LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers projects as a top-10 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Nabers was outstanding throughout the 2023 college football season. The Tigers standout recorded 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. Nabers surpassed 100 receiving yards in nine appearances and averaged an explosive 17.6 yards per catch. Nabers finished second in the nation in receiving yards behind Washington's Rome Odunze.
Nabers possesses the explosiveness, route-running prowess, and run-after-catch ability to be a dominant receiver at the next level. He projects as an immediate No. 1 receiver. We've identified three ideal team fits for Nabers' services.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
The Cardinals are sticking with Kyler Murray as their franchise quarterback. The Cardinals played themselves out of a top-three selection down the stretch, eliminating the possibility that they'll draft Caleb Williams or Drake Maye. General manager Monti Ossenfort should instead use the fourth overall pick on a weapon that complements Murray moving forward.
Go-to-receiver Marquise Brown is currently scheduled to reach free agency after playing 2023 on the fifth-year option. The Cardinals should consider drafting Nabers even if they re-sign Brown. Nabers is more of a complete receiver that threatens all three levels. Arizona is expected to take a step in the right direction next season. Drafting Nabers would help fill out an ascending supporting cast that also features tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Michael Wilson.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
The Chargers are receiving a much-needed makeover. Both general manager and head coaching vacancies are in the process of being filled. Michigan's National Championship winner Jim Harbaugh is a strong candidate to be the next head coach, and Indianapolis Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds is the favorite to replace former GM Tom Telesco.
Surrounding franchise quarterback Justin Herbert with an elite supporting cast always takes center stage. Mike Williams is working to return from a season-ending torn ACL injury. The aging yet always reliable Keenan Allen is a potential cap casualty as he prepares to enter a contract season in 2024. First-round pick Quentin Johnson failed to meet his pre-draft expectations.
The next Chargers regime didn't draft Johnston, giving them little incentive to be patient with his development. Drafting Nabers would protect the Chargers as they continue dealing with great uncertainty at the position.
NEW YORK GIANTS
The Giants can take the sixth overall selection in a few different directions. They can target a quarterback like LSU's Jayden Daniels or Washington's Michael Penix Jr. It would be a curious use of resources after signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million extension last offseason. That contract backfired in year one as Jones and the Giants seriously regressed in 2023.
The sizable financial commitment could mean Jones receives one final opportunity to prove he's a long-term answer. If so, drafting a legitimate go-to receiver like Nabers takes priority. The Giants fielded one of the worst group of pass-catchers in 2023. Joe Schoen's roster lacks a bonafide No. 1 wideout, a need Nabers would address.
