ESPN names perfect NFL landing spot for Vols WR Jalin Hyatt
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is hoping to be a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. Hyatt, who won the Biletnikoff Award in 2022 (given annually to the nation's top pass catcher), had an incredibly productive final season for the Vols. The South Carolina native caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and […]
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt is hoping to be a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hyatt, who won the Biletnikoff Award in 2022 (given annually to the nation's top pass catcher), had an incredibly productive final season for the Vols.
The South Carolina native caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Hyatt's five-touchdown performance against Alabama solidified him as one of the top players in the nation. And he'll be rewarded for his hard work in the draft where he should be at least a top 40 selection.
ESPN recently named the best landing spots for the top playmakers in the draft and they think the Seattle Seahawks would be wise to draft Hyatt.
From ESPN: Hyatt would add a true vertical element from both slot and boundary alignments in Seattle's 11 personnel sets to mesh with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. He ran a 4.40-second 40-yard dash at the combine, but he plays even faster on the grass. And his tape against Alabama this past season — where Hyatt racked up five touchdowns on six receptions — shows his ability to stretch defenses and produce at the third level of the field. He averaged 18.9 yards per catch last season on his way to 1,267 receiving yards and 15 touchdown catches. With Hyatt bringing even more speed and big-play ability to the pass game for quarterback Geno Smith, the Seahawks could see more two-deep shells. That would open up the run front for Kenneth Walker III and impact the offense there, too.
Seattle could certainly use a vertical threat so I can see them being interested in Hyatt.
However, I still think the best landing spot for Hyatt is with the Kansas City Chiefs. Not only would Hyatt get to play with Patrick Mahomes (a dream for any wide receiver), but he'd also get to play for Andy Reid, a coach who is known for being innovative.
Hyatt's experience in Josh Heupels' unique offense could translate well to Reid's offense.
The Chiefs have a clear need at wide receiver and they have the No. 31 overall pick in the draft. If the Seahawks pass on Hyatt, Kansas City would be wise to bring the former Vol to The Show Me State.
