NEW ORLEANS — The question started off with the disclaimer that Malik Nabers did not have a great quarterback situation in his rookie year with the Giants.
“Yeah,’’ Nabers said.
That was his one-word response Wednesday, as Nabers — the electric wide receiver who was a rookie sensation — spoke with SiriusXM NFL Radio as he made the rounds on Media Row in advance of Super Bowl LIX.
Nabers had plenty to say about the two top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL draft.
The Giants, based on their 3-14 record, have the No. 3-overall pick and they are hoping that Cam Ward out of Miami or Shedeur Sanders from Colorado are still on the board when it comes time for their selection.
On Ward: “He’s comfortable when he’s back there,’’ Nabers said. “He throws the ball in spots you’re not really supposed to throw the ball but he has a crazy arm talent. He’s mobile. I’ve seen him come back from some games [where] I’m like, ‘Nah, this game’s over with’ and he’s just dottin’. He’s very efficient. He has crazy arm talent.
“I feel like he’s a leader that wants to bring people along to win. I mean, you look at that Miami team through the years, without him their record wasn’t like that. You bring a guy like that on the team, you know, the record shows what kind of leader he is, what kind of quarterback he is. Having that on a team, that’s what you need.’’
On Sanders: “I’ve been watching him a long time. He has another crazy arm talent. He gives his guys the opportunity to go make plays. He’s not scared and he wants to win, and he’s a leader. From what I’ve heard, in that locker room he’s a great leader.’’
Nabers thrived as a rookie, with 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns.
He is a candidate for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award — his former LSU teammate, quarterback Jayden Daniels, is the heavy favorite.
Nabers at times showed his frustration when he was open and the ball did not get to him.
He caught pᴀsses from Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock and Tim Boyle.
Only DeVito is under contract for 2025.
The Giants plan to sign a veteran quarterback in free agency and they hope that player will not have to start, as their preferred course of action is to draft a quarterback and get him ready to play right away.
Ward and Sanders are likely the only two quarterbacks in this draft who can turn that plan into reality.
“I don’t have anything bad to say about both of ’em,’’ Nabers said. They’re pretty good, I see them competing against each other when I see the clips of them. They want to be the best.”
