This Year's Puka Nacua? Day Three Wide Receiver Sleepers For the 2024 NFL Draft

Let’s get this straight immediately: chances are very low that there is a “this year’s Puka Nacua” in the draft. Not to knock the depth and talent of the incoming receiver class, but it’s not every year that a day three rookie breaks the rookie record for receiving yards and receptions in a playoff game. Puka is an enigma.

That being said, this class is extremely talented and there is plenty of day three talent that can step onto the field and make an impact. We identified four incoming rookies who are considered day three picks for different reasons.

While they may not shatter records, these four receivers all have the upside to develop into something special at the next level.

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Ainias Smith, Texas A&M

Ainias Smith has absolute burners. Playing in the same offense as De’Von Achane in college, the Aggies were always a fun watch due to Smith and Achane's capability to rip off a big play at any given opportunity.

He will likely be an impactful kick and punt returner immediately at the next level, with the opportunity to develop into a starting receiver. The knocks on him are his size (5-foot-9, 190 pounds) and some off-the-field issues stemming from a 2022 arrest. On the field, he could have a Tank Dell type of impact for whichever team selects him.

Jermaine Burton, Alabama

Jermaine Burton is a prospect that a lot of talent evaluators have fallen in love with, but it appears that the NFL does not have the same feelings. Reports are saying that multiple teams have removed Burton from their draft board, with others saying that he will slide on draft day due to character concerns.

If Burton can get his character in check, there is a lot to like talent-wise. He produced at two high-level programs (Georgia and Alabama) and has the size (6-foot, 196 pounds) and speed (4.45 40-yard dash) that NFL teams covet at the position. 

Jermaine Burton #ReceptionPerception profile just went live on the site.

Some highlights:
- 75% success rate vs. man coverage
- 77.3% success rate vs. press coverage
- Among prospects on the site right now, both are top-3 in the class.

He has first-round WR talent. If he had… pic.twitter.com/CeG8bK6s91

— Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) April 18, 2024

Some talent evaluators have Burton ranked as high as the fourth-best receiver in the class, only behind the big three. When he eventually lands in his new home, he will have the opportunity to make a major impact instantly.

Anthony Gould, Oregon State

Another receiver with a small build (5-foot-8, 174 pounds), Oregon State’s Anthony Gould broke out this past season with 44 receptions for 718 yards and two touchdowns. His athleticism will get him drafted, as he flashed 4.39 speed at the combine and excelled as a return specialist for the Beavers.

Wide Receiver Anthony Gould out of Oregon State is someone I mentioned on Tuesday's show as an option on Day 3

-Blazing speed
-Can create separation at the point of attack
-Could be the Day 1 KR/PR#BillsMafia | #GoBills
pic.twitter.com/ADGArWmPxv

— Peter DiBiasi (@DibiasiPeter) April 18, 2024

Small receivers have been looked down upon, but recently, the consensus has been that if you can play, you can play. Gould can do damage instantly from the slot. If he lands in the right situation, look out.

Devaughn Vele, Utah

Devaughn Vele is a receiver that absolutely nobody is talking about, primarily given that he will be a 26-year-old rookie. The age alone will cause him to fall between Day 3 and undrafted, but there is plenty to like about him as a player. 

His size (6-foot-4, 203-pounds) and speed (4.47 40-yard dash) are ideal for an outside receiver. Vele runs great routes and was a fantastic chain-mover at Utah. Formerly a walk-on, he is no stranger to being the underdog. He had 1,288 receiving yards and eight touchdowns over the past two seasons as the Utes’ WR1. While he may not hear his name called next weekend, he has the grit and determination to make an NFL roster and will make an impact when the opportunity arises.

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