New York Giants get instant look at Malik Nabers worry for rookie season

Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers already looks like he could be the real deal, and he's been the standout star at training camp for the New York Giants .

The LSU product was selected sixth overall by the Giants in the 2024 NFL Draft , and it's already been suggested that they won the draft when excluding quarterback options. However, as highlighted on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions , there's no point in having a breakthrough talent if you don't know how to use them.

Nabers lined up for his preseason debut with Drew Lock at quarterback, and just like he has throughout training camp he found himself wide open downfield on several occasions. Lock failed to find him on any occasion despite jeers from the crowd as Nabers threw his hands in frustration.

The rookie left the field without a single reception and was understandably upset, especially when Tommy DeVito replaced Lock and started finding receivers. Nabers has connected well with starting quarterback Daniel Jones throughout training camp, and the Giants will hope that continues into the new season.

READ MORE: Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito compared in Giants' preseason opener vs. Lions
READ MORE: CeeDee Lamb publicly laughs in face of Jerry Jones after contract update

Nabers has looked explosive all summer, but particularly impressed when the Giants held combined sessions with the Lions this week. In the two days leading up to the opening preseason game, Nabers was targeted 18 times and caught 17 of those targets.

His only failed attempt resulted in a fight with Lions safety Kerby Joseph, with the Detroit roster finally covering him and letting their emotions get the better of them. Nabers hasn't just impressed fans, he's left a lasting impression on the Giants roster too.

Fellow Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson said this week: "I think what surprised me with him was, really when I watched his film, he didn't really have any weaknesses. Watching him, he catches the ball and moves like a running back. He has great hands.

Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news

"Doesn't do a lot of body catches, great routes. He doesn't just do speed, speed, speed. He works his releases, he's explosive. There's a lot of things that he's good at. The only thing with him is we just need to keep adding confidence to him and get him to learn the plays. He's getting there. And once he gets all that down, the sky's the limit for him."

Jones was also complimentary, and it's likely he could be his No. 1 target next season if he continues to move in the right direction. "When the ball is up in the air, he expects it to be his," Jones said. "He's going to go get it.

"So he's got all the physical ability in the world -- size, strength, speed, quickness, great hands -- and he's got the attitude that he's going to get the ball and it's going to be his. We have to keep working and keep building our chemistry. He's had a good camp."