Jaylin Noel: Everything you need to know

Noel was a standout at the Texans' mandatory minicamp, Jared Koch of SI.com reports. Noel reportedly connected with quarterback C.J. Stroud for multiple touchdowns during team drills at mandatory minicamp, which took place from June 9-11. The 2025 third-rounder displayed impressive versatility as a rookie, suiting up for all 17 regular-season games while compiling a 26-292-2 receiving line (on 35 targets), rushing six times for 12 yards, and racking up 799 kick-return yards and 335 yards on punt returns. He enters Year 2 competing with Tank Dell (knee) and Xavier Hutchinson for receiver reps behind Nico Collins and Jayden Higgins, with Koch reporting that Noel currently appears to be in the lead for the No. 3 role.

Noel finished the 2025 regular season with 26 catches (35 targets) for 292 yards and two touchdowns while adding six rush attempts for 12 yards across 17 regular-season games. In addition to often serving as the Texans' No. 5 receiver, Noel also recorded 799 yards on kickoff returns and 335 yards on punt returns. The rookie third-rounder established himself as a consistent and versatile player, participating in all 17 regular-season games as both an offensive weapon and special-teams contributor.

Noel caught his lone target for 13 yards and returned one kickoff for six yards in Sunday's 38-30 win over the Colts in Week 18. Noel finished with one or fewer receptions for the 11th time in 17 games. He's clearly fifth on the wideout depth chart, but the rookie is set as the team's top punt returner as Houston prepares for the playoffs beginning next Monday in Pittsburgh. Noel finished the 2025 regular season with 26 catches on 35 targets for 292 yards and two touchdowns. He also topped the Texans by averaging 10.8 yards over 31 punt returns.