Fantasy Impact: Giants Take Jalin Hyatt in Third Round of 2023 NFL Draft
Jalin Hyatt was drafted by the Giants with the No. 73 pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The former Tennessee playmaker is the 10th wide receiver taken in this year’s draft. Hyatt’s speed and big-play ability should put him in a position to contribute in New York's offense from the get-go.
At this year’s NFL combine, Hyatt reached 24.29 mph on his 40-yard-dash. That was the third-fastest top speed among the 208 players tracked and the fastest speed among all wideouts.
Jalin Hyatt Fantasy Football Ranking and Analysis
Fantasy Football Dynasty Ranking: Wide Receiver No. 8
Fantasy Football Redraft Ranking: Wide Receiver No. 67
Hyatt joins the likes of Darren Waller, Darius Slayton, and Wan'Dale Robinson as part of Daniel Jones' receiving corps but brings a bit of a different skill set to this offense. Wideout Isaiah Hodgins showed promise last season, but Parris Campbell is often injured and Slayton has to control his drops. The Giants needed depth at wideout and Hyatt could make an impact in his first year if he and Jones develop some chemistry. Robinson is currently manning the slot, which puts Hyatt in a rotation with Slayton.
Given his ability to stretch defenses and score from a distance, Hyatt will be a popular fantasy football draft pick, especially in dynasty leagues. But keep in mind, players with his ability are typically inconsistent when it comes to scoring fantasy football points. Sure he’ll have a handful of games where he grabs four or five passes for big yards and a score but he’ll also have those disappointing outings with just one or two receptions for 40 yards. In other words, some fantasy football managers will be frustrated when deciding to start or sit Hyatt in their lineup. Regardless, he’ll be productive enough to warrant a spot on fantasy teams, especially given the Giants' need for playmakers in the passing attack.
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Jalin Hyatt Pro Comparison and College Stats
Hyatt had a breakdown season as a junior for the Volunteers that earned him All-American honors and was the recipient of the Biletnikoff Award. He finished with 15 touchdowns, tied for second-most among FBS wide receivers, and the fifth-most yards, 1,267.
The third-round rookie has drawn comparisons to DeSean Jackson and Will Fuller thanks to his speed (ran a 4.4 40-yard dash), yards per catch average (18.9) and down-field playmaking ability. He also has a similar frame and build as Fuller with both checking in a 6’0 and around 180 pounds.
