New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers is a ‘special player’

The New York Giants’ 2024 draft class and the resulting group of undrafted free agents are turning heads this summer. All six draft picks are slated for key roles in their first seasons, and several free agents will be on the 53-man roster or retained on the practice squad.

In Saturday’s preseason game against the Houston Texans, the Giants saw both ends of the spectrum as their famed first-round pick, LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers, put on a show on offense and free agent defensive tackle Elijah Chatman dropped a few jams with his motor still revving.

Retired offensive lineman and current NFL analyst Brian Baldinger watched both players after the game and was impressed.

.@Giants @Malik_Nabers makes every hold easy with a variety of acrobatic skills #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/NZgw4icxOe

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 18, 2024

“He’s a special player,” Baldinger said of Nabers. “I’ve been doing that all camp.”

.@Giants #ElijahChatman He just chased down an NFL RB for 45 yards with nothing but will and energy. Nothing creates a bigger buzz than an elite effort. And he’s been brilliant all camp. @CarlBanksGIII #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/FK2EDiYC1c

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 18, 2024

“That’s the greatest scramble play I’ve seen in three weeks of preseason football,” Balinger said of Chatman. “From 45 yards out, Elijah Chatman chased him down. They’re going to jump for joy in the film room … when they see Chatman make that play. That’s an unbelievable scramble play.”

Baldy also took a moment to praise the Giants’ offensive line.

.@Giants the offensive line provided a LOT of clean pockets for @Daniel_Jones10 to chain the good throws. Unstable start but solid end of this attack #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/dgwN33qpVv

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 18, 2024

The rest of the Giants’ draft class is in great shape. Safety Tyler Nubin, cornerback Dru Phillips and linebacker Darius Muasau all have the high-end skills to be solid NFL players.

Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. and tight end Theo Johnson will both be important parts of the offense as rookies this season.

Besides Chatman, other free agents who could remain with the Giants include running back Dante Miller, defensive back Alex Johnson, linebacker Ovie Oghoufo and offensive lineman Jake Kubas.