When wide receiver Malik Nabers tore his ACL in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Chargers, all of Giants nation knew the offense would have to go elsewhere to win games. Fortunately, the emergence of two rookies, quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo, has carried the load offensively for the G-Men. In fact, one of the most impressive parts of Dart's game so far is how he's been able to move the ball through the air without his best weapon.
The numbers won't blow you away, but he takes what the defense gives him before he or Skattebo inevitably finishes off the drive with their legs.
Honestly, even with a healthy Nabers, the Giants' pass game can be inconsistent. Despite getting injured, Darius Slayton didn't look like he was going to give the team WR1 capabilities. Wan'Dale Robinson is fun and can make big plays, but he'd best be used as a gadget WR3. This is probably why Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick has Big Blue selecting a receiver in their latest 2026 mock draft.
After a couple of wins, the G-Men have the No. 9 pick in the 2026 Draft. With this pick, Flick sees USC's Makai Lemon from USC as the guy. The junior standout already has 44 catches for 682 yards and six touchdowns through six games. He's ESPN senior draft analyst Mel Kiper's top-ranked receiver prospect, and you really won't see him below the No. 3 spot anywhere else.
Giants draft Makai Lemon in 2026 as perfect Malik Nabers running mate
Lemon is touted as a great route runner with great hands and has the ability to catch balls away from his body. He is a great compliment to USC's other star, Ja'Kobi Lane, so there's no reason he can't continue doing that with Nabers at the next level. He probably wouldn't complain about going from one dynamic duo to another.
Now, hopefully the Giants continue to find ways to win games. If that happens, they'll obviously pick later in the draft, and Lemon will probably be gone. There is good news, however. This wide receiver class looks to be loaded at the top.
Guys like Jordan Tyson, Chris Brazzell II, and Carnell Tate are all big-bodied, elite pass catchers. And, if the Giants want someone similar to Lemon, Texas A&M's KC Concepcion is nearly identical. Same measurables, great route runner, and good hands. No matter what happens with the rest of the Giants' 2025 season, the Robin to Nabers' Batman is waiting for them in the 2026 NFL Draft.
It all comes down to who they like best.