Jalin Hyatt might have a little extra motivation for one of his new rivals.
A video of the rookie receiver talking with a Cowboys coach from Tennessee’s pro day went viral on Monday from NFL Films’ “Hey Rookie Welcome to the NFL” series.
Coach: You know what you are.
Hyatt: What am I, coach?
Coach: You know what you are.
Hyatt: What’s that?
Coach: I’m sayin’ like you have a skill set, right?
Hyatt: What’s that skill set?
Coach: It’s your speed.
Hyatt: But can run routes, though.
Coach: We’re about to see.
Hyatt: We will see.
The exchange sparked some debate on social media as some took it as the coach doubting Hyatt, while others saw it as a coach challenging a player to perform at a high level.
The video then shows a portion of Hyatt’s workout in front of coaches and scouts ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hyatt must have impressed the Giants.
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Giants GM Joe Schoen traded up from No. 89 to 73 in order to select Hyatt in the third round.
“I feel like I’m the probably best deep threat receiver in this draft,’’ Hyatt said. “The Giants really got a dynamic playmaker, an explosive playmaker. I really believe the Giants added somebody who will change the game and I can’t wait to do that and show that.’’
There is little doubt that receiver is a position of need for the Giants.
Isaiah Hodgins currently tops the depth chart and Hyatt could be the No. 2 receiver heading into training camp. The team also signed veteran Jamison Crowder this offseason.
“It’s like anything,’’ Schoen said of the decision to trade up. “If you want it and have the resources to get it, go get it. I’ve been on the other side of that when you’re sitting there kicking yourself for not doing something.’’