Wide receiver isn’t a big want for the Jets.
However, that didn’t cease the Jets from pursuing Odell Beckham Jr. in free company.
Following weeks of hypothesis, Beckham signed a one-year contract with the Ravens, which may attain as much as $18 million, together with as much as $3 million in incentives. Before Beckham joined the Ravens, the Jets signed Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman.
But may Gang Green goal a large receiver sooner or later within the 2023 NFL Draft which begins subsequent Thursday?
It won’t be within the first spherical, however there are a number of receivers the Jets may have on their draft board. Among them may very well be Tennessee broad receiver Jalin Hyatt.
After two pedestrian years with the Volunteers, Hyatt had a breakthrough 2022 season. In 12 video games, Hyatt registered 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was named the Fred Biletnikoff Award winner for the nation’s greatest receiver. Hyatt was additionally named a unanimous All-American.
“The vertical stuff is what he does best, but I’ve seen him — I’ve seen him flash the ability to get in and out of breaks,” NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah mentioned on a convention name with reporters. “He simply doesn’t do a ton of it.
“My factor with him is I feel there’s a excessive ground as a result of, worst case situation, he’s going to stretch the sector. He goes to take the highest off of defenses. You’ll be capable to put him within the slot and be capable to run deep overs and run verticals.
“You can just pitch him the ball and let him do some things after the catch with his speed. I think in the immediate term, you have an elite field stretcher, so I think you’ve got to know what you are buying there and know what that role is going to be.”
The greatest considerations about Hyatt are his dimension and route runner, which could be labored on with the right teaching. Hyatt is listed at 6 toes, 176 kilos, as his weight locations him among the many lowest on this draft class.
Another fear about Hyatt on the subsequent stage is his lack of physicality. He tends to get knocked off his routes generally, which may occur with greater cornerbacks within the NFL.
If the Jets don’t choose Hyatt within the second spherical, gamers like North Carolina’s Josh Downs or Houston’s Nathaniel “Tank” Dell may very well be choices. Downs and Dell’s dimension don’t stand out, however each may very well be productive slot receivers.
While Hyatt isn’t identified for his route operating, Downs is as he has sufficient footwork and instincts to evade defenders. As a sophomore for the Tar Heels in 2021, the 5-9, 171-pound Downs recorded 101 receptions for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns. He adopted that up in 2022 with one other stellar season as he caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Dell additionally had a stand-out final two collegiate seasons. In 2021, Dell completed with 90 receptions for 1,329 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had an excellent higher 12 months final season as Dell registered 109 catches for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Cougars.
Dell’s physique is small at 5-8, 165 kilos, however he performs a lot bigger than his listed top. He can be a superb route runner with sufficient pace to interrupt away from defenders in any respect three ranges.
Some Jets followers might need been bummed out they missed out on Beckham, however they’re sufficient gifted receivers on this draft class who may make a right away impression. Gang Green simply must resolve which receiver most closely fits its system.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com