Iowa State college duo makes perfect sense for Tennessee Titans to target if they don't go in Round 1 of 2025 NFL Draft
MOBILE — After the signing of WR Tyler Lockett, wide receiver may not be the most pressing remaining need for the Tennessee Titans this offseason, but it’s certainly on the list of things that could be addressed during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Titans are picking at 35 overall, the third selection in the second round. It's […]
MOBILE — After the signing of WR Tyler Lockett, wide receiver may not be the most pressing remaining need for the Tennessee Titans this offseason, but it’s certainly on the list of things that could be addressed during the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Titans are picking at 35 overall, the third selection in the second round. It's an ideal time to grab a receiver if one of the projected first round talents drops. Tennessee could also trade down and still get their guy.
I spent some time earlier this offseason watching wide receivers practice at the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama to scout out the undervalued playmakers that could land in Tennessee. Two Iowa State teammates both caught my eye.
Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Jaylin Noel was the 120th ranked player on the consensus big board coming into Senior Bowl week. That was good for a 4th round grade, but he did himself a lot of favors during practices in Mobile and throughout the entire pre-draft process.
Heading into the draft, Noel is 58th on the big board. He's a clear second-rounder with a chance to sneak into the first.
When I saw him in Mobile, Noel really impressed me. He’s such a clean and quick route runner. Really twitchy out of the slot. He also had steadily improving production during his college career at Iowa State.
2024 was his breakout season. He had 80 receptions, a team-leading 1,194 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. He’s also a capable punt returner, which the Titans need.
Noel lacks the prototypical size needed to line up on the outside. He measured just under 5’10” in Mobile, but he’s 196 pounds and uses his body really well. Efficient movements.
Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
There’s more than one Cyclones wide receiver worth monitoring this weekend. Jayden Higgins couldn’t be more different from Noel in style of play, but he’s just as compelling of a prospect.
Higgins measured just under 6-foot-4 and weighed in at 217 pounds in Mobile. He's not known for his speed, but his reliable hands and contested catches are notable.
Just like his Iowa State teammate, Higgins saw an increase in production in every year of college. That includes two years at Eastern Kentucky and two years in Ames. In 2024, Higgins popped off for 1,183 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns on 87 catches.
On the high end, Higgins could have some Keenan Allen in him (a 3rd round pick in 2013). That's one of the players he told me he likes to model his game after. On the low end, I think Higgins could end up with production similar to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. That's a guy that doesn't blow anyone away with his speed or route running, but he's always where he needs to be and has the frame to be a red zone threat as well as a special teams contributor.
QB Cam Ward’s Miami teammates make a case at the Senior Bowl for Titans to draft him 1st overall in 2025 NFL Draft
Miami players tell Titans to draft Cam Ward first overall.
