The New York Giants traded up in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft to secure Jalin Hyatt’s services.
Immediately, many projected the Biletnikoff Award winner to be the Giants’ deep-threat receiver, someone to spread the opposing defense and open up things for Saquon Barkley, Darren Waller, and Wan’Dale Robinson.
This take didn’t sit well with Hyatt. Yes, he runs a blazing 91st-percentile 4.40 40-yard dash, but he has been eager to show the football world that he’s not only more than just a “fast guy” but deserves to be mentioned with the same names as other receivers in the top of the ’23 draft class.
In week 12 against the Patriots, Hyatt got to show his alpha-WR potential in his first game deserving of the “breakout” label, and doing so with third-string quarterback Tommy DeVito.
After turning six targets into five receptions and 109 yards, is it time to consider Jalin a viable fantasy stash off the Week 13 waiver wire as the playoffs loom?
IS HYATT MORE THAN JUST A DEEP THREAT?
Being a receiver in a Josh Heupel-coached offense at Tennessee has meant that draft analysts generally haven’t felt they can get a good enough beat on a player to tell how good they’ll be in the pros.
This was no exception with Hyatt’s limited route tree during his time with the Vols– as highlighted by his six reception, 207-yard, and five touchdown performance against Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide.
Through his first 12 weeks, he still only averaged a 47% snap share. However, he saw a season-high 70% route participation, 26% target share, and a 65% air target share against the Patriots in what resulted in a career-best 15.9 fantasy points.
So, while the opportunities have been limited during the team’s quarterback carousel, Jalin is gradually showing more on tape that he belongs in the Giants’ alpha-WR conversation. No one else has stepped up, albeit the quarterback situation has been abysmal, but there could be some late-season streamer upside with Hyatt.
SUMMARY
Now isn’t the time to save up on FAAB. If you’re close, or already in, to your fantasy playoffs, it’s time to take shots on league-winning upside.
Consistently more playing time looks like the big question mark for Hyatt for the latter part of the season. But, a Week 13 bye week may just be good timing to get the post-bye rookie bump with the team at the bottom of the league.
Plus, the bye will likely keep his FAAB price down since he won’t be available to play this week. In total, Hyatt is worth a stash in deeper leagues, and his blow-up potential is real as he continues to develop chemistry with DeVito.
Has he done enough to rise up The Wolf’s Rest Of Season Big Board And Rankings? Check out before setting your waiver wire requests this week.
