Joe Schoen has taken a swing at wide receiver in each of his three drafts as New York Giants general manager. In 2022, it was second-round slot man Wan’Dale Robinson. In 2023, he grabbed Tennessee speedster and Biletnikoff winner Jalin Hyatt in the third. And last year, he went big with LSU’s Malik Nabers at No. 6 overall.
Some might call it a full-on Goldilocks story.
Hyatt has yet to make any sort of an impact, finishing his second season with just 62 yards and zero touchdowns — too cold. Robinson has shown flashes as a slot receiver but has failed to string together consistent production — too warm. Nabers already looks like a star in the making — just right.
Now, Schoen might be eyeing another shot to balance the bowl, and that brings us to Virginia Tech burner Jaylin Lane.
Virginia Tech WR Jaylin Lane met with the New York Giants
According to The Draft Network's Ryan Fowler, Lane carved out time in his packed pre-draft schedule to meet with the Giants:
Been a busy predraft process for Virginia Tech WR Jaylin Lane.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) April 3, 2025
Recent meetings with the Jets, Giants, Saints & Bills and will soon meet with the offensive staffs of the Eagles, Bears, Panthers & Chiefs, per source.
Lane and Hyatt essentially offer the same thing: deep speed. But if Schoen is looking to correct course on the Hyatt pick, circling back for Lane could be his way of getting it right the second time around.
At the combine, Lane proved he’s more than just a one-trick speedster. He ran a blazing 4.35 in the 40, posted a 40-inch vertical, and added an 11-foot broad jump. The former Hokie has got bunnies.
Lane has taken the long road to get here, bouncing from Middle Tennessee State to Virginia Tech, grinding his way into national draft conversations with his versatility, effort, and serious burst. His stats won’t blow anyone away, but the traits are there. And it sounds like the Giants took notice.
He’s not a polished route-runner just yet, and he won’t bully defenders at the catch point. But in an offense that needs more speed and creativity, Lane could offer Brian Daboll a dynamic gadget weapon who can stretch the field, handle return duties, and give opposing safeties something to think about.
As Lance Zierlein of NFL.com pointed out:
"Semi-versatile slot option with legitimate long speed and talent to add yardage with the ball in his hands. Lane can stretch defenses from the slot with his build-up speed and is a viable option in catch-and-run packages near the line of scrimmage."
If Schoen decides he’s ready to move on from Hyatt, this might be the guy to do it. Both play a similar style, but Lane’s motor, tape, and raw athleticism could give him the edge when it comes to making the final 53. It is unclear if this was just a normal pre-draft visit or a Top 30.
Goldilocks might finally have her answer. If Schoen pulls the trigger, Jaylin Lane could be the “just right” speedster the Giants thought they had all along.