Jalin Hyatt Can't Wait to Hit the Ground Running for Giants
After upgrading the defensive secondary and offensive line in the first and second rounds (respectively) of the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Giants secured another speedy wideout for their arsenal in the third round in Tennessee's Jalin Hyatt.
Hyatt gives the Giants a true deep threat in the passing game, as he boasts deadly speed, good hands, and excels at vertical route running. His potential was best shown in a high-leverage game against the Alabama Crimson Tide, where he racked up 207 receiving yards and five touchdowns to lead Tennessee to a season-defining victory against a college football powerhouse.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen got to witness Hyatt’s abilities first-hand.
“I was on the field for the first half,” Schoen said to the media after Day 2 was completed. “I was coming from another game, landed (in Knoxville), and then I was on the field. I could feel his speed. It’s legit 4-3; he can roll.”
To secure Hyatt, the Giants felt they needed to trade up. So they swapped third-round picks with the Rams and threw in their fourth-rounder to move up to No. 73, a trade that, interestingly enough, was orchestrated by Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Speaking of Daboll, he said he was impressed with Hyatt’s skills, even comparing him somewhat to a former player from his time as the Bills offensive coordinator.
“I think he runs some of the routes that we run (in New York),” Daboll said. “You can see, a little bit like Gabe, how it might translate. He has qualities you like when you're watching him.”
Hyatt is well aware of his role and why the Giants picked him, and he’s fully embraced it.
“I feel like I’m the best deep-threat receiver in the draft,” Hyatt said during a conference call with the media. “The Giants believe they got a playmaker--someone who’s dynamic and explosive--and that’s what I want to bring and add to the team.”
While Hyatt’s speed is his greatest asset, he wants to show that he’s the entire package.
“I love it when I'm counted out," he said. "The Giants took a chance on me. Now, it's time to put in the work. I was never picked first for anything. I'm grateful for the Giants giving me an opportunity, and I can't wait to go and show and do what I have to do.”
Throughout the 2022 season, the Giants lacked a wide receiver, creating headaches for opposing defensive coordinators. During the offseason, Schoen and the front office focused on improving the receiving corps (including tight end) by acquiring tight end Darren Waller, signing Parris Campbell, and re-signing Isaiah Hodgins and Darius Slayton.
But the 21-year-old Hyatt, who won the Fred Biletnikoff Award and was named a unanimous All-American in 2022, could emerge as the team's No. 1 receiver, something they had hoped to find in Kenny Golladay before his career fizzled out with the Giants.
Hyatt is extremely confident that he’ll fill that role and attributes that confidence to the work he puts in to better himself.
“I'm going to be learning from the players, developing a bond with them, understanding their style of football, getting plays down, understanding the playbook, but at the same time, I'm there to show my opportunity and show why I should be here,” Hyatt said.
It didn’t take long for Hyatt to receive a text message from his new quarterback, Daniel Jones, who asked him, “Are you ready to go?”
“I can already tell he's the leader of the team,” Hyatt said. “When I get up there, I'm going to meet with him and understand what he does, what he likes in games, what his best throws are, and what he wants me to do for him. I think when you build that connection with a quarterback, you can go as far as you want to go."
“I'm here for the team. I'm here for the coaches," Hyatt added. "I'm here for Daniel Jones and what he wants to do. They brought a great asset, and I'm just here to prove why I'm here.”
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