Since the New York Giants traded up to select him in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Jalin Hyatt has largely been disappointing. He recorded just eight catches for 62 yards in 2024 and has yet to score his first NFL touchdown.
Some of his struggles come down to quarterback play, as Daniel Jones and Tommy DeVito aren’t exactly suited to the former Tennessee standout’s strengths. But entering Year 3, Hyatt is set to benefit from a revamped quarterback room headlined by Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jaxson Dart — three signal-callers who have the arm strength to take advantage of his blazing speed.
And the early signs have paid dividends, as his rapport with Wilson has immediately developed.
Jalin Hyatt's connection with Russell Wilson is giving Seattle vibes
When addressing the media on Tuesday, Assistant GM Brandon Brown said that the 10-time Pro Bowler sees shades of Tyler Lockett in the 23-year-old.
"The relationship with him and Russ is really going to be the opportunity to unlock him,” Brown told SNY. “As soon as Russ got here, he was really emphatic in saying that Jalin reminds him of certain guys he had back in his Seattle days.”
That kind of endorsement carries weight.. Wilson has played with no shortage of great receivers during his time in Seattle. From DK Metcalf to Doug Baldwin to Lockett himself, there are five Pro Bowl appearances between the trio, which bodes well for the 2023 Biletnikoff Winner if the 36-year-old sees him as his new Lockett.
In his career, the 29-year-old, a fellow third-round pick, has amassed nearly 8,600 receiving yards and 61 touchdowns in his 10-year career, and has been one of the league’s most underappreciated players across that time span.
After spending a few weeks sidelined due to a hamstring issue, the South Carolina native is back on the field and has impressed. Not only is his connection developing with Wilson, but he and Dart made some nice plays in camp.
While Hyatt’s name briefly surfaced in trade rumors earlier this offseason, the Giants appear committed to his development. He is a lock to make the Week 1 roster alongside Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Darius Slayton, as the G-Men look to bring juice back to MetLife Stadium.
After previously being labeled one of the franchise’s bigger draft busts in recent memory, he now has an opportunity to rewrite the narrative and deliver the campaign fans have been waiting for it with Wilson now in New York.