Rams Select Puka Nacua with No. 177 Overall Pick
With the No. 177 pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected BYU wide receiver Puka Nacua.
Nacua joins a draft class that now includes TCU offensive lineman Steve Availa, Tennessee edge rusher Bryon Young, Wake Forest defensive lineman Kobie Turner, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett, Appalachian State linebacker Nick Hampton and Clemson tight end Davis Allen.
You can view Nacua's full scouting report on the NFL Draft Bible, but here's a notable snippet.
"Has played as an X, Z, and F receiver. Some usage on jet motion, breaking a few tackles as a power runner. Lots of slants over the middle. Unafraid to work in traffic. He wins off the line with a foot fire inside release, stacking the corner, and working over the top to win deep. Good deep ball tracker that can climb the ladder to make contested catches. He may not scare corners initially off the line with speed but presses their toes and creates separation at the top of his stem. Good suddenness when he keeps his balance. Body control in the air, with the awareness to get his feet down. He can adlib on play breakdowns, working to open space and creating throws for the quarterback. A competitive player that wants the ball at all times. Spatially aware at all times. Not a natural hands catcher. Claps at the ball or falls on high-velocity passes. On the ground too much, he can lose his balance at times. Nacua isn’t a burner, but he presents a vertical element that allocates explosive plays. His ability to win off the line of scrimmage and make contested catches will be his calling card at the next level."
The addition of Nacua will provide much-needed depth to the Rams' wide receiver room.
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