3 best NFL fits for LSU star Malik Nabers in the 2024 NFL Draft

Malik Nabers is primed to be a franchise receiver in the NFL.  In fact, if it wasn’t for Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. coming out in the same draft, the LSU product would be the top receiver entering the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Good burst, extreme leaping abilities and explosiveness no matter where he lines up on the field, the 6-foot-0, 200-pound wide receiver has NFL teams selecting in the top 10 of the draft drooling with the possibilities of how Nabers will look in their offense, especially with how he looked during his final season at LSU.

2024 NFL Draft prospect Malik Nabers will make a sudden impact in the NFL

In leading the SEC in receptions and receiving yards, the dynamic wide receiver hauled in 89 receptions for 1569 yards with 14 touchdowns as the prime target for Jayden Daniels in an explosive LSU offense.  With some route running techniques to work on, the elite skillset of Nabers in other areas should translate nicely to the NFL, especially his toughness.

In a draft analysis of Nabers, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein writes:

“Despite a lack of polish and precision as a route-runner, Nabers’ gliding movements and speed alterations seem to disguise the top-end speed and separation potential that await opposing coverages. He’s a bouncy leaper with the athletic ability to make the impossible catches possible. He tucks away accurate throws and displays the toughness and play strength to fight for tight-window victories over the middle. Nabers will need to address his tendency to track and play deep throws with finesse, or his early advantages will turn into 50/50 battles. He can play all three receiver spots and has the profile to become a productive, high-volume target over all three levels as a potential WR1.”

Projected to go as high at No. 5, Nabers will be a target of several teams once Harrison Jr. comes off the board.  What are the best fits?  Here are 3 teams where the former LSU star can make an immediate impact.

Chicago Bears: A player who can shine in the Windy City

With two picks in the top 10 of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bears can come out of this draft with two elite talents.  They are projected to select the top quarterback prospect in the draft in Caleb Williams and at No. 9, they could have their choice between Nabers and University of Washington product Rome Odunze. 

Either would be exciting for a team drafting Williams, but Nabers could shine in Chicago.  The team did just pull off a trade for veteran receiver Keenan Allen, who will not only be counted on to help the young quarterback, but mentor a young receiver like Nabers who will add a deep threat dynamic to the Bears offense with his ability to adjust in the air when going up for deep passes.  With Allen, a big target like tight end Cole Kmet along with running back D’Andre Swift, Nabers would be in the perfect position to blow into the league with great impact playing in the Windy City.

Atlanta Falcons: Another weapon for Kirk Cousins

The Falcons took care of their top need at quarterback with the signing of Kirk Cousins in free agency.  So, what will the Falcons do with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Well, if Nabers is there, the Falcons must consider drafting a weapon who compares to another former LSU product and a former top target of Cousins while at Minnesota, Justin Jefferson.  Yes, the Falcons already have talent on offense, but adding another wide receiver to play alongside London Drake and tight end Kyle Pitts would give Cousins similar talent to get the ball to as he had with the Vikings.

It is that Cousins to Jefferson chemistry that makes Nabers intriguing if you are a Falcons fan.  His ability to make plays in the short to immediate passing lanes as well as his deep threat ability will bring even more excitement for a team that will make some noise in the NFC West in 2024.

Los Angeles Chargers: A young playmaker who will strike lighning instantly

In trading Allen to the Bears and releasing Mike Williams, the Chargers need a top wide receiver, and it looks like they are setting up to draft Nabers with that No. 5 pick.  Unless Harrison Jr. somehow slips to No. 5, which is possible if the top 4 selections end up being quarterbacks, then Jim Harbaugh must select Nabers as a weapon for Justin Herbert.

It would’ve been ideal if the Chargers kept one of their veteran receivers to mentor Nabers, but in all, his size and the way he can command the field makes him a perfect target for Herbert as the Chargers will look to become a more consistent offense.  They will rely on Nabers, if they select him, and 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston who will have a lot of weight put on his shoulders to live up to the hype in his second season in the NFL. 

In all, the Chargers did lose Allen and Williams, but the potential of a Nabers, Johnston duo could strike excitement into Bolts fans.