​Malik Nabers, the New York Giants’ wide receiver, is positioned to become a fantasy football breakout in 2026 if he returns from his torn ACL at full strength. Yet Darnell Mooney could prove to be the most valuable late-round option at the position, offering the potential for a substantial late surge in fantasy value. Pro Football Focus’ Nathan Jahnke identifies Mooney as a prime late-round target for the 2026 season, especially if Nabers experiences any early-season setback.
The battle for the X receiver role is heating up, with Slayton, Fields, and Beckham all in the mix. Mooney spent last season as the Falcons’ X receiver, but earlier in his career with the Bears he lined up as a Z and in the slot. Giants offensive coordinator Matt Nagy coached Mooney in Chicago during 2020 and 2021, including Mooney’s only 1,000-yard season. In New York, Mooney is likely competing for snaps at the Z and slot positions against Nabers, Austin, and Smith-Schuster.
Given how much the Giants invested in Mooney relative to Austin and Smith-Schuster, he should be the favorite to line up in the slot in 11 personnel. While this may not be enough to make Mooney a fantasy staple in most leagues, Nabers’ health is a key factor to monitor. Nabers tore his ACL and meniscus last season and could be slow to return at the start of the season. If Nabers is sidelined early, Mooney could step into Nabers’ role and potentially emerge as the top receiving weapon in the offense.
That scenario makes Mooney an appealing late-round pick, particularly for fantasy managers who have already drafted several rookies or other receivers who might begin the season slowly. Mooney is just two seasons removed from a near-1,000-yard season, having logged 992 yards in 2024. Even with the Falcons’ standout targets last year, Kyle Pitts and Drake London, Mooney still has the speed and ball-tracking ability to produce significant numbers in New York.
Whether Nabers starts the season ready to roll or not, Mooney seems poised to command a meaningful workload, providing solid upside as a bench contributor for fantasy managers. The Week 1 matchup on Sunday, September 13 against the Dallas Cowboys will set the tone for the team’s receiving corps, with the game airing at 8:20 p.m. ET. This discussion originated on Giants Wire as part of the piece exploring whether New York Giants’ Darnell Mooney could be a late-round fantasy steal at wide receiver, and was intended to enhance search engine visibility for readers seeking fantasy guidance.