The New York Giants are hoping for a more explosive offense in 2024 led by their new duo of exciting playmaking talent. First-round rookie wideout Malik Nabers has grabbed most of the attention at OTAs, but second-year playmaker Jalin Hyatt has also stood out during practice as he gears up for a breakout 2024 campaign.
Jalin Hyatt added muscle in preparation for the new season
Hyatt showed up to OTAs with a noticeably larger frame, appearing as though he added some muscle mass and strength during the offseason. He confirmed that improving his strength and adding weight were offseason goals of his while speaking with the media:
“Yeah, I think [getting bigger and more physical] was one of the things I wanted to improve on,” Hyatt told reporters. “Talking to coach Dabs and Coach Groh, just getting bigger. Playing on the outside, you’re going to get more press coverage and more body-to-body catches.
“So just getting bigger, getting strong with my catch point, getting stronger with my hands, and so far everything is working so far.”
When asked if he did put weight on, Hyatt confirmed that he did, but would not specify how much. However, he did clarify, “That speed didn’t go anywhere.”
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The Giants are expecting big things from Hyatt in 2024
Wide receiver coach Mike Groh praised Hyatt while speaking with the media at OTAs, saying the second-year playmaker looked like a “different guy” on the practice field:
“His growth, so far, a year removed from when he first got here is tremendous,” Groh raved. “All of the work that he put in, investing in his game — learning what, how, and why. He’s just a different guy. He’s got stronger here in the offseason.”
Expectations around the Giants’ facilities seem to be increasing for Hyatt. He had an admittedly “disappointing” rookie season, as he characterized it himself. Hyatt totaled just 23 receptions for 373 yards and did not score a touchdown. But in his second season, playing alongside an elite talent in Nabers, and playing with more strength and physicality, Hyatt’s role should increase as he takes his game to the next level.