The NFL has a speed problem. Not because there aren’t fast guys in the league, but because whenever one shows up, teams start acting like they’ve discovered football’s cheat code. The Giants know this all too well. Two years ago, they spent a third-round pick on Jalin Hyatt, believing his game-breaking speed would transform their offense. Spoiler alert: It hasn’t.
Hyatt was supposed to be New York’s vertical threat. He had the reputation, the highlight reel, and even clocked a rumored 24 mph sprint at training camp. But on the field? The impact just hasn’t been there. Speed can get you drafted, but it can’t run routes for you, create separation, or make you a complete receiver.
At the 2023 Combine, six of the top ten fastest WRs were drafted, including Hyatt, who tied for fifth. But if you look at the list, only one name—Zay Flowers—has actually lived up to the hype so far. The rest? Either depth pieces or outright busts.
For reference, here’s a look at the top 10 fastest WR 40 times from the 2023 NFL Draft:
Player | 40 time | Drafted team |
|---|---|---|
Trey Palmer | 4.33 | Buccaneers |
Derius Davis | 4.36 | Chargers |
Matt Landers | 4.37 | Undrafted |
Marvin Mims | 4.38 | Broncos |
Bryce Ford-Wheaton | 4.38 | Undrafted |
Tre Tucker | 4.40 | Raiders |
Jalen Moreno-Cropper | 4.40 | Undrafted |
Jalin Hyatt | 4.40 | Giants |
Zay Flowers | 4.42 | Ravens |
Jacob Copeland | 4.42 | Undrafted |
But in two seasons with the Giants, Hyatt's been a non-factor. His routes haven’t developed, he struggles to create separation, and outside of a couple of big plays, he’s been more of a spectator than a game-changer.
Now, the Giants are staring down another draft loaded with wide receiver talent, and one name stands out—Isaiah Bond. The Texas receiver isn’t just aiming to make a name for himself. He’s trying to break the all-time 40-yard dash record at the NFL Combine.
Isaiah Bond could bring unprecedented speed to the Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft
Nothing gets an NFL team’s attention faster than a blazing 40-yard dash, and Bond knows it. When asked about his upcoming Combine run, he didn’t hold back:
"I'm going to break the record tomorrow, for sure. I anticipate running a 4.20 or possibly, if I'm feeling great, I might run 4.1."
Texas WR Isaiah Bond plans to break combine record in the 40 yard dash. “I plan to run a 4.20, possibly 4.1” pic.twitter.com/MFLwpw0iHT
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 28, 2025
That’s the kind of confidence teams love, and if he backs it up, Bond’s draft stock could skyrocket—just like Xavier Worthy’s did last year when he ran a 4.21 and secured his own first-round selection. Bond is currently predicted to go in the third round.
For the Giants, Bond could be an intriguing option. He’s a former track star with elite straight-line speed, who's a dynamic athlete and dangerous after the catch. If Hyatt isn’t the answer in New York, Bond could be.
With a new quarterback likely coming to the Giants—whether that’s Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, or whoever—adding a true deep threat next to Malik Nabers could open up the offense in ways Hyatt never did.
If Bond delivers on his Combine promise, don’t be surprised if he becomes a serious third-round target for the Giants. All eyes will be on Bond at the combine.