New York Giants fans are praying that 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart can be their franchise savior.

That transition will not happen overnight, but there is a lot of anticipation for seeing the Giants play in their first preseason game this Saturday against the Buffalo Bills. Considering live bullets are needed for young, developmental quarterbacks to progress, it’s expected we’ll get a heavy dose of Dart during the game.

The pressure is high for Dart in a market that is desperate for success. Thankfully, second-year wide receiver Malik Nabers is here to keep the young signal-caller’s head cool.

Malik Nabers provides guidance to Jaxson Dart

During today’s media availability, Nabers was asked if he’d spoken to Dart about what to expect in his preseason debut. Nabers said he pulled the rookie aside to help him mentally prepare for Saturday.

“I had a talk with him. I was like, at the end of the day, bro, like everybody says, it’s football. I assume everybody feels nervous but there’s no higher that you can get but the NFL. It’s the highest you can get, so you already made it. The hard job is done. The hard part was getting here.”

It’s safe to say that Nabers is the perfect person to guide Dart, as they both transitioned from decorated careers in the SEC to first-round picks.

Nabers took the NFL by storm in his rookie season, finishing last year with 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, and seven touchdowns. It’s the best season from a Giants rookie receiver since Odell Beckham Jr., who finished with less than 100 yards more than him in 2014.

After a hot start to 2025, he’s already established himself as the Giants’ most important offensive player and a key team leader. By the end of the season, Giants fans are hoping Nabers will catch passes from Dart and roll momentum into 2026.

Nabers also told Dart, “Keep God first and continue to make your name proud, make your family proud, and that’s how it’s going to be.”

His advice to Dart is precisely what he needs to hear. If Dart tries to do too much on Saturday, it will do more harm than good. All fans hope to see is consistency, solid anticipation, and a few impactful plays to build off of

Mistakes are expected for rookies. Being able to bounce back from them is imperative.