2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jaaron Hayek, WR, Villanova
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | Jaaron Hayek, #11 |
| School (Code) | Villanova University (PAVI) |
| DOB, Class Yr | 6/6/2001, RS Senior |
| Height, Weight | 6010e, 200e |
| 40 Yd Dash | N/A |
| Position/Depth | WR, Starter |
| Honors/Captainship | First team All-CAA (2022), third team All-CAA (2021) |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 |
| Games Watched | Hampton, Albany, Richmond |
| Scout Name / Date | Jake Kernen, 9/20/2023 |
Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)
| 2023 | Did not play in the first 2 games of the season (lower body injury) |
| 2022 | Started in 8 games. Missed final 3 games due to injury. 36 catches for 810 yards and 8 TDs. 0/1 passing. |
| 2021 | Started all 13 games. 40 catches for 671 yards and 9 TDs. |
| 2020 | Started all 4 games (spring Covid shortened season). 12 catches for 136 yards. |
| 2019 | Played in 12 games, started 8 games. 47 catches for 670 yards and 8 TDs. 1/1 passing for 68 yards and 1 TD. 10 rushes for 39 yards. 7 kick returns for 95 yards. |
Player Summary:
RS Senior from Wayne, NJ. Lean, dense frame, mostly filled out. Thick lowers, knobby calves. Utilized as both an outside receiver and slot receiver at Villanova, has a diverse route tree from both positions. Lacks burst, but has better top end speed than most at his level. Above-average speed for a professional player. Struggles to get off press from physical DBs. High level hand fighting while in the route tree. Good feet, runs crisp routes. Does not do a great job of breaking off routes and adjusting to the passer’s scramble movement. Above the line body control, can contort his body to adjust for a pass behind him and make leaning catches along the sideline. Adjusts well to the pass, either bending his route or coming back to the ball while it is in the air. High-level vertical, able to go up and fight for a pass. Does not consistently catch with his hands away from his body, uses more of a scoop technique using his forearms/biceps and uses his chest as a backboard. No drops on film. High level vision, he does a nice job of finding an alley and room to run after the catch. Fights for extra yardage through contact. Not a powerful runner, but he has a little twitch and good effort to break tackles. Does not play with good contact balance, struggles to maintain his footing through contact during his routes and as a ball carrier. Limited effort as a blocker. Will get in position and thud, but does not maintain blocks or attempt to direct defenders away from the play.
Scheme Fit:
Hayek projects to be a move WR that primarily operates out of the slot at the next level
Power Statement:
An undersized receiver with good but not great speed, Hayek could help an NFL team as a 3rd receiver, but is not going to be a game-breaker on his own. Hayek could be an early day 3 prospect with a big 2023 season.