Puka Nacua’s rookie season was a resounding success. Despite being a fifth-round draft pick, Nacua earned significant playing time due to an injury to Los Angeles Rams star receiver Cooper Kupp. He quickly made an impact, recording 25 receptions in his first two games, and earning Rookie of the Week honors.
Nacua continued his impressive play throughout the season, ultimately breaking NFL records for receiving yards (1,486) and receptions (105) by a rookie. But can he do it again?
Puka Nacua Needs 92 Receptions To Break 2nd Year Record
With that sort of breakout, most expect his follow-up to be just as spectacular. If that is the case Nacua will set even more records. One prominent benchmark in his sights is a record held by three receivers. Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Michael Thomas all logged 196 catches in their first two seasons in the league.
Nacua already has a leg up on the trio. None of the others eclipsed 100 receptions in their rookie year. Nacua finished last year with 105. He now has just 92 catches to go to set the all-time mark.
One obstacle that may get in the way of Nacua claiming another record is his own teammate. The 25 passes he caught in the first two games came while Kupp was out with an injury. Those were his two biggest games of the season regarding catches.
But now the Rams enter the season with a healthy Kupp and upgrades at the depth behind the two starters. Demarcus Robinson looks to build on his success with the Rams late last season. 2024 sixth-rounder, Jordan Whittington has also emerged as a potential contributor in the passing game.
In a nutshell, the Rams have a lot of mouths to feed in the wide receiver’s room and there will likely be an increased emphasis on the running game, which saved the Rams’ 2023 season.
Although, since joining the Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford, hasn’t been known to ‘spread the love’ regarding target share. In 2021, Kupp was by far the most targeted pass catcher in the league, but last year, Stafford targeted Nacua and Kupp at a very similar rate.
