Although Puka Nacua, a receiver with the Los Angeles Rams, did not win Offensive Rookie of the Year, his debut campaign was far from spectacular. Though it’s noteworthy in and of itself to go from being a Day 3 draft pick to a major award nominee, one might argue that no receiver has ever had a better rookie campaign. Nacua would go on to set the rookie record for receptions and receiving yards after stepping in for standout receiver Cooper Kupp in Week 1 and shocking the football world.
Nacua hasn’t held back when discussing how Kupp influenced both his early success and his move into the professional ranks. He is still depending on his more seasoned competitor despite having such a fantastic season.
Cooper Kupp has been a great role model for me on the Rams, according to Nacua. To me, he has served as a big brother. Every time he’s out there, he gives it his all. In the off-season, I want to figure it out.”
By all means, Nacua isn’t renowned for his lack of effort. He has developed a reputation because to his adaptability, hardness in the middle of the field, and desire to block, which have impressed head coach Sean McVay as well as supporters and teammates across the league. Upon finishing his season, the BYU product amassed 1,486 yards and six touchdowns from 105 receptions on 160 targets. On the other hand, he was the league leader in drops (13), second in drop percentage (11 percent), and twenty-first in catch rate out of forty-one eligible receivers. Assuming the persona of Kupp, Nacua strives to surpass those scores.
“I discovered that I had the most drops in the league,” Nacua stated on “GoJo and Golic.” I promise never to allow that to occur again. Nacua has made a persistent effort to emulate his teammate. He even went so far as to claim that he quit playing video games in the late hours of the night in order to get better sleep, saying that “Cooper Kupp wouldn’t like that.”
Although it will be challenging to match his incredible output from his rookie year, Nacua will accomplish more than simply solidify his place in Los Angeles’ plans if his remarks from the offseason are any guide. He can assure that the torch is successfully passed and that the Rams offense is just as strong, if not more so, than it was this past season by returning stronger in his second season.
