The New York Giants were unable to pull off a deal to land their preferred quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft, and instead added an explosive weapon to quarterback Daniel Jones’ arsenal in former LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers.
While there is some uncertainty surrounding Jones’ future as the Giants’ starting quarterback — both long-term as well as potentially even being supplanted by Drew Lock for the upcoming 2024 campaign, Nabers has the potential to make a transformational impact.
Nabers, the No. 6 overall pick in the draft immediately ascends to the top of a wide receiver corps that suddenly has plenty of speed and athleticism alongside the likes of Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt.
How Malik Nabers can Help Daniel Jones, New York Giants Offense
This could prove to be a pivotal season to Jones’ future, as well as what direction the organization takes at quarterback moving forward.
Nabers arrives in the swamps of Jersey after catching a career-high 89 passes for 1,569 yards with 14 touchdowns while averaging a prolific 17.6 yards per reception, leading some analysts to suggest he was the premier receiver in this year’s class, alongside Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr.
Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson suggests Nabers may hold the key to Jones securing his Giants future.
“Nabers recorded a 92.9 PFF grade last season,” Monson writes for PFF. “Averaging an outstanding 3.64 yards per route run with just five drops and 30 broken tackles after the catch. He is explosive, wins in all areas of the field and is good at everything you want an elite receiver to be good at. He should immediately become the team’s top wideout and completely transform the complexion of the receiving corps.
“After last season, almost everybody seems to have given up on Daniel Jones as the starter, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that he will play his best football in 2024. And his best football would at least give the Giants a decision to make next offseason.”
Jones has just one postseason appearance and one playoff victory on his resumè since being chosen No. 6 overall by the Giants in 2019, and while it remains to be seen if New York’s roster is playoff caliber in 2024, the organization likely needs to see more from the former first-round quarterback.
Perhaps Nabers is the kind of weapon who will bring out the best in Jones. Time will tell.