Kansas City Chiefs 2018 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Hayden Hurst

The Kansas City Chiefs have to find some help at tight end this offseason. South Carolina’s Hayden Hurst appears to be ready to step straight into an NFL role.

There is no denying that the Kansas City Chiefs need to find a quality backup for Travis Kelce at tight end. Over the past few years, the team has been relying on converted basketball players to step up into the role. That has been a complete flop, and it’s time for the Chiefs to move on to more conventional wisdom. Hayden Hurst from South Carolina fits the bill.

Demetrius Harris simply is not going to develop into the player that John Dorsey told us he would. This is an experiment that has gone on long enough. Harris is neither a reliable pass catcher or a solid blocker. The Chiefs need a player that can fill at least one of those roles as a backup.

Given KC’s offensive struggles in the red zone, this is something that has to take precedence for Brett Veach. Whether it is a blocker that can help punch the ball in at the goal line, or a solid receiver that can be an end zone threat, the Chiefs need something. Hayden Hurst of South Carolina might just be that something.

Hayden Hurst – TE – South Carolina

NFLDraftScout.com Scouting Report

Our Missouri-based Kansas City Chiefs fans are probably pretty familiar with Hayden Hurst. The Gamecocks star tight end had a solid performance against the Tigers this season, hauling in three catches for 69 yards and a touchdown. That performance was indicative of the kind of production Hurst can give.

Hayden Hurst brings the prototypical size and speed you like to see at the tight end position. He’s a big play threat, especially up the seam or on an outlet route. Willing to mix it up as a blocker, and keeps good awareness in the running game. Brings a maturity level due to his previous experience in Major League Baseball.

Stat To Know: Hayden Hurst led all SEC tight ends with 44 receptions in 2017.

The biggest downside I have on Hayden Hurst is his age. At 24 years old, he isn’t going to develop much more physically. That’s an added concern when you watch him struggle with physical pass rushers and also with defenders in coverage. Doesn’t get aggressive enough as a receiver to create space for the quarterback to throw it to him, especially in the endzone.

What You See Is What You Get

The former baseball player turned tight end could be a solid pickup for the Kansas City Chiefs. I know that I’m lower on Hayden Hurst than most scouts, but I’m fine with that. Someone may see Hurst and think he’s a star in the making, but I see a guy who has just about hit his maximum potential already.

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That said, I still think that Hayden Hurst could be a valuable addition for just about any team in the NFL. You just have to know what to expect. Hurst can be a very reliable backup tight end. He’s got the hands to make plays, and his previous professional sports experience should mean the spotlight isn’t too big for him.

The Chiefs need someone who can step up in third down situations when opponents are keyed in on Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. A solid backup tight end is an ideal option in those scenarios as they often draw the best match-up. Kansas City would be wise to find a way to take advantage of that.

It’s time for the Kansas City Chiefs to move on from Demetrius Harris. His replacement cannot be another major work in progress. The Chiefs need to bring in a player with a solid skill set that will be ready to produce quickly. A quality prospect like Hayden Hurst is definitely a good candidate for that.