The Pittsburgh Steelers are no strangers to finding wide receiver gems in the mid-rounds of the NFL Draft. It’s practically their specialty at this point. And with the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, they may have another prime opportunity to add an explosive playmaker to their offense. Even though they recently acquired star wideout DK Metcalf, there’s still some uncertainty regarding George Pickens’ long-term future with the team. That leaves the Steelers facing a familiar scenario—searching for their next steal at wide receiver. Enter Jaylin Noel, an electric playmaker out of Iowa State who could be a perfect fit in Pittsburgh.
Who is Jaylin Noel?
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College: Iowa State
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Height: 5'10"
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Weight: 194 lbs
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40-yard Dash: 4.39 seconds
Over his four-year career at Iowa State, Noel put up some eye-popping numbers, showcasing his consistency and playmaking ability. He racked up 2,855 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns on 245 receptions, proving to be one of the most reliable targets in college football. His 2024 senior season was his most impressive yet, as he hauled in 80 catches for 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns, solidifying himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Strengths: A Nightmare After the Catch
If there’s one thing that jumps off the tape about Noel, it’s his sheer explosiveness with the ball in his hands. He plays fast—really fast. His burst off the line, top-tier play speed, and ability to separate at the top of his routes make him a nightmare for defenders in the open field. Noel thrives in run-after-catch scenarios, effortlessly turning short receptions into chunk plays. His compact and stocky frame (5’10”, 194 lbs) also allows him to break tackles, making him even more dangerous once he gets rolling.
Weaknesses: Can He Be More Than Just a Slot Receiver?
As dynamic as Noel is, there are a few concerns about how his game will translate to the next level. His experience against press coverage is limited, and he has taken very few snaps as an outside receiver. That could mean he’s locked into a slot-only role in the NFL. Additionally, his 29 1/2-inch arm length and 8 3/4-inch hand size could make blocking a challenge, limiting his effectiveness in certain offensive schemes. Another area of concern? Concentration drops. Throughout his collegiate career, Noel has had issues with occasionally taking his eyes off the ball too early, leading to some frustrating misses.
Why the Steelers Should Target Noel
The Steelers' current WR room features Metcalf, who thrives on contested catches and 50/50 balls, but they still need a route-running technician who can create separation and provide a different dynamic to the offense. If Pickens ends up departing, that hole becomes even more glaring.
Noel fits the bill perfectly. He’s dangerous after the catch, boasts elite acceleration, and could easily be another mid-round steal in the Steelers’ long history of finding elite receivers outside the first round. Given Pittsburgh’s track record of developing talented wideouts, Noel could thrive in the black and gold, bringing a new level of explosiveness to an already intriguing offense.
With the 2025 NFL Draft just around the corner, keep an eye on Jaylin Noel—he might just be the next hidden gem to take the league by storm.
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