Why was Puka Nacua Drafted so late?

By Jason Bolton December 23, 2023 07:34

Puka Nacua, a talented wide receiver from the University of Utah, was expected to be selected earlier in the NFL Draft. However, he was drafted much later than anticipated. In this article, we will explore the possible reasons behind Nacua's late draft selection and the factors that may have contributed to it.

Background on Puka Nacua

Before delving into the reasons for Nacua's late draft selection, it is important to understand his background. Puka Nacua is a talented wide receiver who played college football for the University of Utah. He had an impressive career, showcasing exceptional skills and athleticism on the field. His performances garnered attention from NFL scouts, leading many to believe he would be selected earlier in the draft.

Lack of Exposure

One possible reason for Nacua's late draft selection could be a lack of exposure. While he performed well in college, he may not have received as much national attention as other players in his position. This lack of exposure could have resulted in NFL teams being unaware of his abilities or not placing him high on their draft boards.

Injuries and Setbacks

Injuries can have a significant impact on a player's draft stock, and Nacua was not exempt from this reality. Throughout his college career, Nacua faced a few injuries and setbacks that may have affected his draft position. These injuries, even if minor, could have raised concerns among scouts and teams about his durability and long-term potential.

Deep Wide Receiver Class

The 2021 NFL Draft featured a deep class of talented wide receivers. With numerous standout players available at the position, teams had a wide range of options to choose from. This depth in the wide receiver class may have led to Nacua being passed over in favor of other highly touted prospects. The competition among wide receivers in this draft could have contributed to Nacua's late selection.

Concerns about Route Running and Technique

While Nacua possesses impressive physical attributes, there may be concerns about his route running and technique. NFL teams place significant importance on precision route running and attention to detail in a player's technique. If scouts or coaches felt that Nacua needed refinement in these areas, it could have led to his draft stock falling.

Character Concerns

Character concerns can also impact a player's draft position. Although there is no public information to suggest that Nacua has character issues, teams often conduct thorough background checks and interviews to assess a player's off-field behavior. If any concerns were raised during this process, it could have influenced teams' decisions to select Nacua later in the draft.

Team Needs and Draft Strategy

Ultimately, team needs and draft strategy play a significant role in determining when a player is selected. Each team has its own unique set of needs and priorities, and their draft decisions are based on filling those gaps. Despite Nacua's talent and potential, if teams had more pressing needs at other positions, they may have chosen to address those first, resulting in Nacua's late selection.

While Puka Nacua possessed the skills and potential to be selected earlier in the NFL Draft, several factors may have contributed to his late selection. These factors include a lack of exposure, injuries and setbacks, a deep wide receiver class, concerns about route running and technique, character concerns, and team needs and draft strategy. It is important to remember that the draft process is complex, and numerous variables come into play when teams make their selections.