The Los Angeles Rams have been known as astute drafters over the years, but they produced one of the most valuable non-first round picks in the past decade.
According to Pro Football Focus, the selection of receiver Puka Nacua with the No. 179 pick in 2023 ranked as the fifth-best pick outside of the first round since 2026. Only Brock Purdy, Jordan Mailata, Tyreek Hill and Dak Prescott were higher.
Over the last three seasons, Nacua’s play has left him impossible to count out. The BYU alum leads the league in PFF receiving grade (95.6) and contested catches (56) while finishing second in first downs gained (224). Nacua has become a beacon of efficiency with a ludicrous 3.16 yards per route run in his career, fueled by a relentless motor — as reflected in his career average of 5.9 yards after the catch per reception.
Nacua’s raw production is equally impressive. He has already caught 313 passes for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in 44 games over his three NFL seasons. That ranks third, second and 15th among all receivers over that period.
He earned a role quickly in Sean McVay’s offense when Cooper Kupp was injured in 2023 and never looked back. Now, he’s Matthew Stafford’s top target and already has the NFL all-time record for most average receiving yards per game at 95.3.
Part of what made Nacua so valuable over the past three years was his contract. He’ll only count $5.8 million against the Rams’ salary cap in 2026, per Over The Cap, after leading the league in receptions just a year ago.
He’ll likely get a monster extension soon, even after off-field incidents. That new deal will be worth it, though, for what the Rams have seen from him in his first three years.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Puka Nacua named one of the most valuable non-1st round picks
Reporting by Oliver G., Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
