Former Tennessee Vols standout named as a potential under-the-radar star in the NFL in 2025

A former Tennessee Vols standout was named this week by CBS Sports as a potential under-the-radar star in the NFL in 2025. 

Former Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, a third round selection by the New York Giants in the 2023 NFL Draft, has had a relatively quiet start to his NFL career, but CBS Sports feels like 2025 could be a breakout season for the South Carolina native. 

From CBS Sports: New York Giants 2023 third-round pick wide receiver Jalin Hyatt left college football as the 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner, which goes to college football's top wide receiver. However, the speedster's NFL career has been lackluster through two seasons: Hyatt has caught just 31 passes for 435 yards, and he has yet to score a receiving touchdown.

Things could be different for Hyatt in Year 3 though with the Giants moving on from Daniel Jones and bringing in three quarterbacks who love to throw deep: 10-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson, one-time Pro Bowl quarterback Jameis Winston and 2025 25th overall pick Jaxson Dart, who led college football in yards per pass attempt (10.8) in 2024. Yes, OTAs are noncontact, but Hyatt appears to be building a nice early rapport with Wilson, who is slated to begin 2025 as the Giants starting quarterback. If New York can actually find consistency throwing deep now that Jones is gone, then perhaps Hyatt could take a major leap. 

Hyatt showed promise as a rookie in 2023, catching 23 passes for 373 yards. 

The former Vol appeared to be on his way to a breakout season in 2024 after receiving a heavy does of praise from the Giants' coaching staff during the offseason. Hyatt, however, was barely involved in New York's offense last season, catching just eight passes for 19 yards. 

It wasn't until Hyatt's third season at Tennessee that he became star player in the SEC, so he's no stranger to battling through some adversity. The 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner is as motivated as ever to have a big season. As long as he receives an opportunity this fall, it's easy to see how Hyatt could enjoy a breakout year.