The NFLPA has identified New York Giants rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt as one of the league’s “rising stars” in 2023. He joins nine other rookies and 10 veterans who made the list.
Per the NFLPA, “the annual Rising Stars list identifies top Rookies and Veterans poised to have breakout seasons, gain fan support and ultimately rank among the top-sellers of all officially licensed player merchandise.”
Hyatt was among those who attended the 2023 NFL Players Rookie Premiere, which also factors into the NFLPA’s “rising stars” list.
During his time at the rookie premiere, Hyatt received a surprise message from former Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Here's a pre-season pep talk from the Rookie Premiere that these @NFL rookies will never forget #FanaticsLockerRoom
Good luck to all the rookies! pic.twitter.com/zZEeInX85I
— Fanatics (@Fanatics) June 8, 2023
“Don’t break all my records on the rookie year,” Beckham Jr. said. “Save me a few things, man.”
Hyatt has been a bit of a lightning rod since the Giants traded up to select him in Round 3 of the 2023 NFL draft. He’s routinely the focus of odd criticisms and continued doubt, which stems back to a pre-draft exchange with Dallas Cowboys wide receivers coach Robert Prince.
Despite the outside noise, the Giants have been nothing but pleased with Hyatt.
“He’s maximized every opportunity to get better,” wide receivers coach Mike Groh said during minicamp.