Rams' Nacua completes record-setting rookie regular season

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) walks on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Rams WR Puka Nacua completes record-setting rookie regular season

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 1/7/24

There were 176 players, including 19 wide receivers, selected before the Los Angeles Rams picked Puka Nacua in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

It turned out to be one of the biggest steals of the year, and one of the biggest draft steals in recent memory, as Nacua put together a record-setting rookie season for the Rams.

With his four catches and 41 yards against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Nacua set new rookie records for receptions (105) and yards (1,486). He also caught his sixth touchdown of the season.

As soon as Nacua secured his records, head coach Sean McVay was motivated to immediately get him out of the game given how little the Rams had to play for.

“Nice, now get him out!”

Sean McVay’s reaction to Puka Nacua breaking the rookie receiving yards record is hilarious. #RamsHouse

(via @NFL, FOX)pic.twitter.com/aOCCuBj2Qw
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) January 7, 2024

Along with setting two rookie records and having one of the best seasons for any rookie in the NFL this season, he was also one of the top wide receivers in the NFL regardless of experience level.

He entered Sunday in the top-10 league wide in receptions and yards and has been a huge part of the Rams' resurgence and return to the playoffs.

His immediate impact for the Rams has been a huge development given how rapidly veteran Cooper Kupp, the team's long-time No. 1 wide receiver, has slowed down.

Now the Rams know they have a new No. 1 ready to take over that role and did not even need to invest a premium draft pick to do so.

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