Jalin Hyatt 2023 NFL Draft Profile
Is Jalin Hyatt the next Will Fuller? That’s what I see (without burying the lead). Hyatt has this rare speed but the truth of the matter is, nobody was more wide open than this dude last year. Uncovered bomb after uncovered bomb. There is still some intrigue here with Hyatt so let’s get right to the juicy stuff and talk about his 2023 NFL Draft profile!
Hyatt is a pure deep threat at this core. The route running still a question mark. Does he have more than one pitch other than to run deep down the field? It’s not like he was asked to do it nor was there a reason to stop doing what was working. However, I use the Fuller comp because it just feels like that’s what he’s going to be at the next level.
The recruiting profile checks out. Former 4-star guy from South Carolina. At his high school, Hyatt is a four-time state champion and the all-time leader in receiving yards and touchdowns. That stuff just matters. While the production at Tennessee boomed later rather than early, the track record for early football success is there.
Also, Hyatt impacts the game even if he’s not directly involved in the play. For his size (6-foot, 176) he’s a willing blocker and is surprisingly good at it. It’s not George Pickens level good but he will take one for the team in that regard. Given the speed, he’s someone that safeties have to be aware of. It stretches out the defense which has a direct impact on the run game. Never underestimate how important that is.
The testing numbers were very encouraging. 4.40 speed with a 40 inch vertical checks those boxes. The two questions for me remain his contested catch ability. Does he win those 50-50 balls? More so to be determined considering that the guy was running wild half the time. When I saw nobody was more wide open in college football this year, I mean it. The short and intermediate wiggle in terms of route running hasn’t been seen yet either.
Hyatt was featured frequently during the stock report notes. It was mostly the same thing over and over again. Here’s a long touchdown. There’s a long touchdown. It’s raining long touchdowns!
It’s really a one year wonder of production which dampers the stock a little. In 2022, Hyatt notched 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. If you combined his first two years, Hyatt reached barely over 500 yards. Which version of Hyatt are you getting? The one that was quiet for a while or the one that got revitalized under the Hendon Hooker – Josh Heupal Ariel attack? How much credit does Heupal deserve here cause one could argue he pushed him up three rounds.
I have a firm round two grade on Jalin Hyatt. You know his role and he’s going to do it well. Won’t be a number one receiver but someone that should be a capable starting WR2 or 3.
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