Malik Nabers was drafted by the New York Giants with the sixth pick of Round 1, according to Jordan Schultz. He immediately becomes the team's WR1 and potential target hog.
Fantasy Football Impact for Malik Nabers, New York Giants
Nabers immediately becomes the Giants’ number one wide receiver and target. We should chase volume in fantasy football, as this will correlate with production. It helps when you have a superior talent, too. Nabers would typically be the WR1 of a draft class, but he unfortunately is overshadowed by Marvin Harrison Jr. Nabers had 161 receptions, 2,585 yards, and 17 touchdowns over his last two years at LSU. We may need to temper expectations as there are true concerns with Daniel Jones at quarterback. I believe Head Coach Brian Daboll will feature his new asset in the offense. Having a competent quarterback is ideal. However, we have seen top-tier talent (D’Andre Hopkins, Houston Texans) succeed without one.
Recent rookie wide receiver success appears to have common denominators. Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, and Puka Nacua had a competent quarterback, team scheme, and play-calling attributing to their success. The most important variable is talent. We should all be betting Nabers will conclude the 2024 season as the number one target on the Giants, with a chance of surpassing 150 targets. Nabers is explosive and displays the desirable traits to cement himself as a top-tier talent in the NFL.
My instant reaction draws similarities with Garrett Wilson’s rookie year. A talented rookie wide receiver as the team’s top target at the expense of inferior quarterback play. He concluded with 147 targets but only had 83 receptions, finishing as the WR27 in PPR scoring.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
The Giants do lack talent absent Nabers, and many believed them to be selecting a wide receiver. Having a true number one wide receiver will initially benefit the quarterback. Additionally, having a player who defenses need to scheme for will aid the additional receiving options. Having a talent in Nabers will command targets. When there is not a sure-fire second target in the offense, this may consequently have negative effects on the remaining pass catchers.
Wan'Dale Robinson should look to benefit from defenses trying to stop Nabers. He is competing to be the current second target in the offense out of the slot. The Giant's 2023 third-round selection in Jaylin Hyatt will look to be a field stretcher for the offense but will have little fantasy relevance. The tight ends will get interesting as there were reports Darren Waller was considering retirement. If true, Daniel Bellinger will be on the outside looking in for targets in this offense. There is only one certain target in this offense and it is Nabers. This selection does not drastically hurt the aforementioned players' stock, as it was assumed the Giants would be loading up on talent. I will be looking to acquire Robinson if his value dips.
Daniel Jones and Drew Lock should have a slight value rise. Jones will look to revert back to his 2022 form. Lock may field himself as a starting quarterback if we see a replica of the 2023 Giants season.
Stock Watch
Risers
Fallers
Overview
Do not be worried about this landing spot; trust the talent and target situation. Malik Nabers appears to be a feature of the New York Giants offense and will look to bring immediate success to fantasy rosters.
For more information on the 2024 NFL Draft, check out the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide, where you can read about Malik Nabers, New York Giants, and other rookie team fits.
