‘A Big Play Waiting to Happen’ – Former Tennessee Vols Standout Receives Big Praise from PFF Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one name that has been generating significant buzz is Jalin Hyatt, a standout wide receiver from the University of Tennessee. Having electrified the college football world with his explosive playmaking ability and game-changing performances, Hyatt is now looking to carry that momentum into the next phase of his football career. With the draft just around the corner, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has recently showered Hyatt with praise, calling him “a big play waiting to happen.” This recognition from one of the most respected sources in football analysis speaks volumes about Hyatt’s potential and what he could bring to an NFL team looking for a dynamic, game-changing weapon on offense.

The transition from college to the pros is a massive step for any player, and for Hyatt, who was one of the top wide receivers in college football during his time at Tennessee, the 2025 NFL Draft could mark the beginning of a long and prosperous career in the league. The praise from PFF is just the latest testament to Hyatt’s talent and his potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.

In this article, we’ll break down what makes Jalin Hyatt such an exciting prospect, examine the reasons behind the glowing praise from PFF, and explore what NFL teams can expect from the former Tennessee Vols star as he prepares to embark on his professional journey.

A Standout Career at Tennessee

Jalin Hyatt’s journey to becoming one of the most coveted wide receiver prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft has been built on years of hard work, determination, and incredible on-field performance. A native of Irmo, South Carolina, Hyatt came to Tennessee with the intention of making an immediate impact, and that’s exactly what he did. Over the course of his college career, he became one of the most explosive and dangerous receivers in college football, known for his blazing speed, smooth route running, and ability to turn any catch into a potential touchdown.

Hyatt’s Breakout Year (2024 Season)

While Hyatt showed flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons, it was his 2024 season that truly catapulted him into the national spotlight. In an offense led by quarterback Joe Milton III and head coach Josh Heupel, Hyatt flourished in Tennessee’s high-octane passing attack. His deep-threat capability became a key part of the Vols’ success, and he consistently made defenders look overmatched with his ability to blow past them on deep routes.

During the 2024 season, Hyatt put up impressive statistics, finishing with over 1,400 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and an average of over 20 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field and create separation was on full display, and he developed a reputation for making big plays in crucial moments. One of his most memorable performances came against Alabama, where he caught two touchdowns and burned the Crimson Tide’s defense on multiple deep passes. That game, in particular, solidified Hyatt as one of the most feared wide receivers in the nation.

Hyatt’s success wasn’t just a result of his speed, however. His route running was smooth and precise, making him a versatile weapon in the passing game. Whether he was running deep posts, slants, or drag routes, Hyatt’s ability to track the ball and make contested catches was another area where he excelled. This well-rounded skill set made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and showcased his potential at the next level.

PFF’s Praise: ‘A Big Play Waiting to Happen’

As the draft approaches, the football world has been eager to dissect Hyatt’s game and predict what kind of role he will play in the NFL. Pro Football Focus (PFF), one of the leading football analytics companies, has been particularly vocal about Hyatt’s potential. According to PFF, Hyatt is “a big play waiting to happen,” and the analysis is not without merit.

Hyatt’s ability to create explosive plays is one of the defining aspects of his game. He has the kind of speed that makes defensive backs nervous, knowing that any moment could result in a long touchdown. In PFF’s analysis, they pointed out his ability to quickly close the gap between him and defenders on deep routes, turning short gains into long touchdowns. PFF highlighted that his sub-4.4 second 40-yard dash time, coupled with his quick burst off the line of scrimmage, gives him a legitimate chance to blow past defenders at the professional level.

Furthermore, PFF praised Hyatt’s consistency in high-pressure situations. Despite the attention he received from opposing defenses, Hyatt continued to make big plays in critical moments. Whether it was a crucial third down or a game-winning drive, Hyatt displayed the kind of clutch playmaking ability that NFL teams covet.

PFF also highlighted Hyatt’s ability to separate from defenders both vertically and horizontally, making him a legitimate threat to take any reception to the house. His speed isn’t just about running fast; it’s about making defenders uncomfortable by forcing them to backpedal as soon as the ball is snapped. This ability to turn a quick slant route or a deep post into an explosive play is exactly what NFL teams are looking for in today’s pass-heavy offenses.

What Makes Hyatt Special?

To fully understand why Jalin Hyatt has been so highly praised by PFF and others, it’s important to take a deeper dive into his unique skill set. While Hyatt has the speed and ability to stretch the field, there are several other aspects of his game that make him stand out as a prospect.

1. Blazing Speed and Explosiveness

Hyatt’s speed is his greatest asset. His ability to run away from defenders on any given play makes him a constant deep threat. He runs with a smooth and fluid stride, and his top-end speed allows him to cover ground quickly. This makes him a nightmare for cornerbacks who are tasked with covering him one-on-one. Hyatt’s speed also makes him a dangerous threat after the catch, as he can turn short completions into big gains in a matter of seconds.

2. Route Running

While speed is important, a wide receiver’s ability to run crisp, precise routes is also critical. Hyatt has worked hard over the years to hone his route-running skills, and he is now one of the most polished wide receivers in terms of his route tree. Whether it’s a post, fade, or quick out route, Hyatt has the agility and technique to create separation from defenders. His quick release off the line of scrimmage, combined with his ability to make subtle cuts, allows him to gain an advantage on defenders right from the snap.

3. Hands and Catch Radius

Hyatt is more than just a speedster; he also possesses great hands and a solid catch radius. He’s shown the ability to make tough catches in traffic and on the move. Whether it’s a diving catch or a contested ball, Hyatt’s ability to haul in passes from all angles is impressive. This well-rounded skill set allows him to be effective in a variety of offensive schemes, as he can both track deep balls and make catches in the short and intermediate game.

4. Field Awareness

Hyatt’s understanding of the game is another key factor in his success. He knows how to leverage his speed to create mismatches, and he has a keen sense of where the defenders are at all times. His awareness allows him to adjust to off-target throws and make plays on the move. He’s also effective at reading defenses and adjusting his routes mid-play to find soft spots in coverage. This level of field awareness will serve him well at the NFL level, where defenses are faster and more complex.

The NFL Outlook: What to Expect from Hyatt

With all the accolades, it’s easy to see why Jalin Hyatt has been pegged as one of the top wide receiver prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. His skill set translates well to the NFL, where speed and big-play potential are highly valued in modern offenses.

Hyatt’s blend of speed, hands, and route-running ability make him a perfect fit for teams that run up-tempo, pass-heavy offenses. He could immediately make an impact as a deep threat, a player who can stretch the field and open up opportunities for his teammates. NFL teams that lack a true game-breaking wide receiver would do well to invest in Hyatt, who could be a difference-maker right from the start.

In terms of where Hyatt could land, several teams in need of a deep threat and explosive playmaker should be looking his way. Teams that run high-powered offenses, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Miami Dolphins, could be ideal fits for Hyatt, as they would be able to utilize his talents in a system that maximizes his strengths. His ability to make plays down the field could open up opportunities for quarterbacks to find other targets in the passing game.