Jalin Hyatt Poised for NFL Breakout as Russell Wilson Shows Faith in Former Vol Star
Jalin Hyatt entered the NFL with high expectations after an explosive college career at the University of Tennessee. Known for his electrifying speed, deep-threat ability, and big-game performances, Hyatt’s transition to the professional level has been a journey marked by moments of promise, periods of adversity, and now, an opportunity to break through. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Hyatt finds himself in a position that could define his career — a moment filled with hope, renewed confidence, and the backing of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson.
Hyatt’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. Drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, the former Vol came into the league with something to prove. At Tennessee, he had developed into one of college football’s most dangerous receivers, particularly during the 2022 season when he recorded 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. His performance against Alabama, where he caught five touchdown passes, remains etched in the minds of Volunteers fans and college football enthusiasts alike. That game alone was a testament to his rare ability to stretch defenses and make game-changing plays.
The Giants saw in Hyatt a vertical threat that could open up their offense. And in his rookie season, he showed flashes of that capability. He caught 23 passes for 373 yards, averaging 16.2 yards per reception — the highest among all Giants receivers in 2023. Though he didn’t score a touchdown that season, he showed the kind of burst and separation that suggested a bigger role could be in his future. A 58-yard catch in a comeback win against the Arizona Cardinals served as a reminder of what he was capable of when given the opportunity.
However, the 2024 season brought unexpected setbacks. The Giants’ offense as a whole struggled mightily. With injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and an offensive line that gave little time for deep routes to develop, the unit ranked at or near the bottom in nearly every major statistical category. Hyatt’s involvement in the offense diminished significantly. He caught just eight passes for 62 yards across the season and played only 35% of offensive snaps. The arrival of Malik Nabers, the Giants’ first-round pick in 2024, further complicated Hyatt’s standing on the depth chart. Nabers quickly became the focal point of the receiving corps, drawing targets and attention that Hyatt had hoped to command.
For a player who had once been the fastest rising star in college football, the regression was difficult to process. But Hyatt’s response to the adversity spoke volumes about his character and determination. In interviews late in the season, he acknowledged his struggles but emphasized his resolve. “I’m still the same guy,” Hyatt said in December 2024. “Still feeling confident, still staying ready.” Those words captured his mindset — a blend of humility, accountability, and an unwavering belief in his own ability.
What has made Hyatt’s outlook even more intriguing heading into 2025 is the presence and support of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. The Giants’ offseason was headlined by the acquisition of Wilson, the nine-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion, who arrived in New York looking for a fresh start of his own. While Wilson’s best years may be behind him, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to a locker room that desperately needs stability under center.
More importantly, early reports from offseason workouts and minicamp suggest that Wilson and Hyatt have been developing a strong rapport. Wilson, known for his ability to throw one of the best deep balls in the game, is a natural fit for a receiver like Hyatt. In practice sessions, the two have connected regularly on downfield throws, and Wilson has reportedly praised Hyatt’s work ethic, speed, and ability to adjust to the ball in mid-air. For a receiver trying to reassert his place in the offense, the confidence of a quarterback like Wilson can be transformative.
Hyatt’s skill set aligns well with Wilson’s tendencies as a passer. Throughout his career, Wilson has excelled when working with receivers who can stretch the field vertically, like Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf during his tenure in Seattle. Hyatt may not yet be at the level of those receivers, but his straight-line speed and improved route running give him the tools to thrive in similar situations. And with Wilson looking to prove he still has elite play left in him, their potential connection could become a focal point of the Giants’ new-look offense.
Another factor working in Hyatt’s favor is the Giants’ offensive scheme under new offensive coordinator Marcus Brady, who was brought in to modernize the playbook and create more explosive plays. Brady has indicated that he wants to get the ball to his playmakers in space and generate more yards after the catch — areas where Hyatt can be especially dangerous. There’s a growing sense around the team that Brady’s system will favor Hyatt’s strengths more than the previous system did, allowing him to play more freely and instinctively.
Physical development has also been a focus for Hyatt during the offseason. At 6’0” and around 185 pounds, he entered the league with concerns about his ability to hold up against press coverage and the physicality of NFL corners. This offseason, he reportedly added several pounds of muscle and has worked closely with the team’s strength staff to improve his durability. He’s also been spending time with former receivers and coaches to sharpen his route running and release techniques — areas that can help him become a more complete receiver and not just a deep threat.
Hyatt’s breakout potential is not merely based on hopeful projection. Statistically, third-year receivers often make significant leaps as they gain a deeper understanding of the pro game, build chemistry with quarterbacks, and adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses. For someone with Hyatt’s pedigree and explosiveness, a leap in production could come swiftly — especially if he starts the season hot and becomes a reliable target for Wilson.
There is also an emotional component to Hyatt’s resurgence. Those close to him have noted that he’s more focused and driven than ever before. Having faced early-career adversity, Hyatt has had to recalibrate his expectations and work through setbacks that some top prospects never have to endure. The experience has humbled him but also fueled his determination. He’s expressed a desire to prove not only that he belongs in the NFL, but that he can be one of its premier playmakers.
The Giants’ offense still has question marks going into 2025. The offensive line remains a work in progress, and the team is still figuring out how to balance targets between Nabers, Slayton, Robinson, and now Hyatt. But if Wilson continues to build trust with Hyatt, and if Brady’s offense unlocks his potential, Jalin Hyatt could very well emerge as one of the breakout stars of the season.
The NFL is a league defined by opportunity — how it’s seized, when it’s missed, and what it reveals about a player. For Hyatt, the opportunity is now. He has the talent, the physical gifts, and now the backing of a seasoned quarterback who knows what it takes to win. In many ways, the stars are aligning for Hyatt to take the next step and show the league why he was one of college football’s most feared receivers just a few short years ago.
As the 2025 season nears, Jalin Hyatt isn’t promising perfection. He isn’t declaring that he’ll lead the league in yards or touchdowns. But he is ready. Ready to prove his doubters wrong. Ready to reward those who believe in him. And ready to take flight in a league where speed kills — and where he just might be the next weapon to fear.
