Puka Nacua has become quite a phenomenon in the NFL World as the undrafted rookie receiver out of Brigham Young University.
There have been a lot of terrific young receivers to play the game over the last quarter of a century who have set substantial records. While there have been a lot of wide receivers who have been amazing drafted low, there have also been some incredibly high profile receivers that made virtually no impact in the NFL. Most likely because its a position where so much depends on ones connection and chemistry with the quarterback in order to actually receive targets, wide receiver is a position that is fairly difficult to predict success. So what is it that Nakua has done that has been so spectacular?
Puka Nakua Captures an Impressive Record
In Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, Puka Nakua became the second player in the modern era of NFL history to be selected outside the first 100 rounds of the draft to notch over 1,000 receiving yards in their rookie season. The first wide receiver to do is was former Saints superstar Marques Colston. Colston was reliant on the Sean Payton System as well as being the recipient of Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.
The Impact of Puka Nakua on the Rams Offense
Puka Nacua joined Saints all-time receiving leader Marques Colston as only players in the common draft era who were not selected in the top 100 picks of the draft to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in their rookie season, per @NFLResearch.https://t.co/QAqYQS6eRy pic.twitter.com/GBtMGVJFAL
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 4, 2023
So it is safe to say that injuries have substantially impacted this season for the Los Angeles Rams. Both Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford and Pro Bowl wide receiver Cooper Kupp have missed substantial game time this season but Nakua has managed to single-handedly keep the Rams in games. Almost entirely thanks to Nakua, this team is currently lined up to earn a playoff berth in the NFC.
Where do Puka Nacua and the Rams go From Here ?
The Los Angeles Rams are currently sitting at 6-6 and tied for a wild card spot with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. The Rams are currently the odd team out based on tie breakers but have a relatively easy remaining schedule. They will however close the season against their bitter rivals and elite NFC powerhouse San Francisco 49ers. The Rams will need to utilize their young receivers against the elite defensive front of San Francisco to optimistically clinch a playoff spot in January.
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