Puka Nacua was hardly a sure thing as a fifth-round draft pick. No fifth-rounder is. At that point in the draft, all a team is hoping for is to land a player who can contribute at some point in their first four years.
Nacua has already exceeded all expectations and is on his way to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He also set the records for the most receptions and receiving yards in a season by a first-year player, breaking both marks in Sunday’s win over the 49ers.
After he etched his name in history, the Rams shared a video of Les Snead and Sean McVay in the war room before picking Nacua in the draft, sharing their thoughts on the BYU product. McVay had a long wish list for the type of player he wanted at wide receiver and looking back, Nacua checks all the boxes.
“I think this guy would be really good for us, Les. I want a guy that is going to be where he’s supposed to be, that’ll stay grounded through the catch, aggressive hands, that will dig out support in the run game. And then we can also give him – he can be an extension of the run game,” McVay said.
“Jeez, take the whole draft,” Snead said with a laugh.
The whole video is awesome and worth your time.
And the rest is history.
🎥 Inside the 2023 Draft war room before picking @ASAPpuka. pic.twitter.com/mI8LA9amYv
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 7, 2024