Field Yates: LSU's Malik Nabers "Most Explosive" Player in 2024 NFL Draft

Nabers projected to go Top 10 in this year's draft, creeping into Top 5 conversation.

Former LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers shined for the Bayou Bengals during his time in Baton Rouge, and as he transitions to the next chapter of his playing career, he's climbing up NFL Draft boards.

Nabers, who rewrote the record books in Death Valley, has draft analysts buzzing about what could be at the next level. 

ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Field Yates wouldn't hesitate to take the Biletnikoff Award Finalist in the Top 5. 

“Malik Nabers is the most explosive player in this entire draft,” Yates said. “He didn’t run, he didn’t even weigh in at the combine. He and his quarterback, Jayden Daniels, opted not to do their height, weight, speed measurements. Sounds like both will, at least that’s the intention, that’s what I was told during the combine, for both to do that at the March 27 pro day down there at LSU. But if we’re talking about tape explosiveness, it’s not close.”

Nabers is a game changing player. After forming a connection with Jayden Daniels in 2023, both former Tigers will hear their names early in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

“Jayden Daniels throws a ball about 45, 50 yards in the air to Malik Nabers against an Alabama secondary that’s got at least two second round cornerbacks, Terrion Arnold could go in the first round, maybe Kool-Aid McKinstry will join him or somewhere in the second round,” Yates said. “And he’s just running right past a Nick Saban-coached defense and secondary at a different speed. He had 27 forced missed tackles last year, did Malik Nabers. So it’s not just the stuff down the field that’s really going to matter at the NFL level, it’s taking a short play and turning it into a 40, 50, 55 yard gain.”

The talk of the town on most franchises wide receiver boards is the Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Nabers debate. The two are in a category of their own, according to several draft analysts, with the two near locks to be selected in the Top 10. 

“I think the gap between he and Marvin Harrison Jr., I really feel strongly about this, is quite narrow. He’s very deserving of a Top 5 pick,” Yates said. 

Now, with the 2024 NFL Draft just weeks away, Nabers has one more opportunity to showcase his explosiveness during LSU's Pro Day on March 27.