Malik Nabers Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Images courtesy of Jonathan Mailhes)
School: LSU
Class: Junior
Position: WR
HT: 6’0
WT: 200 lbs
Sideline Prospect Ranking: #16
Background: Malik Nabers has always been a dynamic player who is a factory for electric plays. Nabers is from Youngsville, Louisiana and attended Southside High School. He only played at Southside for his senior season, and ultimately was unable to play football in his senior season. Despite the bump in the road, he was still able to earn a consensus 4-star rating.
College: As a freshman in 2021, he started 6 games at WR for LSU. He racked up over 400 yards on the year. At the end of the season, he was a Coaches Selection for the Freshman All-SEC Team. In 2022, he started 11 of the 14 possible games and accumulated over 1,000 yards. With Nabers officially being the WR1 for the Tigers, there was no doubt that he would show the country why he was one of the top receivers in the country. Nabers was a consensus First Team All-American as a junior in 2023. He ranked 2nd nationally in receiving yards with 1,569 and 3rd nationally with 14 touchdown receptions.
Strengths: Malik Nabers has made a name for himself as the best route runner and one of the best overall receivers in the country. He cuts with violence and leaves himself yards of separation. He goes from zero to one hundred faster than anyone in the country. Malik lines up anywhere along the formation. He has played as X, Y, or Z receiver at times for LSU. His playstyle best suits the slot. Nabers has that quick first step and remains quick throughout his route. He is also quick to find the soft spots in zone coverage. He runs the 5 yard hook like it is nobody’s business. His feet don’t get choppy at the top of the route, he comes to a complete stop a stride after being in full sprint. Nabers has tremendous hands, he consistently comes down with footballs well away from his frame. Nabers has potential in the screen game as he has tremendous run after the catch ability.
Weaknesses: Nabers is effective in the quick game, but he has yet to put vertical speed on tape with any level of consistency. Nabers still gets bullied by more physical cornerbacks and is unable to gain any separation on those bigger players. He primarily projects as a slot player with this lack of physicality, which puts a certain limit on his potential.
Conclusion: Nabers’ home run ability and solid frame give him a profile of an elite wide receiver. Put him in a competent offense and he will be special. His ability to make plays on his own will instantly elevate an offense.
Scheme Fit: Air Raid
Ideal Role: Primarily Slot Receiver
Best Team Fits: LAC, NYG, DEN
Player Comparison: Stefon Diggs
Player Grade: 89.5
