Where Does Los Angeles Rams' Puka Nacua Rank Among PFF's Highest-Graded Rookies?

Los Angeles Rams rookie receiver Puka Nacua has had a remarkable start to his career.

Los Angeles Rams rookie Puka Nacua has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL this season, but isn't the highest-rated first-year player according to Pro Football Focus' grading system. 

Nacua had 12 catches for 154 yards in a 24-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a sign that he and former Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp can co-exist. After the first seven weeks of his career, he's the the fourth-highest rated rookie on PFF. 

"After a tough stretch the previous two weeks, Nacua erupted to earn his highest receiving grade of the season (88.1) in Week 7," PFF said. "With five of his eight receptions going for 20 or more yards, Nacua finished the day with a 5.13 yards per route run average, his highest this season by a wide margin and the most by a qualifying receiver in Week 7." 

Los Angeles Rams rookie Puka Nacua is having a monster season.  / USA Today

Nacua currently leads the NFL with 58 catches, while his 752 receiving yards trail only Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins and A.J. Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles. Nacua has +300 odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, putting him behind just Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. 

Whether he wins the award or not, it appears that the Rams got the steal of the 2023 NFL Draft, landing one of the league's most productive receivers in the fifth round. How successful he's been already is a reminder of how good general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay are at recognizing and developing talent, and that even if the 3-4 Rams don't make the playoffs in 2023, it may not be long before they are again a force in the NFC. 

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (93.6) is the top overall rated rookie by PFF and the only offensive player with a better mark than Nacua's 86.0. Achane, though, has only played in four games and is currently on IR with a knee injury that will keep him out until Week 11. 

The only other rookies with higher rankings than Nacua are Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (91.3) and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (88.5).