Fantasy Football Rookie Spotlight: Malik Nabers

The outpouring of excitement surrounding the 2024 NFL rookie class has surged throughout the offseason and enthusiasm for this year’s newcomers is destined to continue as we advance toward the matchups of Week 1. The results of April’s NFL Draft have also contributed to the frenzy due to the clarity that now exists regarding the landing spots and draft capital for each first-year player.

Rookie drafts and dynasty startup drafts have also allowed managers to infuse newcomers into their rosters. Various developments in the upcoming months could ignite a decline in the stock of some first-year players. However, a collection of talented rookies should remain unencumbered as they become valuable assets for fantasy managers.

This applies to Malik Nabers, whose exit from LSU's receiving room now positions him to explode onto the NFL landscape. He should steadily advance toward his place among the elite tier of wide receivers where LSU alumni  Justin Jefferson and  Ja'Marr Chase are already cemented. Nabers’ prospects for accomplishing that in 2024 will depend on multiple factors. However, the fusion of his enticing attributes has positioned him to navigate beyond any hurdles that might emerge this season. 

Malik Nabers NFL Rookie Profile

Team: New York Giants  
College: LSU 
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 200 pounds
Age: Soon will be 21 (7/28/03)
Arm Length: 31 3/8"
Hand Size: 9 7/8”
2024 NFL Draft: Round 1, Pick 6

A Prolific High School Career 

Malik Nabers' steady ascent toward an integral role with the Giants began at Comeaux High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he participated in football, basketball, and track and field. He played small forward, shooting guard, and point guard in basketball and ran multiple events in track (100 meters/200 meters/relays).

Nabers also gained prominence for his involvement in football, as he collected 58 receptions, accumulated 1,223 yards, and generated 21 touchdowns during his final season with the Spartans in 2019. He later transferred to Southside High School in Youngsville, Louisiana, although his transfer waiver was denied. This prevented him from playing during his senior year.

Malik Nabers Ovey Comeaux (LA) High School highlights, via @MaxPreps.

Nabers played DB & WR. #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/5uAgYLQT7t

— WBG84 (@WBG84) May 2, 2024

However, Nabers’ accomplishments as a receiver at Comeaux had already created his pathway to the NFL. He secured a four-star rating from 247 Sports and Rivals and became the No. 6 prospect in Louisiana, according to 247 Sports. Nabers also received offers from a list of schools that included Texas, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Penn State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Oregon. He eventually enrolled at LSU in May 2021 after originally committing to Mississippi State.

Soaring to Prominence at LSU

Nabers captured 189 (5.0 per game) of 275 targets (7.2 per game) in his collegiate career while eclipsing 3,000 receiving yards (3,003/79 per game) during his three seasons with the Tigers.

Nabers started six games during his freshman season (2021) while participating in 11 of LSU’s matchups. He also generated a season-high 143 yards on four receptions against Louisiana-Monroe and secured freshman All-SEC honors.

Nabers started 11 games as a sophomore while leading the Tigers in targets (99/7.1 per game), receptions (72/5.1 per game), and receiving yards (1,017/72.6 per game) -- including 128+ yards during three of his final four matchups. Nabers’ reception total led all receivers in the SEC, while his yardage total placed him second.

Need an explosive play? #LSU WR Malik Nabers is your guy.

Most catches of 20+ yards in FBS:
27 - Nabers
18 - Rome Odunze, Tre Harris
17 - Ricky Pearsall, Luther Burden pic.twitter.com/El1uLbihze

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 7, 2023

Nabers also delivered a record-breaking season in 2023, stockpiling 130 targets, finishing second among all receivers in receiving yards (1,569/120.7 per game), tying for third in touchdowns (14), and rising to 11th in receptions (89/6.8 per game). His totals in receptions and yardage also placed him third overall in LSU’s single-season history.

LSU WR Malik Nabers has been making it look way too easy today.

Look at how smooth he is in his route, pacing his acceleration, and then the easy hands, natural tracking to finish.

239 yards, 13 receptions, 2 TD on the day. pic.twitter.com/Sn8obZ1340

— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) September 16, 2023

Nabers also averaged 139.2 yards per game during a 10-game sequence in which he surpassed 100 yards nine times. The 239 yards he accrued against Mississippi State ranked fourth in school history, while he also became LSU’s all-time leader in receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003). He was also a Consensus All-American in AP, Sporting News, AFCA, FAA, and Walter Camp, and was a finalist for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award in 2023.

Impressive Performance at LSU's Pro Day 

Nabers joined several other prominent wide receivers in abstaining from participation in events at the NFL Combine. However, he reinforced the surging optimism surrounding his entrance into the NFL with his performance at LSU's pro day.

Malik Nabers with a 4.35u at the LSU Pro Day 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/FxWX0MuAXS

— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) March 27, 2024

Nabers completed the 40-yard dash in 4.35 on his first run, which would have placed him fourth behind Xavier Worthy, Brian Thomas Jr., and Adonai Mitchell at the NFL Combine.

42" vertical from @LSUFootball WR Malik Nabers 😳 pic.twitter.com/DqHByVE8CN

— NFL (@NFL) March 27, 2024

Nabers also registered 10-foot-9 inches in the broad jump and delivered a 42-inch vertical jump, which would have vaulted him to third behind Jalen Coker and Malik Washington at the NFL Combine.

Malik Nabers is a WR prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.88 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 38 out of 3188 WR from 1987 to 2024.

Pro day times unofficial.https://t.co/BBQ33po0IB pic.twitter.com/Vmnz718AAW

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 27, 2024

Nabers also secured a favorable RAS (Relative Athletic Score), which is a metric that was created by Kent Lee Platte. RAS is used to evaluate football players' athleticism compared to other players at their position. Nabers' 9.88 RAS out of a possible 10.00 placed him 38th among 3,188 wide receivers since 1987.

Critical Weapon for the Giants Offense  

We got a WEAPON 😤

📰: https://t.co/LdJteSyFyf pic.twitter.com/h7PIz9CKkG

— New York Giants (@Giants) April 26, 2024

Nabers has entered an environment in which he immediately became the Giants’ most critical receiving option. However, the dearth of dynamic weapons in New York’s offense is also an area of concern when evaluating Nabers’ prospects of becoming a highly productive resource this season.

Head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have been spearheading the Giants’ attack since 2022. The first two years of their tenure have contained a surprisingly successful first season, followed by disappointing results during 2023.

The New York Giants make the #NFLPlayoffs for the first time since 2016!

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/eMSaExsWax

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) January 1, 2023

New York won nine regular-season games and qualified for the postseason in 2022 as the Giants also secured their first playoff victory since 2012. However, multiple factors contributed to the team's inability to build upon its success last season.

The Giants ranked 18th in total offense (333.9 yards per game), 26th in passing (185.7 yards per game), and finished 15th in scoring (21.5 points per game) during 2022. New York was also 23rd in pass play percentage (52.5%) and 25th in attempts per game (30.8).

However, the Giants' numbers declined in multiple categories last season as New York dropped to 29th in total offense (280.0 yards per game), plummeted to 30th in scoring offense (15.6 points per game), and finished 31st in passing (169.8). The Giants also finished 19th in pass play percentage (57.1%) and 26th in attempts per game (30.5).

Coach Daboll confirms QB Daniel Jones suffered a torn ACL during Sunday's game. pic.twitter.com/JfncL55LD6

— New York Giants (@Giants) November 6, 2023

Daniel Jones had established career highs in attempts (472/29.5 per game) and completions (317/19.8 per game) during 2022 while vaulting to ninth overall with an average of 18.4 points per game. However, Jones only manufactured 15 touchdowns through the air, as his production was largely built through his numbers as a rusher. Jones finished fourth among quarterbacks in attempts (120/7.5 per game), fifth in rushing yards (708/44.3 per game), and tied for third in touchdowns (seven).

Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract with New York in March 2023. He was sidelined from Weeks 6-8 due to a neck injury, then sustained a torn ACL in Week 9 that abruptly ended his disappointing season. Jones had registered a forgettable 2:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio during his six matchups, completing 108 of his 160 attempts (67.5%). Jones was also relegated to a quarterback rating of 36.3%, as Tyrod Taylor (five starts) and undrafted rookie Tommy Devito (six starts) spearheaded the offense during Jones' absence.

Adding protection up front 💪 pic.twitter.com/G38OHzpEjd

— New York Giants (@Giants) March 15, 2024

Jones will also operate behind an offensive line that finished 30th in PFF’s 2023 rankings. This unit remains a concern despite the free-agency additions of guard Jon Runyan Jr. and tackle Jermaine Eluemunor.

Competition for Targets

No wide receiver on the Giants reached 80 targets, generated 800 yards, or averaged nine fantasy points per game last season. This underscores the underwhelming state of New York's weaponry at the position. It has also ensured that Nabers should quickly commandeer a significant target share when the regular season launches while functioning as the primary weapon in the team's aerial attack.

Brian Daboll/Mike Kafka have added a needed YAC element to the Giants offense that wasn't there under the previous regime.

Darius Slayton YAC per Catch Ranking
2023: 10th
2022: 6th
2021: 87th
2020: 83rd

— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) January 18, 2024

Darius Slayton has now eclipsed 700+ yards during four of his five seasons with the Giants after accumulating a career-high  770 (45.3 per game) in 2023. He also led New York in targets (79/4.6 per game) and was third in receptions (50/2.9 per game). The five-year veteran also led the team in routes run (564), air yards (959), air yards share (27.5%), and yards after catch (302). Slayton is entering the final year of his contract and should primarily operate outside. However, he will not replicate the usage and output he attained last season and should finish as the Giants' WR3.    

Wan'Dale Robinson has missed 13 games since New York selected him in Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft (43rd overall), including the Giants' first two matchups in 2023 (knee). He still led New York in receptions (60/4.0 per game) while averaging 4.8 per game from Weeks 14-18. Robinson also finished second in routes run (490) and yards after catch (298) and was third in targets per route run (15.9%).  

The #Giants player who should benefit most from Malik Nabers' addition is Wan'Dale Robinson.
He's going to have a lot more space to work with (more attention on Nabers) & now one year removed from the ACL, we're going to see a lot more post-catch plays that look like this: pic.twitter.com/SuX0V0wnbE

— Dan Schneier (@DanSchneierNFL) May 7, 2024

Robinson was also third in receiving yards (525/35.0 per game) while averaging 1.07 yards per route run. Robinson performed from the slot on 81.8% of his routes and should function in the same capacity this season. He can also emerge as New York's WR2 if he can elude further injuries.

Jalin Hyatt led all wide receivers with 40+ targets in aDOT (20.3) during his 2023 rookie season. He was also eighth in yards per reception (16.2) and tied for 22nd in yards per target (9.2). Hyatt also finished second on the Giants in air yards (811) and air yards share (23.3). Hyatt was also fourth on the team in receiving yards (373/21.9 per game), fifth in targets (40/2.4 per game), and sixth in receptions (23/1.4 per game). Hyatt should remain below Nabers, Robinson, and Slayton on the depth chart, though he retains the potential to garner targets as a vertical weapon. 

Sources: #Giants TE Darren Waller has informed the team he plans to retire, walking away at the age of 31 after just one season with NYG.

Waller hasn’t attended workouts, and the team had known for some time he may not play. Now, he’s officially let them know before minicamp. pic.twitter.com/1ZTmj1VX2m

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 9, 2024

Darren Waller will not be competing with Nabers for targets this season and his retirement has reshaped the Giants’ depth chart at tight end. It has also positioned Daniel Bellinger and rookie Theo Johnson to seize expanded roles.

The Giants had secured Waller in a trade with Las Vegas during the 2023 offseason in hopes that he could provide the offense with a dynamic presence at tight end. However, a recent pattern of health issues and diminished output was sustained during his only season with New York.

Waller had averaged 131 targets (8.2), 99 receptions (6.2 per game), and 1,170 yards (72.3 per game) during 2019 and 2020 while finishing as a top-five tight end in points per game during both seasons (17.4/13.8 per game). Those averages had dropped to 68 targets (6.8 per game), 42 receptions (4.2 per game), and 527 yards (52.7 per game) from 2021-2022, while he also missed 14 games. 

A hamstring injury also sidelined Waller during five contests last season. He did lead the Giants in targets per route run (21.6%) and yards per route run (1.61) while also finishing second on the team in receptions (52/4.3 per game) and receiving yards (552/46 per game).

Daniel Bellinger TE1 season is back on after a year off in 2023.pic.twitter.com/bwodxbVUz7

— Gridiron Media (@Gridiron_Media_) June 3, 2024

The Giants secured Bellinger in Round 4 of the 2022 NFL Draft (112th overall). He has averaged 2.2 targets/1.9 receptions/18 yards per game during his two seasons with New York. Bellinger’s knowledge of the offense provides him with an inherent advantage over Johnson at the beginning of the season.

Fastest 40 Yard Dash Times (TEs):

1️⃣ Devin Culp, Washington: 4.47s
2️⃣ Theo Johnson, Penn State: 4.57s
3️⃣ Jaheim Bell, Florida State: 4.61s
4️⃣ Tanner McLachlan, Arizona: 4.61s
5️⃣ Jared Wiley, TCU: 4.62s pic.twitter.com/vRvrHxGFc9

— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 2, 2024

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Johnson was selected in the fourth round of this year‘s NFL Draft (107th overall). He collected 77 receptions, accumulated 938 yards, and generated 12 touchdowns during his four seasons at Penn State. Johnson also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.57 at the NFL Combine. He should steadily progress toward an ongoing role as both a pass-catcher and a blocker due to his size and athleticism. That also elevates Johnson into an intriguing option in dynasty leagues.

Reports: We have agreed to terms with RB Devin Singletary

Details: https://t.co/aFPuXqbGsj pic.twitter.com/3nU6CSCmQZ

— New York Giants (@Giants) March 11, 2024

New York’s running backs were targeted on 20.2% of the passes launched by Giants quarterbacks, which ranked 11th overall. Daboll should maintain a similar deployment of the position in this year's passing attack after the team signed Devin Singletary to a three-year contract in March. This reunites Daboll with Singletary, who operated in Buffalo’s offense for three seasons (2019-2021) while Daboll was the Bills offensive coordinator.

Rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. is an intriguing prospect who converted from wide receiver to running back during his collegiate career. The Giants secured him with the 166th pick in April’s NFL Draft. However, he could easily outperform the expectations of a fifth-round draft selection and should become involved as a receiving weapon.

Malik Nabers' Fantasy Football Outlook

GOOOOOOD MORNING pic.twitter.com/K2Q0gdU5Cs

— New York Giants (@Giants) April 26, 2024

Nabers’ exceptional talent should propel him beyond many potential obstacles that can deter rookies from matching expectations during their first seasons. His most fundamental challenge will be the shortcomings that exist at the quarterback position.

Daniel Jones' ability to replicate the rushing numbers that he assembled in 2022 could be impacted by the aftermath of his torn ACL. That bolsters the rationale for Jones to utilize his most explosive option by targeting Nabers consistently.

This provides the potential for Nabers to become a transformative weapon for the Giants offense. He is an exceptional playmaker who should elicit nightmares for opponents with the combination of his explosiveness, speed, acceleration, ball-tracking capabilities, and exceptional ability to secure separation.

Malik Nabers after the catch is gonna be special pic.twitter.com/gC84ySMpWm

— Justin Penik (@JustinPenik) April 26, 2024

Nabers also possesses the versatility to perform proficiently while operating outside or from the slot. His route-running acumen enables him to prevail on vertical routes, while he can also elude defenders with his burst on shorter routes. Daboll will also be incentivized to adapt his scheme while maximizing Nabers’ game-changing skills based on the specifics of each opponent.

That will keep Nabers heavily involved in the Giants offense while perpetuating his prospects of erupting for a big play anytime he touches the ball. The convergence of Nabers’ talent and his enormous opportunity can supply fantasy managers with WR2 output this season. His outlook beyond 2024 ascends even further if New York secures a highly effective signal-caller.

These factors elevate Nabers among your most viable options in Round 4 of best ball drafts. He can also be prioritized during Round 2 in dynasty startup drafts.

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