Rookie Profile: Jalin Hyatt

Jalin Hyatt - WR - Tennessee

Listed Measurables:

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 176 lbs

Arms: 32 1/2"

Hands: 9"

Age: 21.4 Y/O

Early Declare: Yes

Breakout Age: 20.9

2023 NFL Combine Grades:

40-Yard Dash: 4.40s

10 Yard Split: 1.50s

Vertical Jump: 40"

Broad Jump: 11'3"

3 Cone Drill: N/A

20 Yd Shuttle: N/A

Bench Press: N/A

Career Notes:

Ian Cox - University of Tennessee Athletics

Jalin Hyatt attended Dutch Fork High School in his hometown of Irmo, South Carolina where he set state high school records in receiving yards (3,624) and receiving touchdowns (57). The speedster earned nationwide recognition as a consensus four-star prospect (247 Sports/Rivals/ESPN) but failed to receive many high-level scholarship offers as programs shared concerns with his slight 153-lbs frame. Hyatt had originally committed to Virginia Tech but reopened his availability shortly thereafter, officially signing with the University of Tennessee. 

Accolades:

• 4 Star Recruit (247/Rivals)

• Biletnikoff Award Winner (2022)

• First Team All-SEC (2022)

• Unanimous All-American (2022)

• Single-Game REC TD Record (5) at Tennessee

• Single-Season REC TD Record (15) at Tennessee

• Led SEC in REC YDS and REC TD (2022)

Past Production/Collegiate Career:

Hyatt added menial contributions as a freshman and sophomore, putting up 20 receptions for 276 yards (13.8 YPR) with two touchdowns in his inaugural season, followed by 21 receptions for 226 yards (10.8) YPR) with two touchdowns in his second year. The lack of target competition on Tennessee’s roster during those initial seasons plants a concerning red flag for Hyatt’s NFL trajectory. 

That proverbial red flag was then wiped out with ferocious intent in Hyatt’s final season where he posted 1,267 yards on 67 receptions (18.9 YPR) with 15 touchdowns en route to winning the Biletnikoff award as the NCAA’s top wideout. The vertical threat even posted career-high single-game numbers against Alabama’s vaunted defense, tallying 207 receiving yards and a program record five touchdowns in the upset win.

The Star wideout would put all rumors of a return to rest after Tennessee’s playoff aspirations were snuffed out in a devastating loss to South Carolina. Hyatt announced his declaration for the 2023 NFL Draft and is expected to be a first-round selection after his stellar Junior season.

Stats to Know:

Sports Illustrated

• Led NCAA in QB rating when targeted in 2022, generating a 156.5 QBR in his final Collegiate Season.

• Ranked 5th in NCAA with 1,267 REC YDS (18.9 YPR) in 2022.

• T-2nd in NCAA in REC TD (15) in 2022.

• 2nd Most REC YDS in Tennessee Volunteers History. 

2020 Stats:

8 GP

20 REC

11.2% REC Share

28 TGT

9.8% TGT Share

276 REC YDS (2 TD)

13.5% REC YDS Share

13.8 YPR

0.96 REC YDS/TPA

0.42 REC YDS/TA

14.2% REC TD Share

7.7% OFF TD Share

2021 Stats:

9 GP

21 REC

8.6% REC Share

36 TGT

9.6% TGT Share

226 REC YDS (2 TD)

6.7% REC YDS Share

10.8 YPR

0.60 REC YDS/TPA

0.24 REC YDS/TA

0.60% REC TD Share

0.32% OFF TD Share

2022 Stats:

12 GP

67 REC

23.1% REC Share

91 TGT

21.6% TGT Share

1267 REC YDS (15 TD)

29.9% REC YDS Share 

18.9 YPR

3.00 REC YDS/TPA

1.34 REC YDS/TA

39.5% REC TD Share

19.2% OFF TD Share

Collegiate Career Totals:

29 Games

108 REC

155 TGT

1769 REC YDS

19 Total TD

12.0 YD aDOT

782 Snaps

725 Routes

2.50 YPRR

85.9% Slot Rate

14.0% Wide Rate 

Collegiate Career Bests:

21.6% TGT Share

23.1% TGT/Route

98.9% Route Share

3.00 REC YDS/TPA

1.34 REC YDS/TA

3.28 YPRR

Scouting Report:

NFL Draft Grade: 6.50 (Boom or Bust Potential)

Next-Gen Draft Grade: 89 (Good)

Scouting Strengths:

247 Sports

• Pressures DBs off LOS with elite speed and initial burst/acceleration.

• Elite top-end straight-line speed.

• Excellent deep ball tracker with a wide catch radius.

• Big play maven. 

• Lethal as a deep threat and after the catch.

• Long frame/wingspan.

• Maintains space during route exits and at the point of attack.

• Effortless strides when reaching top speed.

• Catches everything in motion.

Scouting Weaknesses:

• Extremely limited route tree. Go's and Slants could be the title of his collegiate biography.

• Late Breakout: Virtually meaningless production until Year 3.

• Lacks strength to dominate contested catch situations.

• Gets lost in zone coverage.

• Primarily used as a slot receiver despite his outside speed.

• Success relies on speed rather than fundamental techniques.

Expected Draft Capital:

• Projected Round: 1st

• EDP: 24.1

• Consensus Position Rank: WR4

Perfect Fit/Landing Spot:

Dallas Cowboys

Kansas City Chiefs

New York Giants 

Consensus Landing Spot:

New York Giants

Top NFL Player Comparisons:

John Ross

A.J Brown

Michael Pittman

Curtis Samuel

Amon-Ra St.Brown 

Terrace Marshall

Jameson Williams

Quez Watkins

Lance Moore

Jaelon Darden

Greg Little

*All Comparisons subject to change with NFL Draft capital and landing spot

Future NFL/Fantasy Outlook:

Hyatt’s vertical speed is the exact intangible NFL general managers become enamored with year after year. Despite a limited route tree and lack of early production, the burner is anticipated to be selected during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. His projected draft capital and prototypical athleticism should lead to a path of instant development for the rookie wideout, allowing serviceable WR2 numbers should he reach his assumed potential.

Expect a few years of erratic boom and bust production from Hyatt as he develops a route tree that is more effective against the speed of NFL defenses. There is no doubt that the former Tennessee product can make an immediate impact, however, his “big play” profile may lead to some frustrating inconsistencies in production.

Much respect, thank you for reading. If you have any continued thoughts and would like to share, I am always available for an open conversation on Twitter: @PsychWardFF or Instagram: @psychwardff.

You can find my other works as the Lead Writer and DOC at BRoto Fantasy Football.

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By Matt Ward