Los Angeles Rams rookie Puka Nacua leads the NFL with 25 receptions through the first two weeks of the season. The 22-year-old is quickly becoming one of the most important wide receivers in the league after just two games on the professional level.
Nacua, a fifth-round pick, was a four-star prospect in the college football recruiting Class of 2019. His 260 catches, 5,226 yards and 58 touchdowns were all Utah state high school football records.
He spent his first two years at Washington before transferring back home to play at BYU during his junior and senior seasons. Anyone who watched Cougars football over the last two seasons (the latter of which of which limited to just nine games due to injuries) knew that Nacua is a baller.
He was a key component to the offense in Provo. Nacua was used out of the backfield, in the flat, over the middle and on the sidelines. If there was a route to run, the 6-foot-1, 205-pounder ran it.
That same principle applies to his usage in Los Angeles. Nacua was been targeted 35 times in games against San Francisco and Seattle, catching 25 passes for 266 yards.
His 15 catches on Sunday were a single-game rookie record. His 25 catches set the record for most receptions in a player’s first two career games.
Although Nacua has been kept out of the end zone thus far, his presence on offense was crucial in the Rams’ win over the Seahawks and kept them close against the NFC West-favorite 49ers. He has that dawg in him.
Perhaps even more important than his outstanding athleticism, Nacua’s vision sets him apart. His ability to find a seam, process the defensive coverage, and work within what is given to him is where he thrives.
One one of Nacua’s catches has been more than 20 yards down field. 24 of his 25 receptions have been made inside of 20 yards. The only pass that was greater than 20 yards was about 22 yards.
Puka Nacua is the reincarnation of Cooper Kupp.
Nacua’s usage makes for wild-looking route trees. And they share a strong resemblance to one of his teammates.
Here is how it looked against Seattle:
Here is how it looked against San Francisco:
Nacua is the guy for Matthew Stafford right now. That role used to be occupied by Cooper Kupp, who is currently on Injured Reserve with a hamstring issue.
Kupp’s route trees are famously heavy and short. Here is how it looked against San Francisco last year”
It may as well be the same route tree!
It is unclear when Kupp will return to the field. There is no timeline as of right now.
Not to worry — Nacua has stepped up to fill Kupp’s role. Although they are two different athletes, their roles are nearly identical in terms of targets and catches.
The rookie receiver’s route tree is wild!