Malik Nabers

Secondary surgery on an ACL tear can be problematic. Can be. Until we get clearer signs that his starting date for the 2026 season is in doubt, it is assumed he will be the lead receiver for the Giants offense. Nabers does have elite potential and because there is doubt, he may be a good bargain. With risk. 

The subject of his recovery from an ACL+ injury and surgery came up often during discussions of the Giants draft strategy. and they gave up a lot to get a wide receiver in the third round (Notre Dame's Malachi Fields). Nabers is not worth taking at or above ADP until he is cleared to practice this summer, which might not happen until well into training camp.

Nabers offers elite talent as the clear #1 receiver for new head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Jaxson Dart, but he enters the season with significant risk as he continues to rehab a major knee injury from last year. Some indicators suggest it could take longer than anticipated for him to return to form. 

Avoided the PUP list and has returned to team drills, easing concerns about his Week 1 availability. He carries more risk than the receivers drafted around him, but his top-three ceiling is worth chasing.

Nabers likely sees the field by midseason but won't perform like a top receiver until 2027. The current public view isn't reading the physical therapy prognoses and their view is far too bullish. 

The more I hear about his offseason clean-up surgery, the less I like him. I won't be surprised if he misses a month, and I cannot draft him as one of my top-24 receivers.