NFL Draft Profile: Puka Nacua, Wide Receiver, BYU Cougars
Puka Nacua
BYU Cougars
#12
Pos: WR
Ht: 6015
Wt: 201
Hand: 0948
Arm: 3148
Wing: 7538
40: 4.50
DOB: 05/29/__
Hometown: Provo, UT
High School: Orem
Eligibility: 2023
One-Liner:
A fearless wideout that works the middle of the field and wins vertically in contested situations.
Evaluation:
Thicker build for a wideout. Has played as an X, Z, and F receiver. Some usage on jet motion, breaking a few tackles as a power runner. Lots of slants over the middle. Unafraid to work in traffic. He wins off the line with a foot fire inside release, stacking the corner, and working over the top to win deep. Good deep ball tracker that can climb the ladder to make contested catches. He may not scare corners initially off the line with speed but presses their toes and creates separation at the top of his stem. Good suddenness when he keeps his balance. Body control in the air, with the awareness to get his feet down. He can adlib on play breakdowns, working to open space and creating throws for the quarterback. A competitive player that wants the ball at all times. Spatially aware at all times. Not a natural hands catcher. Claps at the ball or falls on high-velocity passes. On the ground too much, he can lose his balance at times. Nacua isn’t a burner, but he presents a vertical element that allocates explosive plays. His ability to win off the line of scrimmage and make contested catches will be his calling card at the next level.
Grade:
4th Round
Quotes:
“BYU WR Puka Nacua is being overlooked in this draft class and could be a steal for the Bears on day three. He has good size at 6'2 and 205 lbs and runs pretty well. Definitely someone ill be monitoring in this draft process.”
Chicago Football Connection on Twitter
Background:
Originally from Provo, Utah. He attended Orem High School and was rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports. Began his college career at the University of Washington. During freshman year, he played in eight games but suffered an injury that kept him out for part of the season. During the shortened 2020 season, he played in three games. He decided to transfer to BYU prior to the 2021 season. As a sophomore, had a fantastic season, finishing with 805 receiving yards, which led the team and also had six receiving touchdowns. He continued this strong play into his junior season. As a junior, he totaled 625 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns and was also a major contributor to the rushing game. Totaled 209 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
