The New York Giants selected Tennessee receiver Jalin Hyatt with the 73rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on Friday night.
Hyatt is the third Vol off the board in the 2023 draft, coming after Darnell Wright with the 10th overall selection in the first round to the Chicago Bears and quarterback Hendon Hooker with the 68th overall pick to the Detroit Lions.
The Irmo, South Carolina native had a relatively quiet first two years in Knoxville before breaking onto the scene in a big way in his junior season.
Hyatt was one of the Vols’ top stars in their 2022 breakout season, catching 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 6-foot slot receiver was dominant in a four-game stretch in the middle of the season including his legendary 207 yard, five-touchdown performance against Alabama.
The speedster’s impressive stats and dominant performance against Alabama were good for Hyatt to earn an abundance of accolades. The junior was a First Team All-SEC selection and became the first Tennessee player to win the Biletnikoff Award— given annually to the nation’s top pass catcher.
We got a WEAPON 😤
📰: https://t.co/Vb4QY73w61 pic.twitter.com/Qrxtm8BHGa
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 29, 2023
Darnell Wright: Darnell Wright Becomes First Vol Drafted in the First Round
When the 2022 season ended, Hyatt was viewed as a lock to go in the first round of the draft but that became less certain in the months leading up to the draft. Hyatt had an average performance at the NFL Combine and many questioned whether he had diverse enough of a skillset to thrive in the NFL.
What position Hyatt plays is a major question. The former Tennessee star played in the slot in Knoxville but doesn’t have the typical NFL slot receiver skillset. Hyatt’s insane speed could have him moving outside in the NFL.
In New York, Hyatt will be the only Tennessee Volunteer on the roster. Hyatt will bring the Rocky Top energy to New York and quarterback Daniel Jones.
hehe pic.twitter.com/7ANEz0fK0b
— New York Giants (@Giants) April 29, 2023
