Jalin Hyatt NFL Draft Overview
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 176
School: Tennessee
2023 NFL Draft: Jalin Hyatt Scouting Report
Tennessee entered to 2022 college football season with different expectations. Cedric Tillman was supposed to be the number one receiver, and Hendon Hooker was supposed to be a serviceable, not great, quarterback. Instead, Jalin Hyatt and his elite speed broke open the SEC and led the Vols in all major receiving categories.
Hyatt earned meaningful playing time as a true freshman. Five months removed from having to raise his hand to go to the bathroom, Hyatt was third on the team in receiving yards and second in touchdowns. In like manner, his sophomore year featured more of the same, with almost identical numbers. In 2020 he recorded 20 receptions. Then in 2021, 21 receptions. For 2020, he had 276 yards and two touchdowns. Then in 2021, 226 yards and two touchdowns. Consequently, this consistency led to low expectations in 2022, but he proved the doubters wrong.
To call 2022 a step up is an understatement. Hyatt took a scorched earth policy marching through the SEC and absolutely dominating some elite competition. That small school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama? The Crimson Tide could not contain Hyatt as he went off for 207 yards, five touchdowns, and set the school single-game receiving touchdown record. The word on the street is that Georgia team was pretty solid this year. Hyatt caught six passes for 63 yards when all of America knew he was the only option on the offense. The Biletnikoff winner for 2022, Hyatt racked up 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. This set a Volunteers record for single-season touchdown receptions. Accordingly, he was named to the 2022 All-American team. Rather than return for his senior year, Hyatt declared for the 2023 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- Playing speed is somewhere between Calvin Johnson and the speed of sound;
- Deep route running ability that haunts defensive coordinators;
- Cannot be pressed (not due to release, due to speed threat)
- Adjusts to the ball in the air exceptionally well;
- Sure hands in the short area;
- Underrated medium and short route running;
- Separates from defenders with ease;
- Punishes defenders for the slightest misstep.
Weaknesses
- Slight frame leads to almost zero tackle-breaking ability;
- Limited sample size of real production;
- Schemed open often, used as the behind-the-line stack receiver to avoid press;
- Did not display any contested catch ability (almost never thrown to when covered);
- Can be viewed as solely a deep threat;
- Could be forced into a slot/situational role.
NFL Comparison: Desean Jackson
Projection: Mid First to Early Second Round
Best Fit: New England Patriots, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings
Bottom Line on Jalin Hyatt
When teams are looking at their NFL draft board, Jalin Hyatt is going to stand out. The production, speed, and explosiveness all jump off the page. Devonta Smith has already proven that a smaller frame can succeed in the NFL. Hyatt adds a big play ability that will force defenses to respect the deep threat. This will assist in the rushing game with fewer stacked boxes, the passing game by forcing safeties deep, and will make whatever offense he joins immediate must-watch television. His average, yes average reception was 18.9 yards in 2022. Additionally, this was against SEC talent, and many of the defenders Hyatt embarrassed are projected to be top 50 picks in mock drafts.
Jalin Hyatt can FLY 😳
The Tennessee WR is one of the fastest WR’s in this upcoming NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/X01XzARDKd
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 24, 2023
Another key point is that he is not a one-trick pony. Yes, his speed is truly elite. Yes, some draft analysts think he can only run three routes. But this is not the case upon a closer look. His speed leads to almost laughable cushions when lining up, and he has displayed the ability to use the extra space to his advantage. His start-stop is aided by his slender frame, and all it takes is one hitch and go to ruin a corner’s day. NFL teams should not put him into a single box and leave him there.
Jalin Hyatt Dynasty
Hyatt is expected to be the fourth wide receiver off rookie boards. In a best-ball format, Hyatt is an awesome rookie to add to dynasty rosters. His big play ability could pop off on any given Sunday and win a week. But in a league where managers set their lineups, it could be tricky to figure out which week to send him into lineups. If Hyatt turns into a volume wide receiver, he could be a steal. If he remains just a deep threat, he will be frustrating for fantasy. A late first or early second-round rookie pick is a solid price for the upside.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
