very cool (laughs). Fun question Jaylin, what’s on the pre-game playlist?
Jaylin Noel: I’m not too much of a music guy. I’ll listen to Gunna and Drake. Maybe a little NBA Youngboy. I don’t listen to a lot of music before a game though.
JM: This has been an outstanding conversation. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Jaylin Noel?
Jaylin Noel: It means I went out there and showcased my talent in front of all the scouts. I’m a very tough cover. I’m going to win my matchups. I’m looking forward to highlighting my ability to pick up the offense.
I’m going to use my athletic ability to be successful.
