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New York Giants Linked to 21-Touchdown ‘Vertical Threat’ WR

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated 4/17/24

All signs point to the New York Giants’ commitment to Daniel Jones being lukewarm at best, ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. But, if the Giants’ don’t trade up for a top quarterback, several game-changing offensive weapons could be on the board with the No. 6 overall pick.

If the Giants stick with Jones, there’s a strong possibility that general manager Joe Schoen will stand pat and take the best wide receiver available, after Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. likely goes off the board in the first five picks.

NFL Executive Believes New York Giants Targeting Malik Nabers

If standout LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers is still available, and the Giants’ preferred quarterback from this year’s class is already off the board, it’s not difficult to envision Jones-to-Nabers becoming a focal point of New York’s vertical passing game this fall.

According to ESPN’s Matt Miller, an AFC North Area Scout believes Nabers will be the Giants’ pick.

“Only minor consideration to J.J. here given the importance of the position and the team’s need, but it’s ultimately just too rich for me considering the top-end potential still on the board,” the evaluator said.

Last season, Nabers caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards with 14 touchdowns while averaging an electrifying 17.6 yards per reception.

There is little doubt that Nabers would be an immediate top-of-the-depth-chart player in the Giants‘ receiving corps and round out an exciting young trio alongside emerging targets Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt.

Malik Nabers NFL Draft Scouting Report

If it weren’t for Harrison Jr., Nabers would likely be the first receiver chosen in this year’s class.

Across three seasons in Baton Rouge, Nabers hauled in 189 passes for 3,003 yards with 21 touchdowns, while averaging 15.5 yards from scrimmage in a Tigers uniform.

“Speed, complete vertical Threat,” an AFC National Scout told me of Nabers. “Hes an athletic player that can separate with speed and run away from second and third-level defenders.”

Pro Football Focus credits Nabers with an elite 3.64 yards per route run while awarding the star receiver a 93.1 overall grade and 90.8 grade against man coverage.

Nabers’ frame, athleticism and skill-set would give him a legitimate chance of becoming the New York Giants’ first 1,000-yard receiver since Odell Beckham Jr., who also just so happened to hail from LSU.