Jaylin Noel is one of several intriguing receiver prospects in this year’s draft. The Iowa State standout went from a three-star recruit to becoming one of the Cyclones’ most dependable targets. He’s projected to land with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 47 overall in the second round and is ranked 50th on PFN’s top 100 prospects list.
But for Noel, the drive to reach the NFL goes beyond football fame. He’s fueled by a personal story — a tribute to a late family member who continues to inspire him.
Jaylin Noel’s Memory of His Late Brother L.J. Keeps His NFL Dream Alive
In October 2023, he opened up about his brother. “He was 26 when he passed away,” Noel said. “But that’s really a big why for me, really, in my life. Just to know that he’s looking over me and knowing that I push every day because I get to be here and get to do the things I love.”
That purpose shows in his play. Noel has developed into a reliable option and a dangerous pass catcher, something his coaches are quick to point out.
“I think his big-picture understanding — we do put a lot on his plate,” first-year offensive coordinator Nate Scheelhaase told Rob Gray of Cyclone Fanatic. “Most of the routes that he’s created explosive plays on this year have been routes where he’s had to make decisions. Putting that on a guy’s plate, it forces him to be not only fast, not only a good route runner, but a great decision-maker.
“I think where you see the growth happening is him being able to make full-speed decisions and when he’s able to do that, he can put a lot of pressure on people fast.”
Noel, who stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 196 pounds, is known for his speed. He clocked a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash. He mainly lines up in the slot, where he creates separation and stretches defenses. He runs crisp routes and tracks the ball well.
He wrapped up his senior season with 80 catches over 14 games (11 starts), racking up a team-high 1,194 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. He was also named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year after averaging 15.5 yards per punt return and 17.7 yards per kick return.
There’s real value in a slot receiver who can stretch the field and contribute on special teams. Now, Noel is on the verge of making his NFL dream a reality — and there’s little doubt he’ll have his brother on his mind when he does.
