Darkhorse OPOY candidates
By: Jake Rajala
The New York Giants sixth overall pick from the 2024 draft Malik Nabers didn’t only shine as a rookie last season. He shined among the brightest WRs. If he takes that next step, he should be a star among all positions on offense. This could punch his ticket as the next WR to win OPOY. Justin Jefferson won OPOY in 2022, Cooper Kupp won it in 2021, and Michael Thomas won it in 2019. With that said, I’m going to unfold why he could win it.
Nabers is the lone wolf at the Giants WR spot. This may not be the best picture for the team, but it certainly helps Nabers get more targets and production. He was second in targets last season! He came in after Ja’Marr Chase. Wan’Dale Robinson was actually 14th in targets for the Giants (with 140), but there was a hefty dip after the top two. Darius Slayton was third with 71 grabs. The Giants WR spot hasn’t changed noticeably this off-season.
Nabers has picked a good time to be a top-shelf WR. Tyreek Hill was voted the best overall player a couple of seasons ago. Well, last season he failed to eclipse 1k yards! Furthermore, Davante Adams isn’t playing like an All-Pro and Cooper Kupp (former OPOY) has failed to surpass 1k yards in each of his past two seasons.
Nabers needs a quality QB in the end. Russell Wilson is an upgrade over Daniel Jones. It isn’t up for debate. Under Wilson, Nabers should look to have more accurate balls his way, especially deep passes from Wilson.
The biggest hurdle for Nabers has to be his division. The Washington Commanders brought in Marshon Lattimore last season. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have Trevon Diggs, and the Eagles have Quinyon Mitchell (who is replacing Darius Slay). Expect the GMEN to move Nabers around and receive quick passes and screens to elude his elite division foes.
Nabers has a real shot to be an annual Pro Bowler with Jaxson Dart. He will most likely take the keys from Wilson after 1-2 seasons.
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