In a wide receiver class boasting what appears to be a generational prospect, it should be hard to stand out. Somehow, Malik Nabers finds a way to fire a laser through the blinding light of Marvin Harrison Jr. What does the junior WR’s potential look like for the NFL Draft, and how does Nabers’ scouting report read?
Malik Nabers Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 200
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: LSU
- Current Year: Junior
It will be fascinating to see if there are any discernable changes to Nabers’ frame from his sophomore to junior season. He was listed at 195 pounds on the roster in 2022, but college rosters are notoriously generous at times with measurements. Not that his weight necessarily matters, which we’ll discuss soon enough.
Nabers floated between three- and four-star ratings as a high school recruit. On3 and 247Sports appeared to have the jump on Rivals and ESPN because he ranked inside the top 200 at both outlets.
However, the low ratings could have been a result of his inability to play football during his senior year of high school. Nabers transferred schools and had his waiver denied. His athletic measurables in high school were good. He reportedly ran a 4.44 and jumped 38 inches.
Nabers immediately left his mark as a freshman at LSU, recording 28 catches for 417 yards and four TDs as a true freshman. He played in 11 games and ended up starting for over half the season.
He emerged as the no-doubt No.1 for the Tigers in 2022. His 1,017 yards was the 10th time in school history a WR eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark. His battle with Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry was one of the best individual matchups of the season.
Malik Nabers Scouting Report
Strengths
- Hard-nosed receiver who plays more physically than his frame.
- Natural separation quickness.
- Uncanny contact balance relative to size.
- Impressive lateral agility with rock in tote.
- Strong vision as a runner.
- Impressive body control and flexibility attacking the ball.
- “Open” is a mindset, not proximity to an opponent for him.
- Strong hands through contact.
- Impressive long speed.
Weaknesses
- Still growing as a route runner.
- Must better leverage defenders and attack blind spots.
- Run blocking is optional.
Current Draft Projection and Summary
If Nabers didn’t play a single down for the Tigers in 2023 for non-injury or disciplinary reasons, he’d likey still hear his name called on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. Becoming a more consistent route runner will be key for just how high he’s able to ascend the NFL Draft ranks this season.
MORE: FREE Mock Draft Simulator With Trades
LSU should have a strong season with a veteran QB who already has an outstanding on-field rapport with Nabers. Team and individual production should be on the junior’s side, and another year on the field should mark improvement in the minute details that take a receiver from being great to being truly elite.
NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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