Russell Wilson has already had a 'very positive impact' on Giants star

Back in July, New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt mentioned how having veteran Russell Wilson as the team's starting quarterback "definitely brings confidence" to members of the Big Blue offense. 

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Giants head coach Brian Daboll noted that Wilson has already "had a very positive impact on" second-year receiver Malik Nabers. 

"They have a good relationship," Daboll said about Wilson and Nabers, as shared by Matt Citak of the Giants' website. "They spend a lot of time in the meeting room, and then they spend time outside just in terms of body maintenance, how Russ takes care of his body, the things he's done to have a long career. He's kind of grabbed hold of that, asks a lot of questions, he's very involved. Talking about Malik in the meetings, communicative."

Daboll and his staff hope Wilson will prove to be the best quarterback Nabers has had after the sixth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft shared a locker room with Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle as a rookie. Per ESPN stats, Nabers finished the 2024 season ranked fifth in the league with 109 receptions and seventh with 1,204 receiving yards. Over 15 games, he tallied seven touchdown catches.

Nabers seemingly grew frustrated with Jones and the offense last fall as the Giants went from 2-3 to 2-13 before they notched their final win of the campaign. Wilson looking for Nabers early and often when the games begin to matter in September could help prevent the 22-year-old from losing faith in the offense if the Giants begin the upcoming season with a couple of losses. 

"I know you see a lot of the plays that he makes out on the field," Daboll added about Nabers. "But the thing I'm most proud of is the growth he's made as an individual in the meeting rooms, outside the building. And I think Russ has had a big impact on that as well. He's one of our best players, in terms of Malik. And I think he's made strides from year one to year two in a lot of areas. And I'm very proud of how he's approached really the whole offseason and then into training camp. But I do think that the relationship he has with Russ has been impactful."

It remains to be seen whether or not Daboll will turn to rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart if Wilson struggles against the Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys over the Giants' first two games of the 2025 season. For now, Nabers will look to build upon all that he achieved as a first-year pro with Wilson serving as the undisputed leader of the New York offense until further notice.