Where Does Puka Nacua Rank Among NFL's Top WRs? (NFL)
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Where Does Puka Nacua Rank Among NFL's Top WRs?

David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
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Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua was outstanding throughout Sunday's 24-23 wild-card defeat to the Detroit Lions. Nacua was dominant, recording nine receptions for 181 receiving yards and one touchdown. Nacua has already established himself as a top-20 receiver in the NFL.

The Rams were trailing 14-3 when Nacua’s explosive 50-yard touchdown narrowed Detroit’s advantage to 14-10. Nacua hit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton with some hesitation before getting in behind him for the score. This is a veteran move from Nacua, who has developed well beyond his years as a rookie.

It was the continuation of a historic campaign for Nacua, who rose to the occasion all season long. Nacua broke the rookie receptions record (105) and rookie receiving yards record (1,486), the latter of which had stood since 1960 (Bill Groman, Houston Oilers, AFL). On Sunday, Nacua broke the rookie receiving yards in a playoff game record. The accolades keep coming for the Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

Nacua was particularly more effective than perceived No. 1 receiver Cooper Kupp, who was limited to five catches for 27 yards against the Lions. In 12 regular-season games, Kupp totaled 59 receptions for 737 yards and five touchdowns. Even when extrapolating Kupp’s average per-game production to a 17-game season, he still would’ve recorded 22 fewer catches and 442 fewer yards than Nacua. The aging Kupp has missed 13 games due to injury over the past two seasons. Kupp’s injury-related woes are unlikely to improve with age. It could lock Nacua into the No. 1 spot with the Rams next season, easily penciling him into an exciting role in an explosive passing attack.

Nacua was a mainstay top-10 finisher across league leaderboards. The former BYU standout finished fourth in receiving yards, sixth in receiving yards per game, and ninth in receptions. An elusive receiver in the open field, Nacua created for himself by finishing sixth in yards after catch with 640 yards, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Post-catch production is a strong indicator of sustained production, indicating Nacua should be as effective as a sophomore in 2024.

The No. 177 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Nacua is everything general manager Les Snead and Sean McVay hoped for and more. Nacua is playing like a foundational piece in the Rams' offense for years to come. The sky remains the limit for a receiver with room to grow in McVay's player-friendly scheme. Nacua's ability to serve as an extension of the run game makes him an every-down talent in McVay's offense.

Nacua was the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft. Sunday’s performance highlighted Nacua's staying power. This time next year, Nacua will be nationally recognized as an elite receiver and route-runner. Nacua's name belongs among today's difference-making pass-catchers.



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