Week 11 of college football was another exciting slate with some great games all over the country. Here are some of the top weekly performances that granted the title of Week 11’s Offensive NFL Draft Risers.
Athletically Profiled Prospects Lead Offensive NFL Draft Risers For Week 11
WR Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
Despite the Cyclones’ second straight upset loss, Jaylin Noel put up 167 yards and two scores against Kansas on Saturday. He carved up the Jayhawks’ defense in the high-scoring affair and flashed high-end speed and route running. His season has been very hit-or-miss, but the highs have been truly outstanding. He lined up all over the field this week and looked smooth out of a plethora of offensive looks.
Noel is currently projected to be selected in the latest rounds of the draft and profiles as a pure slot wideout. The heavy increase in slot-heavy packages that NFL offenses have adapted makes weapons of his profile more valuable than ever. His burst and proficiency at much of what makes slot WRs so effective will garner pro interest, and good tape and testing can maximize his stock.
Potential Team Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
TE/WR Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse
Oronde Gadsden was a hot name among NFL Draft media before the 2023 season, but an injury tanked much of his hype. His improved athletic profile has made him a legitimate contributor for Syracuse in 2024 and was a monster against Boston College. An acrobatic one-handed TD catch and 102 total yards headlined a dominant showing for the redshirt junior.
His pure athleticism is enough for him to succeed at the collegiate level and more polished performances like this one could carry over to Sundays. Gadsden has outmatched most defenders on the inside and is on pace for a season similar to his breakout 2022 campaign. His draft projection is still quite unknown, but he could push for the early rounds if his skills continue to translate.
Potential Team Fit: New York Giants
OL Marcus Mbow, Purdue
Marcus Mbow is by far the highest-profile player on this list, but that still doesn’t diminish the elevation his performance this week gave his draft stock. He had some excellent reps against a solid Ohio State front seven and held his own in both the run and pass game. His power was showcased at all levels and handled many Buckeyes defenders well.
Most scouts have predicted that Mbow will be selected in the top two rounds of the draft. This performance was every reason why. He wasn’t without his flaws this week but looked like an NFL-caliber lineman. He could sneak into the first round in what’s considered a weaker class, continuing his recent successes.
Potential Team Fit: Houston Texans
C Logan Iones, Iowa
Logan Jones is a violently fast offensive lineman who controlled the UCLA pass rush with precision and power. He was named the Iowa Pork Hawkeye Lineman of the Game and for good reason. He controlled the line of scrimmage well from his center position despite some shortcomings around him.
Jones is viewed as a late-round prospect in the 2025 class with the designation of an immediately reliable depth piece. His physical attributes are much more advanced than his current technical abilities. However, he should have plenty of time to improve in the NFL. His nasty play style was on full display this week, and OL coaches would love a chance to develop him.
Potential Team Fit: Cleveland Browns
Main Photo Courtesy of Brian Fluharty – Imagn Images
