Turf Show Times
Iowa State wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel stole the show in Mobile on Day 2
The Senior Bowl was in full swing on Wednesday as the second day of practice took place. A few quick notes before we get into today’s standouts. I talked with some people about potential Los Angeles Rams outgoings on the coaching staff. When it comes to the offensive side of the ball a person said, “Nick Caley more likely than Scheelhaase.” I am hoping to have more tomorrow in regards to Cooper Kupp, but the overall feeling is that he may be done in Los Angeles, but not done with football. With that out of the way, here are the players that stood out in Mobile on day two.
Ever since Jaylin Noel made the acrobatic catch along the sideline on Tuesday, he’s been a player that many have been watching in Mobile. Noel continued that into Wednesday. He had an impressive catch along the sideline against Day 1 standout Azareye’h Thomas from Florida State. Noel shows physicality at the catch point and is also physical as a blocker. Noel told me after practice, “I feel like I’m a physical receiver. I’m pretty strong with my hands and taking advantage of my strong center of gravity and being able to just win.”
Something worth noting here is that the Rams have a connection to both wide receivers. Rams passing game specialist Nate Scheelhaase was the wide receiver coach at Iowa State in 2019-20 and was later promoted to offensive coordinator. Scheelhaase coached Noel and Higgins with the Cyclones and will have familiarity. Higgins and Noel both talked highly of Scheelhaase.
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Rams took either, but Higgins may be a better fit for what the offense needs on the outside. He’s 6’4, 214 pounds and is alignment versatile. Due to his size, he’s able to win contested catches and fight for the 50-50 ball in the red zone. Coming into Mobile, Higgins needed to show an ability to win with speed and that’s exactly what he did on Wednesday. If that’s something that he can add to his game, he’ll be a very good pickup for an offense.
I spoke to Trench Warfare’s Brandon Thorn on Wednesday. After discussing the Rams offensive line and who he liked in Mobile, he noted that his comparison for Trapilo was Rob Havenstein. Trapilo won from both the left and right side. Marshall’s Mike Green had a fantastic day and Trapilo handled him as well.
It’s easy to see the resemblance to Havenstein. Trapilo wins with his length at 6’7, but doesn’t necessarily have the consistent foot speed. He’ll likely get beat by speed rushers and players with a lot of bend. However, this is someone that the Rams could take in the third round and...
