NFL exec rips Giants rookie WR Jalin Hyatt

The New York Giants came away with what many people thought was arguably the biggest steal of the 2023 NFL Draft in Round 3. They selected Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who some analysts predicted could sneak into the first round. Instead, he slipped into Day 2 and landed with a Giants team that could definitely use the help at wide receiver.

Last season, New York’s passing game was predicated on short, quick passes. Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka catered the offense to rely on the strengths of Daniel Jones, which led to some methodical, slow-moving performances.

The team, overall, lacked speed, which Hyatt will provide in droves. He was a burner for the Volunteers, which was on full display against Alabama last season. Hyatt recorded six receptions for 207 yards and five touchdowns against the Crimson Tide, his crowning performance in a Biletnikoff Award-winning season.

That game put him on the map for NFL evaluators as his speed and big play ability should translate to the next level. Alas, not everyone is a fan of Hyatt’s game. Recently, one anonymous executive ripped into the Tennessee product, not believing he has what it takes to cut it as a professional.

“Talented athlete, obviously elite speed,” the executive said via Dan Duggan of The Athletic. “Questions are going to be the strength, and the kid is interesting. He’s just young, little squirrelly, maybe a little naïve. I don’t know if he totally gets it as far as being a pro.”

Those are some strong words about a young man who has yet to play an NFL snap. Most rookies aren’t fully ready to be pros. That is why teams devote endless amounts of time to developing their players.

There are certainly some things that he needs to work on, such as expanding his route tree. Given the offensive system that the Volunteers run, Hyatt didn’t have much diversity in the plays that he ran. That will have to change for him to succeed at the next level and be more than a one-trick pony.

Alas, he is only a few weeks into his professional career. Players deserve a little more time before being judged so harshly by executives. Even in the early going, Hyatt is going to provide an impact for the Giants, giving their offense something they sorely lacked in 2022.