2023 NFL Profile: WR Jalin Hyatt

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• 2022 proved to be a breakout year for Tennessee’s Jalin Hyatt. The Irmo, South Carolina product blasted onto the national scene with a fifteen-touchdown season. Before last year, Hyatt did not resemble the gamebreaker that saw the Volunteers put up Madden numbers. Hyatt became a must-see wideout on Saturday. With those fifteen scores, he added 1,267 yards on just sixty-seven catches. For the prospect, a strong postseason award postseason capped off a stellar 2022. He took home the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s best wide receiver. Not to mention, an All-American nod to draw his career in Knoxville to a close. The six-foot, 170-pound target captivated fans. Now, what will that look like on Sundays?

Strengths

First and foremost, speed must start the conversation. The prospect streaks off the line with ease and fluidity. Meanwhile, Hyatt’s ability to accelerate with or without the ball should scare defenses. In football, combine speed and game speed could greatly vary. Not in Hyatt’s case. With that burst, Hyatt affects the games in multiple ways. He can take a simple screen and blur by anyone, same for the quick slant. Granted, we see the fly pattern, but the right offense could torture opponents. Yet, what should enthrall quarterbacks and coaches alike is his vision. The prospect gets to speed in a hurry but can track the ball like a centerfielder snaring a fly ball. Regardless of route or shoulder, you can see Hyatt repeat this gift numerous times. His NFL comp should be DeSean Jackson.

Weaknesses

For all of his athletic talent and explosion, the prospect does possess a few concerns. Weighing barely 170 pounds, Hyatt cannot defeat the jam. As a result, any savvy corner will burrow their hands into his chest and harass him, disrupting his route. At the next level, he must find the balance of gaining strength and a little mass without sacrificing speed. Additionally, the lack of route diversity needs attention. Yes, Hyatt is a serious deep threat, but what is his next best route? As schemes at the level become more complex, can Hyatt evolve? Not every cornerback will sit on their own island. Safety help will lurk over the top to provide assistance. Piggybacking off the strength aspect, blocking isn’t one of the prospect’s fortes.

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Ideal Role

Ideally, whatever team calls Jalin Hyatt’s name will already employ a true lead wideout. If they do, that opens up so many possibilities. Teams are more likely to roll the coverage toward the number-one receiver, allowing Hyatt to roam free at the second and third levels. In addition, the stress and strain of being the primary focus of the passing offense could be too much, too soon for a player with limited route capabilities. Instead, giving the prospect enough work on the other side, or even the slot will help ease him into the league. Then, he could eventually evolve into the main target. Until then, giving teams a home run threat from their twenty-yard line and on will benefit both sides of the equation.

Potential Fits

The Atlanta Falcons could change the complexion of their entire offense, regardless of who ends up under center. Plus, if you add in the fast turf and warm weather division, Hyatt wouldn’t need to do anything but hit those verticals and open up space for Drake London. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans could make a play for the Volunteer standout. In their offense, Mike Vrabel wants to bludgeon the opposition with the run, and playaction deep. Now, we all know that Treylon Burks builds up speed to win on deep passes. Instead, work him on the intermediate path and let Hyatt cook. Plus, Mike Vrabel should feel the heat of the Jacksonville Jaguars and his job security that demand opening up the offense and not remaining predictable.