The hoopla, hysteria and general hype around the NFL Draft is unrivaled. Thursday’s first round will be filled with the usual pomp and circumstance with stylish suits, neck-draped flashy bling, main-stage struts, Roger Goodell bro hugs and lifelong dreams realized. However, selfish gamers only care about one thing — Where does the rookie rank in the fantasy pecking order? Here’s instant analysis of Nabers in the Giants offense.
No. 6 overall pick — Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants
If you have a need for speed, Nabers is your dude. The fleet-footed LSU product showcases the short-field explosiveness, lateral quickness and rubber-peeling acceleration to separate from almost any NFL defender. Give him an inch, and he’s sure to take a mile.
Elusive in space, Nabers is also difficult to corral after the catch. Last season with the Tigers, he finished No. 4 in missed tackles forced (30) among all college wideouts. Not surprisingly, he also ranked top-five in deep catches and deep yards.
Whether on downfield go routes or 10-yard slants, Nabers has the tools to embarrass defenders. Given his talents and landing spot, it’s not remotely farfetched to believe he’ll crack the WR top 24 in PPR formats out of the gate. However, being connected to Daniel Jones has significant downside.
With his experience working outside and in the slot, Nabers already has defensive coordinators lathered in a nervous sweat.