Pair of former Tennessee Vols players named as the biggest surprises of the NFL offseason
Two former Tennessee Volunteers are making waves at the professional level—and not in ways many expected. In a recent national roundup of the “Biggest Surprises of the 2025 NFL Offseason”, a pair of former Vols—Jalin Hyatt and Darnell Wright—earned spots on the list for vastly exceeding expectations as they enter pivotal stages of their NFL careers.
The list, compiled by a panel of NFL insiders at The Athletic, highlights players who have turned heads during minicamp, OTAs, or offseason transitions—either by outperforming projections, carving out unexpected roles, or shaking up their teams’ depth charts in ways that could carry massive implications once the regular season kicks off.
“It’s been a breakout summer for both Hyatt and Wright,” the article noted. “Tennessee fans should be proud—these guys aren’t just surviving at the next level. They’re thriving.”
When Jalin Hyatt entered the NFL as a third-round pick of the New York Giants in 2023, expectations were cautiously optimistic. The former Biletnikoff Award winner brought elite speed, but questions lingered about his route tree, strength against press coverage, and ability to contribute immediately in a pro-style offense.
Fast forward to the 2025 offseason, and those concerns are being replaced with headlines like:
- “Hyatt emerging as top deep threat in NFC East”
- “Giants WR room now revolves around Jalin Hyatt”
- “Breakout season incoming for Hyatt in Year 3?”
NFL analysts and beat writers report that Hyatt has been the most consistent and explosive playmaker throughout the Giants’ spring and summer workouts. According to team insiders, he’s bulked up nearly 12 pounds since last year, improved his releases at the line, and built a tight on-field rapport with QB Daniel Jones.
“He’s not just a one-trick pony anymore,” one NFC scout said. “He’s winning at every level—intermediate routes, slot snaps, crossing patterns. His growth is real.”
In 2024, Hyatt showed flashes—catching 41 passes for 612 yards and 5 touchdowns. But this offseason, coaches say he’s taken the leap from role player to focal point.
With veteran wideouts dealing with injuries or inconsistency, Hyatt is currently penciled in as the Giants’ WR1 heading into training camp—a status few predicted for a former Day 2 pick whose rookie role was initially limited to deep shots and special teams reps.
Meanwhile, Darnell Wright, the 2023 first-round selection by the Chicago Bears, has undergone a transformation of his own—from inconsistent rookie tackle to one of the most dominant young linemen in the NFC North.
Drafted No. 10 overall, Wright faced heavy scrutiny after a rollercoaster rookie campaign that saw flashes of brilliance—particularly in pass protection—but also lapses in discipline and occasional struggles with speed rushers. Now, entering Year 3, Wright is being called one of the most improved linemen in football.
“He’s absolutely mauled people in offseason drills,” said one Chicago beat reporter. “Technique looks tighter, footwork is quicker, and his leadership is starting to shine.”
Coaches credit a new strength and conditioning program, as well as Wright’s offseason training with NFL All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson, for the jump. His hand placement, pad level, and anchor strength all appear improved—and Bears staff say he’s been “the best player on the field” during some practices.
With Caleb Williams entering his rookie year as the Bears’ new franchise quarterback, Wright’s ability to protect the edge has become mission-critical. Chicago plans to slide Wright full-time to left tackle, a position he hadn’t played since his early college days at Tennessee.
It’s a bold move—and a huge vote of confidence in Wright’s development.
“He’s embraced the challenge,” Bears OL coach Chris Morgan said. “We believe he can be one of the best tackles in the NFL, not just on our team.”
Both Hyatt and Wright were key figures in Josh Heupel’s early success at Tennessee, helping lay the foundation for the Vols’ return to national relevance in 2022 and 2023. Their NFL emergence is being seen as validation—not just of their individual work ethics, but of the developmental pipeline in Knoxville.
Hyatt’s record-setting 2022 season—including five touchdowns vs. Alabama—put Tennessee back in the national spotlight. Wright, meanwhile, anchored the Vols’ offensive line during a period when the team consistently ranked top five nationally in scoring offense and fewest sacks allowed.
NFL evaluators are now looking harder at Tennessee prospects—both in the trenches and at the skill positions—thanks to the success stories of players like these two.
“It’s clear these kids are coming out of Knoxville ready to compete,” said an AFC West scout. “They’re smart, tough, and technically sound. Credit to that staff.”
Unsurprisingly, Tennessee fans have rallied behind their former stars. Both players were recently honored on social media by the Tennessee football account, which posted highlights from their Vol careers alongside clips of their offseason dominance in the NFL.
In Knoxville, the buzz surrounding Hyatt and Wright is also having a ripple effect on the recruiting trail. Top 2025 and 2026 recruits have cited the success of Tennessee’s NFL alumni as proof the program can both win and develop at an elite level.
“When I see Hyatt balling out in New York and Darnell locking down edges in Chicago, that’s what I want to be,” said one 2026 four-star OL target.
The Vols’ NIL collective, “The Volunteer Club,” is also capitalizing—using the rising profile of former players to build brand campaigns and connect the dots between college exposure and pro potential.
Both Hyatt and Wright enter crucial Year 3s that could define the early arcs of their careers.
For Hyatt, the question is whether he can turn offseason buzz into consistent WR1 production—and potentially enter free agency talks or contract extensions earlier than expected if he lights up the league.
For Wright, the challenge is greater: learning the left tackle role, protecting the league’s most-hyped rookie QB, and anchoring a line tasked with transforming a rebuilding Bears team into a playoff threat.
But if this offseason is any indication, both players are ready for the moment.
“This is what we dreamed about at Tennessee,” Hyatt said in a recent interview. “We always said—make plays now, so you can shine later. It’s our time.”
The inclusion of Jalin Hyatt and Darnell Wright on the “Biggest Surprises of the NFL Offseason” list is more than just recognition—it’s a reflection of the work, growth, and resilience both players have shown since leaving Rocky Top.
They were part of the Vols’ rebirth in college football.
Now they’re leading a new wave in the NFL.
And for Tennessee fans everywhere, that’s not just surprising—it’s exactly what they expected.
