Who Should I Start? Jalen Nailor or Jaylin Noel

Wednesday, June 11, 5:52 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has bulked up in the offseason, with SKOR North's Judd Zulgad saying, "When you see him physically, you won't recognize him." Zulgad points out that fellow wideout Jordan Addison is likely to be suspended for two to three games to start the 2025 season for an off-field incident in Los Angeles last July, and Nailor is motivated headed into a contract year. The 26-year-old took a big step forward in his third NFL season in Minnesota in 2024, going for a 28-414-6 line on 42 targets over 17 regular-season games (seven starts) after catching 12 passes in his first two seasons. Nailor could have an expanded role early on if Addison is suspended, but he'll also face more competition from rookie third-rounder Tai Felton and free-agent addition Rondale Moore. For now, he remains outside of RotoBaller's top-100 fantasy receivers.

Friday, May 9, 3:52 PM

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.