This is not a “Debbie Downer” post. I am a Giant fan since 1960. I can recall all the disasters that the Mara family have imposed on the team and its fans since then. Thank God for Pete Roselle’s intervention. Four Super Bowl victories don’t change that. Below is my critical assessment of the #6 pick, Malik Nabers.
It is unquestionable that Nabers appears to be OBJ2. I grant that. But what comes with that? Did OBJ ever win a playoff? He had a terrific “5th Gear” that allowed him to separate from defensemen on simple down and in passes and get to the end zone. Incredible. But, notice that after 3 terrific seasons with the Giants, aside from OK seasons in 2018 and 2019 his productivity with the Giants and other teams declined significantly due to injuries (no more 5th gear) and lousy QBs. So, my first concern is Nabers remaining healthy. Teams are going to focus on him even more and be most physical because DJ is ineffective in pre and post snap reads. Defenses will be gunning for him.
My second concern is character. Nabers was handcuffed for illegal possession of a hand-gun. Plaxico Burress anyone? There is a definitive risk here that attitude and behavior off the field may cause harm to performance on the field. Character does count.
Third concern is will Nabers become disgruntled after 2 seasons because the QBs are not getting him the ball. Be sure that he will be watching as #1 WRs throughout the league see their contracts climb in value. He will worry that his performance will cause owner and management to negotiate a lower offer as a result.
Fourth concern is Giants team development strategy. The tradeoff here is not only a #1 Wr vs. a potential franchise QB. It is “Opportunity Cost” as well. Who is investigating what the Giants attempts were to move down in the draft between picks #7 through #13. Don’t wait for the so-called analysts or media to look sufficiently into this. I find this very difficult to understand and appreciate. Brian Thomas and Xavier Worthy were still available. Brock Bowers was still available. I’m sure that Mahomes is delighted to have Worthy on his team. Did Giants management effectively attempt to trade-down with Minnesota, Denver and Las Vegas to name a few and grab additional draft pick plus one of the three candidates mentioned above. Aside from #1 WR the team has needs at DL, CB, S, RB and TE. Wouldn’t a trade down to one of those three have garnered additional/critical picks to build this team up? Look how Houston Texans stockpiled draft picks over multiple season and then suddenly get the franchise QB they need later on. I have no problem with this type of strategy but it appears that the Giants are unwilling or unable to pursue such a course.
In conclusion, I have said all along I had no problem getting a #1 WR in this draft. How the Giants went about it is IMHO a mistake. Too many questions and risks. Yeah, pundits will give them an “A” for the pick. But, wait until the season starts an Nabers is unable to achieve what expectations the public demand. The team should have done better than this pick.
I'm not sure what the hell some of you are smoking sometimes.
My recommendation was to trade down to Minnesota, Denver or Las Vegas.
With all due respect, no. I gave my critical assessment with recommended alternative strategies. Do you know what a Devil's Advocate originates from?
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Explain how.
My recommendation was to trade down to Minnesota, Denver or Las Vegas.
And that would have been better how.
Might not be the pick some wanted but you cannot argue with the value.
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In comment 16490328 BillT said:
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Explain how.
Take Thomas, Worthy or Bowers and get additional draft picks. What part of my post did you not read or understand. I concurred that Nabers is OBJ2. It is about strategies, risks, and alternative opportunities that I believe have merit.
My recommendation was to trade down to Minnesota, Denver or Las Vegas.
And that would have been better how.
But I can not completely ignore that he comes off as ME guy and the gun thing also cant be ignored. I do have a fear that we could be dealing with a Terrell Owens/Antonio Brown/OBJ type of drama. I am not saying this automatic, but I do have concerns.
This kid is really young, so I hope this is simply just a maturity issue and I assume JS/Dabs did their homework and I will trust them. This kid clearly works on his craft and sets up his cuts and tempo. This not a kadarius toney knuckle head.
On the field, this is an amazing pick. This is exactly the type of receiver Dabs loves. He wants separation, speed, and YAC. This is his guy and this makes total sense.
All this being said, I will hope he keeps his height on straight and I will root for him to produce great results. This team desperately needed a threat and this kid fits the bill. The fear teams have facing an AJ Brown/Jamar Chase/Justin Jefferson. This in our guy who is going to uplift the entire offense by requiring a lot of special attention.
In case you didn’t notice, there weren’t any major trade downs. Prices were too high, so I can argue trading down would have meant we conceded value.
We have a functional offensive line, which is a huge improvement.
We have speed all over at the receiver position, which is a huge improvement.
It is now up to Daboll to get DJ or Lock to take advantage. My hope is that Lock is given a fair shake to win the job.
The problem with your take isn’t that you would have done something different, it’s that you are contradicting yourself.
The problem with your take isn’t that you would have done something different, it’s that you are contradicting yourself.
...and Nabers is going to get the ball. I expect he will be among the league leaders in targets.
That's not the way I read it. The OP mentions two points that I have been concerned with ever since Nabers began being mentioned as our pick;
1) Character Concerns
Nabers does seem to have a knucklehead factor. As the OP mentioned, I also get a diva vibe from Nabers. A diva is enough of a headache even after they've proven to be good. Being one before you even step on the field is cause for concern. Hopefully my first impression of this guy is completely off base.
2) Nabers Becoming Disgruntled
I can definitely see this happening and have mentioned it in previous threads. Having to play with Jones for 2 years doesn't seem like a good match at all. One of Nabers best attributes is his run after catch ability. Pairing a YAC monster with a QB who struggles to hit his receivers in stride doesn't sound like a recipe for success. I can see Nabers requesting a trade after 2 seasons.