John Harbaugh Addresses Malik Nabers' Comments on Giants' Draft Picks

On Thursday night, New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers was vocal during the NFL Draft about his team’s first-round selections, including No. 5 pick Arvell Reese from Ohio State.

Nabers, who is rehabbing from a season-ending injury last season, appeared as part of Bleacher Report’s B/R Gridiron live stream presentation during the draft. He appeared alongside Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons and host Adam Lefkoe to discuss the various selections and share their instant reactions.

And Nabers quickly called attention to the notion that he would’ve preferred his team select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the fifth pick, rather than Reese. However, that was up to the front office, and they made the selection based on the best player available at the spot.

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Nabers drew attention for his comments, including later remarks that he would’ve preferred to have Downs as his teammate rather than to go against him in NFL games. The rival Dallas Cowboys added Downs with their No. 11 pick, meaning Nabers could see him in several games next season.

Following those remarks, New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh addressed Nabers’ opinions at a press conference.

“We had a great conversation about it. Malik came in the next morning and sat there, and we were talking about it. You know, he made himself clear … I appreciate where he’s coming from, you’re on a podcast, you’re talking ball,” Harbaugh said.

Read more:Malik Nabers Questions Giants for Arvell Reese Pick in NFL Draft

He explained that Nabers was “curious” about how the Giants planned to use Reese with the current defensive players on the roster.

“I showed him how we’re gonna use him, and he seems fired up about it,” Harbaugh said. “We don’t get too worried about stuff. As long as a person’s heart’s in the right place, as long as a person really cares, a player, a coach, anybody, you really want what’s best for everybody … say what you think.”

Harbaugh said that Nabers wants to know how they’ll use a first-round pick, and he wants to show him or explain it to him so he knows. He previously explained Reese’s position, which will move around on defense a lot due to his versatility.

“The fact he said it publicly, who cares? I’m sure the fans are probably thinking the same thing,” Harbaugh told reporters about Nabers’ comments.

The Giants coach indicated that Reese is a player who fits the team’s structure “very uniquely,” and while it might be hard for people to see now, they will once he’s on the field. Harbaugh also reiterated that Nabers is “fired up” about it and was one of the first guys in the building when Reese got there.

There had been speculation before the draft that Reese could go as early as the No. 2 pick to the New York Jets. Instead, they opted for Texas Tech’s David Bailey, whom many said was the best defensive prospect available at the spot and would have an immediate impact on defense.

However, many believe Reese has a massive upside, which means it could take several seasons before Giants fans actually see what he’s capable of. Still, the team seemed to make some major strides with their first several picks in the NFL Draft, also adding offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa in the first round to help protect quarterback Jaxson Dart.

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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 9:26 PM.