The New York Giants put their faith in Daniel Jones by extending him to a four-year, $160 million contract earlier this offseason. But after failed attempts at finding a true, No. 1 receiver for their franchise quarterback, the Giants are hoping that third-round pick, Jalin Hyatt, can be Jones’ go-to weapon from the jump.
Can Jalin Hyatt Be a No. 1 Receiver?
Hyatt was mainly used as a vertical threat while at Tennessee, and for good reason. During his third and final season for the Volunteers, Hyatt hauled in 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. He averaged 18.9 yards per reception, 13th in the NCAA (minimum of 50 targets).
Some thought that Hyatt could be a first-round talent, with a floor of the middle second round. He was even compared to former first-rounder, Will Fuller. Hyatt was the 42nd overall prospect on the NFL Draft Industry Consensus Big Board, but after falling to No. 73 overall, he was a no-brainer for the Giants.
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While Hyatt dominated SEC competition, including five touchdowns against the Alabama Crimson Tide, some questioned his route-running abilities. NFL’s Lance Zierlein had this to say about Hyatt during the pre-draft process:
“Hyatt is ordinary getting in and out of intermediate breaks and might be best with a limited route tree full of slants, crossers, and a series of field-stretching patterns.” Even during his Pro Day, a Dallas Cowboys coach doubted Hyatt’s abilities as a route runner to his face. “You know what you are… You have a skill set, right? It’s your speed.”
"Do you not see me coach?"@JalinHyatt is confident in his route running ability 😤#HeyRookie | @Vol_Football pic.twitter.com/TtmRiMrNa7
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms)
Giant’s head coach, Brian Daboll, praised his rookie receiver on the first day of rookie minicamp. “I’m good with Jalin. Again, yeah, he’s been asked to do certain things. He’s had a couple different coaches in college. Again, day one out here, did everything we asked him to do, and each day we’ll build off that.”
Hyatt may not have the build to be a true X receiver, but his ability to affect the defenses with his speed will open up the running lanes for Saquon Barkley as well as open up the intermediate and underneath part of the field for other receivers.
Giants Current WR Depth Chart Favors Hyatt
After the failed Kenny Golladay experiment, the Giants had to kickstart their rebuild of the receiver room. While not a true receiver, the Giants upgraded their passing attack by trading for Raiders’ tight end, Darren Waller. Although injuries derailed his 2022 season, Waller is one of the best tight ends in the NFL and should be a key weapon for Jones.
They continued their retooling at receiver by signing former Colts’ receiver, Parris Campbell, to a one-year deal. Another receiver who has dealt with injuries throughout his career, Campbell is a low-risk, prove-it signing.
Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, and Wan’Dale Robinson round out the Giant’s depth chart, but Hyatt should have no problem eating away at their snaps and making an impact early. After slipping in the draft, Hyatt will be more than motivated to come in and make a difference from Day 1.