Puka Nacua went from being a fifth-round flier in the 2023 NFL Draft to Pro Bowl wide receiver in his rookie season for the Los Angeles Rams.
Selected 177th overall, Nacua entered the league as a talent, albeit uncertain “sleeper.” His college numbers — just 1,749 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns over four years split between Washington and BYU — didn’t fit the mold of a Round 1 asset. But the Rams, Sean McVay and the offense, scoffed at all the noise.
And in L.A., it clicked. So much that, in 2025, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder named him as the biggest steal of a draft class that featured C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Historic Rookie Campaign For Rams
Nacua didn’t wait to grow into a primary role. From Week 1, he played like a veteran. With Cooper Kupp sidelined early in the season, Nacua became Matthew Stafford’s go-to target, showing poise and physical toughness against opposing defenders.
He set the NFL rookie record for receptions (105) and added 1,486 yards and 6 touchdowns — historic production that drew comparisons to some of the league’s top wideouts.
Only two rookies in league history have reached 100+ catches and 1,400+ receiving yards in a single season: Nacua and Hall of Famer Randy Moss.
More importantly, he proved sustainable. Nacua’s route-running, once seen as a weakness, improved steadily.
“He is raw, though. BYU did not ask him to run many routes beyond slants, go balls or under routes—all of which allowed him to use his burst and speed without much tact,” the B/R scouting department noted in his scouting report.
“On the occasion Nacua was asked to run more refined routes, his footwork tended to be clunky, and he didn’t quite sink and explode out of those routes comfortably. He has the athletic tools to do it; he just didn’t look comfortable or prepared to do so.”
Why Nacua Is the Draft’s Biggest Bargain
Every draft produces its surprises. But very few produce a Day 3 pick who immediately becomes a Pro Bowl-caliber contributor. That’s exactly what the Rams got in Nacua. And considering he was the 20th receiver taken in 2023, his rise is nothing short of remarkable.
He was named second-team All-Pro and earned a Pro Bowl nod — achievements rarely seen from a fifth-round rookie. His performance helped reignite a Rams offense that many expected to be in rebuild mode. Instead, with Nacua leading the receiving corps, L.A. finished strong and returned to playoff contention.
In hindsight, the rest of the league missed. But credit the Rams for doing their homework — and credit Nacua even more for maximizing the opportunity.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, Nacua enters a pivotal Year 3 ready to make a statement. With Kupp playing for the Seattle Seahawks and Davante Adams in Los Angeles to succeed him, the Rams continue to develop a young core around Stafford. So while these are significant changes, they are also the kind that’ve positioned the franchise for a deep postseason run.
The Rams didn’t just find value in the 2023 NFL Draft. They found a star. And at 24 years old, the best could be yet to come for Nacua.
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