5 LA Rams locked and loaded for a breakout seasons in 2023

2. Puka Nacua, WR

A fifth-round pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua has made some noise leading into his first training camp with the Rams. Nacua, who played college football at BYU, led the Cougars in receiving in both 2021 and 2022.

"At 6-foot-2, 201 pounds, Nacua is sneaky good with the ball in his hands", according to nfl.com.

Nacua was a threat on the ground with BYU in 2022, posting 209 yards on 25 attempts and four touchdowns. Puka succeeded with jet sweeps and crisp route running at BYU, skills that should quickly translate to the NFL. The knocks on Nacua are his speed, predicting he'd have difficulty evading coverage from skilled cornerbacks. In WR Cooper Kupp's NFL draft profile, scouts questioned his ability to be a productive starter in the league. Nacua and Kupp scored identically in the athletic portion of the combine. Kupp's final prospect score was 76, and Nacua's at 65.

Nacua is an efficient route runner with skills that will quickly translate to the NFL. What will his playing time look like? Rams veteran wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson are penciled in at one and two on the WR depth chart, with WR Tutu Atwell and WR Ben Skowronek vying for the third slot. That leaves the rookie WR Puka Nacua fifth on the chart contending for more reps. A solid preseason would show that Puka can handle the NFL and build trust between him in the coaching staff. Nacua is a strong candidate for an impactful first season in the NFL.