It’s a make-or-break year for Jalin Hyatt. It’s really that simple. The former third-round pick from Tennessee enters the third year of his NFL career and has just 31 receptions to his name. Hyatt saw a massive decrease in production last year, catching just eight passes in 16 contests with the Giants.
It’s not going to be easy for Hyatt to see the field in Year 3 with Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, and Wan’Dale Robinson all on the depth chart. But he’s hoping that his new-look body could get him some more snaps on the outside. In a recent podcast appearance on the Giants Huddle show, Hyatt discussed his weight gain from last year, saying that he’s added 25 pounds to his frame:
"I played at like 170, 171 last year, I'm about 194, 195 now. I'm telling you, that's what darkness does to you. It changes you."Jalin Hyatt, Giants WR
Hyatt entered the NFL Combine at 176 pounds, but it’s clear that he lost weight over the last two seasons. His game is all based on speed, and that’s why he likely tried to keep weight for the first two years of his career.
But that hasn’t been working as he hasn’t been strong enough to handle press coverage on the outside, and he’s not diverse enough as a route runner to play in the slot.
RELATED: It’s only OTAs but Russell Wilson might just save a forgotten Giants playmaker
Jalin Hyatt has more work to do for a thriving NFL career than improving his body
If Hyatt is ever going to make it in the NFL, it’s going to be as a vertical outside receiver who can deal with press coverage. The added weight should help, but how much of his speed will 25 extra pounds cost him?
That remains to be seen, and that is always the fear with receivers trying to change their body composition while in the NFL.
Hyatt isn’t guaranteed a roster spot and will compete with Zach Pascal, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, and Lil’ Jordan Humphrey for one of the final receiver spots. However, he clearly believes that the added muscle and weight will enable him to appear more rugged on the outside. It’s not a bad strategy because whatever he was doing last year clearly wasn’t working, and a change was needed.
How effective will the added weight be? It’s impossible to know for sure in July, but needless to say, Hyatt needs it to work to save his job on the roster. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a shock to see the Giants cut their losses and move on ahead of Week 1.