Bulked-up Jalin Hyatt ready to fight for his New York Giants career this summer

Can Jalin Hyatt Finally Ignite His Giants Career?

Third-Round Pick Aims to Prove Himself After Disappointing Start

The New York Giants drafted wide receiver Jalin Hyatt in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft, hoping he'd bring explosive speed and "take the top off" defenses. Two years later, that promise remains unfulfilled. Hyatt has struggled to find his footing, failing to consistently earn the trust of coaches and quarterbacks.

But this year could be different. With three new quarterbacks on the roster all eager to work with the former Tennessee standout, a fresh start may be just what Hyatt needs.

"For myself, disappointing," Hyatt admitted when reflecting on his challenging 2024 season. "I felt like I could have done better. I had opportunities. I felt like I didn't make the most of them. It's a new year, a new opportunity. I just can't wait to go out there and ball with the guys."

Hyatt’s renewed energy is evident, fueled in part by the guidance of quarterback Russell Wilson.

"A true pro, a true leader," Hyatt said of Wilson. "He always calls me, texts me, if he sees something that he liked or didn't like, and he's so good at communicating with our receivers, with our tight ends, with our running backs. I think you can just see it in that room; everybody’s confidence is higher. It’s going to be a fun year."

One challenge Hyatt faced was his size. His initially slender frame struggled against the physicality of NFL defenders. The Giants are hoping he'll find success playing in the slot, where contact is more frequent. To prepare for this role, Hyatt has focused on bulking up.

"I played around 171-172 pounds last year and played outside mostly," Hyatt explained. "Didn’t really have a lot of slot reps. For myself, I just felt like I need to get stronger, more physical. It helped me with contested catches, helped me with blocking. Not only that, with press technique, especially going against bigger corners in the league. So that's one of the biggest emphases for myself."

Despite his offseason dedication and Wilson’s support, Hyatt won’t be handed a starting spot. He must earn it through consistent performance. Battling leg cramps and other minor ailments have limited his reps during camp, but he's adjusting to his new physique and aiming for continued improvement.

"I'm around 189, 190," Hyatt revealed. "I’m trying to maintain that 190 area and see how that works this year."

Can Hyatt finally live up to the potential the Giants saw in him two years ago? The answer will unfold as the season progresses.