*a series dedicated to profiling the players on the Giants’ roster. Know The Giant will be released daily from now until the start of the season. Up next: wide receiver Malik Nabers
Basic Information
- Age: 20
- College: LSU
- Experience: Rookie
- Drafted by the Giants in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft
Career Statistics
- Played three seasons at LSU
- Improved statistically every season
- 2023 was his breakout year, catching 89 balls for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns
Malik Nabers 🔥pic.twitter.com/YH46udjzua
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) June 29, 2024
Overview
New York needed a clear upgrade at the wide receiver position. So, why not draft not just one of the youngest receivers in the draft, but arguably the most explosive one? Nabers was productive in college. He was finding his groove in 2022 with over 1,000 receiving yards before putting it all together in 2023.
Serving as the favorite for former LSU teammate (and current Commanders quarterback) Jayden Daniels, Nabers showed why he was worthy of being a top-10 selection. His 89 catches were tied for 11th-most in the country and was second in the entire NCAA with receiving yards. Also, Nabers’s 14 touchdowns were tied for third-most with former Buckeye and fourth-overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr.
Though the LSU Tigers missed out on the College Football Playoff with a 10-3 record, one thing was for certain: Nabers is a WR1 type of talent and will produce for whatever team drafts him. Luckily, it’s the New York Giants that will get to enjoy this luxury.
2024 Expectations
Malik Nabers actually wants to move around; not just specifically be an outside or slot guy.
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) June 28, 2024
He thinks it actually helps him to move around.pic.twitter.com/HS6hdFFHA2
I am not tempering any expectations whatsoever. Nabers is the clear main target in this offense, and I fully expect him to surpass over 100+ targets this upcoming season.
His explosiveness and ability to change speeds on a dime separates him from the rest. Nabers is also able to compete for 50/50 balls in the air thanks to his athletic and leaping ability. This sparks well for quarterback Daniel Jones, who knows that he just needs to get the ball into the vicinity of Nabers and everything is going to be alright.
On a team with few proven playmakers, Malik Nabers is someone who will make a difference the moment he steps on the field for the regular season in week one. Giants fans have been searching for someone to be a WR1 since the days of Odell Beckham Jr. They may have their wish fulfilled in the sixth overall pick from LSU.
Just a reminder that Malik Nabers is good at football.pic.twitter.com/J5Gy5vffvW
— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) June 28, 2024
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Featured Image: Luke Hales/Getty Images
