The Packers and Brian Gutekunst love their Senior Bowl prospects and Jaylin Noel could be the next target from the all-star game.
If the Green Bay Packers continue their trend of targeting Reese’s Senior Bowl standouts, Iowa State’s Jaylin Noel could be next in line. Over the past two drafts, Green Bay has selected 13 players from the Senior Bowl, including key contributors like Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, Luke Musgrave, Javon Bullard, and Evan Williams.
Noel, a polished and productive slot receiver, fits the mold of the kind of versatile pass-catchers the Packers have prioritized with the necessary speed and yards-after-catch ability to be another sought-after weapon.
In keeping with that tradition, one player they could target who stood out in the 2025 Senior Bowl is Jaylin Noel, wide receiver out of Iowa State. Noel is another speed/YAC receiver that LaFleur certainly has an affinity for. Noel could the target of teams similar to Green Bay’s offensive style too, like the 49ers, Chiefs, or Dolphins, where speed is prioritized.
Background
Noel has emerged as one of Iowa State’s most reliable playmakers over the past three seasons. A polished route-runner with sure hands and explosive after-the-catch ability, Noel has the skill set to contribute as a slot receiver at the next level.
While he lacks elite size (5’10”, 195 lbs), his quickness, football IQ, and versatility make him an intriguing late-round or priority free-agent prospect.
Strengths
– Route Running & Separation: Noel excels at creating separation with sharp cuts, smooth transitions, and an understanding of leverage. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage makes him a dependable target on third downs.
– Yards After Catch (YAC): A shifty runner with good vision, Noel consistently turns short passes into big gains. His elusiveness in the open field adds value to any offense.
– Hands & Ball Skills: Drops are rare for Noel, who displays strong concentration and the ability to adjust to off-target throws. He’s also effective in contested-catch situations despite his size.
– Versatility: In addition to his work as a receiver, Noel has experience as a punt returner, further boosting his special teams value.
Areas for Improvement
– Hands: 17 career drops in college, a 7.1% drop rate.
Size & Physicality: Noel’s smaller frame limits his effectiveness against press coverage and in jump-ball scenarios. He’ll need to add functional strength to handle NFL-level physicality.
– Deep Threat Consistency: While fast, Noel isn’t a true burner who will consistently take the top off defenses. His game is better suited for intermediate and underneath routes.
– Competition Level: The Big 12 isn’t known for elite cornerback play, so scouts will question how his skills translate against more athletic NFL DBs.
Packers fit
Noel projects as a potential WR4/WR5 who can contribute early as a slot receiver and punt returner. His high football IQ and reliable hands give him a chance to stick on a roster, even if he doesn’t develop into a primary target. Teams like the Chiefs, 49ers, or Bengals—who prioritize quick, YAC-focused receivers—could find him particularly valuable.
Final Thoughts
His 17 career drops in college are cause for concern, especially with the Packers receiving corps already having issues with dropped passes. But while not a high-ceiling prospect, Jaylin Noel has the floor of a dependable role player who can contribute on offense and special teams. His work ethic and football instincts give him a real shot to outplay his draft position.
Projection: If he’s on the Packers list, and he’s available, I would not be surprised to see him go in the 2nd or 3rd round.