The New York Giants picking Malik Nabers as the sixth overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft had Daniel Jones’ approval, according to general manager Joe Schoen.
Shortly after selecting the LSU wide receiver on Thursday, April 25, Schoen told reporters that he talked to Jones before announcing the player’s name. The Giants’ under-pressure quarterback offered an enthusiastic response, as Schoen mentioned to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post.
Despite being “fired up,” Jones should be thrilled after the Giants' actions in the first round. They not only obtained the struggling signal-caller the vertical target he needs to enhance his game.
Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll also decided to not draft a potential successor for Jones, although they did make attempts to do so.
Malik Nabers is the Perfect Choice for Daniel Jones
A speedster like Nabers is a great asset for Jones. He is coming off a season plagued by turnovers and injuries, including a torn ACL.
Jones has a lot to prove to demonstrate that he’s worth the $160-million contract he signed last offseason. Nabers’ presence will be beneficial because the 20-year-old can challenge any defense.
This was a regular occurrence for the Tigers, as they covered the most yards per route run in 2023, according to PFF NY Giants.
Additionally, Nabers achieved an impressive average of 17.6 yards per catch during an 89-catch, 1,569-yard campaign, according to Sports Reference. He’ll give Jones the speedy perimeter threat he’s been lacking for too long.
Targeting Nabers and fellow deep threat Jalin Hyatt, who has already supported this decision, which should transform a QB who’s never achieved an average of seven yards per completion in a single season.
Jones needs Nabers to have that kind of impact if he’s going to convince Schoen and Daboll from seeking his replacement.
Giants Pursued Drake Maye Aggressively
Exploring a trade-up was an option, and the Giants were “very aggressive” in their pursuit of the third overall pick from the New England Patriots, according to SNY.tv’s Connor Hughes. North Carolina passer Drake Maye was the intended pick.
Ultimately, the Giants couldn’t reach a deal, and the Pats chose to draft Maye. This likely brought a huge sigh of relief from Jones, yet his reprieve may be temporary.
There are still viable quarterback prospects available, but the bigger concern is the Giants' pursuit of a trade-up in the first place. The interest in Maye was not unexpected news, highlighting the front office's willingness to move on from their high-priced veteran sooner rather than later.
This context increases the importance of the Giants selecting Maye. There are broader implications, such as the franchise lacking a truly standout wide receiver since Odell Beckham Jr. was drafted in the first round back in 2014.
On a more personal yet arguably more significant level, Jones needs to contribute to the success of this pick. If he can’t, No. 8 will no longer have the excuse of a lack of weapons, giving the Giants every reason to intensify their search for a new QB1.
