NFL
Bold Predictions for Giants’ Individual Stat Leaders in 2024 NFL Season
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If Jones does take a big step forward in 2024, rookie receiver Malik Nabers will probably be the catalyst. One of the top receiver prospects in the 2024 draft class, Nabers has the potential to quickly become the No. 1 receiver Jones has never had.
“His combination of speed, quickness and yards-after-the-catch skills will translate into explosive plays right away,” Derrik Klassen of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote before the draft.
Fans should fully expect Nabers to have a terrific rookie campaign and to lead the Giants in receiving yards. Unfortunately, he’s going to have a hard time cracking the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The reality is that receivers like Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua have set a ridiculously high standard for rookie receivers in recent years. For Nabers to replicate their production, he’ll need a quarterback who can consistently get him the ball—and Jones has yet to prove he can be that quarterback.
Additionally, the competition for the award will be stiff this season. Marvin Harrison Jr., Rome Odunze, Brian Thomas Jr. and Xavier Worthy are just a few likely candidates who play the same position as Nabers. Rookie quarterbacks Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix are all expected to start Week 1 and could quickly jump to the top of the DROY race because of positional importance.
An outlier—like rookie tight end Brock Bowers or running back Trey Benson—could emerge as well.
Nabers has all the necessary potential to be an NFL star, but he may not do it in his inaugural campaign.
Stat Prediction: 71 receptions, 988 receiving yards, 5 TDs, 112 rushing yards