The Los Angeles Rams have decided to re-sign veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell, which has sparked quite a bit of speculation about the future of Puka Nacua, another experienced receiver.
Nacua is currently facing a potential suspension after a series of questionable decisions this offseason. This situation is unfolding just as the NFL preseason wraps up, coinciding with the time when many fans are getting ready for their fantasy football drafts.
ESPN has Nacua ranked as a wide receiver two, right behind the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase. However, if he ends up getting suspended, fantasy team owners might think twice before drafting him in the first round. This could actually turn out to be a great opportunity for someone looking to snag him in the second round.
It’s quite a turnaround for Nacua, who went from being seen as a long shot in fantasy football to finishing last year as the leading wide receiver. He led the league with 129 receptions and came in second for yards with 1,715, also ranking in the top ten for touchdowns with 10, scoring 375 points in many ESPN fantasy leagues.
Taking Nacua with an early pick could be a risky move, but there’s a silver lining—wide receivers are often invaluable in fantasy football. Still, it’s unclear how long any suspension could last, which makes the decision to draft him a bit tricky. If the suspension isn’t lengthy, he could be worth the risk, especially given the depth available at the wide receiver position.
After selecting Nacua, owners might want to look for another wideout option. Players like Devonta Smith from the Eagles and Jaylen Waddle from the Broncos, who are poised to be their teams’ lead receivers this season, could be solid choices.
Nacua’s teammate, Davantae Adams, might also be an interesting add around the fifth or sixth rounds; he had a standout season recently, leading the league in touchdowns with 14.
If going for a younger prospect is more your style, Titans rookie Carnell Tate could emerge as a primary receiver for his team, especially depending on how Calvin Ridley performs. And alongside Tate, rookie Makai Lemon could also be a name to consider in the later rounds, as his role in the Eagles’ restructured offense under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion could be impactful.
