Sam Monson likened rookie Jaylin Noel to "a mash-up of Christian Kirk and Tank Dell" who can play inside or outside and run 4.39. Monson emphasized that Houston purposefully drafted Noll as an insurance policy for Dell’s uncertain recovery while also providing a field-stretching slot option in Bobby Slowik’s tight-split scheme. The analyst expects Noll’s proven chemistry with fellow Iowa State product Jaden Higgins and Stroud’s accuracy on in-breaking routes to translate into immediate best-ball spike weeks and long-term season-long value if Dell struggles to get back on the field.

John Daigle grabbed Jaylin Noel at the back half of Round 2, betting on immediate slot volume in an offense suddenly missing Tank Dell (expected to sit the entire season) and Stefon Diggs. Daigle noted that while third-rounder Jaden Higgins owns perimeter duties, the rest of Houston’s target tree behind Nico Collins is completely unsettled under a new play-caller. Noel averaged 23% of Iowa State’s targets across his final two seasons and flashed 4.45 speed at 196 lbs, giving C.J. Stroud a chain-moving option the roster currently lacks. Daigle hopes to stash Noel now and cash in on flex-worthy production down the stretch once Stroud inevitably throws 600-plus times again.