After two weeks of practicing in East Rutherford to begin the summer,
the New York Giants made their way to Allen Park, Mi., to partake in joint practices with Dan Campbell's Detroit Lions. The first joint practice took place Tuesday; by all accounts, the Lions dominated the Giants offensively and defensively.
Wednesday's joint practice was an entirely different story. According to SNY's Connor Hughes, Daniel Jones went 12 of 17 with five touchdown passes. Two touchdown passes were to Darius Slayton, two to Parris Campbell Jr., and one to Darren Waller.
The veterans may be shining of late, but particular focus should be put on the youngsters. There is no better opportunity for youngsters to prove they belong on an NFL roster or in the starting lineup than by performing strongly in joint practices and preseason games. Here are four NY Giants youngsters to watch during the preseason opener in Detroit:
4. Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt
The rookie third-round pick out of Tennessee has shown off his tantalizing speed in camp and has become a significant player in the Giants offense. Jalin Hyatt's incredible speed should not come as a surprise to those who followed Tennessee last season.
Hyatt hauled in 67 passes for 1,267 yards and Tennessee's school-record 15 touchdowns in 2022. The speedster was named the Fred Bilentnikoff Award winner, honoring the nation's best wide receiver. Yet somehow, he was the 11th wide receiver taken off the board in April.
The main concern surrounding Hyatt was route running. Hyatt just ran straight past corners in college and was rarely asked to run complex routes. It is still early in the summer, but Hyatt has quickly dispelled that notion.
This ROUTE by Jalin Hyatt 😳
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) August 3, 2023
Hyatt has reportedly been “wowing” coaches with his speed and route-running abilities.
Before the NFL Draft, a Cowboys WR’s coach doubted Hyatt’s ability to run routes.
Saying “you know what you are” before Hyatt had his workout.
The Giants rookie… pic.twitter.com/tgIiLVZRqE
The Giants wide receivers room is crowded. Hyatt will compete for snaps against Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell Jr., Isaiah Hodgins, Wan'Dale Robinson, Sterling Shepard, Cole Beasley, and others to earn snaps this fall. Unlike many veteran wideouts, Hyatt is expected to play in Friday's preseason opener. A big showing could help the youngster earn the coaching staff's trust.