The NFL Draft countdown is on as the first pick selection will be made in less than two weeks. We take a look at Idaho wide receiver Hayden Hatten, who brings you a red-zone threat or 1v1 jump ball ability due to his impressive vertical and sure hands.
Hatten was rated a three-star recruit by ESPN and a three-star recruit by 247 Sports coming out of high school. He eventually committed to Idaho over schools like Army, Louisville, and Nevada.
During his five-year career, he amassed 243 receptions, 3,444 yards (14.2 yards per catch), and 33 touchdowns. At Idaho, his quarterbacks had an excellent QBR of 125.0 when targeting him. Hatten is a former tight end who made a spectacular decision switching to wide receiver.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Draft scouting reports.
Hayden Hatten, Wide Receiver, Idaho
Name: Hayden Hatten
Jersey: No. 80
Position: Wide Receiver
School: Idaho
Class: RS Senior
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 210 lbs.
40-Yard Dash: 4.63
10-Yard Split: 1.61
Three Cone: 7.17
Hand Size: 9 2/8″
Vertical: 39″
Arm: 30 6/8″
Awards: All-American (2022), First Team All-Big Sky (2022), ADA FCS Wide Receiver of the Year (2022), Team Captain (2023)
Games Watched: Eastern Washington (2022), Montana (2022/2023), California (2023), Nevada (2023)
Major Injury History: None
Idaho WR Hayden Hatten is always so much fun to watch, especially when it’s FCS After Dark.
Hatten makes a great adjustment, strong hands, and terrific body control getting both feet down in bounds for the fantastic catch. pic.twitter.com/ZXuknSC6Yo
— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) December 10, 2023
Hayden Hatten’s Strengths
Hatten demonstrates solid release off the line of scrimmage. He has good ball-tracking skills and hand-eye coordination with solid body contortion to make adjustments on bad balls and back-shoulder throws with impressive body control to toe tap if needed. Displays strong hands with the ability to track deep balls keeping stride. Solid versus press coverage, showcasing solid lateral agility, patience, and hand usage to avoid getting jammed and winning over the top. Good stop-and-go ability with quickness to create separation at his breaks. Gives significant effort.
Hayden Hatten’s Weaknesses
Adequate run blocker in space due to inconsistent angling or lack of physicality at the point of attack. Adequate athletic ability with average speed, not posing as a vertical threat. Marginal change of direction and limited yards after catch.
Summary
Hatten is a strong-handed red-zone and jump-ball threat on the boundary. He has extensive experience with the ability to play inside at the slot or at the X. He is a true short to intermediate threat, too, with an impressive catch radius due to his hand-eye coordination and body control to beat defenders in contested situations. Hatten exhibits good awareness and feel versus zone coverage, demonstrating high football IQ. Despite the speed and athleticism, he’s an intelligent route runner and strong possession receiver with incredible leadership and effort. He represents the perfect fit in a West Coast offensive scheme.
Pro Comparison: James Jones
Draft Projection: Sixth Round
Grade: Fourth Round
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