Top WR prospect with nonsensical 'off-field questions' visiting NY Jets

Could this top WR prospect fall to the Jets?
Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers / Jonathan Bachman/GettyImages
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The NY Jets are keeping a close eye on the top wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, and that includes projected top-10 pick Malik Nabers. Nabers is reportedly set to visit with the Jets this week along with a host of other teams.

Most expect Nabers, a 2023 Unanimous All-American and one of the best overall players in this draft class, to be gone before the Jets pick at No. 10 overall. However, a recent report could be a sign that he might experience a draft-day fall.

Sportskeeda's Tony Pauline reported late last week that some teams see Nabers as a "high-maintenance prospect who may struggle in a big city." Pauline went on to suggest that could cause him to fall in the draft.

This is the first negative report of any kind that has emerged regarding Nabers' character. Nabers himself cleared the air shortly after, denying any such rumors about his so-called "off-field issues."

NY Jets should not be concerned by silly Malik Nabers report

As Nabers points out, it seems like every year reports of supposed "character concerns" are leaked about top prospects shortly before the draft. Almost every single time, those reports turn out to be bogus.

Perhaps the leaks come from teams who are hoping to see their preferred prospect fall. Perhaps there are other factors at play. Either way, it's rarely a situation that teams should take seriously.

Nabers has no notable record of any off-field issues during his time at LSU or before. His teammates and coaches have spoken highly of him, and numerous reporters have since refuted Pauline's report.

Of course, if this one report somehow causes Nabers, a possible top-five pick, to fall all the way to pick No. 10, the Jets shouldn't hesitate. Nabers would be a home-run pick.

The 20-year-old Louisiana native led his team with 89 catches for 1,5569 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final season at LSU, his second consecutive 1,000-yard campaign. Nabers has all the makings of a true superstar wide receiver at the next level.

The Jets signed former Los Angeles Chargers wideout Mike Williams to revamp their receiving corps, but they could still use another wide receiver in the draft. The team has already met with Washington's Rome Odunze, another projected top-10 pick.

Nabers is next up for the Jets, and assuming their meeting goes well this week, he figures to be near the top of their draft board. You'd best believe Joe Douglas will be doing cartwheels if Nabers somehow slides to the Jets' pick in the first round.

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