'Going To Nail That Pick!' Video Reveals Rams' Thoughts on Puka Nacua During NFL Draft
Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua capped off arguably the greatest debut season a receiver has ever had on Sunday when he set the rookie record for receptions and yards.
Santa Clara may have been the finish line for his incredible rookie season, but its start – the 2023 NFL Draft – was the most important step along the way. It is paramount that a team has a plan in place for its rookies, ensuring that they’ll be in a position to succeed should the opportunity arise.
If it wasn’t already evident, no team offered Nacua as good of a fit as the Los Angeles Rams.
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In a video from the Rams’ draft room, head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead discussed the prospect they would ultimately take in the fifth round, mulling over concerns and talking themselves into the future star.
“He’s got Alec Ogletree in him,” Snead said. “Couldn’t test well but could chase the rabbit. Alec could run, but he could never run a 40. But if you said go race …
“Well his speed is playing fast, I’ve always said that. If I go sort by miles per hour, he’d be one of the top receivers.”
Nacua, notably, ran a 4.56 40-yard dash, part of an exceedingly mediocre 5.17 relative athletic score. It was his speed with the pads on, however, that set him apart.
“I think this guy would be really good for us, Les,” McVay said. “I want a guy that’s going to be where he’s supposed to be, that’ll stay grounded through the catch, aggressive hands, that will dig out support in the run game. And then … he can be an extension of the run game.
“This guy can be a functional piece of an offensive operation.”
Nacua wasn’t overly productive in his final season at BYU, nor was he particularly healthy. But the traits he showed – being quarterback-friendly, competitive, and able to do the little things – made him a great fit for McVay’s offense.
In turn, McVay was quick to give him the snaps he had earned in camp. The targets soon followed – 160 of them to be exact. Of those, his 105 catches, 1,486 yards, and five touchdowns would help prove Los Angeles right.
“We’re going to nail that pick,” Snead concluded.
Even he couldn’t have known how right that comment would become.
Nacua and the Rams now turn their attention to the Detroit Lions, who they’ll look to upset in the Wild Card Round. Kickoff for that playoff matchup will be on Sunday, Jan. 14 at 5:15 p.m. (PT).
