When Should I Draft Puka Nacua In 2024 Fantasy Football?

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua was the 177th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite being the 20th wide receiver drafted last year, Nacua was the best rookie pass catcher in the draft class.

The former BYU star was the WR4 as a rookie, averaging 14.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. More importantly, Nacua broke two rookie records, totaling 105 receptions and 1,486 receiving yards, ranking top-10 in the NFL in both categories.

However, where should fantasy players draft him in 2024 with Cooper Kupp healthy? More importantly, is Nacua healthy and ready for Week 1? Let’s dive into it.

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Is Puka Nacua Healthy Or Injured?

Nacua slipped in the NFL Draft partly because of injury concerns. While the superstar rookie played all 17 games as a rookie, he played through multiple injuries. The second-year receiver recently suffered a knee injury in training camp. Nacua is listed as week-to-week, but the injury isn’t considered serious, leaving him on track to play in Week 1.

More injuries in LA: Rams standout WR Puka Nacua is now considered week to week after suffering a knee injury this weekend that one source described as “not serious.” pic.twitter.com/1VVwugcKDn

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 5, 2024

When Should I Draft Puka Nacua In 2024 Fantasy Football?

While the injury is far from ideal, fantasy players shouldn’t move Nacua down in their fantasy football rankings because of it. The fifth-round pick was outstanding as a rookie, totaling 105 receptions on 160 targets for 1,486 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He scored 19.4 or more half-point PPR fantasy points in nearly 30% of the games last season.

PUUUUUKA

📺: #SEAvsLAR on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/jckqnJwdb2 pic.twitter.com/D025IH4V26

— NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2023

The Rams improved their offensive line this offseason, which should give Matthew Stafford more time under center. Kupp is reportedly healthy after struggling with injuries the past two years. However, the veteran is on the wrong side of 30 and Nacua is coming off a historical rookie season. Fantasy players should have no concerns about drafting the second-year player as a top-10 wide receiver and an early second-round pick.

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