2023 NFL Draft position analysis: Patriots wide receiver fits vs. draft wishes

Puka Nacua vs. Jonathan Mingo

Raw Athletic Score Head-to-head.

If there was a receiver that is a natural fit with the New England Patriots Way, Puka Nacua is him. A+ character. Team first. Tough. Versatile. What he lacks in physical ability, Nacua makes up for it in intangibles.

Nacua’s best trait is what he can do with the ball in his hands. Whether it was a short route or a receiver screen, BYU got the ball in Nacua’s hands quickly and let him go. There may not be a more physical receiver on the run than Nacua. The guy chews up YAC like grass and will literally try to run over anyone in his way. He looks like a 6-1 205-pound Rob Gronkowski the way he takes on tacklers head-on and leaves many broken tackles behind him.

If the Cougars aren’t throwing the ball to Nacua, he’s taking carries on jet sweeps. 25 times Nacua was handed the ball for 209 yards and five touchdowns. So if his numbers as a receiver don’t impress (48-625-5), then the 10 total touchdowns will.

What Nacua brings to the table is appetizing, but the lack of speed leaves you unsatisfied. If you want Nacua’s skills with speed, then you should crave Jonathan Mingo.

They’re the same height, but Mingo is about 10 pounds heavier and .10 faster in the 40. It doesn’t sound like much, but there’s a big difference between 4.56 and 4.46 on the field.

And it shows. Mingo can be a deep threat, proven by his 16.9 yards per reception. But he’s also a threat to take short passes and turn them into explosive gains. Mingo won’t shy away from contact. The difference between him and Nacua is while Nacua seeks it, Mingo can run away from it.

Mingo also exhibits solid concentration as a receiver. A hand/arm in his face or a defender making contact doesn’t distract Mingo when he’s going for the ball.

It was expected that Mingo would hear his name called in the fourth round, but his stock is rumored to be heating up. Nacua is projected to go in the sixth/seventh round.