The NFL Draft is a time when teams get the chance to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. For the New York Giants, one of their selections in the 2023 NFL Draft was wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. What made this selection unique was the connection between Hyatt and Giants general manager Joe Schoen.
Schoen and Hyatt share an old scouting connection from their time with the Buffalo Bills. Schoen worked in the Bills’ scouting department for 13 seasons before joining the Giants in 2022. Hyatt was a standout wide receiver for the Tennessee Volunteers, catching 22 passes for 440 yards and four touchdowns in his sophomore season.
The connection between Schoen and Hyatt likely played a role in the Giants’ decision to select the talented receiver. In fact, Schoen admitted as much in an interview following the draft.
“We had a lot of interest in Jalin throughout the draft process,” Schoen said. “We knew him well from our time in Buffalo and he’s a player we believe can make an impact for us.”
Jalin Hyatt could pay off in a big way for the team
The Giants’ decision to draft Jalin Hyatt could pay off in a big way for the team. Hyatt is a dynamic receiver with blazing speed and big-play ability. He has the potential to be a game-changer for the Giants’ offense.
Hyatt’s speed is one of his most impressive attributes. He ran a 4.30-second 40-yard dash at his pro day, which would have been the fastest time at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. His speed allows him to stretch the field and create big plays downfield.
In addition to his speed, Hyatt has excellent hands and is a precise route-runner. He has shown the ability to make tough catches in traffic and has a knack for getting open. His combination of speed, hands, and route-running ability make him a dangerous weapon for any offense.
The Giants are hoping that Hyatt can develop into a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones. Jones has shown flashes of brilliance during his time with the Giants, but he has also struggled with turnovers and inconsistency. Adding a dynamic receiver like Hyatt could help Jones take his game to the next level.
Hyatt will likely have to earn his playing time with the Giants. The team has a crowded receiving corps, with players like Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, and Darius Slayton already on the roster. However, Hyatt’s skill set could make him a valuable addition to the offense, especially if he can develop a rapport with Jones.
Overall, the Giants’ selection of Jalin Hyatt is an intriguing move. The connection between Hyatt and Schoen likely played a role in the decision, but Hyatt’s talent and potential make him a player to watch in the coming years. If he can develop into the player the Giants believe he can be, he could be a key piece in the team’s quest for a Super Bowl title.
