Welcome back to our dynasty fantasy football rookie profile series. We will delve into the talents and potential of emerging stars in the 2024 NFL Draft along with their potential dynasty impact. In the midst of one of the deepest wide receiver classes in recent memory, Malik Nabers stands out among one of the deepest wide receiver classes we have seen.
Nabers has consistently progressed since his four-star high school recruitment. Starting as a freshman at LSU, he made an impact, recording 28 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 14.9 yards per catch. Transitioning into a full-time starter, Nabers saw a significant rise in production in his sophomore year. Notably, he went for 72 receptions for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns at an average of 14.1 yards per catch.
Ultimately, his standout season came in 2023 when he totaled 86 receptions for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns, leading all CFB wide receivers. His exceptional 2023 performance earned him finalist honors for the Biletnikoff Award, a spot on the First-Team All-SEC, and MVP recognition in the 2023 Citrus Bowl.
Malik Nabers (WR) LSU – Dynasty Rookie Profile
Height: 6’0
Weight: 200 lbs
Player Comp: DJ Moore
Strengths
Functional Athleticism after the Catch
Nabers stands out for his speed, which is evident in his ability to stretch defenses and burst with the ball in his hands. With quick feet, he navigates routes fluidly, maintaining speed and exploding out of breaks. His acceleration shines post-catch, allowing him to gain additional yardage. According to PFFs Game Athleticism Rating (GAR), Nabers is in the 99th percentile of the cumulation of size-adjusted speed, acceleration, and change of direction.
Moreover, Nabers poses a threat in the open field, showcasing impressive burst and agility to evade tacklers and navigate through the secondary. His yards-after-catch proficiency, combined with his speed, makes him a potent threat to turn short receptions into significant gains.
Malik Nabers getting to warp speed in 2 steps pic.twitter.com/Jd1PXJeEHk
— JetPack Galileo (@JetPackGalileo) March 2, 2024
Polished Routes
While Nabers possesses speed and athleticism, his well-built physique enables him to outposition defensive backs naturally. He excels at high-pointing the ball, showcasing quality hands even under coverage. Nabers’ superb body control, ball tracking, and late hands contribute to his ability to consistently make difficult catches while being unafraid of contact.
Transitioning to the NFL, Nabers’ speed allows him to consistently create separation, making him a challenging matchup for defenders. His versatility makes him a potential asset on third downs, excelling in short to intermediate routes.
In the NFL, Nabers could thrive as a split end, utilizing his vertical prowess along the sideline. Furthermore, he presents a viable option from the slot position, showcasing his versatility and adaptability. His college slot usage was 46%, while his usage on the outside was 54%.
Malik Nabers. pic.twitter.com/9My8LoDdY2
— Nick Penticoff (@NickPenticoff) March 8, 2024
Weaknesses
Honestly, there’s not much to really say in terms of glaring weaknesses with his profile. Instead, I will jot down a few minor nitpicks.
- He’s not Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Doesn’t fight for the ball in traffic 100% of the time
- Doesn’t consistently high-point the ball
NFL Fit and Draft Capital
Although he would be a welcome addition to any team in the league, although few will be in range for him. According to NFL Mock Draft Database, Malik Nabers is the 5th overall prospect in this class.
Fittingly, I believe his best fit would be on the team that holds the fifth pick in the draft, the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite drafting first-round receiver Quentin Johnston last season, the Chargers have seen him struggle to perform as a WR1. With a new regime that didn’t select Johnston, his presence likely won’t hinder the team from acquiring talent like Nabers.
Dynasty Outlook
We’re witnessing one of the best rookie wide receiver prospects ever. The debates on Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers will echo the Julio Jones and AJ Green era. These two will be analyzed for years.
His dynasty football stock is rock solid. He’s almost guaranteed to be a top-10 NFL Draft pick. With that kind of draft capital at wide receiver with his toolset, I’d dare to say he’s bust-proof. In rookie drafts, he should be going no later than the 1.05. Conversely, I wouldn’t argue with you for taking him over Harrison at the 1.02, after Caleb Williams is gone. In startups, he should find an ADP comfortably in the top three rounds. According to Keep Trade Cut, Nabers is currently valued around the 28th overall player in dyansty.
Thanks for your time reading this rookie profile, and we hope to see you again for our upcoming draft coverage here at Faceoff Sports Network.
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