Joe Schoen discusses expectations for rookie WR Jalin Hyatt

Joe Schoen delivered Giants quarterback Daniel Jones a gift at the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting former Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Jalin Hyatt in the third round.

Entering his rookie season, some believer Hyatt can explode onto the scene in the NFL. Joining The Rich Eisen Show on Monday, Schoen elaborated on how Hyatt’s been fitting in as a rookie in New York thus far.

“He’s strung together — he’s another guy that the last three or four days, has really elevated his game,” Schoen said. “And again, these guys are young, specifically the rookies, they have a lot to learn. Learn how to be pros, how we do things, our process, our culture. So he’s done a good job. He’s come a long way from the spring. We expect him to continue to mature, and learn the plays and get in the playbook.

“He’s continued to do that since we’ve returned over the summer, and I think he’s seen the returns on the field. Again, he’s a vertical threat. He can run routes, he can stretch the field. He’s got excellent hands. We’ve seen all that in practice thus far.”

Last season at Tennessee, Hyatt played in 12 games, hauling in 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. His efforts were good enough to win the Biletnikoff Award, the first in the program’s storied history.

While Schoen made the pick, it was Giants head coach Brian Daboll clamoring for Hyatt in the third round that made it happen.

New York was considering taking Hyatt in the second round but could not pass up on Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz. The offensive line has been a work in progress for the Giants and suring up the middle was top priority — even more so after giving their franchise quarterback a long-term contract extension.

Once the third round rolled around and Hyatt was still on the board, Daboll decided to get aggressive. He somehow facilitated a trade of his own, communicating with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay. A simple text got the ball rolling before the two general managers made the move official.

New York moved up a few spots and got Hyatt. An incredible moment that both the Giants and Daboll will tell for years to come. Especially if Hyatt becomes a star for the franchise.

Regardless, the Giants are happy to have Jalin Hyatt, and Jalin Hyatt is happy to be in New York. Fun times are ahead for one of the NFL’s most exciting rookies in 2023.