LSU’s Malik Nabers Declares for 2024 NFL Draft; B/R’s No. 2 Rated WR
John Korduner/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Malik Nabers is NFL bound.
The LSU Tigers wide receiver has declared for the 2024 NFL draft, he announced Saturday, per ESPN’s Jordan Reid.
The Bleacher Report NFL Scouting Department ranks Nabers as the No. 2 wide receiver available in this year’s draft behind Ohio State standout Marvin Harrison Jr., who is a projected top five pick.
Although Nabers came one vote shy behind Harrison for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given annually to the best receiver in college football, the rising star had a 2023 campaign to be proud of.
Nabers, who spent his entire collegiate career at LSU, was quarterback Jayden Daniels’ top target in 2023 as he caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns in 13 games.
It marked the second straight season Nabers eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards as he caught 72 passes for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games as a sophomore in 2022.
Nabers exits LSU as the program’s all-time receiving yards leader, having caught 189 passes for 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns in his three-year career. The feat is quite impressive, especially considering the Tigers have seen the likes of Josh Reed, Wendell Davis, Odell Beckham Jr. and Justin Jefferson excel with the program.
Nabers should make a big impact at the next level, especially if he follows in the footsteps of Beckham, Jefferson and even Ja’Marr Chase. While Harrison is bound to be a top pick in this year’s draft, the LSU product could fall within the top 10.
“Overall, it’s easy to see how Nabers could make an instant impact in the NFL. His combination of speed, quickness and yards-after-the-catch skills will translate into explosive plays right away,” B/R NFL scout Derrik Klassen wrote. “Nabers can be a twitchy, field-stretching Z from day one with the potential to grow into a more well-rounded player.”