After amazing rookie seasons, this Rams trio prepares for a sophomore surge

Nacua showcased his talents without words

The lens used to assess and analyze rookie prospects failed to consider Puka Nacua's passion for the game of football or his willingness to work longer and harder than other rookie receivers. And let's face it, there is far too little praise shown to WR Coach Eric Yarber, a positional coach who has turned out incredible players with superstar seasons.

But they have to be willing to work hard to earn playing time. Clearly, Puka Nacua was willing to put in the work.

But work ethic, talent, and a positive attitude can only carry you so far in the NFL. Ultimately, a player needs opportunity. Well, as the season approached, WR Cooper Kupp was unable to shake off lingering injuries, forcing the team to place him on Injured Reserve to open the season. His absence created a huge void in the team's offense. And Puka Nacua got his opportunity.

Nacua was more than ready for the Rams offense and the NFL. He was ready to prove all the nay-sayers and detractors wrong about him in their discouraging draft profiles. So how did he do it? Without Kupp on the football field in the first four games in 2023, Nacua put up outstanding numbers: Catching 39 of 52 passes for 501 yards and a touchdown.

501 yards in four games? His performance was so impressive that the team decided to trade veteran WR Van Jefferson rather than bench rookie Puka Nacua. And so it was, rookie Puka Nacua was on his way to setting the All-Time NFL Rookie Receiving Records of receptions and receiving yards. But just as the NFL voters snubbed NT Kobie Turner for DROY, apparently setting a new All-Time NFL Rooke Record is deemed unworthy of OROY awards. That honor went to Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud.

I think the NFL made huge errors in ignoring the rookie seasons of both Kobie Turner and Puka Nacua. But, the story is not over. In fact, it's still being written.