Malik Nabers (WR) – LSU / Junior
6’1”, 188 Lbs. (Unofficial)
2022 Stats: 14 Games, 72 rec, 1017 Yds, 14.1 YPR, 3 TDs
2023 Stats: 7 Games, 52 Rec, 860 Yds, 16.5 YPR, 7 TDs
{https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/malik-nabers-1.html}
Awards: TheAthletic.Com Mid Season 1st Team All-American (2023)
Measurables: (Available post-combine/pro day)
RAS: (Available post-combine/pro day)
Games Watched: 2023 Vs. Mississippi St., 2023 Vs. Arkansas
PRO’S
Nabers is a true inside/outside wide receiver, with 48% of his routes (through 7 games) being run from the slot & 52% being run on the outside. Nabers is one of the most dangerous receivers in the nation after the catch, his 315 YAC is good for 10th in the nation. Explosive, gets north quickly once the football is in his hands, no wasted movements. Short area quickness/lateral agility. Solid lower half, strong legs, can withstand heavy involvement & lots of contact. Ball tracking/concentration, doesn’t look phased at the catch point when defenders are in close proximity or the football is arriving to him through traffic. 2023 Vs. Arkansas, 1st QTR, 1:30, comeback route, DB inside leverage, ball thrown inside, adjusts/reaches low and across defender for contested catch.
CON’S
Nabers’ route tree is a bit limited, LSU has him running a lot of simple routes to get him in space including crossing routes/vertical routes. Separation, does a good job of getting behind defenders but does not regularly run away from them. How will he match up with better CBs at the next level that he can not “out athlete”?
OVERALL
Playmaker, per TheAthletic.Com, 36.% of his catches have gone for at least 20 yards, 80.8% of his catched have gone for either a first down or a TD. I see some Ceedee Lamb in Malik Nabers, as far as the ability to line up inside/outside, to extend the play after the catch & the way he is built physically (Lamb 6’2”/198, Nabers 6′ 1”/188). Through 7 games in 2023, his 91.2 PFF receiving grade is 2nd in the nation, his 860 receiving yards are #1 in the nation. #33 on Bruce Feldman’s Freak List, special athlete. If I’m putting a team together, I want Nabers on it.
Completed by: @coachschepps, 10/23/23
Reviewed & edited: J. Clark, 10/23/23
