Giants Reveal Stunning WR Decision Before Vikings Game

The New York Giants will play their first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings this Saturday, and as they prepare for the event, they have released their first unofficial depth chart of the summer.

When viewing the depth chart, one thing should stand out to you immediately: Jalin Hyatt is actually working with the second team at wide receiver, and Odell Beckham Jr. — who will be playing in the exhibition affair — is with the third team. So is Malachi Fields.

The real story here is Hyatt, who has long been viewed as a sure-fire cut candidate, but has clearly impressed John Harbaugh and the coaching staff in training camp.

Now, just because Hyatt is listed as one of the top five receivers on the depth chart does not necessarily mean he is a lock to make the team. It is an unofficial depth chart, after all, and there is still ample time between now and cutdown day.

But clearly, Hyatt has looked like a new man this offseason, and it has resulted in the Giants actually showing some faith in him.

New York selected Hyatt in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. At the time, the pick was perceived as a steal considering how productive Hyatt had been at Tennessee.

And during his rookie campaign, the 24-year-old did show some flashes, catching 23 passes for 373 yards. That was good for an average of 16.2 yards per reception.

Since then, however, Hyatt has been even less than an afterthought, amassing a grand total of 13 catches for 97 yards in 2024 and 2025.

Hyatt has yet to reach the end zone across his first three NFL seasons, his route running has been subpar and he has looked lost more often than not.

So what exactly has changed this summer? And is it likely to continue?

Is it possible that former head coach Brian Daboll was simply not utilizing Hyatt properly? Could the Irmo, S.C. native actually forge a legitimate role in New York's 2026 offense?

I still have my doubts, and I do find it odd that Fields has been relegated to third-team action given how many first-team reps he has been receiving in training camp.

I will hold to my original prediction that Hyatt will end up getting released when it's all said and done, but surprises always happen during camp. Perhaps Hyatt's inclusion on the roster will be one of them.