One thing that the NFL continues to see is that the wide receiver position is full of personalities. One player who has showcased that is New York Giants wideout Malik Nabers. As a rookie, he made the Pro Bowl as he posted 109 receptions on 170 targets for 1,204 yards (11.0 yards per catch) with seven touchdowns.
Even though the QB position for the team was inadequate at best, with Daniel Jones being released, and seeing Drew Locke and Tommy Devito on the field. With the QBs seemingly getting better, with Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart. However, it appears this is not going to change the mindset of wide receivers such as Nabers, who feel they are difference makers no matter who is on the field throwing the football.
Malik Nabers Discusses Mindset of Wide Receivers
While appearing on the ‘7PM in Brooklyn‘ podcast hosted by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony, Nabers explained how the mindset of wide receivers is the same at this level and it is to get the ball and record massive numbers.
“I’m not going to speak on all receivers. F— it, I’m speaking on all receivers. We all feel the same way. We don’t like not getting the ball. These coaches … when you tell a receiver he is going to get about seven catches in a game, we are calculating in our head. That’s about 100 yards. I need that to get in the Pro Bowl. I need that to get in the bracket so I can get paid. You told me I was going to get the ball. I’m getting open and I’m not getting that pill. We’ve got a problem. Yeah, (receivers) definitely are divas. I ain’t playing about that ball.”
The Giants do not have a player who has been able to be a top wide receiver to pair with Nabers, as they have Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson expected to be the other two starting wide receivers.
However, the team is looking for another great mindset from Nabers, as he can help the team do a lot better than their 59.7 Offensive+ grade, which was only better than the Cleveland Browns in the regular season.
There are a lot of talented wide receivers in the NFL currently so understanding their mindset gives fans an idea that they are looking to lock up Pro Bowl seasons and eventually make more money on their next contract. Nabers is going to be in a good position to improve on his own numbers in Year 2 and get himself into a new bracket.