If you’ve stayed up late debating NFL draft sleepers or scrolling through LSU football fan forums in early 2024, you’ve almost certainly stumbled over the name Malik Nabers, the explosive wide receiver who carried the Tigers’ offense during his junior season.
For fans and fantasy football players alike, Is Malik Nabers Draft Eligible has become the most pressing question about college football’s top pass-catchers this offseason. Whether you’re looking to add him to your fantasy squad, track your favorite NFL team’s draft targets, or just learn more about NCAA eligibility rules, this complete breakdown will walk you through every detail of Nabers’ draft status, from his college timeline to his projected draft slot and beyond.
The Clear Answer: Is Malik Nabers Draft Eligible?
Yes, Malik Nabers is fully eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft after officially announcing he’d forgo his remaining college eligibility to join the pros on December 18, 2023. Nabers wrapped up his junior season at LSU with career-best numbers: 102 catches, 1,569 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns, leading the SEC in both receiving yards and touchdown grabs. He earned consensus first-team All-SEC honors and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top wide receiver. Draft analysts had pegged him as a top prospect for months, so his early declaration came as no surprise to most college football fans.
Now that we’ve covered the clear answer to Is Malik Nabers Draft Eligible, let’s dive into how his college career timeline lines up with NCAA eligibility rules.
How Nabers’ College Career Timeline Lines Up With NCAA Draft Eligibility Rules
The NCAA lets college football players who’ve finished three full academic years of school declare for the NFL Draft early, no need to stick around for their senior year. This rule works for both redshirt juniors and players who’ve competed in three full seasons, as long as they haven’t used all four of their eligible years.
- 2020: Enrolled at LSU as a five-star recruit, redshirted after appearing in just 3 games and not recording any offensive stats
- 2021: First full playing season, recorded 28 receptions for 417 yards and 4 touchdowns as a backup wide receiver
- 2022: Breakout sophomore season, notched 72 receptions for 1,088 yards and 8 touchdowns, becoming LSU’s top passing target
- 2023: Career-best junior season, led the SEC with 1,569 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, cementing his status as a top draft prospect
Importantly, the 2020 NCAA COVID-19 extra year of eligibility does not count toward Nabers’ total eligible seasons, since he redshirted that year and did not use a full season of eligibility. His three active playing seasons (2021, 2022, 2023) mean he falls squarely into the NCAA’s early declaration category for juniors.
Nabers confirmed his eligibility status during his draft declaration press conference, telling reporters that he had discussed his decision with his family and coaching staff for weeks before making his announcement, and that he was confident he had met all the NCAA’s requirements to enter the 2024 draft.
Moving on to how Nabers’ confirmed eligibility impacts his 2024 draft slot, let’s take a closer look at his stock among NFL scouts.
What Nabers’ Draft Eligibility Means for His 2024 Draft Slot
Since Nabers is confirmed as draft eligible, NFL teams can fully evaluate him without worrying about whether he might decide to return to college for his senior year, which is a common concern with early-declaring prospects. Most draft analysts currently project Nabers as a top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, with some mock slots placing him as high as third overall.
Let’s compare Nabers’ career college stats to other top 2024 wide receiver prospects with a quick table:
| Prospect | Total Receptions | Total Receiving Yards | Total Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malik Nabers | 102 | 3,074 | 26 |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 139 | 2,571 | 31 |
| Rome Odunze | 146 | 2,477 | 25 |
| Adonai Mitchell | 104 | 1,653 | 17 |
Teams have already begun hosting Nabers for private workouts and interviews, including the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he will showcase his speed, strength, and route-running skills to NFL general managers. His draft eligibility also means he can participate in all pre-draft events, which is critical for prospects looking to boost their stock ahead of the draft.
One key factor in Nabers’ projected draft slot is his versatility: he can line up as an outside wide receiver, slot receiver, and even occasionally as a running back out of the backfield, making him a valuable asset for any NFL offense looking to add dynamic playmaking ability.
With his draft stock tied to his confirmed eligibility, it’s important to address some common misconceptions that have spread about Nabers’ status across social media and fan forums.
Common Misconceptions About Malik Nabers’ Draft Eligibility
Even though Nabers’ eligibility is confirmed, there are several false claims circulating about his status. Many fans confuse NCAA eligibility rules with NBA or MLB rules, leading to incorrect assumptions about what Nabers needs to do to enter the draft.
Here are the top four misconceptions and their debunked truths:
- Misconception 1: Nabers had to complete four full years of college to enter the NFL Draft → Truth: NCAA rules allow juniors (players who have completed three academic years of enrollment) to declare early.
- Misconception 2: Nabers’ 2020 redshirt season counted toward his eligibility limit → Truth: Redshirt seasons do not count against a player’s four-year eligibility window, and the 2020 COVID extra year did not apply to Nabers since he redshirted that year.
- Misconception 3: Nabers needed to be invited to the NFL Scouting Combine to be draft eligible → Truth: Eligibility is determined by NCAA and NFL rules, not by invitation to scouting events; any draft-eligible player can sign with an agent and enter the draft.
- Misconception 4: Nabers would lose his eligibility if he played in the 2023 SEC Championship Game → Truth: Playing in bowl games or conference championship games does not affect a player’s early declaration eligibility, as long as they have not used all four of their eligible seasons.
Nabers addressed these misconceptions during a recent interview with ESPN College Football, saying that he had seen the false claims on social media and that he was glad to have cleared up any confusion with his official draft declaration. He also noted that his agent had helped him navigate the eligibility process to ensure he met all the necessary requirements.
Another common misconception is that Nabers would have to return to college if he was not selected in the first round of the draft, but this is not true: once a player declares for the NFL Draft, they are eligible to be selected in any round, and they do not have to return to college even if they are not drafted.
Beyond his on-field draft stock, Nabers’ eligibility has also opened up a wide range of off-field opportunities for the young star.
Off-Field Opportunities Opened Up by Nabers’ Draft Eligibility
Before Nabers declared for the draft, he was limited by NCAA rules on endorsement deals, which meant he could only partner with brands that did not compete with the NFL or other professional sports leagues. Now that he is draft eligible, he can sign with any brand and negotiate his own endorsement deals, which has opened up a wide range of new off-field revenue streams.
Since announcing his draft eligibility, Nabers has already signed deals with several major brands, including:
- Nike, for official NFL and college football apparel
- Gatorade, for sports drink partnerships
- Bose Headphones, for audio equipment endorsements
- A local Louisiana car dealership, for regional marketing campaigns
These endorsement deals are expected to earn Nabers several million dollars in the months leading up to the draft, on top of the salary he will earn from his first NFL contract. His eligibility status also makes him more attractive to brands, since he is a guaranteed prospect who will be playing in the NFL within the next few months.
Nabers has also been invited to several high-profile events, including the NFL Draft red carpet and the Pro Bowl Games, as a top draft prospect, which will give him even more exposure to fans and brands alike. His draft eligibility has turned him from a college football star into a mainstream NFL celebrity in just a few short months.
For fans who want to stay up to date on Nabers’ draft journey, there are several trusted sources to track his eligibility status and draft progress.
How to Stay Updated on Nabers’ Draft Eligibility and Draft Progress
Even though Nabers’ draft eligibility is confirmed, there may be small updates to his status in the coming months, such as changes to his draft slot, injury updates, or new endorsement deals. It’s important for fans to follow reliable sources to get accurate information about Nabers’ progress ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Here are the most trusted sources for tracking Nabers’ draft status:
| Source | Update Frequency | Key Coverage Focus |
|---|---|---|
| NFL.com Draft Wire | Daily | Mock drafts, prospect rankings, and breaking draft news |
| Malik Nabers’ Official Instagram Account | 1-2 times per week | Direct updates from Nabers himself, including workout photos and personal announcements |
| ESPN College Football | Daily | Analysis of Nabers’ game tape and scouting reports |
| LSU Athletics Official Website | As needed | Official statements from the LSU football program regarding Nabers’ career |
Fans can also follow popular draft analysts like Mel Kiper Jr., Todd McShay, and Daniel Jeremiah, who regularly post updates on Nabers’ draft stock and eligibility status on their social media accounts and television segments. These analysts have deep connections within the NFL and can provide inside information on which teams are interested in drafting Nabers.
The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, from April 25 to April 27, and fans can watch the draft live on NFL Network, ABC, and ESPN to see where Nabers gets selected. You can also follow the draft’s official social media accounts for real-time updates on all selections, including Nabers’ pick.
Finally, let’s look at what comes next for Nabers now that his draft eligibility is confirmed.
What Comes Next for Nabers After Confirming His Draft Eligibility
Now that Nabers has confirmed his draft eligibility, his next step is to prepare for the NFL Scouting Combine, which will be held in Indianapolis from February 27 to March 5, 2024. At the combine, he will participate in physical tests, including the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and broad jump, as well as on-field drills to showcase his route-running and hands.
Nabers has also outlined his pre-draft training schedule, which includes daily workouts to improve his speed, strength, and route precision. Here’s a quick look at his weekly training routine:
- Monday: Strength training and agility drills
- Tuesday: Route-running practice with former NFL wide receivers
- Wednesday: 40-yard dash and speed training
- Thursday: Film study of NFL offenses
- Friday: Full-contact practice sessions
- Saturday and Sunday: Rest and recovery
Nabers will also attend LSU’s Pro Day in March 2024, where he will perform for NFL scouts and general managers in front of the LSU coaching staff. His Pro Day will give him the chance to showcase his skills in a more familiar setting than the NFL Scouting Combine, and he will be able to work with his former LSU teammates and coaches one last time before entering the NFL.
In the weeks leading up to the draft, Nabers will meet with several NFL teams for private interviews and workouts, which will give him the chance to learn more about each team’s offense and decide which team he would like to play for. Some of the teams that have been linked to Nabers in early mock drafts include the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers, and New England Patriots, and he is expected to have formal visits with several of these teams ahead of the draft. Finally, Nabers will work with his agent to negotiate his first NFL contract, which is expected to be a four-year deal worth between $15 million and $25 million, depending on his draft slot and the NFL’s current salary cap rules.
The short answer to Is Malik Nabers Draft Eligible is a resounding yes, and every detail of his college career and NCAA eligibility checks out to confirm his status for the 2024 NFL Draft. After a breakout junior season at LSU that saw him lead the SEC in receiving yards and touchdowns, Nabers officially declared for the draft in December 2023, forgoing his final year of college eligibility to pursue a professional career. He is currently ranked among the top three wide receivers in the 2024 draft class, with most mock drafts projecting him as a top-10 selection.
For fans, fantasy players, and NFL analysts alike, tracking Nabers’ draft journey is one of the most exciting parts of the 2024 offseason. You can stay up to date on his pre-draft workouts, endorsement deals, and final mock draft positions by following the trusted sources outlined earlier in this article, and be sure to tune in to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit this April to watch him hear his name called. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team to select Nabers or just curious to see how he’ll transition to the NFL, this is a can’t-miss prospect to follow all season long.