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2024 NFL Draft

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Experts grade Giants' first-round selection of LSU WR Malik Nabers

MALIK-NABERS-MOODYS

The Giants used the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft to select an explosive wide receiver in the form of LSU's Malik Nabers.

Nabers (6-0, 200 lbs.) earned unanimous All-America honors in 2023, when he led the nation with 120.7 receiving yards per contest. He also led the FBS in plays of 20-plus yards (34) and 30-plus yards (17). He finished No. 1 in the SEC in receptions (89) and receiving yards (1,569) and ranked No. 2 in the league in receiving touchdowns (14).

Nabers capped his LSU career as the school's all-time leader in receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003).

NFL analysts were excited about the team's selection, as the Giants received numerous "A" grades for the pick.

Here are the expert grades for the Giants' selection of Malik Nabers.

Grade: A+

Analysis: "I love this pick for the Giants. It says they didn't believe in the quarterbacks who were left and now they get a playmaker on the outside. This kid will be a star."

Grade: A

Analysis: "With all due respect to fellow top-10 talents Marvin Harrison Jr. and Rome Odunze, Nabers is the most electric receiver in this class, possessing an exceptional combination of burst, elusiveness and breakaway speed. It's been impossible to fairly evaluate Daniel Jones with so few playmakers at receiver. Nabers is the star the Giants have been missing and resets the clock on Jones."

Grade: A

Analysis: "Nabers is an electric playmaker and arguably this class' most dangerous ball carrier in space. An incredibly smooth and explosive athlete with great ball skills, Nabers was an instant contributor in the SEC for LSU and made 161 catches (playing with Jayden Daniels) the last two seasons. There were some scouts who had Nabers ranked ahead of Harrison — he's that good."

Grade: A

Analysis: "In most other years, LSU's Malik Nabers would have been the clear-cut WR1. However, he's in the same class as Ohio State's Marvin Harrison Jr. Nabers is far from a consolation prize, though. He's ready to be the focal point of an NFL passing attack from Day 1... Nabers is a true No.1 target. He's insta-juice to the lineup. His presence will completely change the dynamic of a Giants pass-catching corps that previously lacked explosiveness."

View the best photos from the collegiate career of wide receiver Malik Nabers.

Grade: A

Analysis: "The Giants have been heavily linked to receivers over the past few months, and it came down to a choice between LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze. New York opted for the more explosive of the two: Nabers, who is my second-ranked wide receiver and my no. 5 player overall, is absolutely electric, both when running routes deep or reeling in quick passes and running away from the defense. He's the type of playmaker and field-tilter that Daniel Jones and the Giants offense needs to get back on track."

Grade: A

Analysis: "The Giants go back to the first-round wide receiver well 10 years after taking Odell Beckham Jr. out of LSU with another special big-time explosive playmaker. Nabers has the speed and quickness of a true No. 1 they have been missing for Daniel Jones. Nabers is versatile to deliver outside or in the slot, stretching the field or running well after the catch and be the new Stefon Diggs for offensive-minded coach Brian Daboll."

Grade: A

Analysis: "Malik Nabers gives the New York Giants the best receiving talent they've had since Odell Beckham Jr."

Grade: A-

Analysis: "Nabers is electric both as a downfield target and a run-after-catch threat, and he can take much of the pressure off [Daniel] Jones as the quarterback works his way back from an injury-shortened campaign. If the Giants' drought of 1,000-yard receivers is going to end soon - which dates back to 2018 with another LSU product in Odell Beckham Jr. - Nabers will be the guy to break through."

Grade: A-

Analysis: "He's a big play waiting to happen, and despite a little bit of a vibey route running repertoire, he can instantly provide some juice into the offense."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Nabers' quickness off the line, tight routes, strong hands and electric moves after the catch remind me of another former LSU wideout the Giants selected in the first round (10 years ago, in fact). If Nabers proves agile enough to win against NFL cornerbacks at the top of the route, he could become one of the league's best receivers in time."

Grade: B+

Analysis: "Nabers is a top-three talent at receiver in this class alongside Harrison and Odunze. In 2022, Nabers had 72 receptions and 1,017 yards. In 2023, Nabers ascended to All-America status with 89 catches, 1,569 yards and 14 scores, helping Jayden Daniels earn Heisman Trophy honors. At 200 pounds, Nabers is a big, physical receiver who can win in a variety of ways."

Grade: Very Good

Analysis: "The Giants were linked to several of the quarterbacks in the draft process. Instead of packaging picks to move up or sticking at No. 6 to bring in J.J. McCarthy, they bring an explosive receiver into a receiving corps in need of talent. Nabers recorded 44 receptions of 20-plus yards over his last two seasons, second-most among FBS wide receivers."

Overall Value: Bargain

Analysis: "Nabers brings an electrifying presence to the Giants. New York showed that they believe in Daniel Jones under center and got him a true WR1. Nabers led the country in receiving yards per game last season (120.7), and he can play in the slot -- where he caught 1,009 yards last season (fourth-most in the FBS) -- or outside for the Giants. He will team up with Jalin Hyatt and Wan'Dale Robinson to give this team a young trio to build around."

Additional analysis from ESPN's Steve Muench: "Marvin Harrison Jr. is the top receiver on the board, but Nabers had the same grade and is third overall for me. The value and the Giants' need at the position make this an outstanding pick."

Grade: 1st Round (3rd Overall)

Analysis: "A three-year starter at LSU, Nabers was the leading receiver in offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock's spread scheme, splitting his sn aps 50-50 between outside and the slot. Of all the talented wide receivers that have gone through Baton Rouge, Nabers stan ds alone in both catches (189) and receiving yards (3,003), and in 2023 he led the FBS in receiving yards per game (120.7). An explosive play creator (led the FBS with 34 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023), Nabers uses his gliding speed to consistently win on slot fades or one-on-one vertical routes. His favorite play in the playbook is the jet sweep (his 7 -on-7 highlights from high school are legendary). He also can win underneath as a snatch-and-run target and will continue to ascend as he develops his finishing skills and route discipline. Overall, Nabers has only average size/strength, but he offers dynamic potential, because of his ability to accelerate/decelerate on command and always make himself available with his athletic catch-point skills. He projects as a playmaking receiver in the NFL."

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