Giants rookie WR reflects on first preseason action

The Giants selected wide receiver Malik Nabers as the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, hoping he could turn into the No. 1 wide receiver they've been missing.

However, the rookie never got to prove he could be that on Thursday when New York hosted the Lions in its first preseason action.

The Giants won 14-3, but it was a disappointing night for Nabers after his good showing during this week's joint practices with Detroit, in which his confidence grew.

"I can compete with these guys in the league," Nabers said via the team's website. "That was just the main thing. Just going against somebody else before the season starts. Let's see what I need to work on. Getting my plays down. That's really about it. Just continue to be me. That's all I can say is I have talks with myself, 'Just continue to be me.'"

The 21-year-old caught 17 of 18 passes thrown his way this week but was never even targeted in the game despite breaking free deep on his first play of the game.

Quarterback Drew Lock decided to keep the ball and scramble instead, and the same thing happened again on the third offensive possession before Nabers's night ended shortly after.

Following the game, head coach Brian Daboll supported Lock's decision, saying he "was trying to make a smart decision," but Nabers may feel differently.

"It felt good to be back on the football field, playing a real game," Nabers said via Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. "I did a very good job of getting open, but everything has to go my way to get the ball. It was kind of slippery out there. I think I could've done a better job of creating separation, getting better looks for the QB to throw the ball in better spots. That's all I can do — continue to do what I do."

Luckily for Nabers, he still has two more opportunities against the Houston Texans (Aug. 17) and New York Jets (Aug. 24) to prove he can be a difference-maker for the Giants.

He registered 89 catches for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final year at LSU.