John Harbaugh never expected to coach Malik Nabers — the receiver was not going to fall to the Ravens in the 2024 draft — and was thrilled to only have to find ways to defend him about once every four seasons.
So, when they hopped on the phone for the first time in recent days after Harbaugh was hired by the Giants, as Nabers rehabbed his torn ACL in Los Angeles, there was a lot to say.
“I just loved talking to him,” Harbaugh said. “His joy and excitement. He had some really good ideas. He’s really a thoughtful guy. He wasn’t a guy that we had a chance for [drafting]. It was like, ‘Look at this guy. He’s really good. Just kind of a dream.’ ”
Malik Nabers catches a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter after beating safety Donovan Wilson (6(, and cornerback Kaiir Elam (20) in the Giants’ loss to the Cowboys’ in Dallas this past regular season.
Charles Wenzelberg / New York PostAs Nabers is first to admit, his ideas often boil down to, “Throw me the ball.” Former head coach Brian Daboll let Nabers have input into play-calling and quarterback scouting.
Nabers said earlier this month that he wouldn’t be back on the field in Week 1 if “my body doesn’t feel right,” but general manager Joe Schoen struck a more optimistic tone.
Giants head coach John Harbaugh speaks at the press conference announcing his hiring at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectSchoen said Nabers, who underwent surgery Oct. 28, is “trending to hopefully be ready for [the start of] training camp.”
“Things can change,” Schoen quickly added. “That’s the hope.”
Schoen said RB Cam Skattebo “should be good” to participate in the offseason program that begins April 6 after his season ended due to a dislocated ankle and fractured tibia.
