LA Rams finish Round 5 by topping off productive round with this WR
By Bret Stuter
![Los Angeles Rams v Seattle Seahawks Los Angeles Rams v Seattle Seahawks](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3000,h_1687,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/54/01gz82f9kxgy2qabjf0e.jpg)
You had to know that the LA Rams were going to choose at least one wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft. While that is surprising that the LA Rams halted their pursuit of receiving targets during the 2023 NFL Draft, it does lend itself to asking the question: Who is this wide receiver who was so special that he became the only one added to the LA Rams roster during the 2023 NFL Draft.
To answer that question, we have to understand that the LA Rams felt the need to reinforce the ranks, having lost in the last year: WR Odell Beckham Jr to injury and free agency, WR Robert Woods to trade, and WR Allen Robinson to trade. While the LA Rams still boast significant talent in the form of WR Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, Lance McCutcheon, Austin Trammell, and of course, Tutu Atwell.
But there is something missing, even from all those players and all that talent. An element of danger, a guy who can show up huge out of nowhere and catch defenses a bit flat-footed. That unpredictability could have arrived in the form of BYU's wide receiver Puka Nacua:
With the 177th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams have selected Puka Nacua. Here’s the official TDN scouting report on the WR out of BYU.https://t.co/xosuDoUVoT#NFLDraft | #RatedRookie | #RamsHouse
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) April 29, 2023
While durability is a question mark, production is not. He is a solid route runner who has the ideal size to make a career as an NFL receiver at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds.
NFL Draft Buzz. Wide receiver. Puka Nacua. 51. NFL Draft. BYU. 177. player
He does have a knack of making jaws drop. While he may not fill a highlight reel, he is where he needs to be when the ball arrives.
"Beast" excerpt on Rams pick No. 177, WR Puka Nacua: "With his body control and focus, Nacua can win one-on-one situations on the outside or provide an underneath target as a zone-beater." Injury history questions.
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) April 29, 2023
Although some draft profile describe him as raw, he has plenty of examples where he was where he needed to be when the ball arrived. Like this Tweet from BYU football:
Hey @RamsNFL fans, @AsapPuka is a WEAPON!! pic.twitter.com/Yjwa9KADcF
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) April 29, 2023
It remains to be seen just how much playing time Nacua can earn in the Rams offense at wide receiver, but don't be surprised if he is used in the Rams special teams or backfield too. In 2022, the BYU Cougars used Puka Nacua in their ground game too, getting 25 rushes for 209 yards and five touchdowns.
Check back frequently. LA Rams 2023 UDFA Live Tracker. dark
That is the type of versatility that the LA Rams want in their offense, even if it means waiting patiently for it to arrive.