New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has been a pleasant surprise so far, currently leading all rookies in targets with 24 and is fourth in the NFL in receiving yards with 193. He scored his first NFL touchdown in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders, a game in which he also had 127 receiving yards and a game-high 18 targets.
Giants’ Malik Nabers gets a striking comparison to Odell Beckham Jr.
Heading into Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, Nabers will be up for a challenge going against a strong Cleveland secondary that includes Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II. Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz acknowledged the talent that Nabers possesses, and even presented a striking comparison to former Giants’ second-team All-Pro receiver Odell Beckham Jr:
“I don’t know if anyone else sees the comparison, but he reminds me a lot of Odell Beckham Jr. Just in the way he moves and his run after the catch ability,” Schwartz said via Sports Illustrated’s Spencer German. “They target him a lot when they’re looking for big plays. And also they target him on some short passes that he’s been able to break tackles.”
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Nabers has the capability to replicate Beckham’s production with the Giants
The comparison is a sensible one, and not just because both receivers originated from LSU in their college days. Beckham played five seasons with the Giants from 2014-2018 and was targeted a total of 622 times, which is the fourth-most in franchise history. The Giants were not the most imposing during Beckham’s time there, but he was an elite talent with a knack for getting the ball in his hands and creating separation.
Beckham was a three-time pro bowler and was twice named a second-team All-Pro, all of which were with the Giants. He averaged 14 yards per reception with New York, totaled 5,476 receiving yards, and caught 44 touchdown passes. Since 2019, he has spent time with the Browns, Rams, and Ravens and is currently signed with the Dolphins.
Undoubtedly, replicating Beckham’s production on the field is no easy task for Nabers, especially with the uncertainly at the quarterback position with Daniel Jones’ struggles. Nevertheless, he still has all of the tools to be one of the game’s top overall receivers very soon, and if he remains consistent, he can reach the same echelon of greatness as Beckham did during his time in Big Blue.
