What Grade Did Puka Nacua, Rams' 2023 Rookie Class Earn?
Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead didn’t have the luxury of a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft – that had already been spent acquiring veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. That didn’t prevent him from producing a rookie class good enough to change the franchise’s fortunes.
Los Angeles went from Super Bowl hangover to Wild Card rebound in a year with the help of receiver Puka Nacua’s historic rookie season. Nacua's ascension was only unique in its degree; the Rams found several contributors in last April’s draft.
Nacua alone would net Los Angeles a passing grade, but just how well did its rookie class rank?
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Per NFL.com, the Rams earned themselves an A-.
Nacua, of course, was the headliner, finishing in second place for Offensive Rookie of the Year while setting the rookie record for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486). If not for a historic run at a more important position, the hardware would have been his to take home.
“Nacua stayed healthy (which wasn’t always the case for him in college) and has all the earmarks of a star if he can continue doing so,” Eric Edholm wrote.
Their best pick may have come on Day 3, but the Rams’ second and third-round selections helped set the foundation for their play in the trenches.
Second-round guard Steve Avila was essentially an average starter, ranking 30th of 50 qualified guards in Pro Football Focus’ offense grade. However, in that same sample, only six committed fewer penalties than Avila (two).
Los Angeles’ pair of third-round picks played even better. Defensive tackle Kobie Turner won Defensive Rookie of the Month in December and finished his rookie campaign with nine sacks. Only fellow lineman Aaron Donald graded out higher for the Rams on this side of the ball. Additionally, the defense badly needs another edge rusher, but outside linebacker Byron Young ensures at least one side is held down effectively.
The rest of the class wasn’t spectacular by any means, but given the amount of starting talent already collected, nobody is complaining. Edge rusher Nick Hampton, tight end Davis Allen, defensive back Tre Tomlinson, and punter Ethan Evans each had their moments and will look to increase their contributions in 2024.
With no guarantee that Snead will bring in as much talent this offseason, further developing into their second seasons can help keep Los Angeles competitive in the final years of Stafford’s career.
