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2017 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Dec. 17-24 Bowls

By Shawn Spencer

Sep 17, 2016; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws the ball during the second quarter against the UNLV Rebels at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Mount Pleasant, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws the ball during the second quarter against the UNLV Rebels at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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2017 NFL Draft Kai Nacua
Nov 21, 2015; Provo, UT, USA; Brigham Young Cougars defensive back Kai Nacua (12) runs after an interception in the fourth quarter past Fresno State Bulldogs wide receiver Justin Johnson (81) at Lavell Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Poinsettia Bowl: Kai Nacua (FS – BYU)

Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen has burst onto the scene this season and caught the attention of many draft analysts. Although he’s only a redshirt sophomore and likely to return to school next season, Allen is a potential early-round choice in 2018. Trying to put a halt to Allen’s rise will be the BYU defense led by free safety Kai Nacua.

Nacua is one of the best in the nation when it comes to reading the opposing quarterback. He diagnoses plays quickly and finds his way to the football. The senior has 11 interceptions over the past two seasons and will look to add to that total in his final collegiate game. He isn’t just a spy either. Nacua is also an enforcer who will punish receivers for going over the middle of the field.

Despite the interceptions and hard hits, Nacua has been undervalued by next-level scouts. As of this writing, Nacua has yet to accept an invitation to any of the three major postseason all-star games. That could all change with a solid performance against the highly-touted Wyoming passing attack.

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