New York Giants' Malik Nabers Earns Unusual Ranking From NFL.com
The New York Giants didn't have much to celebrate during the disaster that was the 2024 season. Big Blue struggled against the pass, couldn't protect the quarterback, and went through multiple signal-callers during their 3-14 campaign.
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But as bad as the 2024 campaign was, one star did emerge as he found a way to create a relatively positive vibe about his talent ... and maybe about this team's future.
Malik Nabers, the sixth-overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, set rookie franchise records in both receptions and reception yards as he exploded onto the scene. In too many cases last season, a cynic might say Nabers was just about New York's only player worth watching.
That is why Nabers is NFL.com writer Tom Blair's choice on Big Blue's roster to root for in his latest series before training camp.
"What I definitely do not want is for Nabers to become yet another talented receiver whose ultimate ceiling is shrouded by a forgettable quarterback and surrounding cast," Blair said.
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"It's great that he made the Pro Bowl and garnered some Offensive Rookie of the Year votes while catching passes from Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito, and Tim Boyle last year. Next, let's get him into some meaningful late-season or playoff games."
Do we think the "root for'' series at NFL.com is a bit odd? Let's call the rankings "unusual.'' But ...
New York knows they need Nabers as dominant (and happy) as possible if they want a chance to try and be competitive in 2025. The young superstar was the best rookie NFL receiver from last season, and has a better quarterback throwing him the ball this year than last.
So ...
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Can QB Russell Wilson form a top partnership with the Giants' No. 1 receiver? That'll be the difference between New York fielding a competent roster and being one of the worst teams in the league.
And the former over the latter is really what Giants fans are "rooting for.''
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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