Rams Rookie Puka Nacua Will 'Compete for Role' in Crowded Receiver Room
The Los Angeles Rams have a lot to figure out with the 13-man receiver group, but one thing can be sure: BYU rookie Puka Nacua has earned playing time on this roster.
"He's a guy that we're expecting him to come in, expecting him to be able to contribute and compete," McVay said on June 6, per therams.com. "Every spot is going to be earned on this team, but I really like what he's done and I think it's a credit to everybody around him and his conscientiousness."
Nacua was a star at Washington and BYU. In his last two seasons combined, he tallied 91 receptions, 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns, along with five scores on the ground.
"He also displayed smooth route running and reliable hands when he got reps during team drills with quarterback Matthew Stafford leading the offense," therams.com added.
The biggest question mark with Nacua, though, is how his production will shake out considering the congestion in his position. The wide receiver room features the following:
Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, Nacua, Demarcus Robinson, Ben Skowronek, Lance McCutcheon, Tyler Johnson, Austin Trammell, Sam James, Xavier Smith, Braxton Burmeister and Tyler Hudson.
Of the 13 receivers listed, half or more are in serious danger of being axed. What's more, anyone featured without the last name Kupp could be expendable.
That said, even though a maximum of six wide receivers will suit up for the Rams in 2023, and Nacua has made a strong enough case to likely be one of them. What's more, the targets he gets have no current ceiling... or floor.
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