Awesome early returns for the Giant in Bruglers Early all rookie team
October 4, 2024
Nabers best rookie WR
Nubin bear rookie Safety
Dru Philips arguably best CB if not for injury
Chatman honorable mention at DT
Mausau honorable mention LB
7 comments
Wide receiver
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (Round 1, No. 6)
Even with inconsistent quarterback play, Nabers leads the entire NFL in targets (52) and receptions (35), and he’s second in receiving yards (386) and receiving touchdowns (three).
My favorite part of Nabers’ game at LSU was his ability to create explosive plays — he led the FBS with 34 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023. And through the first month of the NFL season, he is tied for the league lead with seven catches of 20-plus yards.
So far, Nabers has looked like the superstar his college film suggested he would be. His gliding athleticism allows him to separate early or late in the route, and he does an outstanding job adjusting and framing the football. Add in his ability to create after the catch and Nabers has the skill set to be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
In most other NFL Draft classes (including 2022 and 2023), Nabers would have finished as my top-graded player. He landed at No. 3 in my 2024 rankings, behind Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. — but the overall grades were very similar.
Cornerback
Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles (Round 1, No. 22)
There are a couple of cornerbacks with a case for this spot, including Kamari Lassiter and maybe even Andru Phillips, if he were healthy. But I’m giving the edge to Mitchell, especially after seeing him compete against Mike Evans — Mitchell allowed two catches for 19 yards and had a clutch breakup in the corner of the end zone.
Safety
Tyler Nubin, New York Giants (Round 2, No. 47)
When working downhill and playing the alleys, Nubin has been outstanding. His toughness and reliability as a tackler stand out on tape and on the stat sheet. Through four games, Nubin is tied for the rookie lead in tackles (22) and has been tagged with only one missed tackle.
At Minnesota, Nubin set a school record with 13 career interceptions, but that on-ball production has been missing thus far in the NFL. He has been too conservative in coverage, which must change as he adjusts to the speed of the pro game.
Schoen masterclass?
Imagine thinking this rookie class is good! Lol!!!
Don’t really like Joe’s trades but I do think he’s done well in drafts. Not everything will hit and hindsight is 20/20 but the good picks have turned out to be quality players.
This is so good to hear. This draft class should help build the cornerstones of this team. Stud players and expensive/important positions all on rookie deals for the next few years. Imagine Nabers with a good QB next year? And these defensive players with a year of Bowen’s system under their belts. Very exciting future.
7 comments
Wide receiver
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (Round 1, No. 6)
Even with inconsistent quarterback play, Nabers leads the entire NFL in targets (52) and receptions (35), and he’s second in receiving yards (386) and receiving touchdowns (three).
My favorite part of Nabers’ game at LSU was his ability to create explosive plays — he led the FBS with 34 catches of 20-plus yards in 2023. And through the first month of the NFL season, he is tied for the league lead with seven catches of 20-plus yards.
So far, Nabers has looked like the superstar his college film suggested he would be. His gliding athleticism allows him to separate early or late in the route, and he does an outstanding job adjusting and framing the football. Add in his ability to create after the catch and Nabers has the skill set to be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
In most other NFL Draft classes (including 2022 and 2023), Nabers would have finished as my top-graded player. He landed at No. 3 in my 2024 rankings, behind Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. — but the overall grades were very similar.
Cornerback
Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia Eagles (Round 1, No. 22)
There are a couple of cornerbacks with a case for this spot, including Kamari Lassiter and maybe even Andru Phillips, if he were healthy. But I’m giving the edge to Mitchell, especially after seeing him compete against Mike Evans — Mitchell allowed two catches for 19 yards and had a clutch breakup in the corner of the end zone.
Safety
Tyler Nubin, New York Giants (Round 2, No. 47)
When working downhill and playing the alleys, Nubin has been outstanding. His toughness and reliability as a tackler stand out on tape and on the stat sheet. Through four games, Nubin is tied for the rookie lead in tackles (22) and has been tagged with only one missed tackle.
At Minnesota, Nubin set a school record with 13 career interceptions, but that on-ball production has been missing thus far in the NFL. He has been too conservative in coverage, which must change as he adjusts to the speed of the pro game.
Schoen masterclass?
Imagine thinking this rookie class is good! Lol!!!
Don’t really like Joe’s trades but I do think he’s done well in drafts. Not everything will hit and hindsight is 20/20 but the good picks have turned out to be quality players.
This is so good to hear. This draft class should help build the cornerstones of this team. Stud players and expensive/important positions all on rookie deals for the next few years. Imagine Nabers with a good QB next year? And these defensive players with a year of Bowen’s system under their belts. Very exciting future.