Rams' Puka Nacua Named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Finalist

The Los Angeles Rams made the playoffs in large part due to receiver Puka Nacua's ascension. He was rewarded by being named a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

In Week 1, Los Angeles Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua came out of nowhere and shocked the football world. He was targeted 15 times in his debut, catching 10 passes for 119 yards in one of the most impressive debuts in league history.

He would spend the next four months proving that wasn’t a fluke.

Nacua finished his regular season with incredible production and the accolades to match. He racked up 105 receptions for 1,486 receiving yards, both rookie records, to go along with six scores. He was a lock for the Pro Bowl and earned Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Jan 14, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) runs from Detroit Lions safety Kerby Joseph (31) during the second half of a 2024 NFC wild card game at Ford Field / Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The recognition did not stop there. Nacua was also named a finalist for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.

The other finalists are Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

Nacua is largely expected to be the runner-up to Stroud who, like Nacua, posted one of the best rookie seasons ever for his position.

Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner is a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year as well, the two were invaluable to Los Angeles’ ascension from mediocrity to playoff football. 

Nacua, Turner Help Rams Lead NFL in All-Rookie Selections

The Rams would lose 24-23 in the Wild Card Round, but Nacua’s production continued. He caught his first nine targets before a controversial no-call rendered a 10th incomplete. His 181 receiving yards were the most by a rookie in playoff history.

Nacua, a fifth-round pick (177th overall), is the most surprising name of the offensive finalists. Earning snaps despite his draft capital, making an immediate impact, and ultimately outshining superstar receiver Cooper Kupp make Nacua’s campaign one of the most impressive in recent memory.

He may not take home the hardware, but he has cemented himself as a part of Los Angeles’ future and one of the most exciting stars in the sport.