It is in the very nature of rookie-hood to not know what you’re doing. That is one of the things that made Los Angeles Rams‘ former 5th-round wide receiver Puka Nacua‘s rookie year so special. It looked like he knew exactly what was up, even if he didn’t. Of course, this begs the question; how good will Puka be with one year under his belt?
Puka Nacua At Rams Training Camp: “His body’s right. His mind’s right”
Offensive coordinator, Mike LaFleur was asked about this after Day 3 of Rams training camp.
His body’s right. His mind’s right. He’s not content with his rookie year. Again, he’s around with this locker room, and being around a guy like Cooper Kupp, he’ll never be content. He’s going to keep pushing forward because he knows there’s more out there for him.
Cooper Kupp was also asked about Nacua’s progress between years one and two;
“I think just his comfortability in this offense in general. He’s moving great. The speed at which he’s playing, just because he’s not thinking about, so he knows the offense now at this point. Lastly, there’s so much going through your head. You’re trying to figure out what are your parameters on each play. But for him, just being able to play free, play fast.
In practice, one of the best things you can do is experiment. Try some new things. Be able to try different tools in the utility belt. And his ability to do that and be able to just put words to things and be able to talk through things with him. He’s been doing a great job.”
It has been highly publicized that Kupp and Nacua have spent a good deal of time together, as friends, colleagues and in a mentor-mentee relationship.
“I can’t get rid of him,” Kupp said of Nacua playfully, “He just kind of sticks around everywhere.”
According to LaFleur, Kupp’s influence has instilled at least one bit of confidence;
“This year, after working out with Cooper all offseason, he wants to show off his washboard a little bit.”
