Vikings 2023 Draft: Seven-round post-Super Bowl mock draft
By Chris Schad
Second-Round (Pick No. 63)
Jalin Hyatt – WR (Tennessee)
A lot of the attention in this draft will be focused on defense, but the Vikings need help on offense as well. Thielen averaged just 1.08 yards per route run and K.J. Osborn isn’t a deep threat that can take the top off the defense. This has some Vikings fans lamenting over passing on Jameson Williams in last year’s draft, but that could be made up for by selecting Jalin Hyatt in this scenario.
Hyatt was available in PFF’s draft simulator at pick 63, but there’s a chance he could wind up going earlier. He reportedly ran a 40-yard dash between 4.2 and 4.3 seconds in high school and he showcased that speed by torching Alabama for six catches, 307 yards, and five touchdowns last season.
A lot of Hyatt’s production was based on the spread offense Josh Heupel installed at Tennessee and Hyatt was mainly used as a slot receiver that ran vertical routes. Two injury-filled seasons in 2020 and 2021 could also be used as red flags, but Hyatt’s game was good enough to win the 2022 Biletnikoff Award as the top receiver in college football.
With the possibility of Thielen leaving, Hyatt could be a change of pace and give the Vikings the vertical threat and explosiveness they lacked in the passing game.