Jalin Hyatt Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Andrew Ferguson/ University of Tennessee)

School: Tennessee (Junior)

Position: WR

HT: 6’0

WT: 176 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #30

Jalin Hyatt is a wide receiver prospect with eye-popping speed. He is able to effortlessly blow by secondaries with quick acceleration and long strides. There may not be a single defensive back in football that can keep up with the kind of world class speed that Hyatt demonstrates. It is due to this speed and his substantial role in the historic Tennessee offense that caused him to soar up big boards and get his name thrown in with the best in the draft class. Finishing the season with 67 receptions and 1267 yards, he won the Fred Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver. Hyatt was used all over the field and was heavily involved in pre-snap motion in Tennessee’s offense. Hyatt is a legitimate threat in all areas of the field but especially 20+ yards downfield. Hyatt is able to consistently gain at least 3 strides of separation and give his quarterback an easy decision to make. His speed is world class and he is a man that defenses will have to create a game plan for week in and week out. Hyatt is used in a variety of sets and personnels in different ways. At Tennessee, he was used as an X-receiver to be the big WR1 that can make those big time plays at the catch point. However, he was mainly used as a Z-receiver throughout his collegiate career. As a Z, he was involved in plenty of pre-snap motion and screen passes that enabled him to use his speed with the ball in his hands. With the speed, Hyatt also has consistent and reliable hands. He has a smooth process at the catch point and does not let his reception of the ball disrupt his stride. His length provides for an above average catch radius, if the ball is thrown within that radius, chances are Hyatt is hauling in the football.

Hyatt’s biggest critics often immediately point to his frame. While it would be preferable for him to have more muscle, receivers with slighter frames have become more and more common in the NFL. Hyatt also only has the 2022 season to point to his success. He has a limited route tree and in the NFL, he is going to have to use more than just his speed to get open on every play. It will certainly take him time to develop a certain level of comfort within a pro offense, but once he does, he will be able to use all of his natural traits more effectively.

Jalin Hyatt has speed that has allowed him to fly up every big board this season. He was the main offensive weapon at Tennessee and can be the main weapon in a pro offense. He will not torch pro defenses right away, but if he is given patience and time to develop, he will thrive once he is ready.

Scheme Fit: Spread, 11 personnel

Ideal Role: Z-receiver

Best Team Fits: LAC, BAL, KC

Player Comparison: Devonta Smith

Player Grade: 83.1