Last season was a tough one for New York Giants and former Tennessee Vols wideout Jalin Hyatt. The rookie's usage was sporadic at best, and when he was on the field, the Giants' dreadful offensive line and rotating door at quarterback didn't make things any easier.
Now, the task of taking a step forward is even tougher after Thursday night. The Giants selected LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick of the draft.
Or...is the task truly that much greater? Could there be a silver lining for the former Vol? Perhaps.
Nabers will provide the Giants with an explosive vertical threat who can stretch the field on the perimeter or from the slot. He should draw the attention as the focal point of opposing defenses each week.
And that's a good thing for Hyatt, who provides the Giants with a second deep threat. Hyatt has shown his speed translates to the NFL level with a 16.2 yards per catch average and a handful of impressive chunk plays during the season. Now, the Giants will have someone else to chase deep downfield in Nabers, which could in turn provide opportunities down the field for Hyatt.
However, regardless, Hyatt is still going to have to produce in year two after turning in just 23 catches for 373 yards in 2023. That first step involves winning over his coaching staff enough to get on the field, it appears, as Brian Daboll and his staff largely underutilized their third-round pick from last year's draft. Between Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson, and others, Hyatt will have his work cut out for him to get on the field with his newest teammate and make a dent in opposing defenses.
More must-reads: