FullTime Fantasy Rookie Scouting Profile: Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers (WR) LSU
| Ht. | Wt. | 40-Time | NFL Draft | Dynasty ADP | NFL Comp |
| 6-0* | 199* | 4.35* | Top 10 | 1.02 | Ja’Marr Chase |
*Pro Day
College Production
The next in a long line of dominant LSU wideouts. Nabers hails from Youngsville, Louisiana, and chose to stay home and play for the Tigers after first committing to Mississippi State. Played in 11 games as a true freshman, reeling in 28-of-46 targets for 417 yards and four scores and being named to the All-SEC Freshman Team. Broke out as a sophomore starter, catching an SEC-best 72 balls for 1,014 yards and three touchdowns.
Nabers exploded onto the scene in his final season in Baton Rouge, earning All-SEC First Team and AP All-American honors. Was also a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award after again leading the SEC in grabs (89), ranking second in FBS with 1,569 receiving yards, and third with 14 TDs.
Strengths
• Dominant physical player at every level. Nabers excels as a route-runner and wins in contested catch situations. Has the instincts and physical skills to always get open, win 50/50 balls, and make huge gains after the catch.
• One of the best receivers in the nation on jump balls. Has the tools to be a first-down machine and superb red-zone closer with the burst to create space.
• In 2023 posted the highest PFF overall grade (92.9) and as a pure receiver (93.1). Also ranked fourth in yards per route run (3.64) and missed tackles forced (30).
• Set an LSU record in receptions (189) and receiving yards (3,003), topping notable wideouts Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and Odell Beckham Jr.
• Experience dominating from the slot and perimeter.
Concerns
• Speed is more than adequate but lacks the elite top gear to run away from faster NFL DBs.
• Will need to adjust to creating space from press coverage with improved technique.
• A few more concentration drops than you’d like to see.
• Somewhat limited route tree at LSU.
Fantasy Outlook
Nabers is my WR1 and 1.01 of the 2024 rookie class. LSU has a knack for developing stud NFL WR1s and Nabers set impressive school records. His all-around skill set and intangibles are a perfect fit in today’s wide-open NFL passing attacks.
He’s got the versatility to line up anywhere but will shine as a perimeter threat. I compared him to another former Tiger, Ja’Marr Chase as a potent outside threat that would be a nightmare after the catch.
Most draftniks prefer Marvin Harrison Jr. as the 1.01. However, I feel like Nabers has more touchdown potential and a higher ceiling while Harrison has the higher floor. Both are top-2 choices in rookie-only drafts and top-5 targets in Superflex.
In redraft, Chase will appeal to me as a strong WR2 that I wouldn’t hesitate to target in the fourth or fifth round.
See where Malik Nabers ranks in Jody’s 2024 rookie rankings.
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