**Former Giants Captain Jonathan Casillas: Don’t Overlook Malik Nabers as an Eager Leader**
Former New York Giants captain and Super Bowl champion Jonathan Casillas believes rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has more to offer than just explosive playmaking — he sees leadership potential already taking shape.
“People are going to talk about his speed, his hands, his route-running. But what impressed me most is how he carries himself,” Casillas said during a recent appearance on a local sports talk show. “He’s not loud, but he’s vocal when needed. He’s asking questions, staying late, and already pulling younger guys aside. That’s leadership.”
Nabers, the Giants’ first-round pick out of LSU, has generated buzz during rookie minicamp with his athleticism and polish. But Casillas, who captained the Giants defense in 2016 and 2017, urges fans and analysts not to overlook the intangibles the rookie brings.
“At LSU, he wasn’t just a big-time receiver. He had that ‘alpha’ energy. Not in a cocky way — in a way that makes teammates want to follow him,” Casillas said. “The Giants have been searching for leadership on offense. Nabers could grow into that quicker than people expect.”
With the departure of Saquon Barkley and an unclear hierarchy in the Giants’ offensive room, the opportunity is there for someone to step up — not just in stats, but in presence.
Casillas emphasized that leadership in the NFL isn’t just about rah-rah speeches or veteran status. “It’s about effort, consistency, and trust. From what I’ve seen and heard, Malik is checking those boxes already.”
While expectations are sky-high for Nabers’ on-field production, Casillas offers a reminder: don’t underestimate his impact
off the field.
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