Jacob Gibbs is absolutely obsessed with a couple of players in fantasy drafts right now, pushing them way up his boards. He’s leaving his late-August drafts with these guys locked in, and he’s not talking about the usual suspects. We’re looking at Jaylin Noel from the Houston Texans and the Denver Broncos’ rookie running back, Jonah Coleman, as players everyone needs to know.
Jaylin Noel Was the Steal of the 2025 NFL Draft
Remember Jaylin Noel? If you don’t, you need to start paying attention. This guy was, in Gibbs’s opinion, one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft, landing with the Texans in Round 4. His game translated *immediately* as a rookie. We’re talking about a great returner who also wins down the field and as a pre-snap motion threat on those crucial out-breaking routes. Noel tracks the ball like a pro, has reliable hands, and is a springy athlete who just creates separation from defenders. Seriously, Matt Harmon’s Reception Perception charting had Noel in exclusive company during 2025, grading out 70th percentile or better against man, press, *and* zone coverage. That’s big-time stuff! And the best part? He is still practically free in drafts. Yeah, the Texans traded for Kayshon Boutte, but a late-August addition means a ramp-up period to learn the scheme and get on the same page with C.J. Stroud. Noel’s already integrated and ready to roll.
Jonah Coleman Is the Broncos RB You Need to Watch
Then there’s Jonah Coleman, the rookie running back for the Denver Broncos. He is not free in drafts, but Gibbs believes he is seriously underrated and has him ranked highest among all Denver backs. The Broncos’ opening schedule looks pretty rough, but the second half of their season shapes up nicely, on paper. Coleman should play a role on passing downs, and potentially in short-yardage situations, right away. Gibbs was extremely impressed with his college film, especially his pass protection. Sean Payton even echoed that, saying, “That was a strong suit when you were looking at his tape, different than the rest of the class,” in reference to Coleman’s pass protection. If there is an injury in that backfield, Coleman has the full three-down skill set to step into a bell-cow role in what could be a top-half-of-the-league offense. Even though his rushing efficiency was up-and-down in college, and many view him as a plodder because he is a “little buff boi,” Gibbs really likes his tape as a runner. He showed flashes of tempo, block-setting, and decent burst early in the 2025 season before getting banged-up and his offensive line struggled. If he is a better rusher than most expect, Coleman might not even need an injury to carve out a Fantasy-friendly role for himself.
Keep these guys on your radar as you finalize your draft boards. Jaylin Noel is a legitimate fourth-round steal ready to outperform his draft cost, and Jonah Coleman could easily be a second-half monster or injury hero. Don’t let your league mates sleep on these guys, because your fantasy season could depend on catching these value picks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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