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Why should Malik Nabers be the NFL draft’s WR1? He explains.
LSU WR Malik Nabers, a projected first-round pick, explain why he’s so effective on deep plays, and why he should be the first WR drafted in April.
The 2024 NFL Draft features a standout class of players on offense – especially quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver. There could be a record set on that side of the ball in Round 1 Thursday night in Detroit.
One of those top prospects at wide receiver includes LSU’s Malik Nabers. The three-year starter finished his college career with 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns for the Tigers. He combines average size (6 feet, 199 pounds) with dynamic after-the-catch ability that makes him an elite talent at the position.
Here’s his top five odds for draft selection and the current team in that position, via odds from BetMGM:
Nabers is the favorite to be the No. 6 overall pick with these odds. He’s ahead of fellow wide receiver prospect Rome Odunze (+250). The Giants are heavily favored to draft a receiver with their first pick in the draft (-225) as well. He’d offer a dynamic skillset to the wide receiver group.
Los Angeles has been mentioned in many mock draft trades but currently remain at the No. 5 spot. After trading Keenan Allen to Chicago and releasing Mike Williams, the Chargers are a popular team to select wide receivers in mock drafts, including in USA Today’s latest mock.
The odds drop off after the top two but Tennessee could be a surprise wide receiver destination. New Titans head coach Brian Callahan was in Cincinnati when the Bengals drafted fellow LSU playmaker Ja’Marr Chase No. 5 overall in 2021. Another former Tiger could help sophomore quarterback Will Levis and Callahan’s stressed surrounding Levis with talent.
Chicago’s widely expected to draft quarterback Caleb Williams at No. 1 overall. With the No. 9 selection, they could choose to build up the playmakers around him by selecting Nabers. He’d improve a wide receiver group currently led by DJ Moore and Allen.
The Falcons all but ended speculation of selecting a quarterback at No. 8 after signing Kirk Cousins at the start of free agency. Cousins will have a number of talented weapons to throw to including wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts, and running back Bijan Robinson. The Falcons also acquired Rondale Moore and Darnell Mooney this offseason but could bolster the position even more.
2024 NFL Draft: Malik Nabers mock draft roundup
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY: No. 6 overall, New York Giants
“If the Giants are compelled to move forward with QB Daniel Jones, which will almost certainly be the case regardless in 2024, giving him a bona fide weapon is obviously the sensible move – both from a pure football perspective, not to mention the opportunity to advance Jones’ development and/or make him a more attractive trade prospect in 2025 if Big Blue moves on then instead.”
Matt Miller, ESPN: No. 6 overall, New York Giants
“Sitting tight means the Giants might miss out on the Round 1 quarterbacks, but I continue to hear the front office is OK with that — especially if it means landing Nabers. The 6-foot, 199-pound speedster is a big play waiting to happen, and that’s an element New York sorely lacked in 2023.”
Trevor Sikkema, PFF: No. 6 overall, New York Giants
“Nabers’ movement skills are rare, even at the NFL level. His ability to change direction yet continue to accelerate makes him an open-target specialist in the slot and on the outside. He has the kind of athleticism that demands a defense to know where he is at all times as a future WR1.”
Kyle Dvorchak, NBC Sports: No. 6 overall, New York Giants
“Having missed out at quarterback, the Giants can use this pick to give Daniel Jones a shot at sticking around beyond the 2024 season. If he fails, they cut ties next offseason and draft a quarterback to pair with Nabers.”
How to watch the 2024 NFL Draft
How to watch: Catch the NFL Draft with an ESPN+ subscription
When is the NFL Draft?
- April 25: Round 1 (8 p.m. ET)
- April 26: Round 2 and Round 3 (7 p.m. ET)
- April 27: Round 4 through Round 7 (noon ET)
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