Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel has aced the 2025 NFL Draft process. Noel was a big-time producer for the Cyclones this past season, recording career highs in every major receiving category, producing 80 catches for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns. He then went to the Senior Bowl and showcased short-area quickness, routinely defeating cornerbacks in single-man coverage.
Then came the NFL Combine. Noel finished first among participating receivers in the vertical (41.5 inches) and broad jump (11-foot-2) drills. The speedy playmaker also ran a blazing-fast 4.39 40-yard dash, solidifying himself as an elite athlete at a premier playmaking position.
The No. 42 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 update, Noel is a hot commodity in the 2025 NFL Draft. We've identified three ideal team fits for his services.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots will enter the draft desperately needing to add instant contributors at wide receiver. The Patriots largely struck out on the free-agent market, signing the aging Stefon Diggs to a bloated deal. Owning the No. 4 overall pick, they are likely to draft an offensive tackle (Will Campbell or Armand Membou) or pass rusher (Abdul Carter or Jalon Walker), meaning wideouts will need to be acquired later.
No. 38 overall should represent an ideal spot for the Patriots to target a receiver like Noel. Noel should be among the top options alongside fellow fringe first-rounders like Luther Burden III and Emeka Egbuka. Surrounding Drake Maye with better weapons is a necessity.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders should target a wide receiver or EDGE at No. 29 overall. Noel isn’t getting enough first-round love in mock drafts. If Ricky Pearsall can sneak into the first round, why can’t Noel, who has totally aced the pre-draft process?
Franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels is a dynamic playmaker who made his supporting cast look better than it was during his Rookie of the Year season. The Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel to play alongside Terry McLaurin this coming season, but that is a short-term solution given Samuel's advancing age and declining production. Pairing that with his injury history, Noel would be terrific insurance as the slot receiver in Kliff Kingsbury's offense. If the Commanders go EDGE in the first round, it should be a receiver at No. 61.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders don't seem likely to draft a receiver at No. 6, which should make the position a priority at No. 37, which is right around Noel's sweet spot. The Raiders acquired Geno Smith at quarterback this offseason to reunite him with new head coach Pete Carroll. Smith is an aggressive gunslinger. The current depth chart at receiver has Tre Tucker, Kyle Philips, and Jakobi Meyers at the top. That's not going to cut it.
Brock Bowers is a high-volume pass-catcher at tight end, but additional weapons are required at wideout. Carroll enjoyed a ton of success with Tyler Lockett and the Seattle Seahawks. Noel is similar from a character and skill set perspective. His short-area explosion and separation quickness would endear itself to Smith.
