NFL insider predicts JuJu Smith-Schuster replacement as KC looks to rebuild Patrick Mahomes’ offense
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs offense are likely in the market for another wide receiver as JuJu Smith-Schuster signed with the Patriots this offseason. This year's NFL draft could be a spot where Kansas City finds their replacement for Smith-Schuster.
Nate Taylor, The Athletic's Chiefs insider, predicted what the team would do with its first-round pick in next month's draft in the online sports publication's mock draft conducted by beat writers picking for each team. Taylor wrote that University of Tennessee star wide receiver Jalin Hyatt would be a solid fit for the Chiefs.
"Under coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs will always covet speedy receivers like Hyatt," Taylor wrote. "Some draft analysts have compared him to DeSean Jackson. Well, we know Reid was able to successfully develop Jackson after the Eagles drafted him in 2008.
"The Chiefs could definitely use another high-quality receiver to add alongside Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore. Hyatt’s ability to be a deep threat should also be accentuated by Patrick Mahomes."
The 6-foot, 176-pound Volunteers star was one of the top wideouts in college football last season. Hyatt caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 2022 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner finished second in college football for yards and tied for second in touchdowns.
He had five touchdowns against the Alabama Crimson Tide in November, setting a school record for the most touchdown receptions in a single game. Jalin Hyatt finished his career at Tennessee tied for the fourth-most career touchdown catches with 19 and top 15 in career yards.
What Jalin Hyatt could add to Patrick Mahomes' offense in KC
Patrick Mahomes relies on speed when it comes to wideouts in this proficient Kansas City Chiefs offense. At this year's combine, Hyatt ran a 4.4 40-yard dash, which was the sixth-highest among wide receiver prospects.
His time was faster than the 40-yard dash faster than current NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson (4.43 seconds).
Hyatt also excelled at the broad jump, putting up an 11-foot-3-inch broad jump that ranked at the top among wideouts. The Tennesse Volunteers star also had a 40-inch vertical jump, the fourth-best among wideouts.
We'll see if the Chiefs go receiver with their first-round pick and if Hyatt is on the board come next month.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit The Athletic and H/T Sportskeeda.