Wide receiver isn’t a significant need for the Jets.
However, that did not stop the Jets from pursuing Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency.
Following weeks of speculation, Beckham signed a one-year contract with the Ravens, which can reach up to $18 million, including up to $3 million in incentives. Before Beckham joined the Ravens, the Jets signed Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman.
But could Gang Green target a wide receiver at some point in the 2023 NFL Draft which begins next Thursday?
It might not be in the first round, but there are a few receivers the Jets could have on their draft board. Among them could be Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
After two pedestrian years with the Volunteers, Hyatt had a breakthrough 2022 season. In 12 games, Hyatt registered 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was named the Fred Biletnikoff Award winner for the nation’s best receiver. Hyatt was also 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 said on a conference call with reporters. “He just doesn’t do a ton of it.
“My thing with him is I think there’s a high floor because, worst case scenario, he is going to stretch the field. He is going to take the top off of defenses. You’ll be able to put him in the slot and be able 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 biggest concerns about Hyatt are his size and route runner, which can be worked on with the proper coaching. Hyatt is listed at 6 feet, 176 pounds, as his weight places him among the lowest in this draft class.
Another worry about Hyatt at the next level is his lack of physicality. He tends to get knocked off his routes sometimes, which could happen with bigger cornerbacks in the NFL.
If the Jets do not select Hyatt in the second round, players like North Carolina’s Josh Downs or Houston’s Nathaniel “Tank” Dell could be options. Downs and Dell’s size don’t stand out, but both could be productive slot receivers.
While Hyatt isn’t known for his route running, Downs is as he has enough 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 followed that up in 2022 with another stellar season as he caught 94 passes for 1,029 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Dell also had a stand-out last two collegiate seasons. In 2021, Dell finished with 90 receptions for 1,329 yards and 12 touchdowns. He had an even better year last season as Dell registered 109 catches for 1,398 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Cougars.
Dell’s body is small at 5-8, 165 pounds, but he plays much larger than his listed height. He is also an excellent route runner with enough speed to break away from defenders at all three levels.
Some Jets fans might have been bummed out they missed out on Beckham, but they’re enough talented receivers in this draft class who could make an immediate impact. Gang Green just needs to decide which receiver best fits its system.
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