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LSU WR Malik Nabers declares for 2024 NFL Draft

On3 imageby:Shea Dixon01/06/24

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malik-nabers
Photo: USA Today

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers is headed to the NFL Draft, announcing the news on Saturday night as he closes out this chapter of his football career.

Nabers leaves Baton Rouge as the most-accomplished wide receiver in program history.

In LSU’s matchup with Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 1, Nabers – a projected first-round pick in this year’s NFL Draft – chose to suit up and play instead of opt out and prepare for the draft.

The decision paid off. Nabers moved into the No. 1 spot in the LSU record book for most career receiving yards.

LSU standout Josh Reed held the record prior to Nabers after he totaled 3,001 receiving yards across three seasons from 1999-2001. More than 20 years later, Nabers entered the bowl game with 2,980 receiving yards in three seasons, putting him 21 yards short of the record. Nabers broke the record on an 11-yard catch to put him at 3,003 yards for his career.

“That record hasn’t been broken in over 20 years,” he said. “I came here with a chip on my shoulder. I didn’t care who I was playing or how many games we had left, I’ve never left my team out there to dry.”

Nabers now owns two LSU receiving records

Not only has Nabers posted more receiving yards than any other player in program history, but he also owns another notable record.

In the regular season finale against Texas A&M, Nabers hauled in a 21-yard catch in the fourth quarter to put him at 184 catches across his three seasons in Baton Rouge – which ranks No. 1 in LSU program history.

He broke the record held by Wendell Davis, who caught 183 passes while playing for the Tigers from 1984-87.

Nabers reached the mark in just three seasons, catching 28 passes as a true freshman in 2021 before hauling in 72 passes in 14 games a year ago. Nabers finished the 2023 regular season with 86 catches in 12 games.

Another NFL First Round Pick on deck for LSU

Nabers now sits at No. 1 in LSU history for most receiving yards and most catches across a career, which will only catch the attention of even more scouts as he prepares for the 2024 NFL Draft.

In the latest CBS Sports projections for the NFL Draft, Nabers was circled as the potential No. 9 pick to the New York Jets.

“The second wide receiver to go is mocked up as Malik Nabers Jr.,” CBS wrote. “During his college career, he wasn’t as generational as Marvin Harrison Jr, but he was still an incredibly talented weapon at LSU who put up massive numbers for the Tigers. Alongside Jayden Daniels, he helped make LSU one of the best offenses in the country.

The New York Jets are hoping to get veteran star quarterback Aaron Rodgers back next season. Nabers would be a huge addition to help build a talented team around him and moving forward for New York.

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