Puka Nacua (WR) / BYU / Senior
6’1,” 206 Lbs. (Senior Bowl Measurements)
2022 Stats: Receiving – 9 game, 48 receptions, 625 yards, 13.0 yards per reception, 5 TDs. Rushing – 25 carries, 209 yards, 8.4 yards per carry, 5 TDs.
{Reference: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/puka-nacua-1.html}
Awards: Named to Biletnikoff Award watch list prior to the 2022 campaign
Measurables: (AVAILABLE POST COMBINE/PRO DAY)
Games Watched: 2021 Vs. Utah, 2022 @ Boise St.
PRO’S
Puka Nacua shows consistently that he is a dynamic athlete who deserves plenty of touches. Quick feet, strong decisive cuts. Does a good job of creating separation at the top of routes. Tough at the catch point and aggressive after the catch. Field stretcher, DBs played off in coverage a lot and I like how BYU often utilized Nacua on the deep comeback. Natural hands with balls outside of his body. Good body control on deep fade vs. Boise St.(2022, 3rd quarter :40 seconds), beats defender, turns to locate football, possession grab by sideline and taps both feet in bounds before falling out. Was a top-10 performer in his Conference in yards per reception each of his final 3 seasons in NCAA.
CON’S
Struggles a bit with press coverage, likes to dip his shoulders to get under the press which allows him to get the angle on the DB but still keeps him engaged with defenders thus slowing him down, would like to see him utilize his quick feet and change it up a bit. Plays the role of a high volume offensive weapon but I have concerns about his frame/weight. A little lean and may have trouble withstanding the regular contact he’ll endure if he takes on that role in the NFL.
OVERALL
Nacua primarily lines up outside though he does play inside as well and can be utilized as an offensive weapon. He also carried the ball 25 times in 2022 averaging 8.4 yards per carry. Nacua is a fiery competitor who feeds off of volume. I think Nacua is the type of player coaches love to have around and will fit in nicely as the 2nd or 3rd option in the passing attack of an NFL offense.
Written by: @coachschepps, 01/31/23
Reviewed and edited by J. Clark 01/31/23
