Rams WR sets rookie record in regular season

admin | January 8, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Before the Los Angeles Rams selected Puka Nacua in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 176 players were taken, including 19 wide receivers.

It turned out to be one of the biggest draft steals in recent memory, as Nacua pulled up a record-breaking rookie season with the Rams.

Nacua set rookie records for receptions (105) and yards (1,486) with four catches and 41 yards against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. He also scored his sixth touchdown of the year.

Given how little the Rams had to play for, head coach Sean McVay was motivated to remove Nacua out of the game as soon as he secured his records.

“Nice, now get him out!”

Sean McVay’s reaction to Puka Nacua breaking the rookie receiving yards record is hilarious. 😂 #RamsHouse

(via @NFL, FOX)pic.twitter.com/aOCCuBj2Qw

— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) January 7, 2024

He not only established two rookie records and had one of the best seasons for any rookie in the NFL this season, but he was also one of the top wide receivers in the NFL regardless of experience level.

He began Sunday ranked in the top ten in the league in receptions and yards and has been a key component of the Rams’ turnaround and return to the playoffs.

Given how quickly veteran Cooper Kupp, the team’s long-time No. 1 wide receiver, has slowed, his early influence for the Rams has been a big development.

The Rams now know they have a new No. 1 ready to take over and did not even have to use a high draft pick to do so.