Who Should I Start? Jaylin Noel or Elic Ayomanor

Tuesday, July 22, 3:22 PM

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.

Tuesday, June 24, 2:35 PM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver rookie Elic Ayomanor was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft following two excellent seasons at Stanford, in which he racked up 125 receptions for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns. Titans insider Easton Freeze believes the 206-pound pass-catcher will start for the team right away. "I'm calling my shot: I think 4th Round rookie Elic Ayomanor will be out there on the Titans' opening offensive play from scrimmage in Week 1. He's been my guy since the draft process, and I believe in his ability to both physically and mentally get up to speed in the NFL in a hurry," Freeze wrote. "He's the only true X receiver on this roster for my money, and that's where I think he's lined up to begin the year. I was really encouraged by what we've seen from him in practice so far, and look forward to his continued progress in Training Camp." While expectations for Tennessee's offense should be tempered with rookie quarterback Cam Ward under center, Ayomanor is undervalued in deeper fantasy football leagues if he's an opening-day starter. Many believed he would be selected in the top two rounds of April's draft, but he slipped to Day 3 and is evidently getting noticed early in his NFL career.