Chiefs bolster wide receiver corps with rookie minicamp tryout Jaaron Hayek

Hayek (6-foot-1 and 200 pounds) was quite productive during his five-year career at Villanova, appearing in 48 career games, recording 170 career receptions for 2,744 receiving yards and 29 touchdown grabs. He earned first-team All-CAA honors in 2022 despite missing the final three games of the season due to an injury. 

At the College Gridiron Showcase pro day ahead of the 2024 NFL draft, Hayek ran a 4.59s 40-yard dash, posted a 35.5-inch vertical, a 4.25s short shuttle, a 6.90s three-cone, and 20 repetitions of 225 on the bench press. His short shuttle would have ranked seventh among receivers, his three-cone tied for fifth, and his bench press would have ranked second among all wide receivers at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

During rookie minicamp, Hayek was a clear standout from the jump. According to Chiefs team reporter Matt McMullen, during the first practice session of the weekend, Hayek was targeted multiple times and made the absolute most of his opportunities. He caught multiple deep and intermediate receptions that day. Chiefs Digest's Matt Derrick said that his Sunday was even more impressive.

"He just seems to catch everything thrown his way," Derrick said on the 41IsTheMic podcast. "I was watching some his clips on YouTube just to find out how to pronounce his name correctly and I was watching his film and I was like, 'Dang, this guy has got some speed and some pop. I see why the Chiefs are interested in him. He's got good size too."

Hayek's Villanova teammate, offensive lineman Nick Torres, was also signed by the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent ahead of rookie minicamp. 

Hayek delivers a message to Chiefs Kingdom after a successful minicamp tryout

A to Z Sports' Charles Goldman briefly spoke to Hayek after learning he'd signed with the Chiefs. The rookie says that he aims to make the most of his opportunity, by being the hardest worker he possibly can be and leaning on his veteran teammates for guidance. 

“I’m grateful to be joining one of the best franchises, fanbases, and a dynasty in the league,” Hayek told A to Z Sports. "(I'm) excited to be joining at such a historic time for the organization and I hope I can continue to be part of the culture moving into the season. All I needed was one chance and it just happened to come from a Hall of Fame coach in Andy Reid, and now I have the opportunity to play on the same offense with two of the best ever in Travis (Kelce) and (Patrick) Mahomes. I can’t wait to prove to them I belong in this league and on this team to help them win!”

Hayek is hopeful that through hard work and dedication, he can make a lasting career in the NFL and the Chiefs.