Even an NFL expert is tossing in 'Puka Nacua' comps for this Rams rookie

There is a lot of interest in assigning the name 'Puka Nacua' to any 2024 NFL rookie wide receiver. After stunning the NFL by setting the NFL All-Time Rookie Receiving Record last season, LA Rams WR Puka Nacua's name has become synonymous with NFL excellence at the wide receiver position. But the name means more than just a record-setting performance. It also adds the connotation of a record-setting performance that nobody saw coming.

After all, the former Brigham Young University wide receiver was selected by the LA Rans with the 177th overall pick in Round 5 of the 2023 NFL Draft. At that position, 31 other NFL teams had multiple opportunities to select the best rookie wide receiver and add him to their roster.

But didn't.

So now, in the hopes to whitewash that error of misjudgement of Puka Nacua's talent, potential, and ultimately, his production, the PR departments of those same teams have been working overtime to sell their 2024 receiver selections as the next 'Puka Nacua.' But it's a tough sell.

The reason for that is the fact that not only did Puka Nacua bring elite potential to the NFL. But thanks to an untimely injury to starting WR Cooper Kupp, Nacua was afforded a golden opportunity to convert that potential into elite production.

He was catching passes from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The same Matthew Stafford who threw to the NFL's Single Season Receiving Record holder, Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson. And he is also the same quarterback to throw to the NFL's runner-up to the Single Season Receiving Record holder, LA Rams WR Cooper Kupp.

So, I suppose you can say that throwing to record-setting wide receivers is sorta Matthew Stafford's 'thing.'

Well, if that is the case. then ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes is on the right track. While she understands the almost cliche'-like nature of comparing rookies to Puka Nacua. she alluded to the fact that LA Rams rookie WR Jordan Whittington possess both the physicality and after-the-catch skills that bear a striking similarity to his teammate, Puka Nacua:

Just like Puka Nacuaq, Jordan Whittington does have that infectious personality. He is not out to prove himself to be the best. He is not out to be the richest wide receiver on the face of the planet. He is simply excited to be playing football in the NFL, playing the game that he loves, and enjoying the journey.

The same opportunity that swung the door wide open for Nacua in 2023 may not be as generous for Whittington in 2024. And that's okay with him. He simply wants to keep playing football, and he will.

For now, Whittington is content. And the LA Rams are as well. You see, whether you know it or not, Jordan Whittington was the highest graded NFL rookie receiver in Week 1 of the preseason:

It seems that the Rams have a knack for uncovering diamonds in the rough on Day 3 of the NFL draft. And Rams fans are more than happy about it.

Thanks for reading.