East Rutherford , NJ — May 10, 2024 -- The number one draft pick for the Giants is wide receiver Malik Nabers as the NY Giants hold their Rookie Camp and introduce their new draft picks.
Syndication: The Record
(East Rutherford, NJ) – Acquiring a number one receiver changes things for teams. Sometimes, it helps them get over the hump and win a championship – like when the New York Giants brought in Plaxico Burress, leading to his game-clinching catch during Super Bowl 42.
Other times, it takes already championship-level teams to the next level – like the New England Patriots, Tom Brady, and Randy Moss – although that team ultimately fell short, thanks to the Giants. More recently, Joe Burrow cemented himself as one of the league’s best signal callers after the Bengals drafted Ja’Marr Chase.
Now, the Giants are hoping a standout WR can change the equation – and the narrative – surrounding the Big Blue offense and QB Daniel Jones. Two years ago, Jones led the Giants to the playoffs, and even won an opening round game against the Minnesota Vikings.
In the process, he looked like a franchise QB – and was inked to an extension. All the while, the Giants continued to employ names like Isaiah Hodgins, Richie James, and Darius Slayton as their number one WR. Last year, as he dealt with injuries of his own – as well as protracted absences for LT Andrew Thomas and RB Saquon Barkley – Jones saw his performance diminish.
Enter Malik Nabers. Also an LSU draftee, the general consensus in NFL circles is that the explosive WR is the Giants’ best rookie pass catcher since Odell Beckham Jr. was selected by Big Blue 10 years ago.
At that time, Eli Manning was a shell of his former self, but the Giants offense still enjoyed a burst or production – and took on a new identity – with OBJ a threat to “take it to the house” at any moment.
But Manning was 33 at that time, and had taken a significant amount of wear-and-tear over his years in the league, given his legendary ability to never miss time. Jones is still just 26, and has youth on his side.
Don’t be shocked if Nabers, in partnership with Jones, changes the “narrative” on multiple levels for the Giants offense.
