Jalin Hyatt (Giants) Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Impact
Draft Team: New York Giants, Round 3, 10th pick (73rd overall)
There were a lot of varying opinions on Jalin Hyatt heading into the draft, but most fantasy players agreed, even with some inconsistent points, he was one of the top receivers in the class. NFL teams seemed to have a slightly different calculus, as he slipped all the way to the middle of round 3 behind the likes of Jayden Reed and Jonathan Mingo.
Hyatt’s eventual landing spot was the New York Giants, who were looking to diversify their receiving core from exclusively undersized slot receivers. The Giants were a surprise playoff team last year as Daniel Jones continued to show growth as a passer. There are certainly better offenses to be drafted into, Jones only threw for 200 yards a game last year after all. But this feels like an ascending unit under Brian Daboll and with the addition of Darren Waller. It’s a good place for a rookie receiver to learn the position and grow.
I think this landing spot keeps Hyatt’s value pretty static from his pre-draft evaluation. As stated above, the Giants certainly aren’t a prolific passing offense, but an improving one that can support fantasy wide receivers. Hyatt’s value is much more tied to how he can develop as a player. If he can grow into a full route tree and diversify on top of his blinding top-end speed, he could easily be a top 24 fantasy wide receiver. However, if he remains simply a speed merchant, he probably won’t be worth carrying on a fantasy roster. The mid to late second-round grade feels right for a player with both warts and upside.
Jalin Hyatt Draft Preview
A big play machine and your 2022 Biletnikoff winner, Jalin Hyatt’s explosive ability will make him a coveted asset in the NFL. After waiting his turn at Tennessee, seeing limited snaps in 2020 and 2021, Hyatt burst on the scene in 2022, most notably in his ridiculous 207-yard, 5-touchdown torching of the Alabama secondary. He has some limitations to his all-around game, but those concerns will be minor for NFL teams who will covet his downfield presence.
Measurables
- 6’0″ 176 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.40
- Vertical Jump – 40″
- Broad Jump – 11’3″
Stats at Tennessee
- 2022: 67 catches, 1267 yards, 15 TDs
- 2021: 21 catches, 226 yards, 2 TDs
- 2020: 20 catches, 276 yards, 2 TDs
Strengths
Speed, speed, and more speed, that 4.4 listed above is really slower than what he plays at (and he’s been clocked at 4.31 before.) His elite speed allows him to get on corners immediately and create separation with even the fastest defenders. The required bracket covering last year to be defended, made Alabama look silly. Tracks the long ball well, and has a big catching frame. Also knows how to use his speed to fool defenders. Has better overall route running than he gets credit for.
Jalin Hyatt is a vertical highlight machine of course but the way he gets slippery on screens and then bursts upfield reminds me a lot of Devonta Smith pic.twitter.com/Ebn1Hj2vEj
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) March 25, 2023
Weaknesses
While his overall route running is decent, he ran a very minimal route tree in college. I mean, he was unguardable deep, so its not exactly his fault, but he’s going to need a fair amount of seasoning and reps in the NFL to develop his full game. Leveraging short, and intermediate routes and upgrading footwork will be important. Also was limited to mostly slot routes, so working the press and handling bigger corners up front will be a big adjustment.
Grade: A
Jalin Hyatt was one of the breakout stars in college football in 2022, and his game-breaking speed will be in demand in the NFL. His true potential as a dynasty asset will be unlocked by rounding out the rest of his game. He has Will Fuller comps now because of his speed, but if he can grow into an all-around wide receiver will keeping his big play ability, Hyatt has a huge ceiling. He’s a high-upside selection that players in your draft may reach for, and likely won’t make it past the first round.
Patrick Whelan is a 34-year-old fantasy football writer, dynasty league enthusiast, and DFS player based out of Chicago. When he’s not watching his Detroit Lions disappoint on Sundays, he’s crafting brand strategy for Gatorade, rooting on his Michigan Wolverines, or cooking elaborate meals. You can follow him on Twitter @PdiddyWay
