Rams Share Behind-the-Scenes Video of Decision to Draft Puka Nacua

The Rams scouting department hit a home run with fifth-round draft pick Puka Nacua

On Sunday, former BYU star wide receiver Puka Nacua broke the NFL records for receiving yards and receptions by a rookie. Nacua, who is viewed as one of the top two contenders for the offensive rookie of the year award, was the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft. After Sunday's game, the Rams released behind-the-scenes footage of the conversations about Nacua before the draft.

And the rest is history.

🎥 Inside the 2023 Draft war room before picking @ASAPpuka. pic.twitter.com/mI8LA9amYv

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 7, 2024

Rams general manager Les Snead compared Nacua to Alec Ogletree - a wide receiver that didn't test well in a combine setting but had good game speed. He was right - Nacua didn't test well. He ran a 4.57 forty. Between his 40 time and his injury history, Nacua slid to the fifth round in the draft. 

Rams head coach Sean McVay, however, saw the potential for Nacua to be a perfect fit in the Rams offense. "I think this guy would be really good for us Les," McVay said. "I want a guy that is 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 can be an extension of the run game. This guy can be a functional piece of an offensive operation." 

McVay's vision for Nacua came to life this season. Not only did Nacua break the rookie receiving records, he also assisted as a blocker in the run game and he was used as an extension of the run game on jet sweeps.

Snead signed off by saying, "We're going to nail that pick." He was right. 

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