Los Angeles Rams' Puka Nacua Still Ranks Among PFF's Highest-Graded Rookies
The emergence of a pair of star rookies for the Houston Texans and return of former Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp for the Los Angeles Rams has taken some of the shine off of receiver Puka Nacua. But make no mistake, Nacua has still been one of the most productive rookies in the sport this season for the Rams.
Receiver Puka Nacua has been extremely productive for the Los Angeles Rams in his rookie season.
Kirby Lee/USA Today
In fact, Pro Football Focus still says that Nacua comes out as the fourth-highest graded rookie in their grading system.
"Nacua has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the most efficient receivers in the league this season," PFF wrote of Nacua. "His 2.39 yards per route run ranks 13th out of 130 qualifying receivers. That’s largely due to his ability to create chunk yardage, with his 23 plays of 15 or more yards ranking eighth at the position."
On the season, Nacua has earned an 84.1 grade from PFF, a major reason that a Rams roster seemingly thin on impact players will enter December in contention for the final playoff spot in the NFC. The only rookies that PFF has given higher marks to are Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (90.3), Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (86.3) and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (85.5).
The pace that Nacua was on during the first month of the season -- when he had 501 receiving yards while Kupp was on injured reserve -- has proven to be unsustainable. Over the last month, Nacua has just 172 receiving yards.
Still, Nacua has 73 catches for 924 yards in his rookie season, remarkable production for a player that general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Barring injury, Stroud is going to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, perhaps in unanimous fashion. Fellow Texans rookie Tank Dell -- who has flashed superstar potential himself at wideout -- may very well finish second. But Nacua is going to go over 1,000 yards in his rookie season, and very much looks like a stalwart for the Rams.
