Who Should I Start? Nick Westbrook-Ikhine or Jaylin Noel

Wednesday, June 11, 9:43 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (undisclosed) has been working through an undisclosed injury during the offseason but feels ready to push himself. He said it has been an adjustment learning a new offense and is working to carve out a role behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. It sounds as though the 28-year-old pass-catcher will be ready to roll for training camp this summer. The former undrafted free agent out of Indiana had his best season in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans last year, catching 32 of his 60 targets for 497 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games (nine starts) in his fifth year in the league. Nobody could really explain Westbrook-Ikhine's outlier season in 2024 in a bad Titans offense after he had 1,276 yards and 10 TDs his first four years. He does have a nose for the end zone and is moving to a better offense, but a repeat of last year is unlikely.

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.