“I can compete with these guys”: Giants rookie Malik Nabers gains confidence after controversial joint practice with Lions

Malik Nabers was drafted as the sixth overall pick by the New York Giants in the 2024 NFL Draft. Following a series of dust-ups between the Giants the Detroit Lions, Nabers might be the most famous non-quarterback rookie coming into 2024.

Speaking about the controversial riot-laden practices against the Lions via NBC Sports' Pro Football Talk, Nabers expressed a newfound belief that he belongs in the NFL.

"I can compete with these guys in the league. That was just the main thing. Just going against somebody else before the season starts. Let’s see what I need to work on. Getting my plays down. That’s really about it," Nabers said.

"Just continue to be me. That’s all I can say is I have talks with myself, ‘Just continue to be me.’ There’s not a lot that I can’t do," he added.

The fight put a spotlight and by extension, a target on Nabers heading into the early season. Aside from Daniel Jones, Nabers might be the most well-known name for the team to start the year. As such, defenses are now seemingly much more likely to focus on shutting down the wide receiver. Coaches also now have a talking point for players dealing with Nabers.

If Nabers can be goated into throwing the first punch in a game, he could hand the defense a free 15 yards. However, it falls on opposing defenses not to take the bait if he starts attempting to get under players' skins.

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Video shows Malik Nabers making first contact in slap heard around the world

Malik Nabers at NFL Combine - Portraits (Credits: Getty)

Many have claimed that Malik Nabers merely defended himself in his viral fight with Kerby Joseph.

However, a closer look at a video reveals that Nabers started the physical altercation with a slap to the head of Kerby. Running back from a play, Nabers appeared to slap Kerby on the side of the helmet. The slap can be audibly heard in the video from a few dozen yards away.

Kerby instantly turned around and started throwing punches at Nabers. Both players exchanged blows to their guardian-capped helmets. It is unclear whether any damage was done.

With the fight serving as Nabers' unofficial welcome to the NFL, one can only wait to see if Malik Nabers' preseason aggression will carry over to the regular season.