Giants OTAA Standouts: Jackson Dart, Jaylen Hyatt, and Dane Belton Impress

Giants OTAA Highlights: Rising Stars and Promising Performances

The New York Giants' Organized Team Activities (OTAAs) have wrapped up their fifth day, providing valuable insights into the team's progress and potential standout players for the upcoming season. This comprehensive analysis delves into the performances of three key players who have made significant impressions during these early practice sessions: rookie quarterback Jackson Dart, wide receiver Jaylen Hyatt, and safety Dane Belton.

Jackson Dart: A Rookie Quarterback Making Waves

According to reports from giants.com, Jackson Dart has emerged as one of the biggest winners of the OTAA sessions so far. The rookie quarterback has not only displayed confidence and brought a fresh energy to the quarterback room, but he has also performed admirably with both the third-team offense and even received snaps with the first-team unit.

Dart's Impressive Showing

Giants.com praised Dart's performance, stating, "No one is perfect, but Jackson Dart does not look like a fish out of water." This assessment is particularly noteworthy given the challenges rookies, especially quarterbacks, face when learning a new team system. The fact that Dart doesn't appear overwhelmed and has made some impressive throws is a positive sign for the Giants' future.

Showcasing Versatility

Dart has demonstrated his ability to make plays both from the pocket and on the move. He's connected with various receivers, including:

• A great catch by seventh-round pick Thomas Fedona II over the middle
• A nice pass to Theo Johnson between defenders
• A completion to Amir Smith Marcett while rolling to his left
• A successful throw to Lil Jordan Humphrey on the opposite sideline

These plays highlight Dart's arm talent, accuracy, and mobility - all crucial attributes for a modern NFL quarterback.

Quarterback Depth Chart Implications

While Russell Wilson is expected to be the day one starter, Dart's strong showing in OTAAs could potentially impact the Giants' quarterback hierarchy. If the team struggles midseason, there's a possibility that Dart could be called upon before veteran backup Jameis Winston.

Jaylen Hyatt: Seizing His Opportunity

With Malik Neighbors sidelined due to a lingering toe issue, third-year wide receiver Jaylen Hyatt has been given an expanded role in the Giants' offense during OTAAs. This opportunity couldn't have come at a better time for Hyatt, who is entering a critical year in his NFL career.

Russell Wilson's Endorsement

Newly acquired quarterback Russell Wilson has spoken highly of Hyatt, stating, "He's a guy that's been untapped in terms of what he knows he's capable of." Wilson, a 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, also predicted that Hyatt "is going to have a great year this year."

OTAA Performance

Hyatt has been making the most of his chances during the practice sessions:

• Connected with Wilson on a 40-yard "moonball"
• Caught a pair of touchdowns in the first OTAA (one from Winston, one from Dart)
• Demonstrating his potential as a deep threat and playmaker

Career Crossroads

As a former third-round pick entering his third NFL season, Hyatt is at a crucial juncture in his career. After a promising rookie campaign (23 catches, 373 yards, 16.2 yards per catch), Hyatt's production dipped significantly in his second year.

However, Hyatt has shown flashes of his big-play ability:

• Two catches for 75 yards against Washington in 2023
• Four catches for 109 yards against New England in Week 12 of 2023

The Giants are hoping Hyatt can build on these performances and become a consistent threat in their offense.

Overcoming Past Challenges

Reports suggest that Hyatt faced some difficulties with the coaching staff and management last season, which may have contributed to his reduced role. For Hyatt to succeed in 2024, he'll need to show a renewed commitment to the playbook, practice, and games, while also improving his route running.

Dane Belton: Making a Case for Playing Time

Fourth-year safety Dane Belton has been turning heads during the Giants' OTAAs, showcasing his playmaking ability and ball-hawking skills. As a former fourth-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, Belton is making a strong case for an increased role in the Giants' defense.

Standout OTAA Performances

Belton has been a standout performer during the team's practice sessions:

• Recorded the first turnover of the spring with an interception returned for a touchdown in OTAA #2
• Made another interception returned for a likely touchdown in OTAA #4

These plays demonstrate Belton's instincts, ball skills, and ability to create game-changing turnovers.

Career Production

Despite limited playing time, Belton has shown a knack for making impactful plays throughout his NFL career:

• 5 interceptions in 49 games played
• 11 pass breakups
• 4 fumble recoveries
• 1 forced fumble
• 5 tackles for loss

These numbers highlight Belton's potential as a playmaker in the secondary.

Competition in the Safety Room

The Giants have invested in the safety position, signing Javon Holland in free agency and drafting Tyler Nuben in the second round last year. However, Belton's strong performances in OTAAs could force the coaching staff to find ways to get him on the field.

Potential Fit in the Defense

New defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, is known for utilizing dime personnel groupings (six defensive backs) more than any other team in the NFL. This scheme preference, combined with the Giants' past use of three-safety looks, could create opportunities for Belton to contribute significantly in 2024.

Implications for the Giants' 2024 Season

The strong performances of Jackson Dart, Jaylen Hyatt, and Dane Belton during OTAAs provide reasons for optimism among Giants fans and the coaching staff. Here's how each player's development could impact the team:

Quarterback Depth and Future

Jackson Dart's impressive showing adds intrigue to the Giants' quarterback situation. While Russell Wilson is expected to start, Dart's development could influence the team's long-term plans at the position. If he continues to progress, Dart could potentially see playing time later in the season, especially if the Giants struggle.

Revitalizing the Passing Game

Jaylen Hyatt's emergence could provide a much-needed boost to the Giants' passing attack. With his speed and big-play ability, Hyatt has the potential to stretch defenses and create opportunities for other receivers. If he can build chemistry with Wilson and translate his OTAA success to regular-season games, the Giants' offense could become more dynamic and unpredictable.

Strengthening the Secondary

Dane Belton's playmaking ability in OTAAs suggests he could be a valuable asset to the Giants' defense. His knack for creating turnovers addresses a significant weakness from last season when the team struggled to generate interceptions. If Belton can carry his OTAA performance into the regular season, he could help transform the Giants' secondary into a more opportunistic unit.

Depth and Versatility

The strong showings from these three players also highlight the improved depth and versatility of the Giants' roster. This depth could prove crucial in navigating the long NFL season, providing insurance against injuries and allowing the coaching staff to employ more diverse schemes and personnel packages.

Conclusion: Cautious Optimism for the Giants

While it's important not to overreact to performances in non-contact practices, the strong showings from Jackson Dart, Jaylen Hyatt, and Dane Belton provide legitimate reasons for optimism among Giants fans. These players represent potential solutions to some of the team's most pressing needs from last season:

1. A dynamic, young quarterback who could be the future of the franchise
2. A speedy wide receiver capable of creating big plays and stretching the field
3. A playmaking safety who can help generate the turnovers that were sorely lacking in 2023

As the Giants continue their offseason program and move towards training camp, all eyes will be on these three players to see if they can build on their early success. If they can translate their OTAA performances to regular-season production, the Giants could be poised for significant improvement in the 2024 NFL season.

However, it's crucial to remember that OTAA success doesn't always translate to regular-season performance. The real test will come when the pads go on in training camp and preseason games begin. Until then, Giants fans can enjoy the positive reports and hope that these early standouts continue to develop and contribute to the team's success in the upcoming season.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCg_VkcIEx8