Malik Nabers WR LSU: Scouting Report

Height: 6’0

Weight: 200

Overall

Malik Nabers is an electrifying playmaker in LSU’s pass heavy offense. In his 3 seasons with the Tigers, he played in 37 games, starting 29 of them. He lined up all over the field but played a majority of his snaps from the slot. His speed and explosiveness allows him to make big plays deep down the field and opens up many opportunities for the offense.

Pass Game

Nabers is quick off the line of scrimmage but thrives with his acceleration and change of pace in his routes. He plays with the savvy to create separation early then has the explosiveness to hit a second gear at the top of his routes to blow by defenders. He is smooth in his routes and has the speed and football IQ to exploit zone coverage while being able to outrun defenders in man coverage. He does a very good job of coming back to the football on out routes and during scramble drills to make it easy for his quarterback. He has good hands and shows the ability to make tough catches down the field but he uses his body far too often to make plays. Against tight coverage though, he shows very good physicality in fighting for the football and was very reliable on short yardage plays on film. After the catch, Nabers has the speed to make big plays in open space but he does not consistently make defenders miss or break tackles with his elusiveness or strength.

Run Game

Nabers was occasionally used on jet sweeps while at LSU and had success with his speed and burst on the edge. His playmaking ability will allow him to be effective as a runner at the next level. As a run blocker, he shows sufficient effort but lacks the size and strength to be consistently used on the outside against NFL defenders.

Last Word

Nabers has elite speed and the playmaking ability to be a dominant receiver at the next level. While he uses his body too often to make plays, he shows the talent to make tough catches down the field when he needs to. He has average size but he plays much bigger than he is at the catch point. He is physical and consistently came down with the football in tight coverage making him a very reliable target on 3rd downs. He projects best as a slot receiver in a pass heavy offense in the NFL where he can be used to take the top off of defenses and make big plays on underneath routes. 

One-Liner: Nabers is an elite athlete and dominant playmaker on film and in the right offense he can be an immediate difference maker at the next level.

Grade: 7.0 (High End 3 Down Starter)

Games Watched: 2023 - Florida State, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama, Arkansas, Grambling State

Team Fits: New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears