Saints May Dip Back into the Volunteer Pool in the 2023 Draft

After a lot of success with former Tennessee players, New Orleans could eye two former Volunteers wideouts in the draft, where they'd be reunited with their former college coach.

New Orleans Saints WR coach Kodi Burns is heading into his second year with the team. It is the first NFL job for the 34-year-old Burns, who was a wideout on the 2010-11 Auburn squad that won the BCS National Championship. Prior to joining the Saints, Burns was the WR coach at the University of Tennessee in 2021.

Familiarity has been a common theme for New Orleans this offseason. It's a strategy that may carry over into the draft. The Tennessee Volunteers have four offensive stars that expect to be drafted early. They include QB Hendon Hooker, OT Darnell Wright, and two star receivers. Today's spotlight features those two wideouts. 

WR - Jalin Hyatt

Tennessee (Jr.)

6'0" 176-Lbs.

Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) catches a pass against the Vanderbilt Commodores. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Hyatt was a solid contributor as a freshman and sophomore, catching a combined 41 balls for 502 yards and four touchdowns. An injury to fellow wideout Cedric Tillman allowed him to have a breakout junior season.

Hyatt caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022, leading to 1st Team All-American accolades. He led the SEC in receiving yardage and was second across the NCAA in touchdown receptions. 

An explosive player, Hyatt was a standout at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.4 in the 40, a 1.5 10-yard split, along with turning in a 40" vertical jump and 11'3" in the broad jump. 

Hyatt ran a limited route tree with the Volunteers and will need to expand in an NFL offense. He'll need to sharpen his breaks for extra separation. A lean frame limits his effectiveness over the middle and in the intermediate areas of a defense. His lack of physicality leaves him at a disadvantage on contested throws. 

Tennessee Volunteers receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) scores a touchdown against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Jalin Hyatt will bring instant big-play impact to an offense. He blows by off-man coverage in a flash with a gliding stride that most defensive backs can't stay with. His long gait makes him nearly impossible to cover on deep slants and crossing routes in man coverage, two routes where he was lethal throughout college.

Once the ball is in the air, Hyatt shows an extra gear to separate from defenders. After the catch, he's a naturally gifted runner with shifty elusiveness to pick up extra yardage. 

A probable first-round choice, Hyatt could even be the first receiver off the board. He'll need to expand his route effectiveness and is a limited intermediate target. However, his big-play potential keeps safeties honest and makes him a potentially highly productive number two receiver.

WR - Cedric Tillman 

Tennessee (Sr.)

6'3" 213-Lbs.

Oct 23, 2021; Tennessee Volunteers receiver Cedric Tillman (4) catches a pass against Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31). Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY

Son of former Denver Broncos WR Cedric Tillman Sr., his draft stock dipped a bit after dealing with an ankle injury all of last season. In just six games while hobbled, he still had 37 receptions for 417 yards. Still, he had elite production for just one of his five collegiate seasons. 

Tillman's best year was in 2021, when he caught 64 passes for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns. His coach that season was Kodi Burns, the current WR coach for New Orleans. He was especially productive against top-tier programs Georgia and Alabama, pulling in a combined 17 receptions for 352 yards against them. 

Tillman lacks the speed to be an elite downfield threat. He'll have to show that he can win the physical battles at the top of his route, especially against bigger and more experienced NFL corners. Developing a more decisive break will also help his cause. 

Extremely efficient in congested areas, Tillman expertly uses his body to shield defenders to create an open target. In traffic, his outstanding hands and focus gives his quarterback confidence to throw into tight windows. He also has excellent extension for a wide catch radius and the body control to make a play up high.

Tillman will certainly not make it past Day 2 of the draft. He has prototype size for the position, but he's also a physical player that makes plays in traffic. His deep speed is just average, but has elite body control and burst to the ball. He'll need to sharpen his breaks at the top of a route, but has all the necessary traits to be a playmaker at every level of a defense. 

Tennessee wide receiver Cedric Tillman (4) catches a ball over Alabama defensive back Daniel Wright (3). 

Much has been made of the Saints affinity for Ohio State players. However, this franchise has also had a lot of success with former Tennessee Volunteers. Alontae Taylor (2nd round, 2022), Marquez Callaway (undrafted, 2020), Shy Tuttle (undrafted, 2019), and Alvin Kamara (3rd, 2017) are just some recent examples.

Remember that New Orleans has also used first-round picks in the past on Tennessee wideouts Robert Meachem (2007) and Donte' Stallworth (2002). With their former college coach Kodi Burns now on the Saints staff, Cedric Tillman or Jalin Hyatt might soon add their names to that list.