Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had a tremendous game against the New England Patriots in Week 11.
He had seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. It was his first encounter with New England as a member of the Rams. However, he has a bit of a history with the Patriots’ organization from his college days.
The Patriots met with Nacua at the Senior Bowl in the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and the budding star receiver remembers wondering if the team was interested in drafting him after a conversation.
“I remember actually they were asking me about my blue light glasses,” said Nacua, via NESN.com’s Sean T. McGuire. “…I was like ‘Oh, man, maybe they thought I was really prepared to take care of my body, which I feel like I’m getting better at. But that was one of the things I remember from the Patriots interview.”
The Patriots ultimately passed on Nacua, and the Rams ended up taking him in the fifth round.
Nacua has gone on to be one of the most impactful receivers in the NFL in his first two seasons. He burst onto the scene last year, recording 1,486 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Injuries have slowed him down so far this season.
Nevertheless, there is no denying the Patriots could have used his dynamic playmaking ability.