7 NFL Combine prospects who raised their draft stock stock
Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Noel came into the week around the third tier of receivers in a class that has talent, but is very heavy on slot receivers and quality number two options. However, he left Lucas Oil Stadium with a strong case to be in that second tier after a strong week. He ran a 4.39 40 yard dash, jumped 41.5 inches in the vertical and 11’2 in the broad jump (both among the tops in the receiver class). In addition, his 4.17 short shuttle was also very good. He looked smooth running routes and catching the ball in an environment that makes it tough to get acclimated with the ones throwing the ball.
After going for over 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his final season with the Cyclones, Noel enters the draft and I think he can be a really nice Day 2 option for teams needing a slot receiver. He has a great ability to get open quick and vertically push teams. While I don’t think he’s super slippery after the catch or a guy you design YAC targets for, he’s a good second or third receiving option, able to take the top off of defenses or create separation against man coverage on late downs.
Jayden Higgins, WR, Iowa State
Not to be outdone, Noel’s teammate also had a very good Combine. Higgins, who measured in at 6’4 and 214 pounds, ran a stellar 4.47 40 yard dash, jumped 39 inches and also had a really good day as a receiver in the gauntlet drill, making these things look really easy. In a class with not very many boundary receivers, Higgins could be the guy outside of Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan who makes an impact in the NFL on the outside.
Where Higgins wins is simple: on in-breakers like slants, glance routes and digs he shows quick feet and hips to create separation at the line of scrimmage, and then he’s a red zone threat who’s able to high point the ball and win in contested situations. While he’s not the most explosive after the catch, Higgins also has sure hands with only seven drops in his career. Another guy who has played himself into Day 2 territory.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
What are they feeding the kids in Ames, Iowa? Porter is the third Cyclone on this list after a standout Combine performance. Measuring in at 6’3 and 195 pounds, Porter ran a blazing 4.3 second 40 yard dash, finished second among all DBs with a 4.04 second short shuttle and first among all DBs with a 6.71 second 3-cone time. On top of that, Porter looked really efficient in drills, sinking his hips well and changing direction without losing speed.
Porter is an interesting case of traits and athletic tools vs. snap counts and true time playing the position. A former wide receiver, Porter only has 349 career pass coverage snaps per SIS, but in those snaps he has three interceptions and six defended passes--and he’s also a plus on special teams. With the success of Seattle Seahawks’ CB Riq Woolen, someone is going to take a shot on Porter.
These are the players who improved their 2025 NFL Draft stock the most at the combine.
www.sbnation.com
www.the33rdteam.com
