Not many have high expectations for the New York Giants in the 2024 season, but that does not apply to those inside the building, specifically second-year wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, who said he believes the roster can make the playoffs when asked about whether or not he sets high goals for himself and the team.

“Oh yeah, always man, always. You know, new year, new opportunities, new goals,” Jalin Hyatt said, via SNY Giants. “For me, I always set high expectations, and just looking at our team, looking what we got. We have a good chance to do whatever we want to do. And for goals, I just want as a team goal, we have a playoff team. That's what we want to do. That's our focus and we're gonna get there.”

To many, this is a lofty goal. ESPN's Mike Clay ranked the Giants' roster as the least talented in the NFL, despite bringing in pass rusher Brian Burns and drafting Malik Nabers to offset the departures of Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney. The Giants are one year separated from a surprising trip to the playoffs in 2022, and Hyatt clearly expects the team to get back in 2024.

It is not surprising to see Hyatt set a lofty goal and speak with confidence. He had the goal of being the offensive rookie of the year in 2023. That did not end up happening, but New York still hopes that the speedy second-year receiver can be a good piece in the offense.

Due to the departure of Saquon Barkley, the Giants are going to have to rely on other options offensively. Hyatt is one of them, but first-round pick Malik Nabers is the top name to watch, and him hitting the ground running is a recipe for the Giants to surprise and prove to Hyatt's playoff declaration right.

Giants hope Jalin Hyatt and Malik Nabers provide spark on offense

Jalin Hyatt and Malik Nabers

The Giants offense has struggled mightily in recent memory, and much of that has to do with the offensive line and the questions at quarterback, which remain with Daniel Jones expected to be the starter. However, over the last few years, general manager Joe Schoen has revamped the wide receiver room.

This started in 2022, when Wan'Dale Robinson was selected in the second round. Although he is small has not put up gaudy statistics, he showed reasons for optimism, especially for creative offensive minds in Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka. In 2023, Hyatt joined the group after the Giants selected him in the third round. He remains with the team this year and there is hope for him being a deep threat. He will likely compete with Darius Slayton, a dependable wide receiver over the last few seasons.

Malike Nabers is the obvious focal point, one of the best wide receiver prospects in the last few years. He was rated below Marvin Harrison Jr., but not by much, and he would have been the top wide receiver in most of the recent draft classes.

Nabers has flashed his ability in the spring, and the Giants hope that translates to the field right away. If he does so, the Giants might have enough on offense, as they hope the defensive side of the ball can do a significant part of the work as well. Adding Brian Burns to a defensive line with Dexter Lawrence and Kayvon Thibodeaux should give some teams some trouble, and Bobby Okereke was a very good signing last offseason as well. Though the secondary is young and unproven, which is part of why the Giants ranked last in Clay's rankings.

It is a different look for the Giants this year, but Hyatt has high expectations. He and Nabers, along with Robinson are going to be key players for the offense this year if the Giants want to get back to the playoffs.