Malik Nabers, WR, LSU (Junior)
Valentin
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Strengths :
- Explosive athlete
- Technical and precise route runner
- YAC threat
- IQ
- Age
Weaknesses :
- Power against elite CBs
- Releases
- Press skills
- Separation in vertical routes
- Route tree
- Body catches
- Run block
- Occasionally lazy
- Slot only ?
TTProfil
Malik Nabers is a very explosive athlete with excellent acceleration and good speed, although not elite. He possesses great body control and agility. His footwork is quite quick, but he could greatly improve it with more effort and precision Despite his size, Nabers lacks power, especially when facing NFL-caliber cornerbacks, where he struggles physically.
Nabers hasn't developed a comprehensive release package, and he doesn't use his arms effectively in the initial punch, making it tough for him to beat press coverage. His lack of elite speed at the second and third levels hinders his ability to create separation on vertical routes as a wide receiver, especially evident when attempting double moves.
He struggles to consistently win outside duels vertically but performs better in the slot, particularly against zone coverage or off-man coverage. Nabers excels at sitting down in zones to provide a viable option for his quarterback, but he's also adept at creating off-script. Essentially, when given space to showcase his abilities in creating separation and explosiveness, he's difficult to stop. However, when defenders play physical against him, it's easier to limit him.
As a route runner, Nabers is precise, but he needs to develop his route tree further. As a slot receiver, more quick-hitting routes would be beneficial, as he mainly executes post, fade, cross, or dig routes. Similarly, as a wide receiver, he primarily runs curl or go routes, with limited route development. He excels when he adds tempo to his routes, utilizing his explosiveness to manipulate opposing defensive backs more effectively.
Nabers tracks the ball well and demonstrates good eye-foot-hand coordination. He has a decent catching technique, although he tends to rely on body catches. His hands are reliable, except in traffic situations, where his drop rate increases due to a lack of impact and aggressiveness in contested catches. His catch radius doesn't seem particularly impressive, as he hasn't displayed acrobatic catches that would suggest otherwise.
With the ball in his hands, Nabers is dangerous, showcasing playmaking ability through his transition from receiver to runner, explosiveness, change of direction, and excellent vision. He could be effectively utilized in plays like jet sweeps.
His lack of commitment in run blocking is frustrating and evident, leading to missed opportunities for LSU's rushing plays to end in touchdowns. His inactive feet, minimal hand engagement, and failure to finish plays are concerning. Nabers must address this issue promptly, as his body language suggests a lack of involvement in some plays, particularly evident in run blocking. Indeed, I get the impression that he's not always fully committed to his plays, most notably in run-blocking situations. His lack of impact in contested catches also contributes to this perception. He often displays a disheartened attitude or seems to deflect blame onto external factors rather than taking full responsibility himself. Nabers is young (21 years old for his rookie season), but this is something that can quickly frustrate the coaching staff or teammates.
Malik Nabers is an intriguing prospect due to his explosiveness and ability to create space in the slot. Despite having extensive experience on the outside, I struggle to envision him making a significant impact beyond stretching the field and creating space for his teammates or working the middle of the field on intermediate routes. There is room for improvement in his release technique and a significant need for increased aggressiveness in contested catches.
I evaluate Nabers as a solid late first-round prospect.