Rams News: Puka Nacua Reflects On First Day Of OTAs

The Los Angeles Rams returned to their facilities Monday as the team kicked off voluntary OTAs. One of the key players returning was now second-year receiver Puka Nacua, who is looking to step up his game in year two.

In particular, Nacua is trying to reach the high standards set by teammate Cooper Kupp. While Kupp has missed action over the last two seasons due to injuries, he was one of the league's best receivers when healthy. During his last full season in 2021, Kupp led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns while winning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors and becoming a first-team All-Pro. He then helped lead the Rams to the Super Bowl, where he won Super Bowl MVP.

Nacua spoke on working to follow in Kupp's footsteps after the first day of OTAs.

"I feel like I'm still trying to reach Coop's expectations," Nacua said Monday, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com. "Because he set the standard for us in the wide receiver room and for a lot of receivers in the NFL. I mean, to be the triple-crown winner. I just mentioned it to him not too long ago, I don't know how wide receivers have won a Super Bowl MVP ... The standard is still set very high, and I don't think I'm close to reaching it."

While Nacua feels like he has a lot to accomplish, he already put together a record-breaking rookie season. Nacua recorded 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns, setting the NFL rookie receptions and receiving yards records. He also set single-game records for most receptions in a game by a rookie with 15, and the most receiving yards by a rookie in a playoff game with 181.

With the mindset and work ethic Nacua has after already accomplishing that much as a rookie, he should continue to develop into one of the biggest receiving weapons for the Rams.