Confidence in the NFL isn’t always forged under the bright lights on Sunday-it’s often built in the quiet moments, behind the scenes, where young players grind through the learning curve. For New York Giants rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, that journey has been anything but smooth.
Limited snaps, a crowded depth chart, and some tough growing pains have made his transition to the pros a challenge. But despite the bumps, the Giants aren’t backing off their belief in the former college standout.
Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly didn’t sugarcoat the situation when he spoke on Thursday. He acknowledged Hyatt’s struggles-particularly with communication and timing-but he also made one thing very clear: the organization still sees something in him.
“That fourth, fifth receiver role is tough in this league,” Kelly said. “You’ve got to know everything. You have to be able to step in and execute whatever position we need you in at that point in time.”
That’s the reality for a young wideout trying to carve out a role on Sundays. It’s not just about route-running or athleticism-it’s about mastering the playbook, knowing every receiver spot on the field, and being ready to jump in at a moment’s notice. And that’s where Hyatt is still finding his footing.
Kelly didn’t shy away from the fact that Hyatt has been involved in some of the communication breakdowns that have plagued the offense at times this season. “He’s been right there in the center of them,” Kelly admitted. But instead of pointing fingers, Kelly pointed to Hyatt’s work ethic and willingness to improve.
“He’s actively working to correct those issues and earn trust,” Kelly said.
That trust, though, hasn’t consistently translated into game-day production. And that’s the part that remains a bit of a mystery-even to the coaching staff.
“I wish I had that answer,” Kelly said. “If I had that answer, I don’t think we’d be having this conversation.”
It’s a candid admission from a coach who clearly sees potential but also recognizes the developmental hurdles that come with playing in a complex NFL offense. Hyatt’s speed and talent are undeniable, but in a league where mental reps matter just as much as physical ones, the margin for error is razor-thin-especially for a young receiver trying to climb the depth chart.
For now, the Giants are staying patient. They believe in Hyatt’s upside. And while the flashes haven’t turned into consistent production just yet, the door remains open for him to take that next step.
The question now is when-not if-he’ll put it all together.