Recently, the Los Angeles Rams made headlines with their strategic decision to welcome back seasoned wide receiver Tutu Atwell. This move has sparked widespread speculation about what lies ahead for fellow veteran wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Nacua currently finds himself in a period of uncertainty as he awaits a decision regarding a potential suspension, stemming from a controversial offseason marked by questionable decisions. The timing couldn’t be more poignant, coinciding with the conclusion of the NFL preseason—a period when most fans are deeply immersed in their fantasy football drafts.
As it stands, ESPN ranks Nacua as the second-leading wide receiver, just one spot behind Cincinnati Bengals’ star Ja’Marr Chase. However, any suspension could lead fantasy team owners to hesitate on picking him in the first round. Should this occur, savvy players might find Nacua slipping into the second round, potentially becoming a hidden gem in their fantasy lineup.
Remarkably, Nacua’s journey from a fantasy football outsider to a dominant wide receiver is the stuff of legends. Last season, he topped the league in receptions with 129 and secured the second spot for total yards at 1,715. Additionally, he landed in the top ten for touchdowns, netting 10, and accumulated an impressive 375 points across most ESPN fantasy leagues.
Drafting Nacua early poses substantial risks, given the current circumstances. Nevertheless, wide receivers hold a unique value in fantasy leagues, offering flexibility that makes them nearly indispensable. This factor could make Nacua an attractive gamble despite the uncertainties.
It’s unknown how long Nacua could be suspended, which raises the biggest question on if it’s worth selecting him. But if it’s not for the long term, it could be a risk worth taking, as the wide receiver position is seamlessly indispensable and filled with depth.
Owners could look to add another wideout after selecting Nacua by targeting players like Eagles’ Devonta Smith and Broncos’ Jaylen Waddle — who will be wide receiver one for their respective teams this season.
Nacua’s teammate Davantae Adams could also be another solid piece to add around the fifth-sixth rounds, as he’s a year removed from leading the league in touchdowns (14).
Owners could also look to pivot towards a young rookie, such as Titans receiver Carnell Tate, who could emerge as wide receiver one for the Tennessee Titans this year — depending on how Calvin Ridley performs.
Alongside Tate, his fellow rookie, Makai Lemon, is another intriguing name that could be selected in the later rounds of the draft, as he will play a similar role in the Eagles’ revamped offense under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion.