Tag: malik nabers

Did New York Giants misstep by passing on QBs in NFL draft?

This week on the Giants Wire Podcast, we recap the 2024 NFL draft and discuss the six selections made by New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen.

The Giants reportedly attempted to trade up for a quarterback but fell short. Did Schoen make enough of an effort? Was Malik Nabers over J.J. McCarthy the right pick at No. 6 overall?

How will the rest of the team’s draft class impact the 2024 regular season?

Additionally, former Giants general manager Dave Gettleman emerged from his hiding spot to throw some shade. What do we make of his “clown” comments? Did he have a point?

And then there’s Saquon Barkley… Upset that Giants fans boo the Philadelphia Eagles? It’s a strange issue to have.

Those topics (and more) are discussed in the latest episode of the Giants Wire Podcast, which is hosted by Ryan O’Leary (@RyanO_Leary on X) and joined by site editor Dan Benton (@TheGiantsWire).

The Giants Wire Podcast will air every week during the regular season and occasionally throughout the offseason. You can listen below

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Giants’ Malik Nabers projected to finish rookie year with 1,032 yards

When was the last time the New York Giants had an impact rookie on their roster? 2018 with Saquon Barkley? 2014 with Odell Beckham Jr.?

This year, with Malik Nabers — the LSU star receiver the Giants selected with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft — they could finally have another one.

Mike Clay of ESPN is predicting a productive season from the fleet rookie this fall.

Clay is projecting that Nabers and Marvin Harrison, Jr (taken fourth overall by Arizona) will both follow the path of several other wideouts taken in the top 10 and put up big numbers as rookies.

Clay predicts Harrison will post 1,116 receiving yards and Nabers will be right on his tail with 1,032 yards.

I’m placing these two together because the evidence for why these prop lines are too low is roughly the same for both players. Take a look at the production of wide receivers who, like Harrison and Nabers, were selected with a top-six draft pick over the past decade: Amari Cooper (1,070 yards, 16 games), Sammy Watkins (982, 16), Ja’Marr Chase (1,455, 17), Corey Davis (375, 11), Jaylen Waddle (1,015, 16).

It’s a small sample, but four of the five wideouts produced at least 982 yards, with Davis (who missed five games) the only one to fall short. If we include all rookie WRs during the 10-year span, 16 reached 851 yards, and nine of them cleared 1,000. And several of those performances came prior to the league expanding to a 17-game regular season.

The eight rookie WRs picked in the top 10 who appeared in 12-plus games over the past decade averaged a 24% target share (seven of eight in the 22-25 percent range), which suggests both Harrison and Nabers — who have minimal target competition — will be heavily utilized right out of the gate.

Other analysts and experts are waffling on Nabers’ rookie production citing the Giants’ uncertainty at quarterback. Daniel Jones has not passed for more than 3,205 yards in a season and backup Drew Lock has not passed for over 3,000 yards in any of his four seasons in the NFL.

But Nabers could benefit from being the Giants’ top outside and deep threat as well as an increased number of targets with Saquon Barkley gone and tight end Darren Waller’s possible retirement.

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Is New York Giants’ receiving corps among the league’s most improved?

The 2024 NFL draft saw several teams upgrade their receiver rooms. Are the New York Giants among the teams that improved the most?

Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus believes so:

Darius Slayton’s ongoing contract discussions combined with the Giants having the worst receiving grade in the league last year left the team in need of some juice at wideout. The team got exactly that in LSU’s Malik Nabers, who led the FBS in receiving grade in 2023 (minimum 15 targets). A staple of Nabers’ game is slipperiness after the catch, as reflected by his 30 missed tackles forced last year.

If Slayton does remain in blue and red, he’ll form a potent one-two punch with the 20-year-old Nabers. Regardless, Nabers provides real insurance, given the inconsistent production of Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt, who each tallied less than 530 yards in 2023.

Beyond Nabers, general manager Joe Schoen was proactive in finding a new tight end. Veteran Darren Waller continues to seriously mull retirement, so the Giants snatched Penn State’s Theo Johnson at 107th overall. Not only did Johnson test incredibly well — with a 9.93 Relative Athletic Score — but he was also a red-zone weapon for the Nittany Lions. His seven touchdowns in 2023 tied for a team high.

Daniel Bellinger projects as TE1 for New York, but Johnson should feature in 12 personnel, which offensive coordinator Mike Kafka ran on 23% of plays in 2023 — the 12th-highest rate in the NFL.

Assuming quarterback Daniel Jones remains under center, both the explosive Nabers and Johnson should augment a poor group from the year before. Both could go a long way in returning the Giants’ offense to its efficient 2022 form.

New York went into the 2023 season with one of the worst receiving corps in the NFL. It was highlighted by Darren Waller, Darius Slayton, Parris Campbell and Wan’Dale Robinson.

Waller was in the back end of his career and not very productive, and it was clear that Slayton, Campbell and Robinson should not be top receiving options on the team. This resulted in the Giants passing for only 3,351 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The deficiency was clear, and the front office decided to address it with a premium draft pick by selecting wide receiver Malik Nabers sixth overall.

In his collegiate career, Nabers totaled 189 receptions for 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns (14 in his final season). Nabers should be an instant winner on the outside as he is an elite space creator and is electric with the ball in his hands.

The Giants also drafted tight end Theo Johnson, who racked up 77 receptions for 938 yards and 12 touchdowns (seven in his final season) in his collegiate career.

The two rookies totaled more touchdowns last season than the Giants’ entire receiving corps. Only time will tell if the team has really turned the receiving corps around but as of now, it looks good.

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Giants’ Malik Nabers made Rookie of the Year bet with Jayden Daniels

Malik Nabers and Jayden Daniels grew close as teammates during their time at LSU but now find themselves divisional enemies.

The Washington Commanders selected Daniels second overall in the 2024 NFL draft, while Nabers went just a few picks later, getting taken off the board by the New York Giants at No. 6 overall.

“Having that guy in my corner has been the best. Going against him is going to be fun,” Nabers said during a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast.

The competition between Nabers and Daniels won’t be limited to their two regular season meetings in 2024. The pair have already placed a bet on Offensive Rookie of the Year with the purse set at $10,000.

“We’ve got a bet going for Rookie of the Year,” Nabers said. “Whoever loses has to pay $10,000 cash.”

Pro Football Focus recently released their list of Rookie of the Year candidates with Nabers checking in fourth overall behind Caleb Williams, Marvin Harrison Jr. and his good buddy, Daniels.

USA TODAY gave Nabers the fifth-best odds with J.J. McCarthy also ahead of him.

Nabers admits that the bet was placed even before the pair were drafted, which showcases the confidence each has entering the league.

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Do the New York Giants still need to add offensive firepower?

After the 2023 season, the New York Giants knew they had a ton of work to do. The defense wasn’t terrible, although the drama around the departure of Wink Martindale was distracting. The offense, though, that is where they needed to focus and that’s what they’ve done.

During free agency, the Giants added depth and talent to the offensive line, and they addressed the running back position following the departure of Saquon Barkley.

In the 2024 NFL draft, the Giants addressed skill positions like wide receiver and tight end. But have they done enough to surround quarterback Daniel Jones with the talent he needs to be successful?

NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks doesn’t think so, as he indicated on a segment of Path to the Draft this week.

“No, they don’t have enough firepower,” Brooks said. “Even though I love Malik Nabers, they haven’t done enough to really give Daniel Jones the weapons that he needs to really succeed at a high level. Yes, Malik Nabers is the No. 1 and they haven’t had a number one since OBJ departed, but he can’t do it alone. Nabers can’t singlehandedly carry this offense.

“And with Darren Waller contemplating retirement, yes you brought Theo Johnson in, but do we know if he’s going to be ready to handle a big role? And even bringing Devin Singleterry in, with no Saquon Barkley, can he handle all the responsibilities that the running back typically has shouldered in the Giants offense? I believe Daniel Jones needs more around him to be able to succeed at a high level.”

No one will really know if the Giants have done enough to support Jones this offseason. There are many variables and unknowns. When the team hits the field this fall for the start of the actual season, that’s when we’ll learn how well the Giants did in not only finding the pieces but also fitting them together.

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Giants WR Malik Nabers a top Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate

Following a ton of chatter connecting the New York Giants to a quarterback in the 2024 NFL draft, they ultimately went in a different direction.

In the hours leading up to the draft, there were reports that the Giants were working hard to move up in the first round. Instead of trading up or trading down, the Giants remained at No. 6 overall and took LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers.

Pro Football Focus came out with their list of top candidates for the Rookie of the Year Awards and sure enough, Nabers came in at No. 4 on the list.

4. WR MALIK NABERS, NEW YORK GIANTS

Similar to Marvin Harrison Jr. in Arizona, there is a clear path for Nabers to lead the Giants in targets after Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson tied for the team lead last season with only 76. Nabers was viewed by some as the best receiver in this class, as his 30 missed tackles forced after the catch ranked fourth most among draft-eligible wide receivers.

Nabers joins a Giants offense that is lacking playmakers after the departure of running back Saquon Barkley. He will come in as the clear No. 1 receiver and hopefully be Daniel Jones’ primary target.

The last time the Giants selected an LSU receiver in the first round it was Odell Beckham Jr., who did, indeed, win Offensive Rookie of the Year (2014).

The Giants drafted Nabers with high hopes of what he can contribute both immediately and in the future. As the Giants continue to build the roster, Nabers will be a huge part of the team’s plans as time goes along.

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Malik Nabers can’t save New York Giants QB Daniel Jones

The New York Giants failed to find their new franchise quarterback in last week’s NFL draft and will be forced to continue with Daniel Jones as their starter. For this season, at least.

“Our expectation was Daniel would be our starter and we brought Drew Lock to be his backup and Tommy is a backup, so that’s where we are and that’s how we’ll move forward this season,” general manager Joe Schoen said after the draft. “Daniel is still under contract for three more years. As it sits today, that’s where we are.”

And where they are is hoping that the player they did select with the sixth overall pick last week — LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers — can elevate Jones’ game.

“I don’t think Nabers can save him, not without (Saquon) Barkley,” an NFL executive said, via Mike Sando of The Athletic.

“Malik should help Daniel Jones because he has ability to catch short passes and make big plays,” another executive added.

The Giants attempted to trade up to the second spot, held by Washington, and the third slot, where the New England Patriots were playing hardball. Neither team budged.

“(The Patriots) were not selling, or they were selling at a premium no one was willing to pay,” another executive said. “So do you draft arguably the best run-after-catch player in the draft, or do you take the fourth quarterback and roll the dice? They must feel pretty good about where Daniel is health-wise (after ACL surgery).”

The Giants then decided to play out the string, stay in their place, and take the players they felt would best fit their roster.

“They just sat there and took good players,” a third exec said. “They got better. I thought taking (Andru) Phillips where they got him was early, but it was a reflection of the depth in this draft. You’d like (safety Tyler Nubin) to be faster, but he’s got size, he’s strong, he’s tough, instinctive, can play around the line of scrimmage and has good ball skills to make plays in coverage.”

All in all, the Giants come out of the draft slightly better than where they went in, but with the confidence that they took their swing. hey missed this time, but Schoen made the best of what had.

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New York Giants QB Daniel Jones focused on what he can control

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was not insulated from the rumors and speculation leading up to the 2024 NFL draft. He was fully aware that reports suggested general manager Joe Schoen was looking to trade up for a quarterback.

But Jones, very much like Eli Manning before him, doesn’t let that outside noise impact him mentally. It didn’t change his approach or focus, and it won’t change his preparation ahead of the regular season.

“I’m focused on what I can control and that is preparing to play good football,” Jones said, via The Athletic. “So, getting healthy and I’ll be ready to go.”

Jones added that he continues to progress in his recovery from a torn ACL and expectations remain that he’ll be ready for training camp.

“I’m in a good spot. I’ll be ready to go for training camp,” he said.

Entering his third season under head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Jones needs to turn a corner and establish himself as the unquestioned franchise staple.

An improved offensive line and the addition of first-round wide receiver Malik Nabers should help in accomplishing that goal.

“I’m excited,” Jones said of Nabers, via ESPN.

Jones typically gets his teammates together for an unofficial minicamp during the offseason but given his recovery status, it’s unclear if he plans to carry on that annual tradition.

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Did Giants create a QB smokescreen in hopes of drafting OT Joe Alt?

The New York Giants selected LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick in last week’s NFL draft.

Experts have lauded the addition of Nabers as a solid one by the Giants, but was Nabers their first choice?

There’s speculation that had Notre Dame offensive tackle Joe Alt not been selected by the Los Angeles Chargers one spot before the Giants, they would have taken him instead of Nabers or Washington’s Rome Odunze.

At least that’s what ESPN’s Adam Schefter thinks — something he admits is just speculation.

“The Giants wanted Joe Alt to slide to them. That’s my belief,” Schefter said. “That was the hope — that he was going to get to them. I think some of the quarterback talk for the Giants might have been a little camouflage to try to get someone like Minnesota to trade up.”

The point is moot as Alt was not there at No. 6 and the Giants did not use any of their six picks last week on an offensive lineman.

Veteran NFL reporter Mike Garafolo debunks the idea of Alt to the Giants, saying their big swing last week was for UNC quarterback Drake Maye, whom they were unsuccessful in prying away from the New England Patriots.

The Giants ended up with Nabers, who many experts widely consider a player who is ready to compete at the NFL level from Day 1.

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Aaron Ross says Odell Beckham Jr. should return to New York Giants

When former New York Giants first-round pick Odell Beckham Jr. was traded away back in 2018, there were mixed reactions from fans.

Given the fact that one of the picks the Giants received would land them Pro-Bowler Dexter Lawrence, it could be argued that New York ultimately won that trade.

Still, the Giants have been lacking a big-play threat at the wide receiver position since Beckham’s departure. Hopes are that’s changed after selecting fellow LSU wide receiver, Malik Nabers, in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

But could the Giants use more in the wide receiver room? With Sterling Shepard gone, would they be open to a reunion with OBJ?

One former Giant seems to think it would be a good fit.

“I think his personality matches the New York environment,” former Super Bowl champ Aaron Ross told TMZ Sports. “So I’d love to see that.”

“There’s a few pieces that we need to plug in that will fit the scheme that the offensive coordinator has.”

Beckham has not been the same receiver since departing from the Giants. After his time in Cleveland, he won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams and after not playing in the entire 2022 season, Beckham returned and played last season with the Baltimore Ravens.

Anytime he is a free agent, there always seems to be ties between Beckham and a possible reunion with the team that drafted him. Only time will tell if Beckham will return to the Giants before he hangs up the cleats.

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