See where Malik Nabers’ receiving yards total sits getting drafted by Giants

The Giants will need a big season from first-round pick receiver Malik Nabers as they attempt to build a contending roster from the ground up.

Oddsmakers at FanDuel have set Nabers’ receiving yards total for 2024 at 840.5, which is higher than any player on the Giants had last year.

The Giants selected Nabers with the No. 6 overall draft pick, and he is undoubtedly more talented than any receiver on last year’s roster.

Despite his pedigree and top-10 status, Nabers is still a bit of a long shot to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, coming in at 14/1 odds.

Last season, the Giants’ leading receiver was Darius Slayton, who had 770 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Darren Waller had 552 receiving yards in just 12 games played.

But with Waller reportedly considering retirement and Saquon Barkley departing for the Eagles, the Giants’ receiving options narrow to Nabers, Slayton, Jalin Hyatt and a few other ancillary pieces.

Big Blue is in a sorry state where they figure to be down big in many games throughout 2024, giving Nabers the opportunity to score big in garbage time.

Daniel Jones is expected to be ready for Week 1 as the starting quarterback after tearing his ACL last season.

Drew Lock, who the Giants signed away from the Seahawks this offseason, is the backup.

Last season, five rookies tallied more than the 840.5 yards that FanDuel is projecting for Nabers: Zay Flowers (858), Sam LaPorta (889), Jordan Addison (911), Rashee Rice (938), and Puka Nacua (1,486).

The year prior, there was just three, with Garrett Wilson (1,103), Chris Olave (1,042), and Drake London (866) clearing that threshold.

Just two receivers drafted in the top 15 since 2017 haven’t gone over 840.5 receiving yards in their rookie year.

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Mike Williams, drafted No. 7 overall in 2017, had just 95 yards receiving in an injury-plagued rookie year, while Henry Ruggs also struggled in his short-lived NFL career with 452 receiving yards.

Health permitting, Nabers is on the right side of recent history in a changing NFL world that has seen skill players pop for massive paydays.