The Giants will need first-round pick receiver Malik Nabors to have a big season as they try to build a competitive roster from the ground up.
FanDuel oddsmakers have Neighbors receiving 840.5 total receiving yards in 2024, the highest of any Giants player last year.
The Giants drafted Nabors with the sixth overall pick, and he is arguably the most talented receiver on last year’s roster.
Despite his pedigree and top-10 status, Nabers is still a bit far from winning Offensive Rookie of the Year at odds of 14/1.
Last season, the Giants’ top receiver was Darius Slayton, who had 770 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Darren Waller had 552 receiving yards in just 12 games.
However, with Waller considering retirement and Saquon Barkley reportedly considering a move to the Eagles, the Giants’ acquisition options are Nabors, Slayton, Jarrin Hiatt, and several other secondary players. It will be narrowed down to.
Big Blue is in an unfortunate situation where they will likely be significantly behind in many games throughout 2024, giving Nabors an opportunity to score big in garbage time.
Daniel Jones is expected to be ready for Week 1 as the starting QB after tearing his ACL last season.
Drew Lock, who the Giants signed with the Seahawks this offseason, is a reserve player.
Last season, five rookies exceeded the 840.5 yards FanDuel projected for the Neighbors: Zai Flowers (858 yards), Sam LaPorta (889 yards), Jordan Addison (911 yards), and Lachie. Rice (938 yards), Puka Nacua (1,486 yards).
The previous year, Garrett Wilson (1,103), Chris Olave (1,042) and Drake London (866) were just three players to meet that standard.
Of the top 15 receivers drafted since 2017, only two receivers have not exceeded 840.5 receiving yards in their rookie year.
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Mike Williams, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 draft, had just 95 receiving yards in an injury-plagued rookie year, while Henry Ruggs also struggled with 452 receiving yards in his short-lived NFL career.
Health permitting, Neighbors is on the right side of recent history in a fast-moving NFL landscape where skilled players are rushing for big paychecks.
