Wide receiver isn't high on the Chicago Bears' to-do list in this draft. They already selected Rome Odunze in the 1st round last year. Since then, they've added Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay to beef up their depth in free agency. It doesn't feel like the team will be in any hurry to draft another pass target. However, that isn't set in stone. Certain players can often win over teams during the evaluation process, forcing them to overlook needs in hopes of landing what they feel might be hidden gems.
That could be the case with Jaylin Noel. A source recently informed SM that the Bears love the Iowa State wide receiver and have been keeping a close eye on him for some time. It isn't hard to see why. He got better every year for the Cyclones culminating with 1,194 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024. That doesn't include the nearly 1300 return yards he had in college. His versatility stands out the moment you turn on the tape. Draft evaluators see an ideal slot receiver with legitimate 4.39 speed, making him difficult to cover down the field. his route-running also improved, making him a nightmare to deal with.
The Chicago Bears likely have a vision for Noel.
Slot receiver was a pivotal role in Ben Johnson's offense with the Detroit Lions. Amon-Ra St. Brown feasted in that system. Noel has a similar game with the route-running and ability to make plays after the catch. There is no doubt the Chicago Bears head coach sees the same possibilities he had with St. Brown. The tricky part if finding a way to draft the young receiver. Most projections have him going in the 2nd round. That seems high from the Bears' perspective. They have more pressing positions that need to be addressed. Using one of their two 2nd rounders on a wide receiver will be difficult to justify. However, were Noel to slip to the 3rd round, they could scoop him up at #72 with nobody batting an eye. It is definitely something to watch next month.
