Former Ole Miss wide receiver Malik Heath makes Green Bay’s 53-man roster
OXFORD, Miss. — Former Ole Miss wide receiver Malik Heath, an undrafted free agent by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL Draft, has made the team’s 53-man roster as he announced Tuesday via his Instagram.
UDFA WR Malik Heath has made the initial 53-man roster, per his Instagram story. 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/GFNaFIFp4o
— GBP Daily – Rob Westerman lll (@GBPdaily) August 29, 2023
Former Ole Miss legendary receiver Mike Espy, who helped train Heath, congratulated Heath on the X platform after the announcement.
The DEFINITION of putting your head down, going to work, and TAKING what’s yours. Congrats @MalikHeath2 #slideout #mississippimade pic.twitter.com/YwTtamDTt1
— Mike Espy (@ESPN3ALLDAY) August 29, 2023
In total this preseason, Heath has caught 12 of the 16 passes thrown to him for a total of 146 yards at 12.1 yards per catch. Several of those receptions came during key moments, such as on third down or in Week 2 against New England, where he put the Packers’ offense in field goal range before the end of the first half.
In addition to being a dependable receiver for the Packers, Heath has also taken on a greater role on special teams the last two weeks — and has made an impact as a blocker in Green Bay’s offense. Against Seattle, he made a key block on a reception by Patrick Taylor that allowed Taylor to pick up the first down and another one on a jet sweep to Reed, who was able to pick up nine yards.
From undrafted to the 53 🔥
Malik Heath took advantage of his opportunities and earned himself a roster spot 😤👏💪 @MalikHeath2 | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/UGdCa8Li1D
— GBP Daily – Rob Westerman lll (@GBPdaily) August 29, 2023
“I think Malik has shown a lot of good things,” said Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur this weekend.
“Not only catching the football, but the way be blocks has been big time for us. He’s a physical player. And I’m excited for him. I think he’s going to continue to get better, and better, and better.”
Green Bay head coach Matt Lafleur on Malik Heath
At Ole Miss
Health impressed many of this year’s NFL Draft analysts with his performance at Ole Miss last season. He led the Rebels last year in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdown, tallying 60 catches for 971 yards and 5 TDs.
Heath notched 8 games in 2022 with 70 receiving yards or more and recorded 100+ yards receiving in five games (Texas Tech, Alabama, Arkansas, LSU, and Kentucky). He gets open, establishes good position and possesses great hands.
Here are some of Malik’s strengths:
- Nice stair-step technique to back coverage off.
- Locates deep throws and alters speed and positioning to grab the ball.
- Possesses the size and length to rise above cornerbacks on jump balls.
- Does well focusing on dropping his feet near the sideline on catches.
- Has a chance to become a reliable winner on back-shoulder throws.
Playing for the Pack
When it comes to what the Packers need, Heath seems to be built for the job. At 6’3″ and 213 pounds, he has the larger frame they prefer. He has shown to be consistent as a pass catcher, a very capable blocker, able to play from the slot and out wide, and adept at helping on special teams.
“He’s balled out since he got here,” said Packer QB Jordan Love after the team’s final preseason game. ‘
“The biggest thing since when he got here is how aggressive he catches the ball—he attacks it. His mentality after he catches it is he is trying to get those yards. I think he’s ball out. OTAs to now. He’s taken a lot of leaps just learning the offense, now he’s just going out there and making plays. But he’s done a really good job.”
Green Bay QB Jordan Love on Malik Heath
Congratulations to Malik!
Evelyn Van Pelt
Evelyn has covered sports for over two decades, beginning her journalism career as a sports writer for a newspaper in Austin, Texas. She attended Texas A&M and majored in English. Evelyn’s love for Ole Miss began when her daughter Katie attended the university on a volleyball scholarship. Evelyn created the Rebel Walk in 2013 and has served as publisher and managing editor since its inception.
