Overview
Position: Offensive tackle/guard
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 303 pounds
School: Clemson Tigers
Combine Performance Data
Bench press: 20 reps
Vertical jump: 25.5 inches
Broad jump: 102.0 inches
Three-cone drill: 7.72 seconds
20-yard Shuttle: 4.52 seconds (third-best among offensive linemen)
Mitch Hyatt 2019 NFL Draft Profile
Clemson offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt enters the 2019 NFL Draft on the heels of a highly successful college career. The Georgia native shored up the tackle position for the 2018 national champions and was one of the most underappreciated members of that championship team. Starting in all 15 games, Hyatt earned first-team All-ACC and first-team All-American honors for his standout play. On top of that, Hyatt also earned the second Jacobs Blocking Trophy of his career.
Hyatt first entered the collegiate landscape as a top recruit out of high school. Earning a spot on USA Today’s first-team All-American team out of high school, Hyatt agreed to play for the Clemson Tigers. Hyatt immediately earned a starting spot as a freshman, earning third-team All-American honors.
Hyatt improved on his play as a sophomore, earning second-team All-Conference honors while starting in 14 games. The Georgia native once again improved as a junior, this time earning second-team All-American honors, first-team All-ACC honors, and the Jacobs Blocking Trophy.
In total, Hyatt enters the 2019 NFL Draft as one of the most accomplished tackles in the class. His accolades are certainly notable, but awards don’t necessarily translate to NFL success.
Strengths
- an accomplished collegiate tackle who held up against just about every opponent he faced;
- a fundamentally sound lineman who rarely finds himself out of place;
- quick feet capable of holding up against speed rushers;
- tested in the 77th percentile on the bench press, suggesting the ability to hold up against NFL bullrushes;
- rarely lets defenders fully engage him and push him back.
Weaknesses
- undersized for the position and might need to switch to guard;
- doesn’t have the size to recover when defenders make initial contact;
- run blocking needs to improve;
- handwork has room to develop;
- unremarkable wingspan and arm length.
NFL Comparison: Matt Light
Teams With Need at Position: Houston Texans, New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals
Projection: Rounds three to five
Bottom Line
Hyatt would be on more radars if he wasn’t so small. Scouts are going to doubt his ability to continue his high-level play at the next level, as Hyatt’s 6’5” height and 303-pound weight will make him one of the smaller tackles in the NFL.
However, everything else about his tape is fantastic. Hyatt is fundamentally sound and is one of the most accomplished blockers in the 2019 NFL Draft. His impressive fundamentals overcome his lack of size and give him the ability to hold up against speed rushers and power rushers at the NFL level. While some will question his ability to handle bull rushes, his 28 bench press reps imply that he has the upper body strength necessary to handle larger defensive ends.
Hyatt will earn a spot on an NFL roster and could even fight for a starting job right out of the gate. The Clemson product will probably have his ups and downs as a rookie but should only improve with age. If he can add some mass in the NFL, Hyatt should be an immediate starter and could be one of the biggest steals in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
