The only person that can stop Noil is Noil himself. He was rated as the nation's top "athlete" recruit as a star high school player from New Orleans, and excelled in his first year with the Aggies as a receiver (five starts, 46-583, five TDs) and returner (27-645 kick returns; 15-180 punt returns), leading the team in all-purpose yards. Noil began running into trouble after that season, being suspended for spring 2015 practices, for a game in November, and for the bowl game that season. He played in just nine games, starting three (21-226, two TDs receiving; 11-241 kick returns; 2-17 punt returns). Noil was forced to sit out the 2016 opener, as well as their bowl game. He finished with eight starts in 10 games, catching 21 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns. Noil chose to go to the NFL instead of returning to college after his latest suspension.
Analysis
Strengths
Extremely explosive athlete. Was the NIKE SPARQ (Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction, Quickness) Rating national champion coming out of high school. Tough guy. Will take the best a hitter has to offer, bounce back up and run to the huddle. Good vertical speed to get over the top of slow-transitioning cornerbacks. Compact and powerful. Play strength is a plus. Has potential to be moved all over the field. Offers value as a dangerous kick returner.
Weaknesses
Failed to live up to potential out of high school. Struggles to process and is limited in what coaches ask him to do. Poor ball tracking skills. When he wins vertically, that doesn't mean a catch is coming. Jack-of-many-trades but masters none. Route running is basic. Scouts lament his off-the-field character.
Draft Projection
PFA
Sources Tell Us
"He is off of our board. Good athlete, but not a good football player and not a guy we want in our locker room." - AFC area scout
Bottom Line
The talent and athleticism alone is worth a higher grade, but the lack of production combined with character concerns inside the scouting community could make Noil a difficult sell until after the draft.
-Lance Zierlein
