Malik Nabers had a season that was overshadowed by his quarterback. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman trophy behind a ridiculous season, but Nabers was a big part of it. Throughout the season, people have been fawning over Marvin Harrison Jr. as the top wide receiver prize in this year’s draft. While he is very talented, Nabers is an electric talent who has the makings of being a star in the NFL.
NFL Draft Profile: LSU WR Malik Nabers
College Career Summary
Malik Nabers spent all three years at LSU. In the current college football landscape, that is becoming more rare. He showed promise in his first season before blossoming into the top receiver for the team in 2023.
2021
Nabers showed off his skills during his freshman year. He played in 11 games, which is a lot for a freshman at a prestigious school like LSU. He had 28 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns. Averaging over 14 yards per reception, Nabers showed off the deep threat he could be.
2022
Malik Nabers broke 1,000 receiving yards in his sophomore season (1,017). However, he did not find the end zone much. He only had three receiving touchdowns on the year. Interestingly enough, he was perfect on throws in 2022, going 2-for-2 for 50 yards and a touchdown. This was his first season with Jayden Daniels as his quarterback. The rapport the two built during this season would be vital for next season.
2023
Malik Nabers didn’t have any issue finding the end zone in 2023. On top of 1,569 yards on 89 receptions, he had 14 touchdowns. The trick play that led to Nabers passing was apparently shelved for 2023. He led the nation in receiving and is LSU’s all-time leader in receptions. Nabers was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which recognizes the nation’s top receiver, but lost by one vote. Still, this was one of the greatest seasons for an LSU wide receiver in recent memory.
Malik Nabers’ Strengths
- Explosive route runner
- Exceptional ball skills
- Run after the catch threat
- Elite leaping ability
Malik Nabers’ Weaknesses
- Inconsistent motor
- Limited route tree
- Doesn’t possess elite speed to beat cornerbacks
NFL Player Comparisons
Rookie Outlook
Fantasy Outlook
Some positions take time to acclimate to the NFL. Wide receiver is not one of them. According to Fantasypros, seven rookies finished in the top 50 in scoring: Puka Nacua (5), Jayden Reed (18), Jordan Addison (19), Rashee Rice (27), Zay Flowers (29), Tank Dell (37), and Josh Downs (48). These were receivers who were taken everywhere from the first round to the fifth round.
Malik Nabers will likely be one of the top wide receivers to target in a fantasy football draft. If you are in a dynasty league, he is easily a top-three pick. The upside he brings is too much to ignore. LSU has a long history of great wide receivers in the NFL, and Nabers looks to be the next one.
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Matt has been following sports since he was a kid. While football is his primary focus, Matt can talk about any sport anytime. He is a banker in Wisconsin and hosts two podcasts, Beers and Ears & Discontinued on Display.
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