For the majority of the scouting process, LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers has been considered the second-best receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, with some experts even having him as the top-ranked player at the position.
With just three weeks remaining before the selection process, though, a growing concern has begun about the All-American, as a report circulated that some in NFL circles believe Nabers is a “high-maintenance player” with “off-field questions” surrounding him.
Over the weekend, Nabers responded to those reports and made his thoughts clear on the seemingly consistent pattern regarding some prospects.
Malik Nabers Squashes ‘Off-Field Questions’
On Instagram Live, the LSU star made it abundantly clear that the claims brought forth by Tony Pauline were unfound.
“You know they got to pick somebody in this draft. I guess they just picked me,” Nabers stated.
#LSU WR Malik Nabers responds to rumors that he is “high maintenance” on IG Live.
“You know they gotta pick somebody in this draft. I guess they just pick me.” pic.twitter.com/goM70wl8IN
— Preston Guy (@PGuy77) April 8, 2024
Nabers caught 89 passes last season for the Tigers for 1,569 yards, and 14 touchdowns. He helped propel Jayden Daniels to the Heisman Trophy and also led LSU to a ReliaQuest Bowl win over Wisconsin. Just a year prior, he was named Citrus Bowl MVP for his nine-catch, 163-yard day over Purdue.
Part of Nabers’ response to recent reports is that some teams may not be available to take the receiver early in the draft but spread false rumors as a way to lower his overall stock.
To the Louisiana native, that’s the reason why these concerns are popping up now, just a few weeks before the draft begins in Detroit.
Nabers’ Draft Projection
Despite the expected intended use for the original report, Nabers is still expected to be a top-10 pick in the NFL Draft and the second receiver taken behind Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr.
In PFN’s scouting report of Nabers, Draft Analyst Ian Cummings breaks down the type of player Nabers can be at the NFL level, citing his athleticism and big-play ability as a reason teams are interested in the young receiver.
“More than most of the 2024 NFL Draft’s WR prospects, Nabers effusively fulfills all the requirements of the three-level threat framework at WR: creating before, at, and after the catch,” says Cummings.
“With his athleticism and physicality, he brings shades of Sterling Sharpe, and he has the kind of ultimate potential.”
Cummings isn’t the only draft expert or scout who is high on Nabers, though.
ESPN’s own Adam Schefter said during LSU’s Pro Day in March that some NFL scouts believe Nabers is actually better than Harrison, a significant change due to Harrison’s college career and NFL pedigree.
There are some NFL personnel men who believe Malik Nabers is this draft class’ top wideout. https://t.co/g8kQZQ4Mmj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 27, 2024
Despite what some organizations may be pushing for, Nabers continues to be a lock to hear his name called early in a few weeks.
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