Vols WR Jalin Hyatt joins elite company with combine performance
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt joined some elite company with his performance at the 2023 NFL Draft combine
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt didn't run as fast as he was probably hoping he would at the NFL Draft combine on Saturday, but he still joined some elite company with his performance.
Hyatt ran an official 4.40 in the 40-yard dash on Saturday in Indianapolis.
Many analysts/fans were expecting Hyatt, who routinely blew by defenders in 2022, to run in the 4.3 range (or maybe even in the 4.2 range).
Despite not breaking into the 4.3 range, Hyatt still displayed blazing speed.
In fact, the NFL Network pointed out that Hyatt ran the 40-yard dash faster than Justin Jefferson and Julio Jones.
Unfortunately for Hyatt, his 4.40 time in the 40-yard dash won't boost his draft stock. To be fair, it won't hurt it, either. 4.40 is an elite time and more than enough speed to routinely beat NFL cornerbacks.
The 40-yard dash isn't set up to display Hyatt's biggest strength which is his top-end speed. There aren't many football players on this planet who can keep up with Hyatt 50 yards down the field.
That's why I think the best landing spot for Hyatt would be with the Kansas City Chief. Patrick Mahomes' strong arm combined with Andy Reid's creativity on offense could help Hyatt shine at the next level.
Landing with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills or Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers would also be good scenarios for the former Tennessee standout.
By the way, USC wide receiver Jordan Addison, another projected first-round pick, had a significantly slower time in the 40-yard dash than Hyatt. Addison, who is slightly smaller than Hyatt, ran a 4.55.
While Hyatt may not have boosted his draft stock with his 40 time, he might move up draft boards due to a couple of other wide receivers falling down a few draft boards.
Update:
Hyatt felt some tightness in his hamstring per Ian Rapoport and will shut it down for the rest of the combine. He still plans to participate in Tennessee's Pro Day on March 30. It's possible that the hamstring issue slowed Hyatt's time a bit on Saturday.
