The Athletic Finds Interesting Fits For Two VFLs

With the NFL Draft creeping up on us, The Athletic released a beat-writer mock draft. The local beats felt very good about two former Tennessee Volunteers.

The NFL Draft gets closer each day, and major outlets are beginning to release mock drafts reflective of where NFL executives stand. Few people are more plugged into the daily actions and preferences of teams than local beat writers; The Athletic recognized this and decided to bring their staff together for a "Beat Writer Mock Draft."

Four QBs went in the top seven, and some teams changed course after filling needs in free agency, but the Jets-Packers standoff continues.

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) March 22, 2023

The results were quite interesting. Three quarterbacks went in the first four picks, with Ohio State passer CJ Stroud going No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers. Prized Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter went No. 5 to the Seattle Seahawks, which wouldn't be as far of a slide as some are projecting.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker didn't make the first round, a bit of a surprise after recent murmurs have him firmly in the first-round conversation. However, two other former Volunteers were on the mock and high at that. Offensive tackle Darnell Wright came off the board at No. 19, getting selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Wright would presumably be protecting sixth-year quarterback Baker Mayfield in his rookie season, though the long-term option for the reigning NFC South Champions remains unclear.

"This is a timeline pick for Tampa Bay. It was very tempting to go with Texas running back Bijan Robinson here, but it doesn't make a lot of sense in the long run. Pairing Wright, who turned a lot of heads at the combine, with Tristan Wirfs gives the Bucs a very good young duo at tackle, which should make for a welcoming home for the rookie quarterback that looks headed to this team in 2024." - Josh Kendall, Atlanta Falcons reporter

The next VFL to get selected was wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. The Biletnikoff Award winner lasted until the No. 31 overall pick, where the reigning Super Bowl Champions nabbed him, the Kansas City Chiefs. Hyatt would be a natural fit with head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes II.

His illustrious speed and downfield ability captivated college football this past season. Hyatt didn't run a full route tree at Tennessee, meaning that Kansas City's offense would be a perfect landing spot. Reid could use Hyatt to replace former Chiefs All-Pro speedster Tyreek Hill, who left for the Miami Dolphins ahead of the 2022 NFL season.

"Under coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs will always covet speedy receivers like Hyatt. Some draft analysts have compared him to DeSean Jackson. Well, we know Reid was able to develop Jackson successfully 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." - Nate Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs reporter

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