Someone is going to have to step up on offense for the Los Angeles Rams this season alongside Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson, and Touchdown Wire’s Jarrett Bailey believes it will be rookie Puka Nacua. While naming an NFL player at each position that could break out in 2023, Nacua was listed as the wide receiver.
By all accounts, the Rams can make the former BYU star their discount Deebo Samuel. While the rest of the roster may be filled with LinkedIn applicants, Nacua has a chance to shine in an offense that, outside of Kupp, lacks star power.
The Rams took Nacua in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft out of BYU because of his versatility and ability to generate yards after the catch. Nacua totaled 1,430 receiving yards and 357 rushing yards in his final two collegiate seasons, along with 16 combined touchdowns (11 receiving, 5 rushing).
Since the start of OTAs and into training camp, the Rams have given Nacua plenty of meaningful opportunities in practice and he’s continued to impress the coaching staff. The only other wideouts competing for the No. 3 spot on the roster behind Kupp and Jefferson are Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, Ben Skowronek, and Tyler Johnson.
The rookie wideout also proved that he has strong hands in contested-catch situations, which could see him get more reps as a traditional receiver rather than just a gadget player. Even though he isn’t a household name yet, Nacua could make a name for himself as a rookie on a Rams team desperate for playmakers on offense.
