Malik Nabers 8 runs the ball during the LSU Tigers Spring Game at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, LA. SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY NETWORK. Saturday, April 22, 2023. Lsu Spring Football 9613 © SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
Malik Nabers WR LSU | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Malik Nabers WR LSU
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Multi-Role Receiver | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 04/03/2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.35 seconds (93%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 21.9 DOB: 07/28/2003 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Multi-Role Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 04/03/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2024 | |
| 40 time: 4.35 seconds (93%*) | |
| Age: 21.9 DOB: 07/28/2003 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 92.8 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 130.6 | |
| Hands: |
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91% |
| Short Receiving: |
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100% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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100% |
| Deep Threat: |
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100% |
| Blocking: |
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71% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 5
Overall Rank:
#3
Position rank:
#2
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| College Games: 37 College Snaps: 1689 | ||
ESPN RATING: 79/100
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247 RATING: 94/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.8 (95%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
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| Ja'Marr Chase - LSU |
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87% |
| Kadarius Toney - Florida |
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83% |
| Chris Olave - Ohio State |
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77% |
Drafted: ROUND: 1 - Pick Number: 6 (NYG)
Draft Profile: Bio
Malik Nabers, standing at 6'0" and weighing 200 pounds, has shown consistent development since his days as a four-star high school recruit. He made an immediate impact in his freshman year at LSU, starting six of eleven games and notching 28 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an impressive 14.9 yards per catch.Nabers' ascent continued as he transitioned into a full-time starting role in the following season. His sophomore campaign was marked by a huge increase in production, as he tallied 72 receptions for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns, with a solid 14.1 yards per catch. However, it was his performance in 2023 that truly set him apart. Nabers amassed a huge 86 receptions for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns which led all wide receivers in college football.
Over his collegiate career, Nabers has recorded a total of 186 receptions for 2,983 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns. His standout 2023 season earned him several accolades, including being a finalist for the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award, earning a spot on the First-Team All-SEC, and being named the MVP of the 2023 Citrus Bowl. His freshman-year performance also earned him a place on the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2021.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Explosive route-runner with an ability to seamlessly shift gears, making him a huge match-up for defensive backs
- Elite athletic skills -- Made Bruce Feldman's 2023 'Freaks List' at number 33. He wrote: "The 6-0, 201-pound junior measured at 1.01 RSImod — reactive strength index modified. This essentially describes Nabers’ ability to complete his max vertical jump at a very fast rate, so along with having a vertical leap of almost 40 inches, he can reach that feat faster than anyone on the team. Nabers also produced 2700 watts peak power on power clean, which is remarkable for a skill player."
- Has exceptional ball skills, tracks mid-stride adjustments effectively, showcasing potential as a reliable deep threat in the NFL.
- Combines awareness and precise timing when playing the ball in the air, especially on underthrown passes.
- Physical receiver possessing a versatile skill set; effective both outside and in the slot with an understanding of zone coverages.
- Comfortable and skilled in contested situations, consistently turning 50/50 balls into receptions, both vertically and on comebacks.
- Potent run-after-catch capabilities, blending quickness with a strong lower half, making him elusive and difficult for solo tackles - has a little Deebo Samuel element to his game
- Exceptional leaping ability, consistently high-pointing the ball away from his frame, especially on vertical shots and back-shoulder throws.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Flashes moments of brilliance, but concerns linger about his motor over a 16-game slate. His tape from the earlier part of the 2022 season shows inconsistency, and scouts want to see that game-to-game grind. Although his 2023 season has probably put these doubts to bed
- Though he pops off the tape with his burst and short-area quickness, when it comes to stacking and separating deep against sticky coverage from top-tier corners, questions arise. His vertical game isn't elite.
- His route tree needs more branches. While he can eat in the slot with his agility, mastering a wider array of releases and routes will be crucial, especially if he's to be an X or Z receiver against NFL DBs.
- His ball skills are evident when he's asked to high-point or adjust, but consistently beating defenders with sheer speed down the boundary is a gray area in his game. Needs to be a consistent deep threat.
Scouting Report: Summary
Malik Nabers eyed as the potential #2 WR in his class behind Marvin Harrison Jr., is a prime pick for teams in the top ten. He's a dynamo in the slot with explosive YAC ability and sharp route running, showcasing NFL-ready quickness and separation. While he's a threat inside, Nabers needs to polish his outside technique and releases.On the field, Nabers is a versatile weapon for LSU, effective as both an X and Z receiver, and shines in the slot. His quick burst off the line and ability to stretch the field are key assets, making him a nightmare on deep routes. However, he must refine his releases, especially against press coverage, to fully unlock his potential at the pro level.
Nabers' skill set positions him for immediate impact in the NFL. His speed, playmaking after the catch, and ability to snap off routes quickly mark him as a high-upside prospect. While he needs to work on contested catches and press releases, Nabers has the tools to grow into a dynamic, versatile receiver and put up some serious numbers in the NFL.
Malik Nabers percentiles vs other Wide Receivers (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
Malik Nabers Video Review
How other scouting services rate Malik Nabers (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
6.2
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
2.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.