Tennessee offensive players adjusting to the NFL was a point of major conversation and worry during the NFL Draft process. It’s the main reason Biletnikoff Award winner and 1,200-plus yard receiver Jalin Hyatt fell to the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The New York Giants took the former Tennessee star during the draft and New York media asked head coach Brian Daboll about the adjustment for Hyatt from the Vols’ offense to the Giants’ offense Friday.
Daboll rejected the notion that Hyatt’s adjustment to the NFL would be harder than any other rookie.
“I wouldn’t say it’s really that different,” Daboll said. “I think Josh (Heupel) does a fantastic job there. Runs a lot of good football plays. He executed them well, Jalin did, and everybody runs a different offense that’s not exactly the same. But Josh has had a pretty dynamic offense ever since he’s coached.”
Daboll is entering his second season as the Giants’ head coach after spending four years as the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator where he picked former UCF receiver’s Gabe Davis’ mind about Heupel utilized option routes in his system.
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New York had a breakout season in Daboll’s first year, going from a 4-13 record to 9-7-1 while winning a playoff game.
The Giants are looking to take another step forward after re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones this offseason. How does Hyatt fit into New York’s offensive plan?
“It’s going to be up to him to go out there and show what he can do,” Daboll said. “We’ve had two days, we had an OTA, but we’ve had two days. He’s got a lot of work ahead of him just like everybody on the team does. Everybody will earn their role, whatever that may be.”
While it’s still very early in training camp, Hyatt is turning heads and even earning some first team reps according to reports.
This REP by Jalin Hyatt 😳
Hyatt reportedly received “a lot” of first team reps at Giants training camp yesterday.
That is Hyatt’s first time running with the starters since he was drafted.
Hyatt also reportedly “impressed” during the 1-on-1 portion of practice.
The Giants… pic.twitter.com/xu8y1WyfZy
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) July 29, 2023
Hyatt was one of the breakout stars of one of Tennessee’s resurgent 2022 season, catching 67 passes for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Irmo, South Carolina native broke onto the national scene during his five touchdown performance in Tennessee’s win over Alabama.
