Malik Nabers and His Impact on the Giants in 2024

Malik Nabers: A Rookie with a Record-Breaking Start

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Malik Nabers joined the Giants with high expectations, and he has exceeded them.

If Nabers’ first two career games are an accurate indicator of a long-term trend, the Giants’ sensational rookie wide receiver is in the infancy of a record-shattering career. The sixth selection in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft has 15 receptions and 193 yards on 25 targets.

Record-Breaking Performances

• The 15 catches are the most by a wide receiver drafted in the top 10 in his first two career games in the common draft era (since 1967).
• Nabers is tied for second among all players with running back Reggie Bush (2006).
• Nabers’ 193 yards in his first two games place him first among players drafted in the top 10.

He joined Odell Beckham, Jr. as the only Giants rookies in the Super Bowl era with 10+ receptions, 125+ receiving yards, and one touchdown in a game. Beckham did it four times in 2014.

With Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin and Las Vegas rookie tight end Brock Bowers, Nabers is tied for second in the NFL in receptions, three behind the Rams’ Cooper Kupp. Nabers’ 193 yards lead all rookies and rank fourth overall.

Trust in the Offense

Nabers has six third-down catches, tying him with Houston’s Nico Collins for second in the league. His 25 targets are second in the league, just behind Kupp.

Last week in Washington, Daniel Jones threw 18 of his 28 passes to Nabers, who caught 10 of them for 127 yards and his first NFL touchdown.

“It’s just the work that we put in,” said Nabers. “I want that many targets. It shows how much my offense cares about me.”

Looking Ahead

Nabers was an elite receiver at LSU, setting school records for catches (189) and receiving yards (3,003). His impressive start has garnered attention from coaches and teammates alike.

“He’s a talented player taking advantage of his opportunities,” said offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.

Although he’s inexperienced, opposing defenses know they must double-team Nabers, indicating his growing reputation.

Gearing Up for the Next Challenge

The Giants face a tough opponent in the Browns this week, as they aim for their first victory of the season. Nabers’ ability to adjust and thrive under pressure will be crucial.

“We know we must be ready for defenses to adjust,” said Jones. “We have to work together to keep our momentum going.”