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SCOTT CLAUSE/USA TODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Malik Nabers

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Tom Kavanaugh | Last updated Feb 12, 2024 1:18 PM ET

Malik Nabers Draft Profile

College: LSU
College Position: Wide Receiver
Ideal NFL Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6' 0" 200 lbs
Year / Age: Junior / 20
Draft Projection: Top 10
Where I’d Take Him: Top 5

NFL Combine/Pro Day Results

TBD

Background

Malik Nabers is a Louisiana native who played high school football at Ovey Comeaux. He was a four-star recruit and was ranked the No. 18 receiver in his recruiting class coming out of high school.

Nabers originally committed to Mississippi State before having a change of heart and flipping to LSU. The wideout started six games as a freshman and became a full-time starter as a sophomore. In his first full season as a starter, he cracked 1,000 yards.

His junior season was his masterclass in which he logged 80 catches for 1,424 yards and 12 touchdowns. That historic performance etched him into LSU's record books as the school's all-time leading receiver.

Nabers also earned a first-team All-SEC selection and was voted unanimous All-American. Leaving college football with a bang would be quite an understatement.

LSU WR Malik Nabers is the most explosive playmaker in the 2024 NFL Draft that should not get out of the top 10

Positives
✅ Elite athlete. No athletic limitations
✅ 1 on 1 nightmare to cover
✅ Fluid mover in his routes
✅ Best YAC receiver in the class
✅ A career forced miss… pic.twitter.com/zbEME1o8mJ
— What’s your deal Ben Johnson? (@TommyK_NFLDraft) February 9, 2024

Strengths

Elite athlete, one of the rarest we've seen in recent history
Single-coverage wrecker at the college level
Fluid mover for a 200-pounder, can cut on a dime and explode out of his breaks
Running-back type of elusiveness with the ball in his hands, has career forced missed tackle rate of 31%
Deep speed that defenses must honor
Statistical profile is nearly flawless

Weaknesses

Doesn't use his hands to defeat press; Wasn't too much of an issue in college but could be in the NFL
Overall routes could be cleaned up, too many extra steps
Not a bad contested catcher, but it's not his calling card

Final Thoughts and Chicago Bears Fit for Malik Nabers

Nabers is the most explosive playmaker in the 2024 NFL Draft. He can create big-time plays by taking the top off the defense or running a screen 50 yards to the house.

He projects best as a versatile Z receiver who should be used all over the formation. Nabers is a true mismatch weapon that can do damage against the weak coverage links of a defense.

He has the upside to become a dominant X receiver, but his routes need some polishing for him to reach it. Either way, he can be an instant contributor to an NFL team with the game-changing talents he brings to the table.

I expect Nabers to make an immediate impact in year one. Get him the ball and he'll make things happen. The fact that he has room for growth makes him that much more appealing.

Regarding the Chicago Bears, Nabers would fit seamlessly into Shane Waldron's pass-heavy offense as the No. 2 option. DJ Moore can take on more of the X role while Nabers can move around. The duo would have the potential to be one of the best 1-2 punches in the NFL.

Pro Comparison: Brandon Aiyuk

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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