Although several of them, one of the biggest holes on the New York Giants’ roster is lack of talent for the wide receivers room. While it seems this has been the case since Odell Beckham Jr. was traded to the Browns in 2018, the G-Men haven’t had an elite, alpha receiver in quite some time. Fortunately, Malik Nabers, a projected pick to the Giants at No. 6 overall, knows he can fill OBJ’s shoes properly.
In a typical year, a prospect like Nabers would undoubtedly be the first receiver off the board and vie for a Top 3 selection. Fortunately for the Giants, Marvin Harrison Jr. is anything but normal and is capturing the attention of teams at the top of the draft order. The Giants, patiently waiting at six, could see an all-star talent fall into their laps.
When asked during the NFL Combine about his interview with the New York Giants, Nabers wasn’t shy about the narrative surrounding him and Beckham. The LSU standout knows he can be the kind of WR1 the G-Men have been looking for:
"I know they're looking for that WR1, especially after Odell left. If I can come in and be that guy, so be it."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) March 1, 2024
Malik Nabers adds Brian Daboll "really likes" him when asked about potentially being drafted by the Giants: pic.twitter.com/isdO6CvdYT
Malik Nabers to the New York Giants could happen on draft night
If Nabers can sniff the production Beckham had during his first three seasons as a Giant, this pick would be considered a grand slam. Beckham recorded 90+ receptions, 1,300+ receiving yards, and 10+ touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Giants. Not to mention, three Pro Bowl nods to pair with the statistical consistency.
As the speculation continues on what the Giants will do with the No. 6 pick, it seems more and more likely that the decision is coming down to Nabers or Rome Odunze, a WR out of Washington. Despite nearly all top prospects opting not to participate in the Combine, Odunze obliged. The Washington product put on a show, impressive scouts on hand in Indianapolis.
Despite recording the fourth-highest score amongst receivers in the three-cone drill, Odunze wasn’t satisfied. Cameras caught him repeatedly re-running the drill in an empty Lucas Oil Stadium long after the Combine was over. This kind of drive and work ethic is hard to teach and has Odunze receiving rave reviews online.
Ultimately, the Giants will have a tough decision regardless of what direction they decide to go in. Let’s hope that if they go in the direction of WR, they grab a player like Nabers who can do his best to replicate the production of Beckham and bring the Giants back to the playoffs. Or will they go with Odunze? We'll find out in late April.