New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers became an instant superstar during his rookie season in 2024, ending his first year in the league with 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. Nabers' numbers are even more remarkable considering he appeared in only 15 games.
Nabers' 109 receptions set the single-season franchise record for Big Blue, topping the likes of Steve Smith (107 catches in 2009) and Odell Beckham Jr., who totaled 101 catches in 2016.
He's one of only three New York Giants to ever surpass the 100-catch mark.
And he did all of this with a collection of quarterbacks who should've been playing in the UFL.
Now, with Russell Wilson (or Jameis Winston... or Jaxson Dart), Nabers will have a capable NFL-level passer who can take advantage of the incredible separation he creates with remarkable route-running and exceptional athleticism.
It's why Nabers's outlook in 2025 is so high, and also why it's surprising that Pro Football Focus didn't deem him worthy of being a top-10 receiver in the NFL.
Instead, Nabers checked in at No. 12.
It's not a terrible ranking; some may say it's an elite ranking. But it could've been higher, especially with veterans like Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins), who are both on the downside of their careers, yet each ranked higher than Nabers. Evans ranked No. 9, and Hill is No. 8.
Malik Nabers week 2 highlights
— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) September 16, 2024
10 catches
127 yards
TD pic.twitter.com/CuuKSxPGSN
"Nabers was outstanding in his rookie season despite inconsistent quarterback play," PFF's Trevor Sikkema wrote. "He earned an 87.1 receiving grade — ninth best in the league — and averaged 2.17 yards per route run, an impressive mark for a first-year receiver that suggests even greater production as the offense improves around him."
Call it a hunch, but I believe Nabers will end the 2025 season as one of the top three wideouts in the NFL and in the same class as players like Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) and Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals), who happen to be the second and third highest ranked wideouts for PFF.
The No. 1 wideout? Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown.
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