Giants first-round draft pick Malik Nabers has been turning heads with his speed and catching ability since New York selected him with the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft.
On Tuesday, he showed he isn’t easily intimidated when he got into a fight with Lions safety Kerby Joseph during the Giants’ joint practices with Detroit.
The two teams are set to play against each other in their preseason opener on Thursday at MetLife Stadium.
The altercation started after Nabers, who played at LSU, made a catch over Terrion Arnold from Alabama, another first-round pick. After the catch, Nabers tapped Arnold on the helmet as a friendly gesture. Joseph misunderstood this and charged at Nabers, leading to the scuffle.
Nabers downplayed the incident, saying it was a hot day and such things can happen during training camp. He emphasized that he wasn’t trying to show up Arnold, who he considers a friend and fellow competitor. Nabers explained he was simply congratulating Arnold on a good play.
Nabers noted that he didn’t understand why Joseph was upset, but said he knows to avoid throwing punches during games.
He mentioned he’s focused on competing at a high level, making plays when given the chance, and proving to his coaches that he belongs in the league. Nabers is emerging as a potential big-play receiver for the Giants, reminiscent of the impact Odell Beckham Jr. had a decade ago.
