Puka Nacua was chosen by the Los Angeles Rams within the fifth spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was the twentieth broad receiver chosen all through the method, and the third that was taken within the fifth spherical. But when he is ready to sustain together with his tempo and common, then he received’t solely be the most efficient rookie broad receiver this season, he’ll be the most efficient rookie broad receiver of all time.
Puka Nacua Can Break An NFL Rookie Report This 12 months
In 2012, Calvin Johnson set the NFL single season report with 1,964 receiving yards. His QB was Matthew Stafford.
In 2021, Cooper Kupp had the second most receiving yards in a single season in NFL historical past with 1,947. His QB was – and nonetheless is – Matthew Stafford.
Puka Nacua… pic.twitter.com/sg0whgea75
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2023
Nacua was a revelation from the beginning. He acquired a whopping 35 targets over the span of his first two video games of the yr, amassing over 500 yards over the primary 4. It was thought that his manufacturing would drop off when Cooper Kupp returned to the lineup, and whereas they’ve, Nacua continues to be about as large part of the Rams’ offensive assault as he has been all yr lengthy.
In reality, Puka Nacua wants simply 147 yards to interrupt the NFL report for probably the most by a rookie broad receiver.
The general report was set in 1960, when Invoice Groman gained an unimaginable 1,473 yards in simply 14 video games for the Houston Oilers. And whereas that mark has been threatened, nobody has ever exceeded it. In reality, two of the final three NFL seasons previous to the present one have seen receivers come inside 73 and 18 yards of it in Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase.
74 Yard Common Will Obtain The Purpose
Puka Nacua could be the most effective to ever do it pic.twitter.com/hSzlsv9ZH9
— Barstool Sports activities (@barstoolsports) December 22, 2023
What does Nacua need to do to interrupt the mark? Just about simply be himself. He’s averaging 88 yards per sport this season, and the Rams have two contests lefts. Ought to he proceed on his regular trajectory, he’ll end with 1,563 and shatter Groman’s report. Their subsequent sport will come in opposition to the Giants in Week 17, who’re ranked nineteenth within the NFL in terms of receiving yards allowed. They’ll face the mighty 49ers within the remaining sport of the yr.
The Rams are at the moment one of many hottest groups within the NFL. After heading into their bye week at 3-6, Los Angeles has now received 5 out of their final 6 video games to firmly plant themselves within the NFC playoff image heading into the ultimate two weekends of the yr.
