Sports
From Vasco da Gama to Dortmund: The young English coach travelling the world
Meet Alex Clapham: The English coach's journey to Borussia Dortmund
Sky Sports1 min read
NFL
Giants' Malik Nabers enters damage control mode after viral draft video
TL;DR
Malik Nabers expressed disappointment during a livestream after the Giants selected linebacker Arvell Reese instead of safety Caleb Downs in the 2026 NFL draft. The situation was addressed by head coach John Harbaugh, confirming Reese's starting position.
Key points
- Malik Nabers expressed disappointment during a livestream
- Giants selected Arvell Reese over Caleb Downs
- John Harbaugh confirmed Reese's starting position
New York GiantsMalik NabersArvell ReeseCaleb Downs
The New York Giants selected the best player on the board when they were on the clock at No. 5 during the first round of the 2026 NFL draft on Thursday night.
Almost every expert to a man chimed in about the steal the Giants had just gotten in Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese. But that wasn't how their star wide receiver, Malik Nabers, saw things, though. He wanted the team to take Reese's teammate, safety Caleb Downs.
Nabers was appearing on a Bleacher Report livestream and was clearly shocked and upset when the Giants selected Reese over Downs.
Although Nabers' question was a legitimate one, it was unprofessional for him to criticize the team publicly. The matter was cleared up shortly after when Giants head coach John Harbaugh said that Reese would start at inside linebacker. He has a position after all.
Nabers wore his emotions on his sleeve again when the Giants passed on Downs at No. 10, selecting Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa. To add to Nabers' misery, the rival Dallas Cowboys traded up to take Downs at No. 11.
"I'd rather get him than play against him. Oh my God," said Nabers. "And the fact that it's like the very next pick, like you guys were up on the clock. I even told him, I said, 'I'm coming to get you.'
"I gotta play against this thing again. He's doing a thing. He's so good. He's a -- oh, he's good, but he's, he's very good. He's very good. I'm -- bro, he's very good. We all got him number 1. He's very good."
Nabers likely received a prompt phone call for his emotional reactions and comments because he sprang to social media in damage control mode.
Unfortunately for Nabers, the Internet is forever.
But the reaction among Giants fans has been quite mixed. Some are frustrated with Nabers' commentary, wishing he would think more before he speaks, while others feel his stance was valid. The Giants obviously disagreed with the latter, as his social media commentary hints at a quick phone call from the team's public relations department.
Q&A
Why did Malik Nabers criticize the Giants' draft pick?
Malik Nabers criticized the Giants' selection of Arvell Reese because he preferred the team to draft his teammate, safety Caleb Downs.
What was the reaction of Giants head coach John Harbaugh to Nabers' comments?
John Harbaugh addressed the situation by confirming that Arvell Reese would start at inside linebacker, clarifying the team's decision.
What position does Arvell Reese play for the Giants?
Arvell Reese plays as an inside linebacker for the New York Giants.
