Malik Nabers listed as a WR1 on Giants' first unofficial depth chart

Instead of taking a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft, the New York Giants opted to add weapons for Daniel Jones. That led them to take Malik Nabers, fresh out of LSU, and he’s opened some eyes through training camp.

That’s also translating to the depth chart. Nabers came in as one of the Giants’ WR1s on their first unofficial depth chart on Wednesday.

Nabers joins Wan’Dale Robinson as a WR1, while the third spot will be determined by a competition. The Giants listed both Jalin Hyatt and Darius Slayton in that position, with Miles Boykin at No. 2 on that side.

Behind Nabers, Isaiah Hodgins and Allen Robinson came in as the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, respectively. It’s safe to say the Giants are optimistic about the rookie’s chances of making an instant impact, and he’ll get his first chance to showcase his skills during Thursday’s preseason opener against the Detroit Lions.

His confidence is high, as well. But Nabers knows he’ll have to make plays once the opening kick goes off and the game begins.

“I’m able to go out and play with these guys,” Nabers said, via Giants.com’s Michael Eisen. “There’s a lot of work to be done, a lot of mistakes that I’ve made when I was out there. Just getting back in my books and coming out here the next day at practice. I mean, next day is the game (the preseason opener Thursday night vs. the Lions). So, just going out there at the game and just cleaning everything up.

“The game is fast. The level of competition is very high. There are plays to be made when the ball is thrown in the air.”

Darius Slayton compared Malik Nabers to Ja’Marr Chase

Nabers brings plenty of excitement to New York after a standout career at LSU. He was a Biletnikoff Award finalist last season, losing out to Marvin Harrison Jr. as the nation’s top receiver. As Jayden Daniels’ top target in 2023, Nabers finished with 1,569 receiving yards – the second-most in college football only to Rome Odunze.

Through camp, buzz started to grow about Nabers and what he brings to the offense. In fact, Slayton offered a big comparison for him.

“He’s looked good,” Slayton said. “Honestly in my opinion he reminds me of Ja’Marr Chase, it’s like a clone. Malik’s about six-foot, they’re about the same size. Dimensionally, they’re about the same, his body movements, it’s actually kind of weird watching him move around. He’s really talented, he’s got good hands.

“For us, our system, the biggest hiccup as a rookie is trying to get down all these terminologies [Brian] Daboll has for us. Once he gets all that down, you know I think he’ll have no problem having success.”