Sean McVay hypes Rams rookie WR as Cooper Kupp's injury lingers
With Cooper Kupp's availability for Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season up in the air, the Los Angeles Rams may turn to a fifth-round rookie to help shoulder the load in the passing game.
Puka Nacua, the 177th pick in the 2023 draft, has garnered the attention of head coach Sean McVay with his play during training camp and appears destined for a key role in the Rams offense this season.
While recently speaking with reporters, McVay highlighted Nacua alongside guard Steve Avila, edge rusher Byron Young and defensive lineman Kobie Turner as "guys we count on being immediate contributors for us.”
McVay later doubled down on his expectations for the four rookies, claiming "they’ve earned a right to be big-time factors right away."
Beyond Kupp, the Rams are mostly unproven at wideout. Van Jefferson would likely moonlight as the team's top option in the passing game if Kupp misses time. Yet, his 24 receptions and 369 yards in 11 games from 2023 don't exactly scream "go-to target."
Tutu Atwell is a speedster who flashed towards the end of last season with Baker Mayfield under center. Still, he has just 18 receptions in two years in Los Angeles and his 5-foot-9-inch, 165-pound frame doesn't project as an every-down player. Special teams ace Ben Skowronek and veteran Demarcus Robinson will likely also earn offensive snaps early in the season. Yet, it looks as if Nacua is the player with the most to gain if Kupp misses time.
Over Nacua's final two collegiate seasons at BYU, the 22-year-old showcased big-play potential, averaging 15.7 yards per reception and scoring 16 total touchdowns.
Kupp, who was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2021, is currently in Minnesota visiting a specialist for his hamstring injury which he recently reaggravated. According to McVay, Kupp is considered "day-to-day" heading into the team's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks.
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