The presence of Russell Wilson during spring practices has done wonders for New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.
While it’s still way too early to bank on Hyatt being a big-time contributor for the Giants in 2025, the 23-year-old is certainly turning heads at OTAs and minicamp. Recently, Wilson revealed he’s not exactly surprised at the fact that Hyatt looks like he’s progressing in a big way. The veteran quarterback mentioned that he saw Hyatt perform at a high level at Tennessee and even on tape during his previous runs with the Giants.
After two seasons in the NFL, Hyatt still has plenty to prove. So far, the former third-round pick has struggled to live up to being a First-Team All-SEC recipient and a Bilentinikoff Award winner in the NFL. During his rookie season, Hyatt caught 23 passes for 373 yards. Last season, he had eight catches for 62 yards.
Heading into year three, Hyatt has yet to find the end zone.
How can Wilson help him hit his stride? The veteran quarterback recently issued his thoughts.
“I think that the biggest thing is just consistency that I can bring to him every day too and just making sure that I’m always giving him the extra opportunities down the field, but also not just down the field, but in any play we’ve got and spending extra time on the field,” Wilson told reporters this week, via Giants Wire.
“He’s got great work ethic, Jalin does, and I think he’s got a great grit to him. I think that he wants to be great every day, and he’s got all the special pieces to it all.”
Work ethic is half the battle in the NFL, and a little increase in opportunities can go a long way for a young player looking to find a steady role. Right now, the Giants are practicing without the top wideout, Malik Nabers. As Wilson’s top target recovers from a toe injury, Hyatt has taken advantage of the increased workload, putting it all together with his new quarterback. So far, Wilson is impressed.
“I think what makes a great receiver is his ability to catch the ball and contest the situations—he does a great job of that, and he’s got a great opportunity, in my opinion, this year to really set the tone in a great way,” Wilson finished.
“I’ve got all the belief in Jalin and who he’s going to be and what he’s going to mean to us and make clutch plays for us when it really matters in great way. I’m excited for what he’s going to do this year and the rest of his career.”
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