Malik Nabers Named to NFL Preseason All-Rookie Team
![Jul 26, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (9) speaks at a press conference after training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-USA TODAY Sports Jul 26, 2024; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (9) speaks at a press conference after training camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Boland-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_6511,h_3662,x_0,y_14/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/giants_country/01j3ra485f75pzjadmv5.jpg)
The hype surrounding New York Giants' first-round wideout Malik Nabers has been building since April, and the electric rookie is already making headlines at his first training camp, leaping for acrobatic catches that Giants fans haven't seen from a receiver since the days of Odell Beckham Jr.
LSU has a solid track record of producing top-tier pass catchers, with Beckham, Justin Jefferson, and Ja'Marr Chase among the biggest names. Given how much he's expected to transform the Giants' offense, Nabers is certainly on his way to joining the list.
Because of the hype and what Nabers has shown already, Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports picked Nabers as the top receiver for his 2024 All-Rookie team.
"Nabers was my WR1 in the 2024 class, so he gets the first nod here. I have minimal faith that Daniel Jones will fuel a tremendous rookie season for a receiver. Yet, Nabers is so incredibly talented with juice galore that he should be able to transcend inconsistent quarterbacking. Speed and YAC make for a sturdy foundation at the receiver spot," Trapasso wrote.
Daniel Jones goes deep to Malik Nabers! 💪 pic.twitter.com/sdqwBV0VHA
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 26, 2024
After failing to trade up for a quarterback, the Giants pivoted and selected Nabers to help Jones. Jones is entering a critical season, and he needs to show a lot to keep his job as Giants quarterback. The offense finished 30th in points per game and 31st in passing yards last season despite adding tight end Darren Waller and Jalin Hyatt to help the unit become explosive.
This is where Nabers fits into the equation. Head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka haven't had a number one wideout to scheme plays for since they were hired.
The presence of Nabers makes their wide receiver room an underrated one heading into 2024. Including him, the core of Hyatt, Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Isaiah Hodgins is a good group to work with.
Nabers is already making spectacular plays through three days of camp, going up against Deonte Banks for most reps. Nabers and Banks have made it clear they will face one another as much as possible during practices to set the tone.
This was one of many instances where Nabers made a highlight-type of play. This is exactly the kind of explosiveness the Giants offense has lacked for the better part of the last five years.
The next play was a back-shoulder throw from Jones to Hyatt, which was a small glimpse into what the Giants offense can look like with Nabers on the field.
Malik Nabers talks about catching a deep ball from Daniel Jones:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) July 26, 2024
"I said, 'off-press, just throw it up.' He was like, 'alright, I got you.' The chemistry showed." pic.twitter.com/gYf1zINI7x
His impact alone will hopefully help the Giants' offense crawl out from the basement of mediocrity they've been trapped in for multiple seasons. Nabers obviously has yet to play an NFL snap, but if history suggests anything, he'll be an immediate impact player for the Giants.
He's now working on chemistry with Jones, who he directed to "throw it up" on their deep pass in practice on Friday.
Nabers will greatly improve the Giants' offense for the foreseeable future. If he makes the All-Rookie team this season, it likely means the unit had a solid year.
Nabers will go a long way in improving the Giants offense for the forseeable future. If he can make the All-Rookie team this season, it likely means the unit will have had a solid year.