The New York Giants have some major decisions to make ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Whether the organization remains committed to quarterback Daniel Jones remains to be seen, but if the Giants pass on trading up to select a potential franchise quarterback of the future, general manager Joe Schoen needs to prioritize getting Jones some help.
After losing Saquon Barkley in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles, and while relying on emerging but yet to be consistent weapons at wide receiver, the New York Giants could add one of the premier pass catchers in the NFL Draft with the No. 6 overall pick.
According to Pro Football Focus, LSU’s Malik Nabers is the perfect NFL Draft fit for the New York Giants.
“New York made the blockbuster trade of the offseason to date with their move for edge defender Brian Burns,” Brad Spielberger writes for PFF. “Agreeing to terms on a five-year extension as a part of the trade to create a pass-rushing tandem with Kayvon Thibodeaux. They also spent on guard Jon Runyan Jr. and tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, shoring up the offensive line. Especially now with rumors swirling about a potential retirement for tight end Darren Waller, a premier pass catcher remains the biggest need in New York.
“The Giants have some exciting young weapons in wide receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt but need a true X receiver who can win against physicality at the line and be the go-to target at all levels of the field. Nabers’ 19 receptions and 624 receiving yards on passes 20-plus yards downfield in 2023 were both top-five marks in college football. He was also extremely effective kicking inside as a big slot, and he was sure-handed with just five drops on 128 targets. Nabers forced 30 missed tackles, the fourth most in the country, and his acceleration in the open field was second to none, with afterburners that would make the NOS in Fast and Furious look slow.”
Malik Nabers NFL Draft Scouting Report
Malik Nabers would add a big-play element to the New York Giants’ offense and Jones’ arsenal in the vertical passing game, if he’s Schoen’s pick in the NFL Draft.
Last season, Nabers caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards with 17 touchdowns while averaging an eye-popping 17.6 yards per reception.
“(Ja’Marr) Chase was more of a dude physically and (Justin) Jefferson was already really skilled when he came out, but you can see some flashes of both of those guys with the way [Nabers] plays,” an AFC personnel executive tells NFL.com
It’s difficult to imagine Nabers not arriving in East Rutherford and immediately ascending to the top of the New York Giants’ depth chart at receiver.
“Nabers is the next big thing coming out of LSU’s receiver room,” NFL Media’s Lance Zierlein writes, comparing Nabers to Vikings All-Pro Justin Jefferson. “With the pure explosiveness and talent to be mentioned in the same breath as former LSU stars starring in the league today. Despite a lack of polish and precision as a route-runner, Nabers’ gliding movements and speed alterations seem to disguise the top-end speed and separation potential that await opposing coverages.
“He’s a bouncy leaper with the athletic ability to make the impossible catches possible. He tucks away accurate throws and displays the toughness and play strength to fight for tight-window victories over the middle. Nabers will need to address his tendency to track and play deep throws with finesse, or his early advantages will turn into 50/50 battles.”
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