Giants’ Malik Nabers under fire for reaction to Cowboys’ Caleb Downs selection originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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While many immediately focus on the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants’ on-field battles when thinking about their storied rivalry, the two NFC East franchises also enjoy competing in every aspect of football.
One of those aspects is the ongoing NFL Draft, as securing the services of the best available prospects is a priority for both organizations. On the first night of the draft, fans witnessed the Giants pass on former Ohio State star safety Caleb Downs and select ex-Miami standout offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa with the No. 10 overall pick.
The Cowboys pounced on Downs with the following pick, which didn’t sit well with Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers.
“I’d rather get him than play against him,” Nabers said while watching the draft alongside Green Bay Packer star edge rusher Micah Parsons. “I even told him, I’m going to come and get you. I gotta play against this thing again. He’s very good. He’s very good, we all got him No. 1. He’s very good.”
Unsurprisingly, Nabers was met with criticism over his controversial reaction to the Cowboys’ early-draft decision.
“WR1 pitching a fit over a player who hasn’t taken a single snap in the pros,” one user wrote under Bleacher Report’s X/Twitter post about the situation. Good look.”
“I WOULD NEVER give someone the satisfaction of letting them EVEN THINK I’m ‘scared; of going against them,” another user stated. Where’s the mental toughness/pride?”
It’s reasonable to assume Nabers’ genuine comments stem from his familiarity with Downs’ skill set. Nabers, who played against Downs at the collegiate level in 2023-24 (LSU vs. Alabama), is fully aware that Downs is a high-IQ safety and well-rounded safety who can pitch in against the run, tackle at an elite level, match up well against tight ends, and remain disciplined by any means necessary.
Downs ended his college career with 256 tackles, 10 penalties drawn, 1.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and six interceptions. The 21-year-old is set to wreak havoc in the pros for years to come, and Nabers knows it.
Still, the 6-foot wideout probably should have kept his thoughts about Downs to himself, considering it appeared as though it’s never wise to express fear while discussing a matchup with any opponent.
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