According to a national media outlet, the San Francisco 49ers would select the former Tennessee Vols star in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft is an event that excites fans, teams, and players alike as they prepare for the next stage in their professional football careers. As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the most intriguing potential stories comes from the University of Tennessee, where several stars are vying for selection. Among them, a former Tennessee Vols player has emerged as a top prospect in the eyes of many experts, including a major national media outlet, which predicts that this player could be chosen by the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers, a team with a rich history and a strong competitive edge, will be looking to bolster their roster with future stars who can help them continue their pursuit of a championship. With that in mind, the potential selection of a Tennessee player could bring an exciting new dynamic to a roster already filled with talent. But what does this mean for both the 49ers and the player in question?
In this article, we will examine the player’s background, his standout performances during his time at Tennessee, the needs of the 49ers, and why this selection could make perfect sense for both parties.
The Player’s Journey:
Let’s begin by focusing on the Tennessee player rumored to be selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. This could be a number of players, but for the sake of the argument, let’s focus on the most likely candidates:
- Jalin Hyatt (Wide Receiver): Hyatt had an electric 2022 season, capturing attention as one of the most dangerous wide receivers in college football. Known for his blazing speed and deep threat capabilities, he was a key weapon for the Vols’ high-powered offense. His strong route-running skills, paired with his deep-ball prowess, made him a standout in the SEC and one of the best wideouts in the country.
- Darnell Wright (Offensive Tackle): Wright, an imposing offensive tackle, became a leader for Tennessee’s offensive line. His size, strength, and blocking abilities make him a top-tier prospect for NFL teams in need of offensive line help. With a combination of raw power and technical prowess, Wright is a player with a lot of potential at the next level.
For the sake of this article, let’s focus on Jalin Hyatt, the wide receiver who fits the high-speed, deep-ball style that many NFL teams, including the 49ers, crave in their offensive scheme.
Jalin Hyatt’s Standout Career at Tennessee:
Jalin Hyatt’s rise to prominence at Tennessee was swift and exciting. As a high school star in South Carolina, Hyatt had always been an explosive athlete, but it was his time at Tennessee that truly showcased his full potential. After joining the Vols in 2020, it wasn’t long before he became a staple of the offense under head coach Josh Heupel.
Hyatt’s breakthrough season came in 2022, where he accumulated over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, an outstanding performance that cemented his place as one of the nation’s elite wide receivers. He played an integral role in Tennessee’s offensive explosion, as the Vols became one of the highest-scoring teams in the NCAA.
His performance against Alabama, where he recorded five touchdowns, remains one of the most memorable individual games in college football history. Hyatt’s ability to stretch the field and score in a variety of ways, from deep balls to crossing routes, gave opposing defenses fits and showed that he had the versatility to excel at the next level.
Hyatt’s top attributes are his speed and ball-tracking ability. He can create separation with his explosive first step and top-end speed, which allows him to get behind defenders and make big plays down the field. His chemistry with Tennessee’s quarterbacks, particularly Hendon Hooker, was also crucial in his development as a player.
The San Francisco 49ers’ Offensive Scheme:
To understand why Hyatt might be a perfect fit for the San Francisco 49ers, it’s essential to examine the team’s offensive scheme. Under head coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have become known for their dynamic offense, which blends a strong running game with a diverse passing attack. While the 49ers have a variety of weapons in their offensive arsenal, one key area they could improve upon is their deep passing game. Adding a receiver like Hyatt, known for his ability to stretch the field and provide explosive plays, could elevate their offense to the next level.
The 49ers’ current wide receiver room includes talented players like Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and Jauan Jennings. Samuel is a versatile player who can both run the ball and catch passes, while Aiyuk has emerged as a reliable target with strong route-running skills. However, the 49ers still lack a true burner, a player who can consistently take the top off the defense and provide the kind of vertical threat that Hyatt brings.
Hyatt’s speed would complement the 49ers’ scheme perfectly. His ability to get behind the defense would force defensive coordinators to account for him on every snap, opening up opportunities for other players like Samuel and Aiyuk to work underneath or in the intermediate areas. Additionally, Hyatt’s deep-ball ability would fit well with the 49ers’ play-action-heavy attack, where getting deep down the field is a key component.
Another aspect that could make Hyatt appealing to the 49ers is his ability to gain yards after the catch. While his speed allows him to stretch the field vertically, Hyatt also excels at making defenders miss in the open field, turning short passes into big plays. In Shanahan’s system, which often involves scheming players open with creative route combinations, Hyatt could be a nightmare for opposing defenses to handle.
49ers’ Draft Needs and Strategy:
The 49ers have been one of the most consistently competitive teams in the NFL, reaching the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl in recent years. However, they have also faced challenges with injuries and roster depth in key positions. While the 49ers have a solid roster, adding additional weapons and strengthening certain positions will be crucial for their long-term success.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, the 49ers will likely be focused on adding depth at wide receiver, especially considering the possibility of a changing roster. While Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are great talents, their contracts and future with the team may be uncertain in the long term, making a player like Hyatt a valuable addition. Furthermore, adding a true deep threat would provide quarterback Brock Purdy (or another potential quarterback) with more options to work with in the passing game.
In terms of other needs, the 49ers may look to add depth to their defensive line, secondary, and offensive line, but wide receiver seems like a logical focus given the offensive scheme and the possibility that Hyatt’s skills would be too enticing to pass up.
Why Hyatt Makes Sense for the 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft:
The potential selection of Jalin Hyatt by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft would be a smart and strategic move. Hyatt’s speed, ability to stretch the field, and playmaking ability make him an ideal fit for the 49ers’ offense, which values explosive plays and versatility. While the 49ers have a solid group of wide receivers, adding a player with Hyatt’s skill set would provide an extra dimension to their offense, keeping defenses on their heels.
Moreover, Hyatt’s development at Tennessee has shown that he is more than just a speedster—he’s a complete receiver who can run a variety of routes and make plays in multiple ways. His potential to contribute immediately would be high, especially in an offense that thrives on scheming players open and creating mismatches. Hyatt’s presence would take pressure off other players in the offense, making the 49ers’ passing game even more potent.:
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the San Francisco 49ers will be looking for ways to strengthen their roster and continue competing for championships. The selection of Jalin Hyatt, the former Tennessee Vols wide receiver, would be a significant move in achieving that goal. Hyatt’s speed, playmaking ability, and fit within the 49ers’ offensive scheme make him a prime candidate to become a difference-maker at the next level.
The combination of Hyatt’s dynamic skill set and the 49ers’ ability to maximize his strengths could be a recipe for success in San Francisco. The 49ers’ pursuit of a deep-ball threat and explosive playmaker could make Hyatt the perfect addition to an already impressive roster.
As the draft draws nearer, it will be exciting to see whether the 49ers make this bold move, selecting Hyatt to continue their quest for another Super Bowl title. Whether or not this prediction comes true, one thing is for sure: Hyatt’s future in the NFL is incredibly bright, and the 49ers could be the perfect place for him to showcase his talents.