Jets’ Sauce Gardner Compares Giants WR Malik Nabers to 2 All-Pro Wide Receivers

One of the more intriguing picks from the 2024 NFL Draft came from the New York Giants’ selection of wide receiver Malik Nabers. New York took Nabers with the No. 6 pick out of Louisiana State University, giving them a true No. 1 wide receiver for the offense.

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Nabers was dominant while with LSU last season, helping them win 10 games. He posted 89 catches for 1,549 yards and 14 touchdowns over 13 games.

He and Marvin Harrison Jr. were the top two wide-outs in the 2024 draft class, with some believing Nabers should have been selected ahead of the Ohio State star. However, Harrison Jr. went No. 4 overall to the Arizona Cardinals, just two spots ahead of Nabers.

The Giants rookie seems to already be making a name for himself around the NFL, though.

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While talking to the media, New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner gave his thoughts on Nabers. He went on to compare him to two All-Pro wide receivers in the NFL.

“He’s nice. He’s very sudden when it comes to getting in and out of his breaks, you know what I’m saying. I know this might sound kind of weird but probably won’t, he reminds me of an LSU receiver. Kind of a little Ja’Marr Chase, a little bit. Little Justin Jefferson, a little subtle.”

Gardner also mentioned that at the end of the day, Nabers would become his own player. But receiving a comparison to Chase and Jefferson without playing a down of meaningful football is massive praise for the rookie wideout.

For Nabers to enter the realm of where Chase and Jefferson are, he will need to put up strong numbers consistently. He does play similarly to each of the players and the LSU connection is strong.

Nabers is a strong route runner, similar to Chase, and uses his speed to create open lanes for himself. He also has strong hands that he uses to grab contested catches, much like Jefferson has done since entering the league.

The Tigers have continuously developed strong players at the wide receiver position and Nabers is looking to be the next great one. Playing in New York should allow Nabers a massive market for fans to watch him perform.

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It remains to be seen if Nabers can get his game to the level of these two All-Pros but he certainly has the skillset to make it happen. He will have his first opportunity to make his case when the Giants open the regular season against Jefferson and the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8.