Mel Kiper Jr. describes Malik Nabers' 'dramatic' improvement, rise to top ten prospect

Malik Nabers has put himself in the conversation amongst the best receivers in the upcoming NFL Draft. That’s because of an improvement and leap from a sophomore to a junior that caught everyone’s attention, including Mel Kiper Jr..

Kiper Jr. spoke highly of Nabers and his development during an episode of ‘First Draft’ with Field Yates on Monday. He pointed out some of the consistent, explosive statistics that Nabers posted during the course of last fall that show the kind of weapon that he can be.

“I look at him last year? He wasn’t the guy who he was this year,” Kiper Jr. said. “2023, you talk about what he was able to do for Jayden Daniels? The last five games of Jayden Daniels’ career? He had a catch of over 45 yards. In nine of 13 games? He’s getting it done, has had a catch of over 35 yards. 17 receptions of 30-plus yards this year.”

“He can be in the slot, he can be outside,” said Kiper Jr.. “This is a kid who was remarkable this season in terms not dropping passes and producing big play after big play.”

Nabers caught 189 passes overall over three seasons at LSU for just over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. The 3,003 career yards were good for the program record for receiving yardage.

Most of that came this last year with the Tigers where he posted career-bests of 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 scores. That was good for an average of 17.6 yards per catch and featured nine outings with 100 yards or more.

That production put him right in the mix for The Biletnikoff Award following the campaign. It also has put his name right amongst the top of the upcoming draft class, including right there with other top pass-catchers like Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Washington’s Rome Odunze.

Nabers is the No. 6 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft according to Kiper Jr.. Much of that opinion stems from what he saw him do in terms of growth over his last standout season in Baton Rouge.

“You see the touchdown improvement? The average per catch? Everything is up. Making plays, stretching it, taking the top off a defense, wanting the ball in clutch moments,” Kiper Jr. said. “When this kid had to step up, game after game? He did it.”

Nabers’ evolution came from a passion for the sport and a desire to bloom as a player and, as such, a prospect. Now, that improvement is going to lead him to hearing his name very early come April in Detroit.

“He loves to play the game of football. I’ve always spoken about how much of a baller he is. How tough, how physical, how reliable he is,” Kiper Jr. said. “The improvement he showed this year was dramatic.”