Vikings 2024 NFL draft scouting report: LSU WR Malik Nabers
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This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Malik Nabers
LSU
Height-6000
Weight-200 lbs
Third-year junior
4-Star recruit per 247 Sports
Stats: 271 targets, 186 receptions, 2,980 yards, 11.8 YPR, 21 touchdowns, 6 rushes, 29 yards
Games watched: Florida State 2023, Alabama 2023, Florida 2023
Strengths
LSU lists Nabers at 6′ and 200 lbs and he knows how to use that frame to his advantage. He has the ability to drive defenders down the field.
Nabers does a good job varying his releases and keeps the defenders hand off of him. When there is physicality, Nabers does a good job fighting through physicality and still getting separation.
Route running shows some nuance. He also can consistently stack defenders on deeper routes.
In the same vein, ball tracking for Nabers is excellent. He sees the ball really well and flashes his hands late to prevent the defender from attacking the ball.
Nabers also uses tempo really well. Knows when to throttle down and hit the turbo button with double moves.
Deeper analytics for Nabers look good.
7th in YAC: 580
19th in YAC/reception: 6.7 yards
2nd yards/route run: 3.81
34th in aDOT: 12.5
6 drops on 124 targets
26.8% of snaps in the slot
Weaknesses
Nabers needs to display more effort in blocking. He flashes the ability to drive defenders down the field but consistency is key.
Leverage also shows flashes to use body position to prevent defenders. What he does need to utilize more is the ability to attack blind spots and manipulate defenders in space.
Route running has room to grow. Some of it is due to being in a college offense without an expansive route tree. A year or two in the NFL with a good receivers coach should
Overview
Hands | 8.6/10 |
Release | 8.7/10 |
Route Running | 13.2/15 |
Separation | 13.6/15 |
Contested Catches | 8.8/10 |
Tracking | 9.0/10 |
Body Control | 8.7/10 |
YAC Ability | 8.8/10 |
Agility | 8.6/10 |
Grade | 88.0/100 First Round |
Nabers is a really talented prospect who can give you a little bit of everything along with being a n explosive player. If he measures in significantly under his 6′ measurement that LSU has listed for him, Nabers could slide down a little bit. However, Nabers should comfortably go in the first round barring a poor pre-draft process.
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