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Quick Hits: Giants Round 3 Draft Pick WR Jalin Hyatt

Coach Gene Clemons looks at the newest Giants receiver, Jalin Hyatt out of Tennessee.
Gene Clemons|
Quick Hits: Giants Round 3 Draft Pick WR Jalin Hyatt
Quick Hits: Giants Round 3 Draft Pick WR Jalin Hyatt

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New York Giants

The New York Giants passed on the chance to take receiver Jalin Hyatt in the first round when there was a run on receivers, yet they still could grab the Tennessee Volunteers speedster after moving up in the third round at pick 73.

The Giants traded the No. 89 and 128 overall picks to the Los Angeles Rams to bring Hyatt to New York, but it might prove well worth it. He netted 20 catches of 20-plus yards in 2022, which means the Giants expect him to bring his big play ability to a receiving corps that has become extremely fast.

Adding Hyatt to a roster with Paris Campbell and Darius Slayton puts the Giants in the 4x100 race against any other teams' speedsters.

What Hyatt Does Well

Hyatt has top-end speed, creating tension for defensive coordinators because they have to ensure they have a defender keeping him from blowing the top off. He should lighten the box for the run game when he attacks the secondary.

His speed also opens up underneath routes as defenses account for his deep threat, and he can take advantage of quick pitch-and-catch opportunities because of cornerbacks playing off man or zone coverage. 

He is a real weapon on crossing routes where he can catch the ball in stride and outrun defenders for yards after the catch. In addition to his big-play ability, he finds the end zone regularly, as he recorded 15 receiving touchdowns. As a plus, he is a willing blocker.

Concerns

Hyatt is slightly built at six feet and 176 pounds, which could make it more difficult for him to win physical battles with larger defenders, particularly in the red zone and against press coverage.

While Hyatt is known for his speed and explosiveness, he could improve his route running. Specifically, he may need to work on his ability to change direction quickly and create separation from defenders when it is not just a straight line.

Even though Hyatt was in college for three seasons, this past season was his first, where he was the most utilized and trusted. He still needs to improve his craft as he transitions from college to the NFL.

Emory Hunt of Football Gameplan had this to say about Hyatt in his annual draft guide:

Suddenness and explosiveness are his top two trump cards. Once he gets a step, it’s over. He’s got great acceleration and is a legitimate deep threat. He can fluidly track the football while increasing his speed and thus continuing to create separation vs. the defender. He has the right level of confidence within his game, wanting the ball in the biggest moments."

In the end, the Giants got one of the most explosive receivers in the draft in the third round and provided Daniel Jones with another viable option in the passing game.

They did so without having to reach for players or forfeiting legitimate draft capital to obtain it. This is a big win for Joe Schoen and the Giants' front office. Big Blue fans should be excited to watch how the offensive brain trust will use Hyatt. 

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Gene Clemons
GENE CLEMONS

Gene "Coach" Clemons has been involved with the game of football for 30 years as a player, coach, evaluator, and journalist.  Clemons has spent time writing for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Bridgton News, Urbana Daily Citizen, Macon Telegraph and Football Gameplan.  He is the host of "A Giant Issue" podcast appearing on the New York Giants On SI YouTube channel.

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