Jalin Hyatt's first season with the NY Giants has been an interesting one to say the least. Appearing in all 15 games, Hyatt's compiled just 19 receptions for 343 yards and no touchdowns. His 18.1 yards per catch leads all rookie receivers, highlighting his big-play potential. His speed and ability to stretch the field vertically is why the Giants traded up to draft the former Biletnikoff Award winner.
This is uncharted waters for Hyatt. After all, he's coming off of a 1,267 yard, 15-touchdown season last year at Tennessee. The Giants offense as a whole has been stagnant all year, being near or at the bottom of the league in basically every statistical category.
It's been a hard watch whenever the offense steps on the field, but Hyatt has provided a number of highlight plays that leave fans scratching their heads as to why he doesn't receive more opportunities. With two games left, the Giants need to give their explosive rookie wideout more chances before his first season comes to an end.
"To me, I feel like I didn't help the team."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) December 27, 2023
Jalin Hyatt talks about getting no targets against the Eagles: pic.twitter.com/oppRO58RlS
Jalin Hyatt's answer to lack of targets is interesting for a rookie
After receiving no targets in the Giants' 33-25 loss to the Eagles on Christmas Day, Hyatt could've been extremely frustrated with the media. It's the fourth time this season he hasn't been targeted in a game. It's been a little over a month since his five-catch, 109-yard game against the Patriots. Since then? Two catches for 13 yards.
"You can look at it two ways: you can be down and pout and just have a bad week. Or you can come back this week and still prepare the same and still be ready for your opportunities," Hyatt said.
This is a great mindset to have, especially for a rookie. Hyatt still needs to work on some things, but his ability to blow past defenders with ease is astounding. He's been open all season on numerous occasions, but NY QBs have failed to find him.
EVERY. SINGLE. WEEK. since he started getting regular snaps, Jalin Hyatt has been open on the vertical plane 2-5X per game.
— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) November 22, 2023
Vs. LV he should've had 200+ yards based on the All-22.
When @jalinhyatt (top screen) sinks his hips & accelerates out of his break, it's over for the DB. pic.twitter.com/gme66TQin8
The goal in these next two games should be to see what your young players have. They know Hyatt is uber talented and has the speed they were searching for this past offseason when assembling the receiver room. With Tyrod Taylor back at the helm this week against the Rams, he should look to get the ball to Hyatt more to close out the season.