LSU has recently produced elite NFL wide receivers, including Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson and Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase. New York Giants rookie Malik Nabers could follow in their footsteps.
After a joint practice with the Giants on Wednesday, New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner said Nabers — a first-team All-American in his final season at LSU — reminded him of Chase and Jefferson (h/t: SNY-TV in New York).
In two seasons with the Jets, two-time first-team All-Pro Gardner has lined up against some of the best pass-catchers in the league. The Giants should take the compliment as an excellent sign.
Chase and Jefferson have combined for six Pro Bowl appearances and three second-team All-Pro nods. Chase won 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Jefferson captured 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. Only time will tell if Nabers has a similar career, but the sixth overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft has flashed potential in preseason.
In his second preseason game — against the Houston Texans on Saturday — Nabers made a spectacular 21-yard catch along the sideline. He finished with four receptions for 54 yards in the 28-10 loss. Pro Football Focus gave him the highest grade (82.7) among rookie wideouts in Week 2 of preseason.
The Giants need better quarterback play to maximize Nabers’ talent. Starter Daniel Jones hasn’t inspired confidence in the preseason, completing 11-of-18 passes for 138 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions in one game. He has also posted a below-average 45.4 passer rating.
Whether Jones turns it around or not, the Giants should feel happy about Nabers’ progress thus far. The 21-year-old already looks like a potential No. 1 option.
