At just 21, the Giants’ breakout star earns No. 7 spot in ESPN’s receiver rankings
Just one year into his pro career, Malik Nabers has been ranked the seventh-best wide receiver in the NFL, according to an annual ESPN survey of more than 70 league executives, coaches, and scouts. The rankings aim to capture the best players right now — not based on projections or past achievements, but current performance.
And Nabers, at just 21 years old, has already carved out a spot among the game’s elite.
Drafted sixth overall out of LSU, Nabers delivered a rookie season that defied expectations and shattered the mold. Despite playing in one of the league’s least productive offenses — and catching passes from four different quarterbacks he finished with 109 catches, 1,204 receiving yards, and 7 touchdowns. His 109 receptions were the second-most ever by a rookie receiver, trailing only fellow rookie tight end Brock Bowers.
“He can go 0 to 60 in three seconds like a Ferrari,” one NFL personnel evaluator told ESPN, “but he’s built like a truck. And he’s not even an elite route runner yet. Just wait until that happens.”
The Giants force-fed Nabers with 171 targets, the second-most in the NFL behind only Ja’Marr Chase. But Nabers proved up to the task, consistently producing despite defenses keying in on him and despite constant change at the quarterback position. He also led all rookie wide receivers with 19 forced missed tackles, showcasing his dangerous combination of strength and speed after the catch.
“Some guys are just different. You don’t have to watch him long to know that,” said an NFC defensive coach.
Nabers is now the highest-ranked Giants receiver on ESPN’s list since Odell Beckham Jr., and many around the league believe he’s the best draft pick of the Brian Daboll–Joe Schoen era.
With Russell Wilson serving as the likely bridge quarterback and rookie Jaxson Dart waiting in the wings, Nabers is expected to be the face of the Giants’ rebuild and a main piece of their offensive future.
