EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Daniel Jones might have a new best friend.
The Giants Friday traded up for the second time in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft to secure a player they wanted. A day after moving up one spot to take cornerback Deonte Banks in the first round, the Giants dealt the 89th overall selection and their fourth-round pick, No. 128, to the Los Angeles Rams for No. 73, where they chose Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who instantly becomes the Giants' fastest player, most lethal deep threat and perhaps Jones' favorite target.
Hyatt heard from Jones before he had a chance to begin his post-selection conference call with the media.
"Daniel, he already texted me," Hyatt said. "I can already tell, he's the leader of the team. Like I said, by the time I get up there, that's one of the first that I'm going to meet with to understand what he does, what he likes in games, what his best throws, what he wants me to do for him. I think when you build that connection with a quarterback, you can go as far as you want to go."
Hyatt is confident he can go far – and get there quickly.
"The Giants, they wanted explosive playmakers and that's what I want to bring and add to the team," he said.
No Giants receiver caught more than 57 passes, gained more than 724 yards nor scored more than four touchdowns in 2022, so Hyatt should have an opportunity to make an immediate and substantial impact.
Which is why general manager Joe Schoen was not going to wait and hope Hyatt was still available 16 picks after they selected him.
"It was a good player that we liked that was kind of sticking out on our board, so at a position that we thought he could help us at receiver," Schoen said. "He ran 4.3 and some change (in the 40-yard dash), and you could feel his speed on film. I mean, that's legit. Just a player we liked, and we spent some time with, and we thought the value is good for what we had to give up to go get him."
Coach Brian Daboll, a serial FaceTimer, started the conversation between the teams by texting Rams coach Sean McVay.
"Dabs actually executed his first trade," Schoen said. "He initiated the trade with the Rams; so, I congratulate him on that. If you know somebody, hey, why don't you shoot the Rams a text, or you know, give them a call and again, this is what it looks like it would be, does it make sense and we just call and say, hey, when you're on the clock, let us know."
Daboll first had to master the basics of texting.
"We had to type it in his phone for him," Schoen said. "He said, 'Here, just type it in for me.'"
View photos of the New York Giants' seven-member draft class.
Round 1, Pick No. 24 - Deonte Banks, CB, Maryland
Round 2, Pick No. 57 - John Michael Schmitz, OL, Minnesota
Round 3, Pick No. 73 - Jalin Hyatt, WR, Tennessee
Round 5, Pick No. 172 - Eric Gray, RB, Oklahoma
Round 6, Pick No. 209 - Tre Hawkins III, CB, Old Dominion
Round 7, Pick No. 243 - Jordon Riley, DL, Oregon
Round 7, Pick No. 254 - Gervarrius Owens, DB, Houston
Maryland defensive back Deonte Banks (3) reacts to a Michigan turnover in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Maryland defensive back Deonte Banks (3) defends Michigan wide receiver Cornelius Johnson (6) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Maryland's Deonte Banks, right, intercepts a pass intended for Indiana's Andison Coby (10) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) calls out a blocking coverage against Penn State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) calls out a blocking coverage against Penn State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks for someone to block against Penn State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) calls out a blocking coverage against Penn State in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks to block Penn State defensive tackle Coziah Izzard (99) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks for someone to block against Penn State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Minnesota offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz (60) looks for someone to block against Penn State in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) celebrates a touchdown during an NCAA football game against Ball State on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Missouri Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) catches a touchdown pass as he is defended by Purdue safety Cam Allen (10) in the second half of the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game Thursday, Dec. 30, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) celebrates his touchdown against Ball State during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) catchers a touchdown pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) runs for yardage as Tennessee Martin safety Carson Evans (12) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) runs for a touchdown after catching a pass from Princeton Fant during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Tennessee Martin Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) dives into the end zone between Ball State defenders for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) runs for yardage during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 38-33. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt (11) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray carries against Oregon during the second half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) runs upfield during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas at the Cotton Bowl, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Dallas. Oklahoma won 55-48. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) celebrates with offensive lineman Erik Swenson (77) after scoring a touchdown against Iowa State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma won 28-21. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) fights to escape a tackle by Western Carolina defensive lineman K.J. Milner (96) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma won 76 -0. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) is pushed out of bounds short of the goal line by Kansas safety Kenny Logan Jr. (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Lawrence, Kan. Oklahoma won 35-23. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Iowa State during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, in Norman, Okla. Oklahoma won 28-21. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Nebraska defensive lineman Deontre Thomas, left, tackles Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) runs ahead of West Virginia linebacker Exree Loe (6) for a first down during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sep. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) runs ahead of West Virginia linebacker Josh Chandler-Semedo (7) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma running back Eric Gray (0) looks at Western Carolina safety Charles Gadie (7) on a run during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
CB Tre Hawkins III, Old Dominion
CB Tre Hawkins III, Old Dominion
CB Tre Hawkins III, Old Dominion
CB Tre Hawkins III, Old Dominion
CB Tre Hawkins III, Old Dominion
CB Tre Hawkins III, Old Dominion
CB Tre Hawkins III, Old Dominion
Oregon defensive lineman Jordon Riley (91) in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Oregon defensive lineman Jordon Riley (91) pressures California quarterback Kai Millner (2) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Oregon defensive lineman Jordon Riley, left, and linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, right, tackle Washington State wide receiver Robert Ferrel, center, during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Young Kwak)
Oregon football player Jordon Riley (91) participates in a position drill at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon football player Jordon Riley (91) participates in a shuttle drill at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon football player Jordon Riley (91) participates in a position drill at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon football player Jordon Riley (91) participates in a position drill at the school's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
Oregon DL Jordon Riley
Oregon DL Jordon Riley
Houston DB Gervarrius Owens
Houston DB Gervarrius Owens
Houston DB Gervarrius Owens
Houston DB Gervarrius Owens
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke).
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens (2) runs with an interception against Texas Tech during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Kansas running back Devin Neal (4) is tackled by Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens (2) runs with an interception against Texas Tech during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Houston defensive back Gervarrius Owens (2) pushes South Florida running back Kelley Joiner Jr. (3) out of bounds on his gain during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Schoen is a longtime friend of Tennessee coach Josh Heupel, who provided valuable intel on his speedy receiver.
"We go way back," Schoen said. "Oklahoma was my (scouting) area a long time ago when he was a quarterbacks coach. I've known him for a long time, and he was the head coach at Central Florida when we took Gabe Davis when we were in Buffalo. There's some history there. I called him at some point today and just checked on Hyatt. We had him in on a visit. I'm not sure why he was there, but we feel good about him and glad he was."
What does Schoen think of the Jones/Hyatt partnership?
"We'll see how it works out," he said. "I know we've spent time with him. He's a great kid and he embodies what we want to be about. He's a good football player. Everybody is going to come in here, compete, earn their spot, and we'll see how it falls. But he's wired the right way.
Hyatt, 6-0 and 195 pounds, was one of the fastest, most exciting, and most productive receivers in the draft. In 2022, he was arguably the most explosive playmaker in college football, a unanimous All-America.
In his first two seasons with the Volunteers, Hyatt caught 41 passes, averaged 12.2 yards per reception and scored four touchdowns. In 12 games last year – he opted out of the Orange Bowl – Hyatt had 67 receptions for 1,267 yards, an 18.9-yard average, and scored a school single-season record 15 touchdowns. Hyatt's five touchdowns against Alabama were another Tennessee record.
"I think he's a good player," Daboll said. "I think he runs some of the routes that we run here. You can see, a little bit like Gabe, how it might translate. But everything is new for him. He's a young guy. We'll throw him in the mix with the other receivers and let those guys compete it out. A good visit here. Definitely has some qualities that you like when you're watching him. Good young man. So, happy we have him."
Despite his impressive numbers, Hyatt is eager to prove there's more to his game than blazing speed.
"I love it when I'm counted out and the Giants, they took a chance on me," Hyatt said. "So, I'm forever grateful but at the same time, I know now it's time to put in the work and now I know it's time to go. I was never picked first for anything. I'm grateful for the Giants giving me an opportunity and I can't wait to go and show and do what I have to do."
Step into the new draft room as the Giants make their picks for the 2023 class.
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Mike Groh Wide Receivers Coach, Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Kevin Abrams Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Hannah Burnett College Area Scout – Midlands
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Hannah Burnett College Area Scout – Midlands
Kevin Abrams Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy
Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Ronnie Barnes Senior Vice President, Medical Services/Head Athletic Trainer, Jerry Meade Vice President of Security, Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator, Jessie Armstead Special Assistant to the General Manager, Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Brendan Prophett College Area Scout – Midwest
Patrick Hanscomb College Area Scout – Mid-Atlantic
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Ronnie Barnes Senior Vice President, Medical Services/Head Athletic Trainer, Jerry Meade Vice President of Security, Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer, Don Martindale Defensive Coordinator, Jessie Armstead Special Assistant to the General Manager, Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Brandon Brown Assistant General Manager, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tim McDonnell Director of Player Personnel, Dennis Hickey Assistant Director of Player Personnel
Kevin Abrams Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Jeremy Breit National Scout, Marcus Cooper College Area Scout – Southeast
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Marquis Pendleton College Area Scout – Northeast
Scott Hamel Area Scout – Southwest
Chris Rossetti Director of Pro Scouting
Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Brian Daboll Head Coach
Brian Daboll Head Coach
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Jerry Meade Vice President of Security, Steve Tisch Chairman and Executive Vice President, Brian Daboll Head Coach, Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, John K. Mara, Esq. President and Chief Executive Officer
Jeremy Breit National Scout
Chris Mara Senior Vice President, Player Personnel
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager
Marcus Cooper College Area Scout – Southeast
Joe Schoen Senior Vice President and General Manager, Tyseer Siam Director of Football Data & Innovation
