The New York Giants selected Malik Nabers with the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, aiming to add an explosive receiving threat to their roster. The team has been seeking a player of this caliber since selecting LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the first round back in 2014. Nabers brings physicality, elite ball skills, and strong route-running abilities to the Giants, having recorded impressive stats of 89 receptions, 1,569 yards, and 14 touchdowns in his last season.
Many had speculated that the Giants might trade up to secure a quarterback in the draft, especially with Daniel Jones recovering from ACL surgery and his availability for the beginning of the season uncertain. However, this scenario did not play out as anticipated, with other teams selecting quarterbacks with the earlier picks. Jones, who is set to turn 27, has led the Giants to one playoff appearance in 2022 since becoming the starter in his rookie season in 2019.
The Giants struggled offensively last season, finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs after having made a postseason appearance in 2022. Nabers now joins a receiving group that includes Darius Slayton, Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, and Isaiah Hodgins. Beckham was the last Giants receiver to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in a season, achieving this feat in 2018 during his standout years from 2014 to 2016, where he consistently put up impressive numbers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.