The NY Giants will select sixth overall in the upcoming NFL Draft on April 25, and the team will need to address several positional needs, which means Big Blue general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will be very busy on draft night. After failing to acquire a big-name receiver during free agency or via trade this offseason, we expect the G-Men to prioritize the wide receiver position during the draft and target a top wideout in the first round.
Fortunately for the Giants, the 2024 draft class is very deep at receiver. If the Giants can land one of the top three wideouts in this year's class, they will finally fill the void of having a true WR1 on their roster, which they haven't had since 2018 with former first-round pick Odell Beckham Jr, who was also the last Giants' receiver to post over 1,000 yards in one season.
Assuming Ohio State wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. does not fall to No. 6 and is selected in the Top 5, it will come down to Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze and Malik Nabers out of LSU, but who would make more sense for the Giants? While many believe Odunze would be a better fit for Daboll, here's why Nabers would be the right pick for the G-Men at No. 6 overall.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers when asked about the idea of being drafted by the Giants in the 2024 NFL Draft:
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) April 7, 2024
"That's a decision that's going to have to be placed when I hear my name called. I don't know where I'm going. Going to New York, it wouldn't be a bad idea. The… pic.twitter.com/TzL80zqlip
Malik Nabers makes more sense for the Giants over Rome Odunze
In recent weeks, Nabers' stock has risen, making it a strong possibility that he is the second wide receiver off the board behind MHJ. Some are even saying he could be the first wideout to be drafted. While that is highly unlikely, he may be close from the Ohio State wideout and, regardless, would give the Giants a significant boost in the passing game.
Nabers' quarterback at LSU this past season was Heisman Trophy-winner Jayden Daniels, who is projected to be drafted No. 2 overall by the Washington Commanders. Although the duo will play separately next season, we'll see if Nabers' success at the collegiate level carries into the NFL. This past season with the Tigers, the junior wideout had 89 receptions, 1,569 yards, 14 touchdowns, and an average of 17.6 yards per reception, earning a 92.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
At LSU's Pro Day recently, Nabers impressed several NFL scouts and media in attendance, making the star receiver a hot commodity as the draft approaches. Nabers stood out during the 40-yard dash and vertical leap events, posting a 4.35 and 4.40 on his two 40-yard dash attempts and a vertical leap of 42 inches.
Malik Nabers with a u4.35 40-yard dash. 💨
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 27, 2024
📍 LSU Pro Day pic.twitter.com/ywfy0izFzn
On the other hand, Odunze has the advantage of height, weight, and arm length over Nabers and can play all three receiver positions. However, he is a little bit slower compared to the LSU wideout and isn't as good a route runner as Nabers, who has great speed, hands, and playmaking abilities. This past season at Washington, Odunze had 92 receptions, 1,640 yards, 13 touchdowns, and averaged 17.8 yards per reception. The junior wideout was also crucial to UW's success, leading the team, alongside Michael Penix Jr., to a National Championship Game appearance.
Either receiver would be an excellent option for Daniel Jones to go to next season and will be highly involved in Mike Kafka's offense. Still, Nabers may have more potential at the next level and, with his speed, could give the G-Men a true deep threat. The Giants can't go wrong going with either Nabers or Odunze, but we think the LSU product has way more potential making a difference in East Rutherford. He'd be our pick in the first round.