NFL Draft 2024: Analyst places sky-high expectations on AFC West team’s “Puka Nacua 2.0”
Puka Nacua turned heads throughout the 2023 regular season, reversing fears that Sean McVay's offense was heading for a downward trajectory. However, in 2024, NFL analyst Kyle Brandt predicted that his early success would be duplicated by another receiver, Ladd McConkey.
"You got rid of our receivers," Brandt said. "Fine. Give me Ladd McConkey from Georgia. Bring him in here. It's a perfect fit. He's going to catch 90 balls this year. My next prediction is 11 wins, 90 balls. Two words for Ladd McConkey and the Chargers: Puka Nacua 2.0 in 2024." [00:00:49]
Of course, those who paid close attention to Puka Nacua in 2023 know that he set the bar higher. Last season, the wide receiver earned 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns.
The wide receiver increased his profile to levels that other players on their second contract had yet to achieve. Shortly after the season finished, the star was seen at the Pro Bowl in Orlando, followed by a stop at Super Bowl Radio Row in Las Vegas. Following that, he played in the NBA celebrity All-Star game and performed well.
If Kyle Brandt's prediction comes true, Ladd McConkey could have a rather busy period in late January and February. It will be up to the wide receiver to turn in one of the top stat sheets in the NFL on top of learning his job.
"Puka Nacua 2.0" receives emphatic backing on Keenan Allen's birthday
Justin Herbert isn't afraid to throw his receivers into the 1000s. Keenan Allen, McConkey's predecessor, earned seven touchdowns, 1,243 yards, and 108 receptions at age 31.
On Allen's birthday, April 27th, Brandt has now gone on record fully endorsing his predecessor.
By calling him "Puka Nacua 2.0," there's a chance that he meant for McConkey to go above and beyond Nacua's production. So far, he has a lead on the wide receiver when comparing draft positions. Nacua was drafted on Day 3 in the fifth round.
In comparison, Ladd McConkey was taken with the second pick in the second round of the NFL Draft.
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Good Morning Football" and H/T Sportskeeda.