A recent Giants draft pick just underwent a notable body transformation—and it could be the key to unlocking a long-awaited breakout

The hope for New York here should be that a more filled-out and powerful frame can help Hyatt win through contact more consistently. Hyatt's route running was not particularly refined coming out of a wide-open college spread scheme with the Tennessee Volunteers. Further complicating matters was a slender frame that lacked great length — Hyatt measured in at 176 pounds at the NFL Combine in 2023, which is fifth-percentile for NFL wide receivers since 2000. He's been on the roster at approximately 185 pounds, meaning Hyatt is potentially pushing 200 pounds this summer.

Hyatt will need to ensure that he's maintained his burst and speed amid the weight gain. If he does, Hyatt may finally have the functional strength to win at the top of routes to pair with his vertical potential. 

It is yet to be determined how long veteran quarterback Russell Wilson is going to hold the starting quarterback position this season. Wilson's touchdown-to-check down mindset as a quarterback sets the table favorably for Hyatt to get selective shots vertically down the field, as well. 

The best news of all for New York is that Hyatt is a complementary talent amid the presence of Slayton and second-year star Malik Nabers in the wide receiver room. He isn't likely to be a high-volume passing target, which is just fine. But if he can find his footing well enough to be a solid downfield counterpunch when teams cheat their coverage to Nabers, Hyatt make finally take those first steps to living up to his draft pedigree. 

After a few maddening years of offensive football, that may just be enough to take the heat off. The next step for Hyatt will be playing with his refined frame effectively win the pads come on. All the extra weight won't change a thing for Hyatt unless it shows up to help him create the separation that's been missing from his game through his first two seasons.