The Kansas City Chiefs have added another wide receiver after the rookie minicamp, signing Villanova pass-catcher Jaaron Hayek. The first-year UDFA expressed his joy on May 7 by posting “🙏🏼 #ChiefsKingdom” with a photo of himself in a No. 11 KC jersey. himself.
Hayek reflected on his official signing with gratitude and faith. He said, “No better feeling than proving YOURSELF right!” and added, “Thank you Lord! 🙏🏼” on May 6.
Hayek also shared the following message that seems to correspond with his achievement in the NFL: “No better feeling than proving YOURSELF right!” Hayek stated. Adding: “Thank you Lord! 🙏🏼”
The 6-foot-1 wide receiver played at Villanova for five seasons after a shortened 2020 season, participating in 48 games and gaining over 2,700 receiving yards along with 29 career receiving touchdowns.
Hayek’s most successful season was in 2022, averaging 101.3 receiving yards per game and 22.5 receiving yards per catch, and finishing with 810 receiving yards and eight touchdowns that year.
The new player has also run the ball 10 times for 39 yards, attempted two passes with one completion for a 68-yard touchdown, and returned the ball 11 times for 109 yards (seven kick returns, four punts).
The recently signed Jaaron Hayek is described as a dependable wide receiver with the potential to reach WR3 level in the NFL.
NFL Draft Diamonds (NDD) scouted Hayek before his last season at Villanova.
According to NDD, “Jaaron Hayek is a reliable receiver in the Villanova Wildcat offense,” and he is known as a precise route runner with good body control.
The NDD scouting report also mentioned that Hayek can play in different positions on offense. The draft site continued, “[Hayek] has a diverse route tree from both positions.” Andy Reid’s NDD also praised his “high level hand fighting while in the route tree,” good feet and hands, “above the line body control,” pass adjustment, vertical ability and his football IQ as a route-runner, “breaking off routes and adjusting to the passer’s scramble movement.”
They also lauded his pass-catching abilities, agility, and understanding of the game as a route-runner.
The ability to adapt to the quarterback’s movements is crucial for any receiver in an offense led by Patrick Mahomes II..
However, NDD pointed out that Hayek “lacks burst… struggles to get off press from physical DBs [and] does not consistently catch with his hands away from his body.” NDD also criticized his blocking for showing “limited effort.”
NDD projected Hayek to be a slot receiver at the next level, stating that, while he has good speed, he may not be a game-changer on his own and could serve as a 3rd receiver for an NFL team. They also mentioned his potential as an early day 3 prospect in 2023.
Unfortunately, Hayek’s performance declined in 2023 with an average of 41.5 yards per game and only 457 total yards, which led to his UDFA status.
According to a Chiefs reporter, the team feels content with their current wide receiver lineup.
Some fans may not be thrilled with the signing of Hayek, especially on the same day that the Tennessee Titans brought in a slot specialist who previously played for the Tyler Boyd came to terms with the Cincinnati Bengals. However, it seems that Kansas City may not be pursuing more high-profile receivers.
“One of my observations from the Chiefs minicamp is that the three days with Xavier Worthy left KC feeling comfortable about the current situation in the receiver group,” stated Chiefs Digest media member Matt Derrick regarding X after Boyd joined the Titans. “There was interest in Boyd at one point, but not anymore.”
The current KC WR group is led by Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice (if active), Worthy, Justin Watson and Kadarius Toney. It also includes 12 more players after adding Hayek.
Newcomers like the Villanova UDFA will compete with Skyy Moore, Justyn Ross, Nikko Remigio, Cornell Powell and Montrell Washington for a spot on either the 53-man roster or the 2024 practice squad.
