In NY Giants news, Jalin Hyatt has been named the X-Factor for the G-Men this year. Also, can last year's first-round pick Kayvon Thibodeaux become a superstar in year two?
With their third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the New York Giants selected Jalin Hyatt out of Tennessee hoping that their receivers would no longer be looked at as a weakness. Hyatt racked up 67 catches for 1,269 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Volunteers in 2022 and hopefully, he comes in and makes his presence known immediately.
In the 2022 NFL Draft, the Giants spent the fifth overall pick on Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was an absolute wrecking ball in college. Thibodeaux had 49 tackles, 13 QB hits, and four sacks as a rookie for the G-Men. Can he take the next step in his second year?
Here's what's trending in NY Giants news.
Every NFL Team's Biggest X-Factor Heading Into 2023 Season
Knox crowned Hyatt as the Giants' X-Factor, noting that he's wicked fast and can give the Giants offense something they haven't possessed in the Daniel Jones era.
"Hyatt is the X-factor here. His 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed makes him a legitimate home run threat, and the rookie can add an element to New York's passing attack that has been absent since Jones took over. However, the Giants don't have the best recent track record—or luck—when it comes to drafting and developing receivers."Kristopher Knox
Making the leap candidates from each NFC team for 2023 NFL season
Abdoo chose Thibodeaux as the Giants player set to make the leap this year, mentioning that after having a year of NFL action under his belt, the pressures Thibodeaux had in 2022 should be able to turn into sacks.
"For instance, per Next Gen Stats, Thibodeaux tied for the 10th-most QB pressures (22) among edge rushers from Weeks 12 to 18 last season, helping him to finish the year with the second-most pressures (40) of any rookie (Aidan Hutchison was first with 45). With an offseason to study and improve his game, those pressures should translate into sacks sooner than later."Keegan Abdoo
One thing to watch in each game of preseason Week 2: Bucs QB battle, surprising Chiefs WR take center stage
Another article that touches on the importance of Hyatt to the Giants this year is from Kerr, who listed the rookie wide receiver as the one thing to watch in the Giants/Panthers preseason game.
"Jalin Hyatt has been making plays in training camp, but he had just one catch for -4 yards in his preseason debut. Stats aren't an indicator of how performances are measured in the preseason, yet it would be beneficial for Hyatt to rack up a big play or two against Carolina's secondary. Hyatt adds a vertical presence to the Giants passing game. "Jeff Kerr