Top Performances by Noel and Porter at 2025 NFL Combine
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine brought together some of the most talented college football players in the nation as they showcased their skills in front of NFL scouts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Among the standout performers were Jaylin Noel and Darien Porter, representing Iowa State University. Let’s dive into their impressive performances and what it means for their NFL draft prospects.
Noel Shines in Every Aspect
Jaylin Noel, a wide receiver from Iowa State, stole the spotlight with his exceptional performance at the NFL Combine. Following a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Noel aimed to further impress scouts with his skills at the combine. Standing at 5 feet 11 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Noel displayed remarkable speed by clocking a 40-yard dash time of 4.39 seconds, ranking 10th among wide receivers.
While Noel’s speed turned heads, it was his overall athleticism that truly stood out. He led the pack in the vertical jump (41.50 inches), broad jump (11 feet 2 inches), and bench press (23 reps). Additionally, he ranked in the top six in the 3-cone drill (6.82 seconds) and 20-yard shuttle (4.17 seconds). With a stellar performance at the combine, Noel is poised to elevate his NFL draft stock after a standout season at Iowa State.
Porter Showcases Elite Athleticism
Darien Porter, a defensive back from Iowa State, also made a strong impression at the NFL Combine with his exceptional athleticism. Despite opting out of the bench press, Porter excelled in other drills, particularly the 40-yard dash. He blazed through the sprint in 4.30 seconds, ranking second among cornerbacks and posting the fastest time among Cyclone participants.
Porter’s athleticism was further highlighted by his performance in the vertical jump, broad jump, 3-cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle. He demonstrated agility and speed by leading the way in the 3-cone drill (6.71 seconds) and the 20-yard shuttle (4.04 seconds). After a standout senior season at Iowa State, Porter is eyeing a potential first-round selection in the NFL draft, thanks to his impressive display at the combine.
Higgins Holds His Own
While Jaylin Noel took center stage among Iowa State’s receivers, Jayden Higgins also delivered a solid performance at the combine. With a towering frame of 6 feet 4 inches and 215 pounds, Higgins showcased his speed with a 40-yard dash time of 4.47 seconds, along with a 10-yard split of 1.53 seconds. Despite not matching Noel’s numbers, Higgins proved his agility and size as a receiver.
Higgins competed in the vertical jump (39 inches) and broad jump (10 feet 8 inches), finishing sixth and eighth, respectively. Coming off a 1,000-yard season at Iowa State, Higgins aims to leverage his physical attributes to make an impact at the next level. His combine performance reflects his potential as a valuable asset for NFL teams in need of a big-bodied receiver.
Travis Stands Out Among Offensive Linemen
Jalen Travis, an offensive lineman from Iowa State, faced tough competition at the combine but managed to distinguish himself with his impressive performance. Despite limited experience at the FBS level, Travis showcased his strength and athleticism by excelling in key drills. He clocked a 40-yard dash time of 5.14 seconds and a 10-yard split of 1.80 seconds, placing in the top 20 in both categories.
Travis’s standout moments came in the vertical jump (35 inches) and broad jump (9 feet 4 inches), where he ranked second and fourth, respectively. His performance in the bench press, with 26 reps, further solidified his position as a promising prospect. While Travis may not be a top draft pick, his combine showing positions him well for selection in the mid-to-later rounds of the draft.
Verdon Demonstrates Potential at Safety
Malik Verdon, a safety from Iowa State, entered the combine with high expectations after a strong senior season. Despite only participating in two drills, the 3-cone drill and the 20-yard shuttle, Verdon showcased his agility and quickness. He finished third in the 3-cone drill with a time of 7.06 seconds and sixth in the 20-yard shuttle at 4.34 seconds among safeties.
Verdon’s limited participation doesn’t diminish his potential impact at the next level. With a solid college career under his belt, Verdon’s versatility and skills make him a valuable prospect for NFL teams in need of a dynamic safety. His combine performance sets the stage for a promising future in professional football.
As the NFL draft approaches, the standout performances by Jaylin Noel, Darien Porter, Jayden Higgins, Jalen Travis, and Malik Verdon at the 2025 NFL Combine have positioned them as potential impact players in the league. Their impressive displays of speed, agility, and strength have garnered attention from NFL scouts and fans alike, setting the stage for an exciting draft day. Stay tuned for more updates on these talented athletes as they embark on their professional football careers.
