Watch: Cowboys coach gives Jalin Hyatt bulletin board material ahead of NFL Draft
Giants rookie wideout Jalin Hyatt intends to prove that there's more to his game beyond his ability to stretch the field.
Hyatt, who recorded 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns for Tennessee last season, has a 6-foot, 188-pound frame with 4.40 speed that one would figure scouts would love. However, his limited route tree in college raised concerns among franchises and ultimately led to him slipping into the third round.
A clip from NFL Films' "Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL" series, which has gone viral recently, confirmed that teams were skeptical that Hyatt might be a one-trick pony.
The video captures Hyatt and Cowboys wide receivers coach Robert Prince conversing at the Volunteers' Pro Day, during which Prince offered Hyatt some constructive criticism.
"You know what you are, you know what you are," Prince said to Hyatt. "I'm sayin' like, you have a skillset, right? It's your speed! We’re about to see."
"What am I, coach?" Hyatt said in response. "What's that? What's that skill set? What's the skill set? Oh, okay. But I can run routes, though. We will see."
As fate would have it, Hyatt will have the opportunity to demonstrate to Prince what he's capable of twice a year.
New York traded the 89th and 128th picks in last week's draft to select the 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner 73rd overall. GM Joe Schoen later revealed the Giants snagged Hyatt thanks to HC Brian Daboll personally reaching out to Rams HC Sean McVay to strike the deal.
Time will tell if Hyatt's route-running skills translate to the NFL, though it's clear from his interaction with Prince that he's confident they will. The support the 21-year-old receives from his family and friends has unquestionably helped shape his mindset.
NFL Films posted a clip of Hyatt's draft day phone call with New York on Wednesday. After Hyatt got off the line with team brass, his family celebrated his achievement and reminded him to make the 31 teams that passed on him regret their decision.
"Prove them all wrong," Hyatt's father, Jamie, told him. "Make them pay."
Now that he has found his NFL home, it's up to Hyatt to show the rest of the league that the Giants landed a steal in the draft.
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