Noel is an urgent route-runner with the suddenness and body control to make sharp angular cuts that tend to translate at the next level. There’s very little wasted movement or drifting to Noel’s routes: when he gets to the top of the route, he’s snapping it off and bursting through the break. On film, there are so many NFL-caliber routes in terms of the details and movements, especially in the drive phase where Noel is out of the break efficiently, already gaining ground through the cut. There’s also a third-level threat to his game, with the ability to win on deep crossers, slot fades, and inside posts.
The only slightly disappointing aspect of Noel’s game is that he’s not a YAC demon in terms of his elusiveness and breakaway speed. He only averaged 4.2 yards after the catch, with three forced missed tackles on 80 receptions. However, Noel has a PhD in route running.
8. Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
Projected Role: X/Big Slot, Pro Comparison: Michael Pittman
Higgins is the day-two Tet McMillan. At nearly 6-4, 217 pounds, Higgins is also a graceful mover who can win the ball downfield with physicality and a large catch radius. However, his skill as a possession receiver makes it easier to project a high-volume role as an ‘X’ or big slot at the next level. Last season, Higgins was one of the highest-graded receivers in the FBS with 1,185 yards and nine touchdowns.
Along with flashing the body control and hands to win contested catches, Higgins is at his best when he can open up his long strides to get defenders on their heels and then cut across their faces on in-breaking routes, creating enough separation to use his frame to shield the catch point. Although his top-end speed isn’t threatening on the outside, Higgins is another big-framed receiver who can stretch the field from the slot, making it a possibility that he can cover up below-average speed to play on the outside by winning vertically in the…
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