Rams Rookie Puka Nacua Earns Elite Luka Doncic Inspired Nickname

Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua has taken the NFL by storm after his showing against the Seattle Seahawks.

Not many NFL fans were tuned into BYU football this past season, but if they were they would have been introduced to new Los Angeles Rams pass catcher Puka Nacua.

The rookie wide receiver burst onto the scene this past week in the Rams Week 1 30-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, catching 10 passes for 119 yards while being targeted 15 times by Matthew Stafford. His strong debut showing has not only made him coveted in just about every fantasy football league but has also earned him a nickname from Rams defensive back Derion Kendrick. 

On the “Rams Revealed” podcast this week, Kendrick revealed his nickname for Nacua, with a nod to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic: "Puka Doncic".

“We call him the leverage killer,” Kendrick said. “He comes in and like the first practice, eye discipline. This is really where it comes from, working on my eye discipline... His nickname, call him Puka Doncic, for me. He’s going to surprise the league this year, for sure.”

Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

If Nacua is able to become the NFL version of Doncic, that would very well mean the Rams have two of the best receivers in the game. 

More importantly, with Cooper Kupp out for at least the first month, having Nacua step into his role and excel can help them overcome what is a fairly difficult next four weeks, with three of their next four opponents having made it to at least the AFC or NFC Championship last season. 

Nacua will be tested this week by a talented San Francisco 49ers defense, with their Bay Area rivals favored by 7.5 points.