EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – The Giants have had an affinity for wide receivers from the Southeastern Conference in recent years.
Ten years ago, they drafted Odell Beckham, Jr. out of LSU with the 12th overall selection. Their three most productive wideouts in 2023 – Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton and rookie Jalin Hyatt – were drafted from SEC schools since 2019. The Giants' first draft choice in 2021, the since-traded Kadarius Toney, was another alumnus from the conference.
On Thursday night, the Giants again reached in the SEC pool and acquired a receiver who might become the most consequential and prolific of their wideouts from college football's strongest conference.
With the sixth pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Giants selected Malik Nabers, another LSU product. Arguably the most explosive and electric player in the draft, Nabers set records at the same school that produced current NFL stars Justin Jefferson of Minnesota and Ja'Marr Chase of Cincinnati.
"I think he's a fantastic player," coach Brian Daboll said.
View the best photos from the collegiate career of wide receiver Malik Nabers.
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) dances in celebration of his team's 49-42 victory against Florida in an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown on a pass reception against Texas A&M defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries between Texas A&M defensive back Jacoby Mathews (2), defensive back Deuce Harmon (11) and defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries between Texas A&M defensive back Jacoby Mathews (2), defensive back Deuce Harmon (11) and defensive back Demani Richardson (26) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. LSU won 42-30. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries against Texas A&M defensive back Deuce Harmon (11) and defensive back Jacoby Mathews (2) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) scores a touchdown against Georgia State safety Jeremiah Johnson (6) as LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates after his touchdown with quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown against Georgia State cornerback Bryquice Brown, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) crosses the goal line for a touchdown on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas A&M in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) grabs a reception that he finished with a touchdown against Georgia State cornerback Bryquice Brown (5) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers jogs off the field after his touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers catches a pass and scores a touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. LSU won 62-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception as Auburn linebacker Cam Riley (13) pursues in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Army in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a reception as Auburn linebacker Jalen McLeod (35) pursues in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a reception as Auburn linebacker Jalen McLeod (35) pursues in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown with running back Logan Diggs (3) in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) reacts after a first down reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. LSU won 48-18. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries for a touchdown past Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries for a touchdown past Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs after a catch against Mississippi during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries for a touchdown past Auburn safety Donovan Kaufman (5) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy (2) and wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) react after a touchdown by Lacy during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) looks for room past Mississippi cornerback Zamari Walton (6) and linebacker Suntarine Perkins during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Oxford, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his first of two touchdown receptions in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates his second touchdown reception with offensive lineman Will Campbell (66) in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers celebrates his second touchdown reception with offensive lineman Will Campbell (66) in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a touchdown reception ahead of Arkansas defensive back Jaheim Singletary (15) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. LSU won 34-31. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) lines up against Mississippi State during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) looks back for a pass as he breaks open against Mississippi State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. LSU won 41-14. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) catches a 26-yard touchdown pass reception over the defense of Mississippi State safety Hunter Washington (21) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs past Purdue cornerback Bryce Hampton, left, and safety Sanoussi Kane (21) on his way to a 75-yard touchdown on a pass play during the second half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) gets past Purdue safety Cam Allen after a reception during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
LSU wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (11) and Malik Nabers (8) celebrate after a touchdown by Thomas against Grambling State during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) scores a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Grambling State in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) breaks away from Grambling State for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) makes a reception against UAB safety Keondre Swoopes (0) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs after a reception as UAB safety Jaylen Key (1) tries to make the tackle during the first half an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) makes a reception against UAB safety Keondre Swoopes (0) and UAB safety Grayson Cash (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs after a reception during an NCAA college football game against UAB in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) is tackled by Arkansas defensive back Quincey McAdoo during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) is tackled on a pass reception in the second half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. Tennessee won 40-13.(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs during an NCAA football game against New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries in the second half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. LSU won 38-0. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception in the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) celebrates after a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries on a pass reception against New Mexico defensive end Jake Saltonstall (95) and cornerback Donte Martin (8) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. LSU won 65-17. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Southern in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs the ball past Southern cornerback Glen Brown (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) spins out of the tackle attempt by Kansas State defensive end Bronson Massie (90) during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs during the first half of an NCAA football game against Florida State on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2022, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a pass in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Louisiana-Monroe in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) carries during their NCAA college football practice in Baton Rouge, La., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs during an NCAA football game against Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, in Baton Rouge, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) runs after a reception against Florida during an NCAA college football game in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers (8) pulls in a reception to score in front of Kansas State defensive backs Reggie Stubblefield (1) and TJ Smith (7) during the second half of the Texas Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
What stood out during the Giants' long and detailed evaluation of Nabers?
"I think at that position, the toughness," general manager Joe Schoen said. "Some of the competitiveness, some of the best ones I've been around, they have that. It's going to be 20-some receivers taken between today and tomorrow and Saturday. What separates all the guys that are six-foot, that are 200 pounds and run a 4.45, there's a bunch of them out there. To me, it always goes back to grit, toughness, tenacity. You can't coach that. You can't teach that. I think this kid best illustrates it."
He'll get no argument from Nabers, who said the Giants are getting, "a great teammate, a great leader, a great person on the field and off the field."
Nabers, 6-feet and 200 pounds, won't turn 21 until training camp opens in late July. The Louisiana native played in 38 games with 30 starts in three seasons for LSU. He concluded his career as the school's all-time leader in receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003) and is one of only two players in LSU history with more than 3,000 receiving yards, joining Josh Reed (3,001 yards from 1999-2001). Nabers ranks seventh in school history with 21 touchdown catches. He led the SEC in receptions in back-to-back years with 72 as a sophomore in 2022, followed by 89 in 2023.
In 2023, Nabers started all 13 games and was a unanimous All-America as he was a first-team selection by AP, Walter Camp, FWAA, AFCA and Sporting News. He was also chosen first-Team All-SEC by the AP and SEC Coaches. Nabers led the nation with 120.7 receiving yards a game and led the FBS in plays of 20-plus yards (34) and 30-plus yards (17). Nabers finished second nationally with 1,569 receiving yards, third with 14 touchdown catches, and tied for 11th with 89 receptions. He topped the SEC in receptions, receiving yards, and ranked second in touchdown catches.
"LSU, the amount of players they had, and our staff was able to see him play live several times," said Schoen. "I've seen him two years in a row. I happened to be at the first game of the year versus Florida State, two years in a row. He's been on our radar. He's a really good player. And we were at the pro day, we had him in on a 30 visit and went to dinner with him a couple different times. Getting around the kid, he's a great kid. He's super competitive. He's driven. And I'm excited about having him."
Daboll was an offensive assistant for several teams from 2002-21 and spent the first five of those seasons as the New England Patriots' wide receivers coach. He is excited to acquire a player of Nabers' caliber.
"He's a fun guy to evaluate," Daboll said. "He's got quickness, explosive, good run after the catch. He's got a good mindset in terms of the competitive style he plays with. Played well in big games.
"I love his personality. He's a very, very competitive young man. So, it was good to sit down and kind of introduce ourselves and get him to introduce himself to us. He came here – he's a competitive guy. And I'm looking forward to working with him."
The Giants have lacked a receiver that causes defensive coordinators and backs to lose sleep since Beckham departed before the 2019 season. They haven't had a 1,000-yard pass catcher since Beckham gained 1,052 yards in 2018. Last year, the Giants averaged 9.9 yards on their 338 completed passes, the fifth-lowest figure in the NFL.
Nabers averaged 15.9 yards a catch in his three seasons with the Tigers, including 18.0 yards in 2023.
"Get him in the program, get him with the receivers and into the offense, and really looking forward to working with him," Daboll said.
The Giants were rumored to be interested in quarterback Drake Maye, who was drafted third by the New England Patriots. Representatives of the two teams spoke, but they ultimately kept their picks.
"I said last week we were going to have conversations in front of us," Schoen said. "We actually had conversations behind us. There was an opportunity for us to move out of the pick. So, we had conversations. We had different plans in place. And we're glad to have Malik Nabers here. We're glad with the way it worked out."
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