Puka Nacua, WR BYU: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Nacua was a four-star recruit from Orem High School in Orem, Utah in the class of 2019

Playing football at BYU is a tradition for Puka Nacua and his brothers. The former Washington Huskie was quarterback Jaren Hall’s favorite target in 2021 and should see frequent looks in 2022. Nacua more than doubled his collegiate career total for appearances last season, which means he still has plenty of room to grow and develop as a prospect. Here’s what I saw while creating his 2023 NFL Draft profile.

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Puka Nacua, WR BYU: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Redshirt junior outside receiver from Provo, Utah

Background: Nacua was a four-star recruit from Orem High School in Orem, Utah in the class of 2019. He was the No. 136 recruit according to 247Sports, No. 152 for Rivals, and No. 111 for On3.com. ESPN ranked him 298th in the nation with an 80 grade out of 100. As a high school senior, Nacua was the 2018-19 Gatorade Player of the Year in Utah. He tallied 103 receptions for 2,336 yards and 26 touchdowns that year and led his team to a 12-2 record and the class 4A state championship. That productive final season helped Nacua break the Utah career marks for receptions (260), receiving yards (5,226), and receiving touchdowns (58). He departed Orem High School as a First-Team All-State selection, the Utah Valley Player of the Year, and a 2019 U.S. Army All-American Bowl selection. As a junior, Nacua caught 87 passes for 1,692 yards and 24 touchdowns while capturing a class 4A state championship. He also averaged double-digit points on the basketball team several times. Nacua transferred from the Washington Huskies to BYU in 2021. His brothers Isaiah, Kai, and Samson Nacua also played football at BYU. Nacua was born on May 29, 2021.

2021 Production: 12 games, 43 receptions, 805 yards, 6 touchdowns

2020 Production: 3 games, 9 receptions, 151 yards, 1 touchdown

2019 Production: 8 games, 7 receptions, 168 yards, 2 touchdowns

Injuries & Off-Field: Missed five games in 2019 with a broken foot, missed one game in 2020, missed one game in 2021

Awards: 2020 Don James Perseverance Award

Pros: Drops weren’t an issue in 2021, exposure to the slot and outside roles at BYU, performed above average in contested catch situations, picked up special teams experience in 2021, puts effort into his releases and routes on run plays to hold the corner’s attention, active hands and arms to combat press, squares up and looks for action as a blocker, excellent blocker compared to other draft-eligible receivers because he sustains and even generates movement, physical into press coverage and wins inside or outside route access, ball tracking, adjusting to the football, routes are generally crisp and well-timed, leadership traits

Cons: One season with significant production, Utah (2021) press coverage gave him some trouble, lacks massive upside as a YAC receiver, doesn’t force many missed tackles, not shifty or twitchy, might want to burn the UAB tape (2021), separation skills are average at best, not a burner, speed is more build-up than instantaneous, lets the ball into his body sometimes instead of attacking it, will struggle against stronger and quicker NFL corners in man coverage

Overview: Nacua is unofficially listed at 6'2", 205 lbs. The Washington transfer is one of it not the best blocking wide receiver I’ve studied this summer. His form is strong compared to other wide receivers in this class, and he’s constantly looking for work as a blocker. Nacua does all of the little things with effort. He’s an elite competitor in every facet of the game, as illustrated by his success in contested catch situations. Nacua tracks and adjusts to the football at a high level, often making plays on the football before the defensive back can locate it. He has strong hands and concentration that allow him to finish catches over the field and through contact. Unfortunately, Nacua’s separation skills are limited by his bland athletic profile. His build-up speed occasionally threatens defenses deep, but that won’t translate to the next level. He ends up challenging defensive backs for 50-50 balls on deep shots because he can’t pull away with speed.

Overall, Nacua will be a tremendous addition to any locker room. He possesses NFL size and strength, and his work ethic should immediately catch the eyes of coaches and teammates. However, Nacua lacks the agility and speed to seamlessly translate to the NFL. He might be better off as a big slot to access free releases and avoid press coverage.

Role & Scheme Fit: Big slot (Y) or X in an 11 personnel scheme with some 12 personnel looks

Round Projection: Late Fourth to Mid Fifth

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 07-09-22