Chargers' decision to pass on Malik Nabers is looking even worse

It may seem like an old drum LA Chargers fans are sick of hearing at this point, but New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers has been the story of training camp throughout the NFL.

It is widely documented that the Chargers had a chance to draft the former LSU receiver with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and instead opted to take Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt. It has been covered several times here on Bolt Beat since then that Nabers has looked overly impressive for the Giants.

It may seem unnecessary. It might even be annoying. However, due to the Chargers' draft decision, Nabers and Alt will forever be tied to each other in the eyes of the Chargers' fanbase. And every time Nabers puts on a show, it is worth highlighting to the group of Chargers fans who are still shaking their fist at the team passing up a potential generational receiver.

The 21-year-old wide receiver somehow managed to raise his own bar and have his best week yet during joint practice with the Detroit Lions. Nabers was an absolute menace against another NFL defense, showcasing why many Chargers fans were so excited to draft him in the first place.

Malik Nabers continues to haunt Chargers fans before playing an NFL snap

Seventeen catches and two touchdowns across two practices is pretty good, if you ask us. There is no information on yardage but it is safe to say Nabers put up well over 200 receiving yards even with one of the worst quarterback situations in the league.

Nabers was circled as a game-changer who could alter the direction of a franchise if put in the right spot. There are very few wideouts in the game who have that kind of power and thus far, it looks like Nabers might be on track to joining that elusive club.

Considering the Chargers have one of the worst skill position groups in the league, they certainly could have used that. While fans are still excited about Alt and second-round wideout Ladd McConkey, they probably would have been more excited about Nabers and Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round (especially considering McConkey has already been banged up).

If Nabers lives up to his perceived ceiling with the Giants then Alt is going to have to be a generational tackle to justify the Chargers' decision. Even if Alt is an above-average tackle he won't come close to having the same kind of impact as Nabers if he becomes a true franchise-altering wideout.

It has not been all roses with Nabers thus far as he did spark a brawl during the joint practice with the Lions. However, scuffles during training camp, especially with two teams, are very common in the league and while they are not condoned, it is not enough evidence to suggest Nabers has any kind of character concerns.

Regardless, with every great moment Nabers has the pressure continues to mount on the Chargers and Joe Alt.