Don’t Let This Rams Elite Rookie Receiver Go Undrafted
Updated: Jun 11, 2023
The Los Angeles Rams selected a Wide Receiver with the last pick of the fifth round of the NFL Draft who could make an immediate impact. They chose Puka Nacua from Bringham Young University and he has some similarities to a certain Super Bowl MVP, Cooper Kupp whos been a star for the Rams.
Rams Star Kupp Versus Puka Nacua
Now before I start comparing rookies to proven studs, let me first say Cooper Kupp is at the top of the game right now. He put up an all-time legendary season in 2021 and was on pace to do it again in 2022. Last season, prior to his injury in week ten, Kupp was leading the league in Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG) at 24.8 points in PPR formats. In just nine games he had 75 catches, 812 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
However, when you look at Puka Nacua you see a guy who is nearly the same height, weight, and speed as Cooper Kupp when he came into the NFL. Take a look at all their similarities in the chart below. Cooper Kupp Puca Nacua Height6’2”6’1 ⅝”Weight 204 lbs 201 lbs 40-Time 4.62 sec 4.55 sec Vertical 31” 33” Broad/Long Jump 116” 121” Arm Length 31 ½” 31 ½” Hand Size 9 ½” 9 ½”
Now measurables aren’t everything but if they were looking for a physical replica for Kupp, Nacua isn’t far off. Nacua has many similar attributes to Kupp as well. Both are excellent at adjusting their bodies to the ball in the air.
They both have incredible hands and prove it with a high contested catch rate percentage, Kupp: 53.8% – Nacua 50% (per PFF). They have great short-area burst, vision like a running back, and aren’t afraid to lower their shoulder when defenders are closing in on them. For this reason, their teams often generate extra touches for them on jet sweeps and quick screens.
This could help him find the field more frequently on the Rams. Nacua also put up 3.53 Yards Per Route Run (YPRR), good for second in the nation at the FBS level. YPPR is a fantastic metric that divides how many yards you gained by the number of routes you ran. This does a great job of indicating how frequently your team is using you when you’re on the field as a receiver. Cooper Kupp was also second in the NFL through week nine, at 3.29 YPRR.
What Will Nacua Do With The Rams?
On top of all of Puka Nacua’s physical talent, one of the biggest reasons I think he should be drafted in dynasty rookie draft’s is because of his situation. He will walk into Los Angeles with little competition on the depth chart.
The Rams have Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, and Tutu Atwell as his biggest competition. Jefferson has been on the team for three years while Skowronek and Atwell have been for two years each. During that time these players haven’t shown the Rams that they are ready to step up into the number two role alongside Cooper Kupp.
Cooper Kupp will demand a lot of attention from defenses and will make other receivers’ lives around him easier. Nacua can learn a lot from Kupp with them being so close in size and athleticism, and Sean McVay clearly knows how to use a wide receiver with their skill set.
Puka Nacua’s Average Draft Position is pick 42 in Super Flex and pick 39.33 in 1QB rookie drafts. Do not let him go undrafted in your league. Enjoy and comment below where you think he should be drafted in rookie drafts.
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