We’re beyond the halfway mark in the 2023 college football season, and that means draft talk will be heating up before we know it.
LSU boasts one of the best offenses in the country this season, and [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] has been a major reason behind the ascendance of both quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] to a Heisman candidate as well as the unit as a whole.
Nabers is having a career year, pacing the nation in receiving yards while also hauling in nine touchdowns. He’s just 19 yards away from joining [autotag]Josh Reed[/autotag] as the only LSU receiver to register back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and he’s widely regarded as a top 10-15 pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
It should come as no surprise that he’s the most heralded draft prospect on this team, ranking 12th overall on Mel Kiper’s updated big board.
Nabers’ best trait? It’s speed. He can take the top off the defense. He was consistent last season, showing off elite separation skills and the ability to high-point receptions. He also was balanced, catching 35 passes when lined up in the slot and 37 when lined up out wide. That versatility will matter at the next level.
Nabers has good hands and showed toughness in taking a shot while hauling in a catch over the middle of the field. He tracks the ball exceptionally well. He gets easy separation on cornerbacks. I have been impressed with his run-after-the-catch ability. He lit up Mississippi State with 13 catches for 239 yards and two scores earlier this season. In total, he has 56 catches for 981 yards and nine TDs.
Nabers was the only LSU player to make the top 25 overall, but several other players were ranked in the top 10 at their positions. Daniels ranks as the No. 8 quarterback, while defensive tackle [autotag]Mekhi Wingo[/autotag] sits at No. 7 among defensive tackles.
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