2023 stat prediction for Giants rookie WR Jalin Hyatt
Entering the offseason, the New York Giants knew they had to find a way to create more explosive plays in 2023. That's why they traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Hyatt, the 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner, was one of the most electric players in college football […]
Entering the offseason, the New York Giants knew they had to find a way to create more explosive plays in 2023.
That's why they traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Tennessee Vols wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
Hyatt, the 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner, was one of the most electric players in college football last season.
The South Carolina native caught 67 passes for 1,267 yards (18.9 yards per catch) and 15 touchdowns during a breakout junior season.
For now, Hyatt will likely start with the Giants' second team offense (though that could change based on how training camp goes). That could limit Hyatt's opportunities as a rookie.
But I still expect Hyatt to receive opportunities from New York. They didn't trade up to have him sitting on the bench all season. They want him on the field, creating explosive plays, and helping the Giants win games.
I see Hyatt making some of those big plays, though at a more sporadic rate than what we saw from him last season.
I'd expect Hyatt to have a similar yards per catch average in New York as he had at Tennessee.
So as of early summer, I think Hyatt finishes his rookie campaign with a line that looks like this:
34 receptions — 646 receiving yards — 6 receiving touchdowns
That would be a standout rookie season for a third round pick — especially if he starts the season on the Giants' second team offense.
I think New York is going to make Hyatt's speed a focal point of the offense (as much as they can). He won't be able to run by defensive backs the same way he did in college, but Hyatt still has elite speed and I think he'll have some highlight worthy moments as a rookie in 2023.
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Featured image via Jamar Coach/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
