Malik Nabers could help Giants “Gadget” WR have a breakout season

Top draft pick Malik Nabers will improve the New York Giants’ passing game in many ways. Not only should Nabers emerge as the essential outside wide receiver Daniel Jones needs, but he can also help “gadget” quarterback Wan’Dale Robinson enjoy a breakout season.

This forecast was presented by Marcus Mosher from The 33rd Team. He believes Robinson “is more of a gadget player than a winger. However, rookie Malik Nabers provides the New York Giants with a No. 1 forward, allowing Robinson to return to being a dynamic playmaker.”

That description could be read as a compliment to Robinson, who led all Giants wide receivers with 60 receptions last season. However, Mosher’s use of the word “gadget” speaks more to the versatility of Robinson’s game and his potential as a roving playmaker, able to pick apart defenses from anywhere on the field.

Unlocking that potential, combined with Nabers’ knack for stretching the court, could transform a Jones-led offense.

---

Wan’Dale Robinson ready to continue working in his best areas

While Robinson can hit from a number of places, Mosher believes the 23-year-old is best in midfield: “The addition of Nabers should give Robinson more options in midfield, which could be bad news for opposing defenses.”

Mosher detailed how the Nabers-Robinson partnership could function effectively. The sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft should generate plenty of interest on the perimeter, leaving the short and quick Robinson feasting between the numbers.

According to Player Profiler, he’s no stranger to the slot, where the 6-foot-7, 185-pound Robinson spent 421 snaps last season. A quick first step and smooth exits from breaks mean Robinson can beat defenses in any direction from the slot.

That’s what he did when Robinson broke down from the inside out solid catch and run against Washington’s Commanders in Week 7.

A play like this shows that it can be nearly impossible for Robinson to cover routes with the run option, but that’s not the only way to get No. 17 more involved.

Another method is to use Robinson’s violent talents. He has accumulated 87 yards on just nine carries this season, including this one 24-yard touchdown scamper against the Los Angeles Rams in week 17.

As Mosher put it, Robinson “is such a threat with the ball in his hands that coach Brian Daboll should find a way to get the ball to him.”

It will be easier with Nabers on the pitch.

---

Malik Nabers will open the field for others

The basis of Nabers’ game are sudden, important actions. He averaged over 14 yards per catch in each of his three seasons at LSU, including 17.9 in 2023, according to Sports Reference.

Here are the stats for a receiver who has the catching ability to turn short completions into longer gains. These are also numbers that represent a real, deep threat.

The highlight of his vertical talents was Nabers, who specialized in catches over 20 yards. Something noted by Dane Brugler of The Athletic.

Defenses battling the Nabers will need to provide deep security support. They may even regularly double as Big Blue’s new No. 1 receiver.

This will leave room for others, and Robinson will be in the best position among the others to take full advantage.