The New York Giants drafted wide receiver Jalin Hyatt with the 73rd overall pick, hoping the reigning Fred Biletnikoff Award winner would become an immediate weapon for Daniel Jones. However, as other rookies enter the summer coming off strong performances in OTAs and minicamp, Hyatt appears to be struggling.
Hyatt broke out last season at Tennessee, eclipsing 1,200 receiving yards with 15 touchdowns after combining for 502 yards and four scores in his first 17 games. The breakout season earned him All-American honors and elevated his stock from a Day 3 pick into a top-75 selection.
- Jalin Hyatt stats (2022): 67 receptions, 1,267 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, 18.9 ypc
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When New York selected Hyatt in the third round, many hoped he could play a prominent role in an offense with opportunities for the taking. Despite the Giants not having some of the best receiving depth in the NFL, though, Hyatt will enter training camp buried on the depth chart.
While Parris Campbell is emerging in New York, Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that Hyatt spent most of the offseason program with the third-string offense. As the Giants’ beat reporter notes, the rookie wide receiver faces an “uphill climb” to earn a role in 2023.
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Hyatt is one of the fastest NFL players, but he’s underdeveloped as a wide receiver. Outside of screens and vertical routes, Hyatt struggles to create separation and his route-running is behind other rookie wide receivers.
For now, Hyatt’s role in 2023 with New York is projected to see him deployed as a rotational vertical threat who plays limited snaps in his rookie season. In order for him to change that, Hyatt will need to demonstrate in training camp that he’s a better route-runner and can handle press coverage far better than he ever has before.
