EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Malik Nabers, despite dealing with a concussion that sidelined him for two games, is demonstrating remarkable performance in his inaugural season with the New York Giants.
Selected as the sixth overall pick in the draft, Nabers has made 46 receptions, accumulating 498 yards and scoring three touchdowns. His catch total ranks him eighth in the league, trailing only Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, who has 52 catches. Furthermore, Nabers’ yardage places him at 17th overall, 176 yards behind the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase.
Quarterback Daniel Jones has shown confidence in the LSU alumnus, directing 73 targets his way, which ranks second in the league after Garrett Wilson of the Jets, who had a game Thursday night.
The transition to the professional level has generally been smooth for Nabers, although one aspect remains a concern: his tendency to drop passes. This season, he has recorded five drops, ranking him tied for fourth-most in the NFL.
One memorable instance occurred during week two when the Giants faced Washington near the end of regulation. Nabers dropped a crucial fourth-down pass that would have secured a first down inside the Commanders’ 10-yard line. This unfortunate moment enabled Washington to mount a game-winning field goal drive, capitalizing on the Giants’ decision to go for it on fourth down since their usual kicker, Graham Gano, was unable to play due to injury.
Reflecting on that game, Nabers, who had impressive stats with 10 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown, stated he is putting that experience behind him and is eager for the upcoming game, aiming for improvement.
“I’m always working to enhance my ability to hold onto the ball,” Nabers mentioned after practice on Thursday. “Dropping passes isn’t intentional; it’s just part of the game, and I don’t want people to think I’m careless.”
He acknowledged that to minimize drop risks, he needs to be proactive in attacking the ball rather than allowing it to hit him in the chest, which can happen when his feet aren’t positioned correctly or if he leans excessively forward while catching.
Despite these challenges, Nabers still finds joy in playing. Initially, he faced a lot of one-on-one matchups, but defenses have now adapted by placing a safety over him with a cornerback underneath.
“Being double-teamed isn’t exactly enjoyable,” Nabers said, “but it’s a recognition of what I’ve accomplished on the field. Defenses are clearly wary of my ability to make plays.”
This situation is not new for Nabers, as he frequently faced similar coverage during his college years. He knows how to adjust and thrive, just like he did before.
“Honestly, I prefer being in one-on-one situations,” he joked.
To reach additional milestones, Nabers needs just four more receptions in their next game against the Rams to join an elite group of players with 50 receptions in their first seven games. Additionally, he would need 102 yards to become the fifth player in the Super Bowl era to achieve at least 600 receiving yards within his initial seven games. Notable players who have reached this milestone include Chase, Puka Nacua, Anquan Boldin, and former Giant Odell Beckham Jr.