Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, the New York Giants’ third-round pick in last week’s NFL draft, spoke to the media on Friday at the team’s rookie minicamp and came across like a seasoned veteran.
Hyatt was mocked by some experts as a first- or second-round selection but ended up falling out of the first two rounds for what seemed to be petty reasons. The Giants ended up packaging some picks and traded up with the Los Angeles Rams to select him with the 73rd overall pick.
“People are always going to say things. I think that’s what I learned the most,” Hyatt said in response to the criticism that he ‘can’t run the route tree’ at the pro level.
“I’m here now and I’m here with the Giants, and the draft process and everything else is out of the way. I’m here, and my only focus now is getting better, learning my new teammates, learning the coaching staff here, learning the playbook and just going out there when my opportunity presents itself, and that’s my goal and that’s what I want to do.”
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Hyatt didn’t do much on Friday. He was held out of the 7-on-7 drills most likely to make way for players who were trying out as the Giants have a fairly good idea of what he can do.
Hyatt had nothing but positive things to say about his new surroundings, his new organization and, of course, the coaching staff.
“I love the coaching staff here. Coach Daboll and the coaching staff that we have, they definitely know what they’re talking about. I’m with them 24/7 trying to get the plays down, trying to learn the new playbook and just being around good guys like that and knowing that they know what they’re doing. It just makes it easier for me. I just go out there and play and just listen to them,” he said.
“I think we all know that, and whatever they ask me to do, I’m going to do it to the best ability I can do.”
Hyatt also raved about head coach Brian Daboll, the reigning NFL Coach of the Year.
“He’s very likable. Hard-nosed coach. He’s going to get on you, but that’s what you want in a coach. You want somebody that’s going to be hard on you, tell you when you’re wrong, and at the same time praise you when you’re right, so I think that’s what he is, and I’m just glad to be a part of them and this coaching staff and the teammates here,” he said.
In response to the video where Dallas Cowboys receivers coach Robert Prince was critical of Hyatt’s abilities at the next level, he took the high road.
“It didn’t bother me at all,” he said. “Coaches and — a lot of people have their own opinions on things, and I respect the Cowboys receiver coach, met with him when I went up to one of my 30 visits when I went up there. I have a lot of respect for him, and like I said, that’s in the past now.”
Asked if he will have extra motivation when the Giants face the Cowboys this year, Hyatt came up with the right answer again.
“Any team I go against, that’s going to spark me. I’m in the NFL now, and I’m here with grown men. I can’t wait to just go out there and play. It doesn’t matter what team it is or who we’re facing. I just can’t wait to go out and represent for the Giants and represent for this coaching staff,” he said.
You have to love Hyatt’s ability to handle the media and the thoughtfulness he provides with his answers. If his on-field ability is even half as impressive, the Giants may have gotten themselves a star.
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