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Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr. Add to LSU’s Wide Receiver Dominance in the NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Craig Ellenport | Last updated Jan 5, 2025 6:04 PM ET

There’s no denying LSU has become Wide Receiver U when it comes to producing elite NFL pass-catchers. Since 2014, 13 LSU receivers have been selected in the NFL Draft. Of those 13 players, five were first-round draft picks — and there is a distinct difference between the first-rounders and the rest of the former Bayou Bengal receivers. With their excellent rookie seasons in the books, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. have joined a special NFL fraternity.

Odell Beckham Jr., Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, Nabers, Thomas. The first three on that list burst onto the pro scene with outstanding rookie seasons and then continued to build on that success with more all-time numbers. Nabers and Thomas have matched that rookie success, so time will tell if they can build on that.

Just looking at how each of these superstars did as rookies is astounding. Here’s the breakdown:

Malik Nabers, Giants (2024): 109 receptions, 1,204 yards, 7 TDs
Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars (2024): 87 receptions, 1,282 yards 10 TDs
Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals (2021): 81 receptions, 1,455 yards, 13 TDs
Justin Jefferson, Vikings (2020): 88 receptions, 1,400 yards 7 TDs
Odell Beckham Jr., Giants (2014): 91 receptions, 1,305 yards, 12 TDs

Ohio State fans might argue that their school is Wide Receiver U. The Buckeyes, like the Tigers, have had 13 receivers drafted since 2014. And there are plenty of big names: Marvin Harrison Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, Michael Thomas.

Still, it’s hard to argue with LSU’s first-round quintet of Nabers, Thomas, Chase, Jefferson and Beckham. If money talks, you’ve got the highest-paid wideout in NFL history in Jefferson — and his contract will likely be topped this offseason after Chase went into the final year of his deal with a record-setting 2024 season.

For the record, here are the other eight LSU receivers who were drafted in the second round or lower since 2014:

Kayshon Boutte, Patriots (2023, 6^th round)
Terrace Marshall Jr., Panthers (2021, 2^nd round)
Racey McMath, Titans (2021, 6^th round)
DJ Chark, Jaguars (2018, 2^nd round)
Russell Gage, Falcons (2018, 6^th round)
Malachi Dupre, Packers (2017, 7^th round)
Jarvis Landry, Dolphins (2014, 2^nd round)
James Wright, Bengals (2014, 7^th round)