With Houston Texans wide receivers Christian Kirk (hamstring) and Braxton Berrios (hamstring) currently sidelined with injuries, KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson suggests that rookie Jaylin Noel "figures heavily into the replacement plan" heading into Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. Wilson goes on to write that Noel is a "classic slot receiver with 4.39 speed and good hands." The third-rounder, not fellow rookie Jayden Higgins, could be the better DFS sleeper on Sunday against the Rams if Kirk is ruled out. The Iowa State product is coming off a 1,000-yard season in college and could be thrown into the fire right away, although Nico Collins, Higgins and Xavier Hutchinson could all see bigger roles on Sunday, as well, if Kirk is unable to suit up. Kirk is going to get the first shot at WR2 duties behind Collins, but he needs to be healthy in order to do so.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel finished his preseason with a quiet stat line of three catches for 18 yards and no touchdowns. Despite the limited production, the rookie third-round pick from Iowa State has garnered significant praise from quarterback C.J. Stroud, who told beat writer Jared Koch that the young wideout "looks great" and is "making plays out here every day." While Noel currently sits behind veteran wide receiver Christian Kirk on the depth chart, Kirk is entering his eighth season and is coming off an injury. Given that his Iowa State teammate, Jayden Higgins, appears to have earned a starting role, Noel could also see the field a fair amount this season. Noel is a solid late-round fantasy flier, especially for managers who believe Kirk may be on the downslope of his career.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans rookie wide receiver Jaylin Noel was a standout performer in the team's joint practice with the Detroit Lions on Thursday, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Alexander writes that Noel will "find some time on the field this season and should make an impact." Houston drafted Noel in the third round out of Iowa State this past April. The 22-year-old projects as veteran Christian Kirk's backup in the slot to start the season, but Noel could easily work his way into a larger role over the course of the year. He would likely need an injury to one of the wide receivers ahead of him to be fantasy-relevant in 2025. Still, Noel is a player to target in dynasty leagues and a name to monitor in redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

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From FantasyLife

Houston Texans rookie third-round wide receiver Jaylin Noel (hamstring) missed time during minicamp in the spring with a minor strained hamstring, but KPRC's Aaron Wilson reports that Noel has made a full recovery and is ready for training camp this week. The Texans also drafted another receiver in the second round in Jayden Higgins back in April. Nico Collins is the team's unquestioned WR1, while they also have Christian Kirk in the fold in 2025, so it might be difficult for Noel to see notable targets in his first year in the NFL. The 22-year-old stands at only 5-foot-10, but he makes up for his small size with excellent athleticism. The Iowa State product could work as both a slot receiver and on the outside for Houston, but in terms of his fantasy value, Noel will be much more attractive to those in dynasty/keeper formats this year.

From RotoBaller

Per the team's transaction logs, the Houston Texans have signed third-round wide receiver Jaylin Noel to a four-year, $6.46 million deal. Noel was the No. 79 overall pick and the second of two Iowa State wideouts selected by the Texans, joining second-rounder and fellow Cyclone Jayden Higgins. With the news that WR Tank Dell (knee) will likely miss the 2025 season, the door is open for both pass catchers to compete for snaps and impact the field. Veteran wideout Christian Kirk does pose a threat and significant target competition. Particularly for Noel, who profiles more like Kirk, considering he operated out of the slot in college. However, the rookie bolsters much more juice than the veteran (4.39 40-yard dash) and should eventually make his way to the starting roster. He caught 80 balls for 1,194 yards last season (eight TDs) and is also a seasoned returner.

From RotoBaller

The Houston Texans have selected Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel with the 79th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Texans ultimately decided to double up on Cyclone wide receivers after taking Noel's teammate, Jayden Higgins, in the second round. Although most people did not expect the Texans to draft two wide receivers on Day 2, the decision makes sense. Houston lost Stefon Diggs during free agency, and Tank Dell (knee) likely won't be ready for Week 1 as he recovers from a brutal ACL tear. Noel and Higgins will team up alongside Nico Collins and offseason addition Christian Kirk, providing major reinforcements to support C.J. Stroud in the passing game.

From RotoBaller